GOSHEN, Ind. — Goshen College is committed to beginning its 65th season of intercollegiate athletics in the fall of 2020, the college announced Friday.

This announcement follows a decision by the Crossroads League's Council of Presidents to proceed with competition this fall. Earlier this week, the NAIA postponed its fall championships in men's and women's soccer, men's and women's cross country and women's volleyball to spring 2021 while granting each conference the autonomy to set its regular-season schedule. The league cited its small geographic size as one factor that aided in the decision to return to competition.

Along with the other nine Crossroads League institutions, Goshen College has produced a detailed set of safety protocols to return to play in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes the five teams mentioned above as well as men's and women's tennis, which play their regular-season schedules in the fall but have national championships in the spring.

The NAIA has already issued a revised calendar for fall sports that includes a reduced number of events beginning no earlier than Saturday, Sept. 5. Goshen has taken further steps to limit the potential for exposure to the novel coronavirus, including scheduling primarily conference opponents and reducing overnight trips.

Goshen College students and employees will be allowed at Maple Leaf sporting events this fall, according to the plan released by the GC student life office last week. Other guests (including family members and visiting coaches) must seek permission in advance to attend. Guidelines for spectators may evolve throughout the fall as the Crossroads League discerns best practices in that area. The athletic department is also working to enhance the live streaming experience available at GoLeafs.net.

The Crossroads League and Goshen College are committed to monitoring the situation daily. All options for competition will be continuously explored with health and safety as a priority.

Stay tuned to GoLeafs.net for the latest updates on Goshen College's 14 intercollegiate sports.