HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — The Horizon League office announced the start of fall sports competition will be postponed until Oct. 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Northern Kentucky University sent a news release that confirmed the decision by the Horizon League Council.
The NKU sports impacted by the Horizon League delay include men's and women's soccer, women's volleyball and cross country along with sports in non-championship seasons like golf and tennis.
The decision for the delay allows the league members an opportunity to help protect its student-athletes and assist in limiting the spread of the virus.
“These decisions are never made lightly, but the health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans of Norse Nation and all Horizon League institutions must be our top priority,” said Ken Bothof, NKU director of athletics.
“With the recent increases in the number of new cases, as well as travel restrictions being enacted across the country and league footprint, the Horizon League Council felt this was the best course of action.”
Teams will still be permitted to work out, practice and meet as permitted by NCAA rules.
If the Horizon League Council determines competition can resume in the fall while remaining consistent with the principle of safety, new start dates, schedules and postseason framework will be developed.
However, if the league concludes fall competition cannot be safely conducted, a timeline will be developed to determine if fall sports competition can be held in the spring.
NKU officially joined the Horizon League in July 2015.
