COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) announced Monday afternoon the delay of Fall sports competition to Sept. 18, as well as the decision to restrict play to conference-only for football, volleyball, and women's and men's soccer.

Fall sports practice will begin Aug. 24.

The RMAC released the following statement regarding the announcement: "In a meeting earlier today, the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) Presidents' Council voted to delay the start of Fall sports practice to Aug. 24 and the first date of competition to Sept. 18. The Council also agreed to a conference-only schedule for the sports of Football, Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer and Volleyball.
 
"Further, the Council reviewed current local, state and national Covid-19 guidelines, including the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) guidance and principles and agreed that closely aligning with these current best practices was essential to maintain a safe and healthy playing environment. Review of safety precautions and protocols will continue throughout the Fall as the RMAC and its members monitor any need for further adjustments."

Black Hills State University Athletic Director Jhett Albers said, "I believe the decision of the RMAC President's Council to delay the start of the fall sports season is in line with the NCAA's Resocialization of Collegiate Sports and now gives us a definitive timeline to begin planning and implementing the protocols & guidelines necessary to assist with our efforts to provide a healthy and safe environment for our student-athletes."

For BHSU, this means football's Sept. 3 game at Drake will be canceled as well as soccer's Sept. 6 match with Dakota Wesleyan. Volleyball's Fort Hayes State Tournament is canceled and its Sept. 14 matchup with Adams State will be rescheduled.

Follow BHSUathletics.com for additional updates as they come.