TROY, N.Y. - Liberty League commissioner Tracy King has announced that the league's Presidents Council has agreed on a plan for a return to athletics competition this fall. Under the plan, competition will be predominantly against Liberty League member institutions while including a limited number of non-league opportunities following a phased resocialization.

"These are unprecedented times, not only in collegiate athletics, but also in higher education," said King. "As our member institutions develop plans to reopen campuses and resume athletic competition, we recognize the autonomy of our institutions to make decisions that are in the best interests of their campus communities. We respect and support those decisions and understand that circumstances may vary from school to school. While we continue planning for a return to athletic competition, our focus will remain on prioritizing the health and safety of our student-athletes and campuses."

The Liberty League will adhere to all state and local directives regarding athletics competition. Fall competition in all sports will begin no earlier than Saturday, Sept. 26. At a minimum, all teams must complete the first two phases of the guidelines outlined in the NCAA's Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Sport prior to engaging in competition.

While fall schedules remain in development and will be announced at a later date, competition in team sports will be against Liberty League member institutions while also permitting two additional non-league opportunities. Liberty League member institutions will confirm that non-league competitors are following comparable health and safety protocols in advance of any contest.

Teams competing in individual sports will compete in smaller events with fewer competitors.

"A schedule focused primarily on playing league members will aid in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 while still providing a quality competitive season for our student-athletes," King added.

The NCAA has announced plans to hold its fall sport championships as originally scheduled.

A league-wide decision on permitting spectators at athletic events will be made by Sept. 1.

Further announcements regarding schedules for Vassar's fall athletic teams will be announced at a later time.