Throughout the academic year, West Chester University's athletics department will be updating the public on its "return to play" policies and procedures. This is your one-stop shop for information, FAQ's and other statements from the athletics department regarding its process of returning to intercollegiate competition. A link below to the University's re-opening plan has also included for your convenience. Please note that the following information and posts regarding athletics are related specifically to the school's varsity intercollegiate athletics program and does not reflect the University's intramural or recreational sports schedules.

UPDATE: Monday, February 28, 2022
West Chester University announced new guidance for its Campus Masking policy on Monday afternoon following updated guidance from the CDC. As a result of the updated CDC Guidance, mask wearing is now optional in most indoor spaces at West Chester University. Mask wearing will still be required in the University Student Heath Center and in West Chester University Athletic Training facilities. 

For fans attending indoor or outdoor athletic events, masks are no longer required to be worn by spectators in attendance at these events.

UPDATE: Friday, November 12, 2021
West Chester University Athletics is pleased to continue to welcome spectators to all home intercollegiate athletic contests. As a reminder, all spectators, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask when attending any indoor athletic contests inside Hollinger Field house, the Sturzebecker Health Science Center, or the Graham Natatorium. Masking by all spectators in attendance creates the safest possible atmosphere for the student-athletes, coaches, staff, team representatives, officials, and all other spectators.

At outdoor events, including those events held inside John A. Farrell Stadium, Vonnie Gros Field, and Rockwell Field, masks are not required; however, fans are encouraged to have a mask with them as masking is required when entering any building on campus.

West Chester Athletics thanks you for your continued cooperation.

UPDATE: Wednesday, September 1, 2021
In accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Health regulations and COVID-19 protocols in place on campus, West Chester University will welcome spectators to all of its athletic events. Those contests held indoors will require that masks be worn at all times while inside the building – regardless of vaccination status. Contests held outside do not have a mask mandate. However, social distancing is still encouraged.
 
The University's athletic program has partnered with Sports Fan Base Network (SFBN) to stream most of the fall sports competitions. The rest will be handled internally by the athletic department. Additionally, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) has partnered with Blue Frame Technology to carry the web streams this year on the PSAC Network. Please click HERE to access the web streams of West Chester athletics events.

UPDATE: Wednesday, March 17, 2021 - Complete Update
West Chester University Director of Athletics, Terry Beattie, announced an update to the athletic department's spectator policy Wednesday afternoon. A limited number of fans will be allowed admission to athletic events on South Campus. 

UPDATE: Thursday, February 25, 2021 - Complete Update
West Chester University Director of Athletics, Terry Beattie, announced Thursday the athletic department's spectator attendance policy for all home events during the upcoming spring sports season. At this time, no spectators will be allowed in attendance at any of the facilities located on the campus of West Chester University, including John A. Farrell Stadium, Vonnie Gros Field, or the softball field and tennis courts located along S. New Street on South Campus until further notice. Furthermore, spectators will not be allowed to attend baseball games at Maple Zone Sports Complex, or the Dr. Edwin B. Cottrell Invitational held at Penn Oaks Golf Course.

UPDATE: Wednesday, January 20, 2021 -- Complete Update
West Chester University Director of Athletics, Terry Beattie, announced an update to the Return to Activity plan for student-athletes. Spring sports student-athletes had no change to their plans for a return to campus the weekend of January 23-24. First practice is still set for Monday, Jan. 25. Winter sports had its first practice date pushed back two weeks to Feb. 16 while fall sports had its first practice date pushed back two weeks to Feb. 23.

UPDATE: Thursday, November 19, 2020
West Chester University administration announced plans to hold a competitive season for outdoor spring sports next semester while also moving ahead with plans to return fall and winter sport student-athletes to in-person practice as well.

UPDATE: Wednesday, November 18, 2020 (From the PSAC)
Following recent decisions to cancel mandated schedules and championships for all fall and winter sports, the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference is now permitting league championship opportunities in men's and women's swimming and men's and women's cross country. Over the past week, the Board voted to cancel all mandated regular-season schedules and championship events for the fall and winter sports. The Board left an option open to continue championship opportunities should six or more institutions elect to compete in a championship season. The collection of votes has indicated six or more schools have committed to having a championship season in swimming and cross country. Both swimming and cross country have been delegated as "low-risk" sports according to the guidelines set forth by the NCAA COVID-19 Advisory Panel. West Chester University has opted out of championship competition in both swimming and cross country and will not compete.

UPDATE: Friday, October 9, 2020
At the urging of Council of Trustees Chairperson Senator Tomlinson, West Chester University will be reconsidering our status for spring athletics.  We will be seeking additional updates from PSAC, our athletic conference, and the NCAA regarding the status of championships and testing protocols as part of that reconsideration.  Once we have received an update from PSAC, we will be in a better position to provide more detailed information.

Wednesday, October 7, 2020
With West Chester University’s announcement that instruction will remain remote for the Spring 2021 semester and that the policies and practices put into place for the fall semester will continue - WCU Athletics will not be participating in any competition for the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic year.

As the circumstances and the data surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have not changed since July when the University announced the continuation of remote instruction and decisions regarding athletics activities - our current “virtual only” environment will also continue through the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic year.

PENNSYLVANIA STATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE announcement on suspending fall competition.

UNIVERSITY UPDATES TO SPRING PROCEDURES can be found at this link. Frequently Asked Questions regarding the University's decision to move to a remote learning model for the fall semester are included.

West Chester University NCAA Eligibility and Compliance Video