2020 MCAC Soccer Season Cancelled
2020 MCAC Soccer Season Cancelled as the Winnipeg Health Region Pandemic Response Level Moves to Code Orange
On September 29th in a move that was expected by some fans, administrators and athletes alike, the MCAC Manitoba’s governing body for College Athletics made the decision to cancel the 2020 MCAC Soccer season as the Winnipeg Health Region response level was moved to orange for a minimum of four weeks and the MSA Return to Play Phase has been downgraded to phase two.*
“Today was the last possible date to approve a 50 per cent season schedule and with these recent changes for the Winnipeg Health Region, it was no longer possible for that plan to work out,” said Scott Masterson, MCAC president. “Up until this past Friday we were quite hopeful that a season was going to take place and so, understandably, this has been discouraging for all the MCAC member schools and especially our athletes and coaches.”
Manitoba’s Chief Provincial Public Health Officer Dr. Brent Roussin, announced the move to code orange on Friday. The move restricts indoor and outdoor gatherings to 10 people and requires masks to be worn at all indoor public spaces.
The MCAC originally cancelled half of the 2020 soccer season on Sept. 16 because the Prairie Mountain Health Region, which includes Brandon University and Assiniboine Community College, was also in code orange of the pandemic response system. On Sept. 18, the Prairie Mountain Health Region was lowered to code yellow, which would allow the soccer season to take place.
There was optimism for a four-game soccer schedule, but with the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the Winnipeg Health Region and the move to code orange, the 2020 season is officially cancelled.
About the MCAC
The MCAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Manitoba. Its mission is to foster the development of the student-athlete through the administration and promotion of intercollegiate athletics as part of the education experience and provide a leadership role in the development of sport in Manitoba.
MCAC student athletes compete in basketball, futsal, soccer and volleyball. Member institutions include Assiniboine Community College (Brandon), Brandon University (Brandon), Canadian Mennonite University (Winnipeg), Providence University College (Otterburne) and Université de Sainte-Boniface (Winnipeg).
*The Four Levels of Manitoba’s Pandemic Response System:
Green: Limited Risk
The spread of COVID-19 is broadly contained and a vaccine and/or effective treatment for COVID-19 is available.
Transmission of the virus is at very low to undetectable levels between household and close contacts. There may be single or isolated small outbreaks, which are quickly contained. Community transmission is low to undetectable. Learn more about possible restrictions at this level.
Yellow: Caution
Community transmission of COVID-19 is at low levels.
Household and close contact transmission could be occurring in Manitoba. There may be single or isolated small cluster outbreaks which are quickly contained. Community transmission is low to undetectable. Learn more about possible restrictions at this level.
Orange: Restricted
Community transmission of COVID-19 is occurring. However, the virus is being transmitted at levels that public health and the health system can manage.
New clusters are more common, but can be controlled through testing and contact tracing. The health care system is able to manage COVID-19 case levels. Learn more about possible restrictions at this level.
Red: Critical
Community spread of COVID-19 is not contained and/or there are significant strains on our health care system.
The virus is being transmitted at levels that public health and the health system cannot manage. Extensive community transmission is occurring. There are widespread outbreaks and new clusters that cannot be controlled through testing and contact tracing. The health care system may be close to or over capacity. Learn more about possible restrictions at this level.
*Sources courtesy of the MCAC and Manitoba Health.