William Paterson University Athletics

NJAC Releases Eight-Game Basketball Regular-Season Schedules (Jan. 15) 

Winter Sports Competition Suspended for Fall 2020 Semester, NJAC Announces Basketball Schedule Changes (Aug. 12)

Question: Who is monitoring the situation and making determinations on NJAC policies?
Answer: The NJAC institutions' presidents and athletics administrators, in consultation with NCAA, state, local and campus administrators, will continue to evaluate the athletics landscape throughout the 2020-21 academic year.

2020-21 Playing and Practice Seasons:
Question 1: Will there be competition this year against other institutions?
Answer: William Paterson suspended all winter sport competitions scheduled for the Fall 2020 semester. Competition schedules for 2021 basketball were released Jan. 15. Swimming and diving 2021 schedules have yet to be finalized. Due to waivers granted by the NCAA, you will not use one of your four seasons of participation.

Question 2: What types of health screenings will be implemented?
Answer: WP Athletics is coordinating with University staff on its health and safety plans. Health screenings and temperature checks are required each day for every student-athlete and staff member before participation is allowed. More details about this will be shared with you when we get closer to your start date.

Question 3: Will I be able to use workout facilities on campus (like the Sports and Recreation Center and Wightman Pool) on my own?
Answer: For the latest information from Recreation Services, go to https://www.wpunj.edu/reccenter/.

Question 4: Will participating in workouts and/or competitions affect my eligibility status? Will I use one of my four seasons of participation?
Answer: No. These activities will not trigger the use of a season of NCAA participation.


Health and Safety Measures:
Question 1: Do I still have to complete a physical before I am allowed to participate?
Answer: Yes. Those details were shared with you earlier this summer by your coach. If you did not receive this information from your coach or you have any questions regarding physicals, please contact Head Athletic Trainer Alison Moquin at moquina@wpunj.edu.

Question 2: What types of health screenings will be implemented?
Answer: WP Athletics is coordinating with University staff on its health and safety plans. Health screenings and temperature checks are required each day for every student-athlete and staff member before participation is allowed. More details about this will be shared with you when we get closer to your start date.

Question 3: What type of access will I have to athletic training services?
Answer: We plan to have appointment-only hours in the Wightman Gym Athletic Training Room in order to maintain physical distancing. We also plan to utilize open-air tents near our outdoor facilities. More details about this will be shared with you when we get closer to your start date.

Question 4: Will the Counseling, Health and Wellness Center be open?
Answer: Yes. For more information about the services and protocols, visit https://www.wpunj.edu/health-wellness/.

Question 5: What will happen if I test positive for COVID-19? What if someone I have been in close contact with tests positive?
Answer: WP Athletics will follow the University's health and safety plans, located at https://www.wpunj.edu/reopening/health-and-safety.

Question 6: Will I be covered by athletic insurance in the event that I get injured during team activities?
Answer: Yes. As long as your injury occurs during organized team practices, you will be provided with the necessary secondary athletic insurance information.


NCAA Rules Compliance and Eligibility:
Question 1: Would a decision to not enroll or enroll part time impact my future eligibility?
Answer: The NJAC academic progress standard has been waived (if the student-athlete is enrolled full time at WP Fall 2020 and/or Spring 2021) for 2020-21 classwork that determines 2021-22 eligibility status. 

Question 2: Can I participate in Athletics activities if I am not enrolled at WP or enrolled part time?
Answer: No. NCAA rules require student-athletes to be enrolled full time (minimum 12 credits for undergrads) at that institution in order to participate in practice or competition. The only exceptions for undergrads to be able to participate while taking less than 12 credits is if you are taking the exact credits required to complete your degree, minor or certificate program, and you have applied for graduation, OR you are taking the remaining credits necessary to complete your degree requirements other than an experiential learning (e.g., student teaching, required internship) requirement you will be completing the following semester. Please contact the WP Compliance Director Heather Brocious at brocioush@wpunj.edu if you fall within one of these exemption categories.

Question 3: Will participating in fall or spring athletic activities affect my eligibility status? Will I use one of my four seasons of participation?
Answer: No. These activities will not trigger the use of a season of NCAA participation.

Question 4: If I am enrolled full time, will the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters count against my 10 full-time semesters allowed by the NCAA?
Answer: Not exactly. Student-athletes eligible for competition would receive an extension of their 10-semester enrollment limit for each semester used during the 2020-21 academic year. For example, if you are enrolled full time Fall 2020 and Spring 2021, these semesters count towards your 10, but you will receive an 11th and 12th full-time semester to use. These "extra" semesters must be used immediately after your 10th full-time semester is executed, and must be used consecutively (no gap in enrollment). 

Have a question that isn't answered here? Email us at wpu-pioneers@wpunj.edu