The Northeast Conference has canceled fall sports.

Bryant University is one of 10 programs affected by the decision, which was announced by the NEC office in a statement late Wednesday.

Men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, football, men’s and women’s soccer and women’s volleyball are among the sports affected. The NEC Council of Presidents will reconvene Oct. 1 to determine any possible competitive options moving forward.

“The NEC Council of Presidents focused on the importance of the health and safety and well-being of our entire campus communities,” NEC Commissioner Noreen Morris said. “This pandemic has challenged us all in ways we could never have imagined, and I applaud our student-athletes and coaches for handling this difficult time with grace and courage.”

Providence College is now the lone Division I program in the state that could be in action this fall. Brown University and the University of Rhode Island both had their fall seasons scuttled when the Ivy League and Atlantic 10 opted not to play this fall. The Big East is currently considering a conference-only format.

The NEC said there would still be “opportunities for practice, skill instruction, team and individual meetings, strength and conditioning and athletic training will be made available at each institution’s discretion.” Those activities will be governed by NCAA rules and protocols, state and local government guidelines and individual campus decisions.

bkoch@providencejournal.com

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