After serious consideration, the NIRSA Championship Series has decided to cancel the regional and national basketball championships, the club basketball conference, and the spring soccer tournaments. The cancellations are due to the impacts of COVID-19—a large number of teams will be unable to travel this spring. NIRSA Championship Series leadership, NIRSA HQ, and the NIRSA Services Corporation Board have been monitoring the precautions from NIRSA member institutions, the CDC, and state and local public health organizations regarding events and gathering, travel, testing, COVID-19 policies, and social distancing. Given current information, leadership is cancelling the spring seasons of basketball and soccer for the safety and wellbeing of our participants, volunteers, and staff involved with the tournaments.

The NIRSA Services Corporation and NIRSA Championship Series are committed to bringing a premier experience to our participants and stakeholders. While some may be disappointed with this decision, the health and wellbeing of the players, tournament staff, and host communities who participate in and support the NIRSA Championship Series cannot be ignored. Series leaders thank you all for your continued support of the NIRSA Championship Series.

The NIRSA Championship Series’ in-person events may have been canceled for the Spring 2021 season but there are many new virtual offerings taking place:

  • The first ever NIRSA Esports Tournament will take place April 8–10. This is a three-day tournament for teams playing the game Rocket League in a 3v3 or 1v1 style in one of our three divisions: Competition, Rec, or Unified. The tournament will be a fun and engaging opportunity for students across the country. For more information, please contact the chair of the task force: Greg Durham.
  • Look out for our Official’s Development Week, which will feature a number of virtual sessions focused on both flag football and soccer. Teams of experienced experts will deliver educational and engaging content for NIRSA students and professionals. More information, including exact dates, will be announced over the next few weeks.
  • Finally, the skills challenge will return! We are expanding from last semester’s soccer skills challenge to include multiple sports in one awesome competition! More details will be on the NIRSA skills website

 

For any general questions, please contact NIRSA National Sport Programs Coordinator Nicole Jackson.

Associate Director For Facility Operations at University of Florida | NIRSA Profile

Marty Dempsey is currently the Associate Director for Facility Operations at the University of Florida. He serves as Vice Chair of the NIRSA Championship Series Exec Work Team.