NCAA plans opening of Season 96 early next year

The Policy Board of the National Collegiate Athletic Association announced Thursday, June 11, that Season 96, with Colegio De San Juan De Letran as host, will prospectively start in the early months of 2021 if the government gives its go signal, while strictly observing safety and health protocols.

Four mandatory sports will tentatively be allowed this upcoming season, which include basketball, volleyball, swimming and track and field.

Rules and requirements on the student-athletes' eligibility, such as age, enrollment, grades and playing years, shall be relaxed, in consideration of the many changes in the educational system of each participating schools, and schedule of the school year.

Other sports, such as online chess tournaments and e-sports, are likewise being finalized.

The league’s objective of youth development through sports aside, NCAA’s top priority is to ensure the safety and health of the athletes, coaches, trainers and the viewing public.