The following is an open letter from Director of Athletics Jon Hind '80 to the Hamilton College community regarding guidelines for attending athletic events on campus this fall.

Hamilton College student-athletes, coaches, and members of the department who work behind the scenes to support our program are looking forward to resuming fall athletic competition in the coming weeks and welcoming spectators and fans to our home events. All of our teams have high expectations entering the fall season, and we hope our community will turn out to create the best home field advantage in our conference.

When attending a Hamilton athletic event, please demonstrate the type of sportsmanship that reflects well on you and the College. And if you're going to a volleyball contest, please don't forget your face covering. Consistent with Hamilton's COVID-19 guidelines, masks are required for indoor events, but are not mandatory when attending outdoor competitions. Visitors wishing to attend indoor sporting events must be vaccinated.

The New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) recently announced that it will not allow team gatherings or receptions with family and friends at home or away competitions until further notice. A number of NESCAC members, Hamilton included, will prohibit any similar type of gatherings, including pre- and postgame tailgates, for at least the month of September. These restrictions, which were discussed and approved by Hamilton's COVID-19 Task Force, also apply to our community members' participation in nonconference competitions, and include away contests, even if the host institution permits such gatherings. We believe this is a small and reasonable sacrifice to make to help keep our community safe. Thank you for understanding.

Our first home contest takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 4 p.m. when the women's soccer team hosts Williams. Please make plans to cheer on the Continentals then and throughout the season.

-- Director of Athletics Jon Hind '80