A Message from Athletic Director Jason Kehler
Hello Pirates,
As we near the end of the Spring term, I wanted to take a moment to provide you all with the latest updates that are available to us in the Athletics Department. As has been the case throughout the pandemic, the following can change at any moment, but it does reflect any current decisions that have been made.
Among the questions we have been receiving throughout the department is whether there will be a Fall 2020 season. The latest guidance we have received from the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA), stated that any decision to move forward with the Fall 2020 season will be based on directions from the governor. The CCCAA has stated that it fully intends to host a Fall 2020 season, if and when such activities are allowed.
Another major update from the CCCAA is the adjustment of specific eligibility bylaws for all student-athletes affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Below is a list of the main adjustments that have been made to date, and we've also created a flowchart to help provide direction.
- Student-athletes that were on a Form 3 for a second season in their sport during Spring 2020, are eligible to compete in 2021, provided they maintain a 2.0 GPA.
- Student-athletes that competed for the first time in Fall 2019 (including basketball), can be deemed eligible for a second season of competition provided they complete 12 units (nine academic*) and have a cumulative 2.0 GPA from first competition.
- Student-athletes will not be required to pass a minimum of six units in their previous full term for the 2020-2021 sport seasons. However, they will still need to meet all applicable requirements of continuing competition (e.g., 2.0 GPA from first competition).
*Academic courses are defined as, but not limited to, units towards major, transfer, certificate, remediation and are consistent with a student's approved education plan.
If you have any questions regarding how these eligibility changes affect you, please contact the Athletics Office at 714-432-5770 and speak with either me, or Ashley Rippeon, our Compliance and Eligibility Specialist. You can reach us at email as well at jkehler@occ.cccd.edu or arippeon@occ.cccd.edu.
Finally, I'd like to wish you all a great end of the semester and good luck with your finals. We will be in touch as more updates are available and I encourage you to check the Athletics Department website and social media outlets for updates as they're available. As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions and don't forget, we are all Forever Pirates.
Thank you and GO PIRATES!
Jason Kehler
Athletics Director
