Mary Baldwin baseball among sports where spectators are limited due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Some parents and athletes of sports programs in the USA South Athletic Conference would like to see changes in the limitations placed on attendance at events this spring.

The conference, which includes Mary Baldwin University, announced in December that it would be holding not only spring sports this semester, but also sports that were postponed in the fall. 

In order to do so, though, the conference also announced a policy limiting spectators attending any outdoor sporting event in the conference.

Only students, faculty and staff of the host institution will be allowed, although institutions may adopt stricter policies. 

“These decisions are in alignment with CDC, state, local and campus protocols, recommendations and guidelines while also made in consultation with athletic directors, athletic trainers and staffs,” the policy reads. “Limiting spectators to those within the host’s campus community will assist in maintaining the health and safety protocols which are required by those campuses.”

Spectators aren’t allowed at indoor sports, like volleyball.

Mary Baldwin University Director of Athletics Tom Byrnes confirmed that the USA South Athletic Conference policy will apply to all Fighting Squirrels’ home athletic facilities.