The 96th season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association could start in January 2021.
The management committee made this proposal as the league makes adjustments following lockdowns and quarantines that were imposed by the government throughout Luzon to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The series of measures imposed by the government since March 15, will have the school-year starting by Aug. 24.
“The athletes will need two to three months to get in shape. They may not be prepared if we start the season early,” said outgoing management committee chairman Peter Cayco of Season 95 host Arellano University.
The mancom has already submitted its proposal to the NCAA policy board, which will be headed Letran rector and president Fr. Clarence Marquez, O, when Arellano University officially turns over its hosting responsibilities.
Organizers are bracing for the possibility that they will only have at least four events in the coming season.
"It's up to the next host. Fr. Vic (Calvo) will be able to discuss more on this,” said Cayco.
Among the core events that could be played are basketball, volleyball, swimming and athletics.
The NCAA will be basing its decisions on advisories coming from the Interagency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases.
The policy board is set meet via online video conferencing in the coming days, since a physical gathering of school heads may not be possible.
There were 26 events held last season, with only 11 completed following quarantine measures that were implemented starting March 15.
School officials are still hopeful that broadcast partner ABS CBN will be around to air the games on television.
The league is upbeat that the TV network will be able to regain its franchise by the time Season 96 starts.
The TV network went off the air on midnight Tuesday after its franchise ended.