The Big Sky Conference is paving its own path for the 2020 college football season.

The league announced on Friday its Presidents’ Council voted to cancel the fall football season, citing concerns related to COVID-19. Nonconference play for its teams is still “pending further review.” The league is considering moving conference play to spring 2021.

Andy Feinstein, chair of the conference’s Presidents’ Council, said in a press release the conference considers this the safest option. The risks of COVID-19 outbreaks outweigh the benefits of a season, he said.

“We recognize just how meaningful these opportunities are to the student-athletes, coaches, and staff throughout our conference, and empathize that they won’t be able to compete this fall for a Big Sky championship,” said Feinstein, who also serves as the president of the University of Northern Colorado. “We are eager to provide our football programs with that opportunity in the spring when it’s hopefully safer to be able to do so.”

The Pioneer League also canceled its season on Friday. With the Big Sky and Pioneer League not playing this fall, under 50 percent of FCS teams will have seasons. According to the rulebook, the subdivision cannot hold its annual playoffs if over half its teams do not participate.

The Big Sky said it will announce a final decision on other fall sports at a later date. Though the football season is postponed, teams may continue with activities. They must, however, comply with the regulations set forth by their universities, the NCAA and their state and local governments.

“This is the right decision for our member institutions, even though we realize how disappointing it will be for all who represent and care about Big Sky football,” Commissioner Tom Wistrcill said in the conference’s statement.

Wistcrill said the Big Sky has begun encouraging other FCS conferences and the NCAA to make simiar decisions. He ultimately hopes teams will have the opportunity to compete for an FCS championship in the spring.