Burlington, Ont. (Thursday, October 15th) – Ontario University Athletics (OUA), under the direction of its Board of Directors, announces the cancellation of all OUA-sanctioned sport programming and championships up to March 31, 2021.
In line with the previous decision regarding 1st Term Sport, this difficult decision was based on provincial public health guidelines and with the health and well-being of all OUA participants at the forefront.
“The health of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, and fans remains OUA’s number one priority,” said Dr. Deborah MacLatchy, Chair of the OUA Board of Directors. “After significant consultation with our members and advisors, we have determined that OUA sport cannot be delivered prior to March 31st.”
Given recent increases in cases across the province, it has become clear that OUA-sanctioned Return to Competition would not be safe for the 2nd Term.
“While we would love nothing more than to see our student-athletes back on the field of play and participating in OUA-sanctioned competition during the 2nd Term, we are not yet at a place where that can occur safely,” stated Gord Grace, OUA President & CEO. “As disappointing as that reality is, I am confident that our participants will continue to demonstrate their resolve and determination through these exceptional circumstances and as we work toward an eventual safe return to competition."
University Athletic Departments may continue to determine their Return to Train guidelines on their respective campuses, and effective January 1, 2021 are responsible for determining any involvement in member-driven competitions/exhibition games, as per their institution’s policies and within regional and public health guidelines.
The OUA Board of Directors will continue to monitor the status of COVID-19 across the province and reserves the right to adjust these decisions on an on-going basis.
“We recognize how disappointing this is to many, especially our student-athletes, but these are unprecedented times. We are committed to delivering OUA Sport once it is safe to do so,” MacLatchy added.
At the national level, U SPORTS has confirmed the cancellation of all national championships for the 2nd Term. For more information on how these decisions impact Athletic Financial Awards, Transfer Rules, and Eligibility for the 2020-21 season, please visit the U SPORTS COVID-19 Information Webpage.
"A decision like this is never easy to make,” added Grace. “To continue to uphold the health and safety of all participants, however, it remains a necessary step to take, and I commend the OUA Board of Directors for their work and decision-making throughout this process.”