NEWS: Winter semester cancellations and changes announced for OUA, RSEQ, and U SPORTS

In a continued effort to ensure the safety of all participants, the OUA, RSEQ, and U SPORTS national office have made announcements regarding the 2020-21 winter semester on Thursday.

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 31st, 2021. This conclusion was based on provincial public health guidelines and with the health and well-being of all OUA participants at the forefront.

The RSEQ has announced a suspension of all programming up to January 15, 2021.

In concert with these announcements, as well as others from the Canada West and AUS, U SPORTS has announced that all winter championships have been cancelled.

Effective January 1, 2021, OUA members are responsible for determining their Return to Train guidelines and involvement in member-driven competitions/exhibition games, as per their institution's policies and within regional and provincial public health guidelines.

"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 31. 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."

The OUA decision will impact the following varsity and competitive club teams competing in the winter semester: men's basketball, women's basketball, men's hockey, men's and women's track and field, badminton, men's and women's fencing, men's and women's nordic skiing, and men's water polo.

Meanwhile, the RSEQ's decision will impact the following programs: women's hockey, women's volleyball, men's and women's swimming, and alpine skiing.

The Gee-Gees competitive clubs that participate in various other leagues, tournaments, and university championships will have their statuses determined by the respective organizations they are affiliated with.

The University of Ottawa and its Varsity Athletics team have worked within a return to sport plan and will continue to adapt it to best suit health and safety guidelines.