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University of Guelph Athletics

2020 Guelph Gryphons Fall Season Update

General

2020 Fall OUA & U SPORTS Season Canceled Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

 
June 8, 2020 – With continued public health concerns due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, Ontario University Athletics (OUA) under the direction of its Board of Directors and U SPORTS have made the difficult decision to cancel all sanctioned sport programming and championships up to December 31st, 2020.
 
The University of Guelph, Department of Athletics has canceled all fall competition in accordance with the OUA and U SPORTS decision that was announced Monday afternoon. This cancellation also includes all Gryphon intra-club programs.

 

"Athletics is the heartbeat of the U of G campus and while we share in the disappointment with our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans, our primary responsibility is the safety of our people and our community," said Scott McRoberts, Director of Athletics. 'It is now our full intention to push forward together with our governing sport bodies and our University to get back to sport sooner than later."

 
The Department of Athletics would like to thank our Gryphon community for their understanding and in particular, our student-athletes as well as the countless fans, partners and sponsors in the city of Guelph for their continued support through this unprecedented time. 
 
 

"I've witnessed incredible displays of heart and resiliency from our amazing Gryphon student-athletes. These are difficult circumstances we are facing but we also know that together we will meet this challenge and create a supportive environment that is aligned with the Gryphon community. Together we win."

 
The issues surrounding the global pandemic continue to evolve and Gryphon Athletics will continue to closely monitor the ongoing health considerations for a safe return to sport.  The safety of all Gryphon student-athletes, coaches and staff will always be the top priority.
 
We have compiled answers to frequently asked questions below:
 


FAQ
 
  
 
  • Yes. Athletic scholarships will be awarded to student athletes who meet the U Sports and OUA requirements (insert link) and in accordance with the Department's Athletic Financial Awards policy and as outlined in a student athlete's AFA Letter of Offer.
     
  • In addition, due to the financial uncertainty associated with COVID-19, a student athlete's AFA amount may be adjusted based on available funding. Should there be an adjustment to their AFA, student athletes will be informed prior to the fall course registration deadline.
     

  • Yes
    ** Additional details regarding changes/updates to the U Sports Athletic Financial Awards policy and potential implications for student athletes will be provided when they are made available by U Sports.
     

  • We will be closely monitoring the ongoing health considerations and viability for return to training opportunities over the coming months. At this time, given the ever-evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact, no decisions have been made. We are committed to ensuring a safe return to training for all our student athletes, coaches, and support staff once our provincial public health authorities and the University indicate it is safe to do so.

  • Over the last several months, the OUA, in conjunction with its Sport Committee, has worked through a wide range of contingency plans for the 2020-21 sport schedule. Among those plans were options of condensed offerings for all two-term sports (i.e. basketball, hockey, swimming, and volleyball) based on several potential start dates. The execution of these plans will ultimately be determined by winter semester announcements, but as we continue to plan for return-to-play in the new year, condensed schedules for two-term sports would be part of the OUA sport programming and aligned with department return to train and play operational plans.
     

  • The possibility remains for fall sports to be executed during spring 2021 or in the form of a modified delivery sometime between February and May. In addition to this decision being subject to provincial public health authorities, as well as the health and safety of all participants, there will be continued conversation with the OUA's member institutions to gauge the feasibility – both financially and logistically – of executing OUA sport prior to or during the spring 2021 timeframe. Should a decision be made to deliver fall sport programming in the spring, return to train and play protocols and procedures will be aligned with department operational plans.
     

  • Athletic Therapy: Delivery of athletic therapy and other athlete services (physiotherapy, massage, chiropractic etc.) will be part of a safe return to training operational plan that ensures the safety of student athletes and practitioners. Details of this plan will be provided to coaches who will communicate with student athletes.
  • Strength and Conditioning: Those teams that receive strength and conditioning through the Gryphon Performance Academy (GPA) will continue receiving this service virtually throughout the summer. A return to in person S&C training will be part of a safe return to training operational plan that ensures the safety of student athletes, S&C staff, and coaches.
  • Student Athlete Mentoring Program (SAM): The SAM Program will continue to be delivered this coming year. Initially, this will occur online, with a move to in-person programming aligned with the University's plan for hybrid-course delivery and return to campus operations.
  • Leadership Academy: The leadership academy will continue to be delivered this coming year. Initially, this will occur online, with a move to in-person programming aligned with the University's plan for hybrid-course delivery and return to campus operations.
  • First-Year Student Athlete Orientation: A modified first-year student athlete orientation will take place.
     

  • Yes. Student athletes who choose not to be on campus this fall or year, will be provided the same opportunity to participate on their team in 2021-2022. We recognize that a student athlete's decision to be on campus or not, depends on their individual academic, financial and familial circumstances. Student athletes should feel confident that these circumstances will not affect or influence their future with their respective teams.

  • No. Student athletes will be provided the option to attend training. We recognize that a student athlete's decision to be on campus depends on their individual academic, financial and familial circumstances. Student athletes should feel confident that these circumstances will not affect or influence their future with their respective teams.

  • Eligibility will not be charged for student athletes who would have participated during fall 2020 season.

  • No. Because student athletes will not require the coordination of classes with practices and competitions, they will not be eligible for early registration for the fall semester. Early winter semester registration will be evaluated when more information becomes available regarding a potential winter sport schedule.

  • As a student-centered athletic program, should a student athlete wish to be released from a U Sports Letter of Intent because of the decisions related to COVID-19, their release will be granted. We recognize that a student athlete's decisions depend on their individual academic, financial and familial circumstances and we will support each student athlete unconditionally.

  • No. Only international students and students with special circumstances such as limited internet access, unsuitable living arrangements for successful studying or no alternative housing will be considered for on-campus housing. The number of students living in residence will substantially decrease.

  • Gryphon Athletics: Please contact your coach directly with any questions. For additional feedback you may contact Department of Athletics, Intercollegiate Associate Director Wally Gabler (gablerw@uoguelph.ca). Coaching Directory 
     
  • Counselling & Mental Health Supports: Phone Student Wellness (519-824-4120 x 53244). Link
     
  • Course Registration: Link 
     
  • Deferral Process: Link
     
  • Residence: Link

 
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