Statement regarding forfeited Canada West games

The University of Regina is launching an internal review following its disclosure of an ineligible player on the Rams Football team that resulted in three forfeited conference game wins during the 2018 Canada West season.

The eligibility issue was submitted to U SPORTS, the national governing body of university sport in Canada, after the University discovered a student-athlete did not meet U SPORTS eligibility regulations.

As a result, the Rams Football team must forfeit games won on Sept. 7 (51-13 win at Alberta), Sept. 14 (19-17 win vs. UBC), and Sept. 29 (32-31 win at Manitoba). The forfeited games will be recorded as losses for the Rams who fall to 0-5 in the Canada West conference standings.

An oversight during the University’s student-athlete intake and eligibility process led to an ineligible player competing in all six of the Rams’ games this season, including five conference games, three of which were won.

The review will include an investigation into the University’s current student-athlete intake processes and make recommendations that will inform future processes.

The University has also been advised that the U SPORTS discipline panel will set parameters on any reviews and required structural changes the University undertakes; the University will fully comply with U SPORTS.

This is a difficult time not only for the Rams, but for the University and the wider community. The players are, and will remain, the University’s primary concern. The team has been notified of the ruling and the University has made supports such as Counselling Services available to them.

Frequently Asked Questions
On October 2, the University of Regina discovered that a student athlete on the University’s Rams Football team did not meet eligibility regulations to U SPORTS, the national governing body of university sport in Canada. The University of Regina disclosed the findings to U SPORTS on October 3 and filed official paperwork with the organization on October 4.

It was ruled that the Rams Football team forfeit three conference games during the 2018 Canada West season. This ruling was announced on October 5, 2018 by the Canada West conference.

What games will be forfeited?
An ineligible player competed in all six of the Rams’ games this season, including five Canada West conference games, three of which were won.

As per Canada West regulations, the three forfeited (won) games include: Sept. 7 (51-13 win at Alberta), Sept. 14 (19-17 win vs. UBC), and Sept. 29 (32-31 win at UBC).

How did this happen?
An oversight was made during the University’s student-athlete intake and eligibility process. The University of Regina is launching an internal review into the matter that will include an investigation into how the error occurred, as well as look at the University’s current student-athlete intake processes, and make recommendations that will inform future processes.

The University has also been advised that the U SPORTS discipline panel will set parameters on any review and required structural changes the University undertakes; the University will fully comply with U SPORTS.

U SPORTS has the authority to apply additional sanctions upon the completion of its review process.

How does this affect the Canada West standings?
As per Canada West regulations, the three wins will become forfeited games and will be recorded as 1-0 results for Regina’s opponents. The updated Canada West standings are:

TEAM / W-L / POINTS (change from previous standings)
Calgary / 5-0 / 10 (no change)
Saskatchewan / 3-2 / 6 (no change)
Manitoba / 3-2 / 6 (+1 win, +1 in standings)
Alberta / 2-3 / 4 (+1 win, +1 in standings)
UBC / 2-3 / 4 (+1 win, +1 in standings)
Regina / 0-5 / 0 (-3 wins, -3 in standings)

Will the Rams continue to play this year?
Yes, the Rams will continue to compete in the 2018 season. Upcoming regular season games are:

Oct. 12, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Regina vs. Alberta
Regina, SK

Oct. 19, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Regina vs. Calgary
Calgary, AB

Oct. 26, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.
Regina vs. Saskatchewan
Regina, SK

Does this affect the Rams’ postseason eligibility?
The Rams would still be eligible for the Canada West playoffs if they finish as one of the top four teams in the conference standings.

Does this affect individual athletes?
Individual player statistics from the games – save for those attributed to the ineligible player – will remain intact.

What about athletes in their fourth and fifth years? Do they get an extra year of eligibility?
U SPORTS rules that this year counts toward their eligibility. That means that fifth year athletes will not be eligible to play in the coming year.

 

Source: University of Regina Rams