NEWS: RSEQ cancels all sport programming and championships for fall 2020 season

The university sector of the Réseau du sport étudiant du Québec (RSEQ) announced the cancellation of sanctioned sports programming until December 31, 2020.

The cancellation will impact the Gee-Gees women's and men's rugby programs, as they play regular season schedules exclusively in the fall. Furthermore, it will affect the Gee-Gees women's hockey, women's volleyball, and swimming programs, as their seasons begin in the fall and carry over into the winter term. Alpine skiing is a winter term only RSEQ sport.

"This difficult decision made by members of the RSEQ university sector is based primarily on the regional alert system, which may limit the participation of universities, even if said institutions effectively manage health-and-safety best practices," the RSEQ said in their release.

"Additionally, members of the RSEQ university sector analyzed their ability to provide regular sports programming and a stable framework for all participants, including student-athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and supporters." 

A further decision regarding the remaining two-semester and winter RSEQ sports is expected to come on October 15.

In June, three Canadian conferences (Canada West, Ontario University Athletics, and Atlantic University Sports) also announced the cancellation of all of their fall 2020 term programming, in addition to the national governing body, U SPORTS, announcing the cancellation of its fall national championships.

The University of Ottawa and its Varsity Athletics team has worked within a return to sport plan that has seen student-athletes resume team activities on-campus with strict health and safety guidelines in place.