Recreation and Varsity Sports launches review of Varsity Garnet and Varsity Grey programs at University of Ottawa
June 11, 2026
(Ottawa) The Recreation and Varsity Sports (RVS) sector at the University of Ottawa is conducting a scheduled review of its Varsity Garnet and Varsity Grey programs in 2026-2027 to evaluate teams within the Gee-Gees Sport Model.
The purpose of this review is to assess the sustainability of the current Gee-Gees Sport Model (2022-2027) based on RVS standards for competitive excellence and our ability to support meaningful program experiences for student-athletes based on our facility, financial and human resources capacity.
The Sport Model review process is standard operating procedure for RVS, and it has been conducted at five-year intervals dating back to 2016-2017.
"We undertake this review process every five years to ensure the programs we offer are meaningful and relevant to our students and reflect the diversity of our campus," said Darren Cates, Senior Director of RVS.
"We are not going into this evaluation with any pre-determined outcomes, and we do not have a mandate to remove teams. It is possible that teams could be added or removed. Through two previous processes, no teams have been removed while sports such as men's lacrosse, Nordic skiing, squash and tennis have been added to the sport model."
The last review process concluded in 2022, with the Sport Model remaining in effect for a five-year period through the end of the 2026-2027 season. Any changes that result from this review process will take effect for the 2027-2028 season.
The nine Varsity programs competing at the U SPORTS level are not subject to this review, as they are evaluated annually through a separate process.
The review process provides an equitable and merit-based approach to inclusion within the Gee-Gees Sport Model. It will evaluate programs in the Varsity Garnet and Varsity Grey categories in the areas of Governance, High Performance Training and Competitive Standards, Coaching, and Administration. The assessment will also consider a program's alignment with RVS culture, safe sport, equity, diversity and inclusion, and the university sport system.
All existing programs in the Varsity Garnet and Varsity Grey categories, as well as any other sports clubs vying for varsity status, must complete an evaluation form and submit supporting documents to RVS no later than August 31, 2026.
We will offer consultation opportunities with programs to ensure they understand the process and evaluation criteria and what is expected of them in preparing their submissions.
"We are very aware that the news of this review may create anxiety and uncertainty for current and prospective student-athletes," said Cates. "We are committed to working directly with our Varsity Garnet and Varsity Grey teams and being open and transparent with them throughout this process. Our staff, including mental health specialists, are here to support our students and programs along the way."
Submissions will be evaluated in the fall of 2026. We anticipate communicating decisions to teams in January 2027, with a public announcement to follow.