Dear SFU Community,
I am saddened to share that we are announcing the end of SFU's varsity football program. Simon Fraser University is incredibly proud of our long football history, student-athletes, coaches and alumni.
This is a difficult decision, and not one taken lightly. With the recent announcement that the team has not been invited to continue in the Lone Star Conference, we do not have a conference to play in beginning in 2024. The ongoing uncertainty creates an unacceptable experience for students. The university has carefully considered all available options and as a leadership team we concluded that football is no longer a feasible sport for SFU.
We made this decision now to give students time to make other plans for their athletic careers if they so choose. All students impacted are being supported with one-on-one guidance regarding next steps. We will support football athletes who want to explore options outside of SFU, and will honour athletic scholarship commitments for those who choose to remain at SFU and meet eligibility requirements for the 2023-24 school year.
SFU is Canada's only NCAA team. We are committed to excelling in the NCAA Division II in 18 varsity sports, with more than 300 student-athletes. In recognition of this loss to the SFU community, the SFU Athletics Awards and Hall of Fame banquet, scheduled for April 5, has been postponed until the fall. SFU Athletics will engage with the SFU football community on how best to celebrate more than 50 years of history in this sport. More details will be shared at a later date.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our football legacy. We are so grateful for everything you have contributed to the university, both on and off the field.
Sincerely,
Joy Johnson
April 25, 2023
Q&A:
Why was the varsity SFU football program cancelled?
In January 2023 the Lone Star Conference Council of Presidents
voted not to renew their affiliate agreement with SFU. Since that time, the university has met with sport leaders across the collegiate landscape including in the NCAA, USports and NAIA to determine options. After careful consideration and review of eligibility for other varsity programs, the university leadership came to the difficult conclusion that it is not feasible to continue SFU's varsity football program. We recognize that this has been very difficult news for our football community.
Why can't SFU play in another league?
SFU has explored all feasible options, including in the NCAA, USports and NAIA. It was determined that as a member of NCAA Division II, SFU does not meet existing membership bylaws to move football to another intercollegiate association.
SFU has 18 other varsity sports teams in the NCAA Division II and is committed to continuing in the NCAA for those teams.
Why didn't the university consult with others before making a decision?
The university did consult with other intercollegiate associations about the team's eligibility to play in different divisions. As we have shared, SFU does not meet existing membership bylaws to move football to another intercollegiate association.
How many student-athletes are affected?
At the time of SFU's announcement, the university had a possible 76 returning student-athletes for 2023-24, 15 of whom are currently academically ineligible, as well as 14 signed incoming recruits. There were 97 student-athletes on the 2022-23 football roster.
What is the university doing for current and incoming football student-athletes?
The university has a team working with each student-athlete to address their individual needs, as each situation is unique. SFU is committed to supporting student-athletes who want to explore varsity football options at other institutions. For those who want to stay at SFU, academic and athletic supports are in place, in addition to ensuring scholarships continue throughout their academic journey.
Why not play out this year?
Football student-athletes came to SFU to play in a sanctioned, competitive varsity association. The decision of the Lone Star Conference has made it impossible for the university to ensure its ability to field a full or competitive team for the fall, and uncertainty for the fall is not an acceptable experience for students. The university wanted to allow students time to explore other varsity options for the fall term.
Suggestions to play independently do not consider the impact on student academic schedules, differing rules and playing fields, increased risk of injury without a full team, insurance risks, and other factors.
Was this a financial decision?
The decision to discontinue the SFU varsity football program is about not having a viable place to play in varsity football; it was not based on finances.
Is there a future for football at SFU?
We know SFU football was loved by many and we thank everyone who has joined this conversation with a shared desire to ensure student-athletes are supported in every way to pursue their academic and athletic goals. Since our announcement, we have had dialogue with the SFU Football Alumni Society and members of the broader football community. All parties agree there is no path forward for SFU to play varsity football in the NCAA. SFU will not be playing varsity football in the fall of 2023.
We have heard suggestions about establishing non-varsity football or seeking an exemption with other Canadian varsity football programs. We also have heard from individuals that support the decision to end the football program.
On April 20, SFU
announced that a special advisor will be appointed to review and make recommendations regarding potential sustainable opportunities for football. The Special Advisor will report to the Provost and will meet with students, student-athletes, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader football community to hear perspectives and gather information. We are committed to an open and transparent process but it will take time for all to be heard and for options to be weighed. The university expects to report back by the end of the calendar year.
