To the extended Humber Hawk family:

I want to share with you a new development regarding the 2020-21 varsity athletic season.

The OCAA, in collaboration with the member institutions, have made the decision to cancel the sanctioned varsity athletic season for the 2021 Winter semester. Sports affected by this decision include badminton, basketball, curling, volleyball and indoor soccer. Ontario Collegiate Recreation (OCR) extramural scheduled activities will also be cancelled (with the exception of online options).

This difficult but necessary decision was made by the OCAA in collaboration with its member institutions based on a number of factors. The restrictive measures in place by the provincial sport regulatory bodies as well as orders from Public Health do not allow for regular sanctioned competition to take place for a provincial sports conference. Additionally, this decision is based on the members’ continued provision of a hybrid academic delivery model for the 2021 Winter semester, thereby minimizing the number of students and staff on campuses in order to further reduce the potential exposure to COVID-19.

The OCAA recognizes that some members may choose to participate in unsanctioned, exhibition opportunities within the parameters of the regulations set forth by the government and Provincial Sport Organizations. Humber will continue to evaluate options to provide a range of training and competition opportunities for our varsity student-athletes.

More information is available on the OCAA.com website, including a FAQ.

I know this is disappointing news for those of you who are members and fans of our varsity sports teams. Varsity sports are an important part of the overall experience here on our campus. It was a difficult decision, but the right one to make. Athlete and employee health and safety remains our top priority. To our athletes and employees who are affected by this decision, we are here to support you, including access to mental health and counselling services.

Sport and athletics are an integral part of Humber and we look forward to the resumption of varsity athletics once conditions allow for it.

Thank you,

Jason Hunter
VP, Students and Institutional Planning