June 13, 2023
Following the decision earlier this year by the NCAA Lone Star Conference to not renew its affiliation with SFU, the university was left with no option to continue to compete in NCAA football and, in April, made the difficult decision to cancel its NCAA varsity football program.
In response, SFU announced the appointment of an independent special advisor, Bob Copeland, to review all scenarios for the future of football at the university. Copeland has been working closely with student-athletes, staff, the SFU Football Alumni Society, and others to explore a sustainable way forward. As part of this work, Copeland was also tasked with providing an interim recommendation on potential exhibition games or controlled scrimmages in 2023, with the aim of transitioning to a potential new operating model and league in 2024 or later.
Following his review to date, which included hearing from more than 275 people, the independent special advisor determined that playing competitive exhibition games in 2023 is not a feasible option due to safety and logistical concerns. The university has reviewed and accepted his recommendation in the best interests of student-athletes' safety and academic success.
This information was shared with football student-athletes today to provide clarity about what they can expect this fall.
SFU continues to support football student-athletes on their academic journey, including priority enrolment and academic advising, ensuring that their scholarships continue through degree completion, and supporting them if they choose to transfer. Student-athletes also continue to have access to SFU supports and services, including strength and conditioning programming over the summer and fall terms.
We recognize the toll that the cancellation of NCAA football has had on our student-athletes and continue to offer a full range of health and well-being support and one-on-one meetings between football players and the vice-provost, students and international.
A full and independent assessment of the future of SFU football from the special advisor remains ongoing, with a final report expected this September.
- Read the recommendation by football special advisor,
here.
June 13, 2023
Q&A:
Q: Is there a future for SFU Football in 2024 or beyond?
A: This is an interim finding. The special advisor's final report will be shared with SFU this September, and will address the future of football for 2024 and beyond. This decision today is taken to give student-athletes information they need to make immediate decisions about their own futures. Efforts now are focused on reviewing options for a longer-term, sustainable football program at SFU.
Q: Why and how was this decision made before the full report is completed?
A: There are two deadlines that student-athletes face in the short-term: registering for fall classes and athletic transfer deadlines. To make these decisions well, students need an understanding of planned schedules and commitments.
Q: What is the university doing for current and incoming football student-athletes?
A: 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.
Q: What do you mean by safety risks?
A: Our data shows that 45 players intend to return to play for SFU in the fall, which includes a small number who are not academically eligible to play or who have indicated intention to transfer. Several more remain undecided about their return to SFU. This is well below the number of players carried on university football teams required to sustain a program throughout a season. Further attrition through injury and other health-related factors must be considered. The low number of remaining SFU team members, combined with a lack of in-game post-secondary experience for many of these players, poses a significant health and safety risk in the sport of football. Several current football coaches and athletic directors interviewed by the special advisor also raised and supported these concerns.
Q: Did SFU evaluate the proposed schedule developed by the Football Alumni Society?
A: The special advisor reviewed all options for playing football in 2023, including the proposal put forward by the Football Alumni Society. The special advisor found that the schedule proposed by alumni would have made it challenging for students to keep up with their academic requirements, while not considering the significant travel costs and demands that would be placed on both student-athletes and support staff within the athletics department (medical, therapy, etc.)
Q: What about playing scrimmages with other teams or leagues?
A: The special advisor has spoken with other B.C. teams and football leagues, including the B.C. Football Conference of the Canadian Junior Football League (CJFL), to evaluate what opportunities exist for this fall. After a thorough review, it was the special advisor's opinion that no opportunities exist for controlled scrimmages versus other teams due to the nature of their schedules. Further, the concerns around safety as noted above, were taken into consideration.
