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OUA Sport Model

Graphic on a blue background with the OUA logo above the words 'Sport Model" in white and the text "2025-2026" below


Overview

The OUA Sport Model, which serves as the overarching framework on how the OUA delivers sport competitions – including structures, schedules, and overall service provisions – has been consistently reviewed and updated over the years.

Its most recent update stems from the creation and implementation of the 2023-28 OUA Strategic Plan, which included ongoing Member consultation, the development of a Sport Delivery Task Force, and in-depth reviews of all schedules and structures.

Moving forward, the OUA Sport Model will categorize the 22 conference sport offerings into two areas of delivery and involvement from OUA Central – Core Sport, which is broken down further into League Sport and Open Sport, and Affiliate Sport. 

The Core Sport portfolio, given their ties to the national pathway and corresponding national championship experience, will be managed by OUA Central in partnership with Member institutions. All additional sports will be categorized as Affiliate, to be conducted in partnership with each sport’s respective Provincial Sport Organizations (PSO), with oversight from OUA Central.

OUA Central will continue to be involved with managing all regular season, postseason, and championship games for League Sport; managing the championships only within the Open Sport category; and managing the phased-in PSO affiliations within Affiliate Sport. 

All League, Open, and Affiliate Sport will have continued oversight from OUA Central to maintain the integrity of each sport at the varsity level and ensure Member goals and needs are being met. 


Categories

OUA sport model graphic on a blue background breaking down the league sports, open sports, and affiliate sports

Core Sport

League Sports are those within which OUA Central manages the regular season, postseason, and championship games. League Sport is the most comprehensive within the Sport Model, involving extensive work in managing schedules, officials, sanctions, marketing and communications, etc. 

Basketball (W&M), Field Hockey (W), Football (M), Hockey (W&M), Rugby (W&M*), Soccer (W&M), Volleyball (W&M)

*Men's Rugby is also serviced in this category while not leading to a U SPORTS Championship.

Open Sports are those that have a single day/weekend conference championship event that qualifies them for a U SPORTS National Championship. These OUA Championships are managed by OUA Central in partnership with the Host Institution of the event.

Cross Country (W&M), Swimming (W&M), Track & Field (W&M), Wrestling (W&M)

Affiliate Sport

Affiliate Sports are OUA-specific offerings that do not lead to a formal national championship under U SPORTS. These OUA Championships are operated by Host Institutions (OUA Members) who offer these sports on their campuses, in partnership with the corresponding Provincial Sport Organization.

Badminton (W/M), Baseball (M), Curling (W&M), Fencing (W&M), Figure Skating (W/M), Golf (W&M), Lacrosse (W), Nordic Skiing (W&M), Rowing (W&M), Squash (W&M), Tennis (W&M)