Competitive Clubs

The Competitive Club strand is between Varsity Sport and Community Sport Clubs in the new UBC Sport Model, and is for Sport Clubs that are very well organized and train and compete at a high level in an inter-collegiate or community sport league or events.  Competitive Clubs cannot compete in CIS or NAIA competition. All members of Competitive Clubs must be UBC student taking at least 6 credits in the fall and/or winter semester of participation.

Nine AMS Sport Clubs selected to become Competitive Clubs

The Department of Athletics and Recreation of the University of British Columbia, and the Alma Mater Society today announced that nine (9) of the current AMS Sport Clubs have been selected to become “Competitive Clubs” within the new University of British Columbia sport model, effective September 2015.

The nine Sport Clubs are:

  1. Men’s Field Lacrosse
  2. Fencing
  3. Sailing
  4. Synchronized Swimming
  5. Tennis
  6. Triathlon
  7. Men’s Ultimate
  8. Women’s Ultimate
  9. Wrestling

These nine sport clubs join the following five teams previously identified through the Sport Review to comprise the inaugural group of Competitive Clubs:

  1. Men’s Alpine Skiing*
  2. Women’s Alpine Skiing*
  3. Men’s Nordic Skiing*
  4. Women’s Nordic Skiing*
  5. Women’s Softball*

*These teams may appeal the decision of the Sport Review, and/or may opt not to take up their Competitive Club opportunity.

AMS Sport Clubs had the opportunity to participate in an exploratory survey and interviews in the fall of 2013. That collected information helped identify the preferred support and services for the Competitive Club strand. AMS Sport Clubs were then invited to apply for Competitive Club status in February, providing information on five areas – Competitive Success, Competition and Progression; Supports for Competitive Success; Community Support and Tradition; Partnerships and Fit with University Mission.

The nine successful clubs currently compete in a variety of community or inter-collegiate leagues or competitions. They cannot compete in CIS or NAIA conferences or championships.

“The Department of Athletics and Recreation is very pleased to welcome the nine AMS Clubs that will make the transition to Competitive Club status. The Competitive Club strand expands opportunities for UBC students to be involved in competitive sport in community or inter-collegiate leagues.

While the specifics need careful attention over the coming year of transition, we are delighted to confirm that enhanced learning for student leaders, and the ability to officially compete on behalf of UBC will be core elements of the program going forward. These are the chief needs we heard loud and clear from our community. We look forward to supporting these clubs to reach their full potential”, stated Managing Director Ashley Howard.

Competitive clubs will receive support services through the Recreation Unit of the Department of Athletics and Recreation. Services may include coach honoraria, improved access to training facilities, assistance with marketing, promotion and communications and opportunities for student leadership training.

AMS Vice President Administration Ava Nasiri said “The AMS congratulates the clubs that have successfully applied for Competitive Club status! The AMS currently has over 30 Sport Clubs for students to enjoy and the elevation of 9 of the clubs in the new UBC Sport Model is a testament to the strong student leadership that has built the clubs to this standard.  We look forward to continued collaboration with the Department of Athletics and Recreation for the benefit of student-athletes on campus”

For more information, please contact Aaron Miu at 604.827.3556.