WATERLOO – Wilfrid Laurier University's department of Athletics and Recreation lost its appeal involving football student-athlete David Montoya and Canadian Interuniversity Sport's 5-in-7 eligibility regulation.

The appeal was heard by the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) and a discussion rendered late Friday (Oct. 15).

The decision concludes that Wilfrid Laurier University played with an ineligible player in the 37-6 win against the Toronto Varsity Blues on Sept. 11, 2010. Under Ontario University Athletics (OUA) rules, Laurier must forfeit the game and Toronto is credited with a 1-0 win. All statistics from this game remain valid, except for those of the ineligible player.

The 5-in-7 rule states football student-athletes must use their five years of eligibility within seven years from the date of graduation from high school (eight in Quebec). It was implemented at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) annual general meeting in June of 2010 and applied immediately to anyone not on the 2009-10 eligibility certificate.

The Varsity Blues football team now sits at 3-3 heading into today’s game versus the No. 9 McMaster Marauders.

Source: Laurier Athletics