Academic status

Eligibility for participation in University-based sports and activities as a student is contingent upon the individual being a fully registered member of both a College and the University, and actively enrolled in a recognised degree, diploma, or certificate programme.^[1]

Matriculation in these programmes is a compulsory requirement for all students. The responsibility for evaluating the credibility of academic qualifications rests solely with the University, as it is within their jurisdiction to determine the validity of any course of study. Consequently, it is not the role of sports clubs to assess or determine the legitimacy of academic programmes.

The University does not support the limiting of a student’s participation based on their matriculation date or course choice. Any student who meets the academic qualifications and other criteria, is eligible to compete in their chosen sport.

The University's position is that, in the first instance, all sports activities adhere to the regulations established by the relevant National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and/or British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS). The University will then defer to the regulations as agreed by the Joint Blues Committee that govern other varsity-related activity (See Appendix 1).

Transgender athletes

University Sports clubs and societies are responsible for their own operations, including decisions on eligibility and access of trans athletes to training, events and participation in competitive leagues. This is currently an area in which the interpretation of the law, and applicable guidance, is developing quickly. Clubs and societies are advised to follow the approach and criteria used by the relevant National Governing Body (NGB) when considering trans inclusion, and to align their policies to support access to relevant leagues (e.g. BUCS, local/regional/national competitions and any competition that the club or society organise, including college competitions). Clubs and societies should ensure that their policies set out clear criteria for participation and minimise the need for disclosure of sensitive personal data.

Clubs are reminded of their obligation to comply with applicable law, in particular the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, and applicable statutory guidance, such as that from the EHRC. Failure to operate within the law and in line with binding guidance could lead to ineligibility to compete, legal action against the Club and/or to deregistration as a Recognised University Sports Club.

Additional Guidance and Support

The University Sports Service is available to:

(a) discuss with Clubs and Societies how they can support broad access to their Club activities within the scope of the law, applicable guidance and NGB policies; and

(b) advise Clubs or individuals, in confidence, on sports specific polices and eligibility rules, and on applications to NGBs or BUCS for adjudication.

The Students’ Union Advice Service also offers free, confidential, and impartial advice and support to individual students.

University Sports Committee

September 2025

^[1] Some university sports clubs and societies have a limited number of staff, alumni and community membership places. However, individuals in these membership groups are not eligible to represent the University club or society in student competitions.