BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — The Ivy League office has clarified news reports regarding the league’s decision on the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announcement regarding the granting of a fifth-year of eligibility for varsity spring-sport athletes. The decision applies to Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) athletes from Brown University, Princeton University and Harvard University – with no impact upon collegiate club players from any Ivy League institution.
Per standing policy, the Ivy League has decided not to allow its spring-sport athletes who had their seasons shortened by the coronavirus pandemic to have an additional year of eligibility as graduates.
The move is consistent for the Ivy League with its policies. The conference hasn’t allowed athletes to participate in any sports as graduates.
“After a number of discussions surrounding the current circumstances, the Ivy League has decided the League’s existing eligibility policies will remain in place, including its longstanding practice that athletic opportunities are for undergraduates,” the league said in a statement.
If the Ivy League athletes transfer, they will count against the scholarship limit for their new schools. The Division I Council previously announced senior spring athletes who were in their last year of eligibility could stay at their current schools and would not count against the scholarship limits for their sports. If they transferred, they are not granted that exemption.
