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Friday, March 29, 2024
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FUNDING FOLLY - The men's rugby club team is currently filing an appeal of the Recreational Sports and Fitness Department's decision to strip its sponsorship. The department alleges the team failed to file paperwork in a timely manner and traveled without

Men's rugby loses sponsorship

AU's men's rugby club team filed an appeal against the citations from the Recreational Sports and Fitness Department that caused the team to lose university sponsorship, according to rugby team president and The Eagle's managing editor for photography Dave Stone.

The appeal letter the rugby team sent to the president's Council of Club Sports explained the team's side of the issue. The department charged the team with failing to submit paperwork in a timely manner and traveling without Club Sports approval, according to the letter.

Danny Feitel, director of intramural and club sports, said he was unable to comment on any pending disciplinary action the university is taking against the club. He said he would be able to comment once the department makes a final decision.

The team was also cited for having social events, which violated the Club Sports programs handbook of policies and procedures. Events must not be advertised as part of the club's official activities, according to the handbook.

The Recreational Sports and Fitness Department had fined the team for $500 and put it on probation in November due to what the letter of appeal said was "displaying conduct that is incompatible with the university's function as an educational institution and the purpose of the Club Sports program."

There is no evidence the rugby team held social events, Stone said.

Club sports teams are to be notified of their ability to appeal after being charged with a major infraction, according to the handbook. The rugby team was not notified that they were allowed to file an appeal against these initial disciplinary actions, according to Stone.

An appeals process includes written notification of an appeal from the club within 72 hours of the notice of disciplinary action.

The Undergraduate Senate passed a directive Sunday in support of the team's appeal.

John Eric Lingat, a senior in the School of International Service, said he supports the rugby team's actions.

"As an involved campus community member, I am willing to comment on the positive mark the team has made on campus," Lingat said in an e-mail.

Other figures on campus gave their support also, according to Stone. Student Government President Joe Vidulich was writing a letter that would show support of the appeal, Stone said.

Marc Tomik, a student trustee, said he supports the team based on the information he received on the appeal.

"It seems like the determination was made without a hearing process, which is troubling," Tomik said.

While unaware of the specifics of the team's violation, Tomik said that he is concerned about the decision that was made.

"My concern is with the process," Tomik said.

The men's rugby team is waiting on a final decision on the appeal from the Recreation Sports and Fitness Department.

Rugby team vice president Nick DiPietro said it could be only a matter of time before other club teams have the same problem.

"We're going down a slippery slope if they are doing this to us," DiPietro said. "If this can happen to us, it can happen to anyone"


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