TORONTO - Guided by its board-endorsed return to sport plan, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) has approved winter sports formats for the upcoming 2021-22 varsity seasons.

In its planning, the OCAA has prioritized the health and safety of all participants by implementing measured formats to reduce travel and overnight accommodations. These modified league and tournament structures, along with playoff and championship formats, have been adjusted to ensure compliance with public health orders and Provincial Sport Organization return to play regulations.

More information will be made available as plans for 2021-22 continue to progress, including the badminton format and winter sports league schedules which will be announced at a later date.

MEN'S & WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

Both Men's and Women's Basketball will be divided into four regional divisions instead of the traditional East-West format.

Men's teams will play a double round robin within its own division, plus four additional interdivisional match-ups for a total of twelve (12) regular season games. West will play South teams in interdivisional play, while Central will face East clubs.

Based on the final regular season standings, the top four (4) men's teams from each division will advance to the playoffs.

The format is similar for the women with each team playing a double round robin within its division. West and South teams will play a single round robin against each other, while Central and East teams will play each other one time. All teams will play between ten (10) and twelve (12) regular season games each.

Based on the final regular season standings, the top three (3) women's teams from each division will advance to the playoffs, with the division winners advancing directly to the OCAA championship.

MEN'S & WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL

Similar to Basketball, both Men's and Women's Volleyball will be divided into four regional divisions instead of the traditional East-West format. Teams will play a double round robin within its own division, plus four (4) games against opponents from another division for a total of twelve (12) regular season matches.

For interdivisional play, West will play South teams, while Central will face East clubs.

Based on the final regular season standings, the top four (4) teams from each division will advance to the playoffs.

MEN'S AND WOMEN'S INDOOR SOCCER

Two invitational tournaments will precede OCAA regional play taking place at four locations from Feb. 28 to Mar. 3, 2022. The format will be similar to other years, with a single round robin taking place within each pool, with the top two teams advancing to provincials.

At provincials, first place teams will be randomly divided into two groups, joining the second place teams from the opposite regions. Another single round robin will take place, with the top two teams advancing to the semi-finals. The top teams will face the second seeds from the opposite group in the semi-finals, with the winners advancing to the gold medal game (and the losing teams relegated to the bronze medal game).

CURLING

As per OCAA regulations, commitments for Curling are not required until December. Formats for Men's, Women's and Mixed Doubles will be determined based on the total number of entries per event.

Curling Participants (Unofficial)
Confederation
Fanshawe
Fleming
Humber
Mohawk
Niagara
Sault

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

For over 50 years, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association has been a dedicated leader in amateur athletics through the provision of quality varsity and recreational athletic opportunities at the collegiate level.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com