Bangor University’s American Football Team, The Bangor MudDogs, have been forced out of the semi-finals of the 2018 British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Cup, without playing the game.
The MudDogs were due to play The Coventry Jets in the semi-final last Sunday, but the game was called-off due to the bad weather. The team were all ready to set off for Coventry when the news that the game had been cancelled came through, just six hours before the match was due to kick off.
Te Bangor Uni team were informed that the pitch had frozen over, making it unplayable. Due to the weather forecast predicting more snow and a -5°c wind-chill, it was considered to be an unsafe environment in which to play the game. The decision was taken by the Coventry Jets ground staff.
Although this fixture was not played, current BUCS regulations have led to Coventry advancing to the North Conference Cup final because they are the ‘higher seed’ in the competition and the Bangor MudDogs were eliminated despite no game being played.
Rule Change
The MudDogs have now launched a petition calling on BUCS to revise the rules, and to stop this happening to any teams in the future.
A statement from Bangor MudDogs read: “We believe this ruling is unfair, in that a team should not have a season’s hard work taken from them and eliminated from a semi-final that they never lost.
“To this end, this petition does Not seek a reversal of the rulings for this fixture, but instead aims to promote change for future seasons and all sports, and thus requests written confirmation from BUCS that the rules surrounding this type of scenario are considered for revision.”
A post on the club’s Facebook page read: “Bangor lost out on the semi finals due to a rule no one agrees with. These rules need to be revised, lets make a change.
“Let it be known there is no grudge held against the Coventry Jets, and we thank them for their well-wishes and wish them luck in the final.”
A statement on the Coventry Jets face book page read: “BUCS have spoken, and we have been pushed through to the division final vs. the Newcastle Raiders and we cannot be happier!
“We do however regret not having the chance to reschedule our fixture vs. the Bangor MudDogs American Football team following the disappointing outcome of Sunday. We are certain that we would have had a blockbuster game. But we would also like to congratulate them on an amazing year of football, and the best of luck for next year!”
The MudDogs have already received over 600 signatures in support or the rule change, if you would like to sign the petition please follow the link:
The Bangor MudDogs American Football Team ready to set off for their game against the Coventry Jets
