Sportsmanship at Bangor Vs Aberystwyth Varsity: An ongoing discussion?

Varsity is a yearly event. | Credit - Jack Michael Taylor

Bangor University have secured its 9th Varsity win in a row; despite this victory, claims of

unsportsmanlike conduct have been raised against their rival university, Aberystwyth

University.

Throughout many events, reports of unsportsmanlike conduct surfaced during matches targeted

towards Bangor students.

Conduct such as derogatory language and assault had been reported by students.

Varsity, a yearly event held in March of the academic year, is a large-scale sporting event held

between Aberystwyth University and Bangor University, where every sports team competes to

bring back the overall win.

This yearly event brings together so many people and promotes healthy rivalry between the two

universities; however, this year has transpired into a battlefield.

Hollie Korobcyzc, Captain of Bangor University’s Netball Club and newly elected Vice

President of Sport at Undeb Bangor has said: ‘Varsity this year in 2024 was successful for

Bangor University achieving an overall win.

Despite our win throughout the day, in many different sports there was ‘unsportsmanlike

behaviour’ displayed.

Regardless of these actions, our players strived through their matches, but it doesn’t give an

excuse for some of the behaviour presented on the day, which could impact players' mental health

in the future.

Next year this could be improved and addressed by educating both Bangor and Aberystwyth

players on the importance of sportsmanship at an event like Varsity and how to conduct

themselves and their teams appropriately when playing and supporting other games.’

Aberystwyth Students Union were contacted for a statement. Lucie Gwilt, Head of Student

Opportunities at AberSU has said: We have been made aware of one specific allegation of poor

behaviour by a spectator, and we are exploring this through our complaints procedure; however

we are unable to comment further on this.

Aside from this alleged incident, we would disagree that there is anything else to comment on

from our perspective so cannot give a general response.’

One event during the day that reported instances of unsportsmanlike conduct is the dance

competition.

As the day progressed, instances of unsportsmanlike conduct arose as AberShowdance altered

the rules of the competition.

The original rules of the competition stated performances can be learnt from September,

however, AberShowdance altered these on the day to performances can only be learnt from

January.

Following a dispute between both Students Unions, 2 points were removed from all of Bangor’s

performances due to them learning their performances from September.

Bangor University Dance Clubs' Beginners Ballet teacher, Hannah Cole, has said: ‘The atmosphere of the competition itself was highly supportive and encouraging from both sides; however, there were issues within the competition.

‘Aberystwyth succeeded in changing the rules after we already competed due to their own

teaching format.

AberShowdance learn their dances in January, whereas BU Dance learn the initial choreography

from September and begin changing the format for the competitions in January.

‘Aberystwyth claim this gave Bangor an unfair advantage and as such 2 points as such, two

points from each dance Bangor competed will be deducted.

‘But overall, it was a good day as the encouragement was incredible from both parties and

Bangor Dance can't wait to host next year.’

In response to the allegations, AberShowdance were contacted for a statement but have not

responded at this time.

The overall 21 to 20 win to Bangor did not come easy, but practising good sportsmanship

practice should.

Bangor left Aberystwyth with vibrant smiles and high hopes, ready to take on their rivals again

for 2025.