"We would urge students to speak to their university welfare departments and student union welfare officers, " it said.

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The cost for even the largest athletics department would be negligible, yet history has shown time and again that a new weight room, scoreboard or better offensive coordinator are far more important than the welfare of student-athletes.

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"We consider this preferable not only for the institution but for the welfare of the individual student, as it prevents dropouts and disruption part way through a course, " he said.

BBC: Damien Shannon