High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The 1943 Alabama Crimson Tide football team (variously "Alabama", "UA" or "Bama") was to represent the University of Alabama in the 1943 college football season; however, the season was canceled due to the effects of World War II. In February 1943, the Army instituted a policy that prohibited their cadets from participation in intercollegiate athletics. Unsure if a season would even occur, head coach Frank Thomas proceeded through spring practice as if it would be played. On August 23, 1943, the University announced its decision to cancel the 1943 season, because only two Alabama players were available to compete on the squad as a result of the Army prohibition on its trainees competing in intercollegiate athletics. The cancellation marked only the third time since the inaugural 1892 season that Alabama did not field a football team.