Volunteers Could Salvage High School Sports

12/18/2012

The Thames Valley School Board is assessing the future of high school sports in the new year as a dispute between the McGuinty government and Ontario's teachers continues to drag on.

The school board is conducting a survey of local high schools to determine the effect of continued teacher job action when it comes to extra-curricular activities, including sports.

"If teachers continue to withdraw voluntary and extra-curricular duties, some schools may decide to field teams with volunteer coaches," said Laura Elliot, Executive Superintendant of Program Services.

The board is hopeful enough retired teachers or other non-working teachers step forward to allow sports to resume in 2013.

Although teams may be fielded with the assistance of additional volunteers, each team requires a volunteer 'coach liaison', according to provincial guidelines.

A coach liaison must have a teaching certificate in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers, such as a retired teacher or a teacher not currently under contract.

Prospective volunteer coaches can contact the school principal and complete an application process, including a mandatory police check.

"Continuing the season without our teachers is not our preferred option," said Elliot.? "We recognize the importance our teachers play as coaches and educators - in the classroom and on the playing field."

But the head of the OSSTF in London, Colleen Canon, isn't impressed with the idea.

"We would hope that our retired teachers or those trying to get into the profession wouldn't go down that path and step into these roles.? It could become very divisive," Canon said.

TVDSB placed a pause on all high school sports earlier this month when members of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation withdrew from all voluntary and extra-curricular activities.

Source: http://www.am980.ca/news/local/story.aspx?ID=1845027

kowloon walled city ronda rousey vs miesha tate lindsay lohan snl lindsay lohan on snl real housewives of disney awakenings phantom of the opera