Thames Valley coaching
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A survey of Thames Valley high schools is being conducted to determine the effect of continued teacher job action on organized sports.
“If teachers continue to withdraw voluntary and extra-curricular duties, some schools may decide to field teams with volunteer coaches,” said Laura Elliott, Executive Superintendent of Program Services, in a media release.
Based on the survey, school board officials will be in a position to develop a revised plan for resuming organized high school sports.
“Continuing the season without our teachers is not our preferred option,” said Elliott. “We recognize the importance our teachers play as coaches and educators – in the classroom and on the playing field.”
Although teams may be fielded with the assistance of additional volunteers, each team must also have a volunteer ‘Coach Liaison,’ according to guidelines by the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association (OPHEA).
A coach liaison is an individual, who has a teaching certificate in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers, such as a retired teacher or a teacher not under contract. The coach liaison is responsible for carrying out OPHEA safety guidelines as well as duties required of a teacher under the Education Act.
Prospective volunteer coaches must contact the school principal and complete an application process which includes a mandatory police check and Respect in Sports training. The principal will approve each volunteer based on information presented.
TVDSB placed a pause on high school sports on Dec. 10 when members of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation (OSSTF) began withholding voluntary and extra-curricular duties. The decision meant that all Thames Valley Regional Athletics (TVRA) sports events and practices were temporarily halted.