The sanctions implemented by the STF, which became effective on the midnight of March 10-11, would not be withdrawn, so SHSAA had to take action by cancelling the basketball playoffs. The sanctions by the STF have limited the participation of Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation members in extra-curricular activities. Through discussions with both groups involved in negotiations, the Saskatchewan High Schools Athletics Association (SHSAA) was unable to determine if there would be any immediate solutions to the impasse; therefore, it is with regret that all remaining SHSAA sanctioned basketball events for the 2019-20 high school season of play were withdrawn. The communication issued the day before on March 10 had outlined the reasons for this action. The ability to schedule around these sanctions has made it impossible to save a sport season within a multi-sport, multi-program association.
In addition to basketball, all SHSAA sanctioned badminton events are also suspended until further notice, dependent on the duration of sanctions. The SHSAA badminton season of play began on February 10, 2020 and was scheduled to conclude on May 9, 2020 with the provincial championship arranged to happen in Nipawin.
The SHSAA’s executive council reported that they are extremely disappointed at the outcome and the situation that the SHSAA has been put into. For over 70 years of operation, it is easy to recognize that the SHSAA is built on the support of teacher volunteers and the assistance of their members – the Saskatchewan School Boards Association. As individuals who live on school sports each day, the executive members of the SHSAA are fully aware of the disappointments existing amongst the province’s student athletes and coaches.
For those who value the philosophy of school sport, the last few days have continued to provide examples of opportunities for students to develop life skills through a school sports situation. Whenever students have rallied together, they have demonstrated many of the qualities their coaches have tried to nurture in educational athletic settings. The SHSAA has also been made aware of many situations where teams have met to celebrate their seasons and cope with occasional setbacks.
School sport coaches in the province are phenomenal individuals who continue to help student athletes develop skills to prepare them for whatever their futures may hold. With the immediacy of the basketball season at a conclusion, the SHSAA will turn efforts towards maintaining the viability of the association and their continued plans toward securing the remaining SHSAA’s sanctioned activities and programs in the 2020 school year.Â
