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NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTERSEPTEMBER 2024WELCOME BACK!I hope you had a restful and rejuvenating summer and are as excited as we are to see student-athletes return to the fields and courts, as schools across the province come alive again with the energy only September can bring. Before we dive into the new school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on last year’s successes. In case you missed it, BCSS saw record participation in 2023-2024, with over 123,000 student-athlete registrations—an impressive 8% growth from the previous year. This remarkable achievement is thanks to the dedication of our incredible administrators, athletic directors, and coaches, who continue to create opportunities for students to participate in school sports. To all of you who make school sport possible: thank you. Your work is invaluable, and the positive impact on students is undeniable.As we embark on another exciting year, I challenge everyone involved in school sports to keep pushing boundaries. Let’s continue finding ways to expand opportunities for participation and enhance the overall experience, solidifying school sports as an essential part of education and our school communities.I’m proud of the team we’ve assembled at the BCSS office, and we’re here to support you. Whether you need guidance on eligibility, or help navigating a challenging situation, don’t hesitate to reach out. We also have an incredible lineup of championship hosts this year, who are already hard at work preparing for unforgettable events for our qualifying athletes.I recognize that athletic directors and coaches are often overextended, yet school sports rely on human investment to thrive. I encourage you to consider how you can contribute—whether by supporting a committee, running an event for your Local Association, or helping in your Zone. Your involvement strengthens the entire school sports system.I wish you all a successful, fulfilling, and memorable year ahead. I look forward to reconnecting with many of you in the weeks and months to come and witnessing the incredible moments that make school sport so specialJordan Abney,Executive Director
@BCSSTV www.bcschoolsports.cainfo@bcschoolsports.ca@bcschoolsportsFALL IMPORTANT DATESBCSS MEMBERSHIP FEES DEADLINETIERING APPEAL DEADLINETEAM REGISTRATION DEADLINEROSTER REGISTRATION DEADLINESEPTEMBER 30, 2024OCTOBER 1, 2024OCTOBER 2, 2024OCTOBER 16, 2024DEADLINE FOR ADDINGCOACHES TO ROSTERS Coaches can only be added to STARS roster until the October 16th roster registration deadline for the fall season of play. Schools wanting to add coaches after the deadline will need to request that BCSS staff make the addition for them. BCSS will only add coaches with confirmed CATT certification. MANDATORY COACHESCONCUSSION TRAINING (CATT)A friendly reminder that all coaches, managers, and assistants must complete the Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT). BCSS has mandated this free training for all staff who work in youth sport. Access the course at cattonline.com. BCSS staff have conducted an audit of coaches that have completed the CATT training relative to coaches that have been added to rosters in STARS and noted that several coaches don’t have the required CATT certification. BCSS will be monitoring this throughout the school year and coaches that don’t have the required CATT will be deemed ineligible to coach until the training has been completed and verification sent to BCSS. AD TRAINING & RESOURCE VIDEOSBCSS offers a series of pre-recorded AD videos this year to support you in your role. These videos will cover a variety of topics. Both new and returning Athletic Directors are encouraged to watch all the videos. The videos are on our YouTube and can serve as a resource throughout the school year.
@BCSSTV www.bcschoolsports.cainfo@bcschoolsports.ca@bcschoolsportsSANCTIONINGHOSTING OR TRAVELLING TO AN EVENT THIRDPARTY EVENT SANCTIONINGCompetition between two or more BCSS member schools is automatically sanctioned. When you are travelling to or hosting an event with an out-of-province team sanctioning is required.Complete the Hosting and/or Travelling sanctioning forms on the website at least 30 days in advance of the event or fines will apply.If your school wishes to attend an event that is not hosted by a member school (e.g. university, club, community, etc.) please ensure the event has been sanctioned by BCSS before attending. An approved list of BCSS third party sanctioned events can be found on the BCSS website here. Participation in a non-sanctioned event may lead to disqualification for post-season play.APM RESOLUTIONSThe BC School Sports Annual Planning Meeting will take place on November 13 and 14, 2024. Resolutions to make changes to the BC School Sports Constitution, By-laws, Operating Policies and Procedures or Competitive Rules and Regulations, must be received in the BCSS office by September 25, 2024.Only pre-circulated resolutions will be dealt with at the APM. Resolutions will not be accepted from the floor. Resolutions can be submitted by a BCSS Zone, BCSS Policy Committee Chair, BCSS Partner Organization, or the BCSS Board of Directors.Resolutions will be emailed out and published to the BCSS website 21 days prior to the APM.TIERING APPEALSIf a school has seen a material change in their enrollment from 2023-2024 to their actual enrollment in 2024-2025, the school can file an appeal to have their numbers re-evaluated. A school can submit this anytime between September 20, 2024 and October 1, 2024, when there is a significant population reduction (greater than 5%), or because of a change of school configuration (addition or removal of a grade), or new school boundaries due to a school opening or closure in the district. Tiering appeal forms can be requested by contacting the BCSS office staff.PLAYING UP A TIER IN A SPECIFIC SPORTSchools will still have the option to play up in a specific sport by submitting a playing up form which can be requested through the BCSS office.
@BCSSTV www.bcschoolsports.cainfo@bcschoolsports.ca@bcschoolsportsACCOUNTING BANKINGINFORMATIONNEW FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR!Due to the recent merger between HSBC and Royal Bank, all invoices being remitted to BC School Sports via EFT effective immediately need to be directed to our new account at the Royal Bank. Please refer to the EFT instructions below for our new account details. Please pass this important information onto school or district staff responsible for issuing payments on behalf of your school.Payments can only be made through EFTs or by cheque payable to BC School Sports. Unfortunately, we do not accept credit card payments.EFT INSTRUCTIONSShould you choose to pay by EFT, our payment information is as follows:Name of Financial Institution: Royal Bank of CanadaAddress of Financial Institution: 3022 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3J6Bank No: 003Branch No: 05495Account No: 1001494Email for remittance notification: accounting@bcschoolsports.ca*Please include our invoice number on your remittance notification.If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact BC School Sports at accounting@bcschoolsports.ca or 604-477-1488.
@BCSSTV www.bcschoolsports.cainfo@bcschoolsports.ca@bcschoolsportsCHECK OUT OUR SOCIALS BELOW!SPORT ON THE MOVE GRANT OPT INThe Province of British Columbia, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, is a proud supporter of amateur sport across the province. The Sport on the Move travel grant provides financial assistance to schools and students to offset the costs associated with travel to BC High School Championships. In order to become eligible to receive available Sport on the Move funds, schools must opt-in to the program each year. The opt-in window for the 2024-25 school year is October 1 to November 22, 2024. No opt-in requests will be accepted after this window.Eligible schools are those that have opted-in and either traveled 350 km or more (one way), and/or taken a ferry to travel to their respective BC School Sports Senior Provincial Championship. While exact amounts are difficult to predict, awarded grants generally vary between $0.70-$0.85/km (one way, dependent on demand), plus additional funding if ferry travel is required or group size exceeds 5 athletes. Awarded amounts will be transferred to schools via direct deposit, approximately 6-8 weeks after seasonal championships conclude.The program is administered by viaSport British Columbia, in partnership with BC School Sports.To opt-in and for more information on the 2024-25 school year, please visit: https://viasportgrants.smapply.io/prog/sport_on_the_move/ (link will not be active until October 1) or contact grants@viasport.ca.BC School Sports is excited to keep sharing the latest content, updates, and information on school sports across BC. We believe in the importance of showcasing student-athletes and their achievements, especially during the most exciting events of the year: Provincial Championships. Follow us and spread the word to your schools, student-athletes, coaches, and teams!BCSS IS BACK ON INSTAGRAM &NOW ON FACEBOOK!
@BCSSTV www.bcschoolsports.cainfo@bcschoolsports.ca@bcschoolsportsFALL CHAMPIONSHIP DATESSPORT TIERCHAMPIONSHIP DATESLOCATIONCROSS COUNTRY A/AA/AAA NOVEMBER 2 VANCOUVERAQUATICS AA/AAA NOVEMBER 15-16 RICHMONDFIELD HOCKEYAA NOVEMBER 6-8 VICTORIAAAA NOVEMBER 6-8 SURREYSOCCER - BOYSAOCTOBER 30 -NOVEMBER 1BURNABYAA NOVEMBER 18-20 BURNABYAAA NOVEMBER 21-23 BURNABYVOLLEYBALL -GIRLSA NOVEMBER 28-30 NANAIMOAA NOVEMBER 28-30 MILL BAYAAA NOVEMBER 28-30WEST VANCOUVERAAAA NOVEMBER 28-30 SURREY/DELTAVOLLEYBALL -BOYSA NOVEMBER 28-30 ABBOTSFORDAA NOVEMBER 27-30 VERNONAAA NOVEMBER 27-30 VICTORIAFOOTBALL AA/AAA NOVEMBER 30 VANCOUVER@BCSSTV www.bcschoolsports.cainfo@bcschoolsports.ca@bcschoolsports
@BCSSTV www.bcschoolsports.cainfo@bcschoolsports.ca@bcschoolsportsSPORT TIER SCHEDULED DATESCROSS COUNTRY A/AA/AAA NOVEMBER 1, 2025FIELD HOCKEYAA OCTOBER 29-31, 2025AAA NOVEMBER 5-7, 2025SOCCER - BOYS A OCTOBER 30 - NOVEMBER 1, 2025VOLLEYBALL -GIRLSA NOVEMBER 27-29, 2025AAAA NOVEMBER 27-29, 2025VOLLEYBALL -BOYSA NOVEMBER 27-29, 2025AA NOVEMBER 26-29, 2025AAA NOVEMBER 26-29, 2025WINTER 2026SKI & SNOWBOARD FEBRUARY 23-25, 2026Should you have any questions about submitting an application, please contact our Assistant Directors of Sport & Events. Name Position EmailHarp Sohi Assistant Director, Sport & Eventshsohi@bcschoolsports.caShannon Klassen Assistant Director, Sport & Eventssklassen@bcschoolsports.caThe Championships Hosting Expression of Interest form can be found here.FALL & WINTER 202526 VACANTSCHOOLHOSTED CHAMPIONSHIPS
@BCSSTV www.bcschoolsports.cainfo@bcschoolsports.ca@bcschoolsportsCOACHING EFFECT CANADAA FREE RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP THAT HELPS YOU TELL YOUR STORYENDORSED BY BCSS + CIAAAWHAT IS THE COACHING EFFECT?Student-athletes share countless stories about the impact highly effective coaches had on their lives; The Coaching Effect takes it one step further. By measuring the coaching behaviors that lead to the best experience possible for student-athletes.It provides a framework and coaching score that helps all coaches understand how they can enhance the student-athlete’s experience and impact academic performance, including GPA and attendance.LEARN MORE DURING ONE OF THE UPCOMING WEBINARS:• SEPTEMBER 12, 6:00 PM• SEPTEMBER 17, 3:00 PM• OCTOBER 1, 4:00 PMClick here to learn more and register.
@BCSSTV www.bcschoolsports.cainfo@bcschoolsports.ca@bcschoolsportsNavigating body image, relationships with food, and disordered eating with young athletes can be intimidating for coaches and caregivers. The stakes are high, and athletes aren’t always open to having honest conversations about these sensitive topics.To support learning about a holistic approach to athlete well-being, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) developed BodySense – an interactive e-learning course that includes self-reflection and self-assessment activities as well as tools, resources, and useful links for athletes to explore. Designed for athletes of all genders, the course will:Educate and enhance awareness and knowledge about how to navigate body image,• Bring balance to their physical and mental health, and• Work towards greater respect and compassion for their body both in and outside of sport.The course was developed with researchers and sport leaders to leverage their expertise to provide an informative and useful course.Learn more about BodySense – www.cces.ca/bodysenseBODYSENSENEW E-LEARNING COURSE NOW AVAILABLE!INDIGENOUS YOUTHBASKETBALL CLINICMEND Canada will be running an Indigenous Youth Basketball Clinic at UBC, hosted by UBC Active Kids and the School of Kinesiology.The clinic will include:• opening & closing ceremonies for both youth and parents• fun drills and games delivered by Basketball BC & Active Kids coaches• free t-shirt• *free ticket to the UBC Men’s Basketball Game (*some conditions apply)DATE: Saturday, October 19thScan the QR code below for more details:
BCSS STAFF DIRECTORYELIGIBILITY & ADMINISTRATIVECOORDINATORPRABH JAUHALPhone: 604-477-1488 ext. 108Email: pjauhal@bcschoolsports.caGRAPHIC DESIGN & CONTENTCOORDINATORJOSEPHINE DELISAPhone: 604-477-1488 ext. 108Email: jdelisa@bcschoolsports.caGENERAL MANAGER, BCSS PROPERTIESDANIELLE STARKMANPhone: 604-477-1488 ext. 1000Email: dstarkman@bcschoolsports.caEXECUTIVE DIRECTORJORDAN ABNEYPhone: 604-477-1488 ext. 102Email: jabney@bcschoolsports.caASSISTANT DIRECTOR,SPORT & EVENTSHARP SOHIPhone: 604-477-1488 ext. 109Email: hsohi@bcschoolsports.caBC SCHOOL SPORTSMAIN EXTENSION LINEPhone: 604-477-1488ASSISTANT DIRECTOR,SPORT & EVENTSSHANNON KLASSENPhone: 604-477-1488 ext. 103Email: sklassen@bcschoolsports.caASSISTANT DIRECTOR,MEMBERSHIP SERVICES& OPERATIONSKAREN HUMPhone: 604-477-1488 ext. 101Email: khum@bcschoolsports.ca@BCSSTV www.bcschoolsports.cainfo@bcschoolsports.ca@bcschoolsports
@BCSSTV www.bcschoolsports.cainfo@bcschoolsports.ca@bcschoolsports
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERSFOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT@BCSSTV www.bcschoolsports.cainfo@bcschoolsports.ca@bcschoolsports