News

This memo is to provide guidance on the effects of COVID-19 on BCSS eligibility policy[[{"fid":"5541","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":""},"link_text":"Guidance on 2021-2022 Eligibilty Changes due to COVID.pdf","type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","alignment":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]

Please see attached the BCSS December Newsletter

We have received numerous inquiries about the Provincial Health Officer order for the Vancouver Coastal and Fraser Health Authorities issued verbally on November 7, 2020.  BCSS has received confirmation that language in the written order confirms that the order does not apply to school activities, both physical activity and sport-related.   Please take the time to read the attached memo in full. [[{"fid":"5514","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":""},"link_text":"PHO Order Memo Update - November 12 2020.pdf","type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","alignment":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]

 We continue an ongoing dialogue with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health.  While we are not moving to a new stage some minor adjustments should be reviewed.  The changes to the document have been highlighted throughout  and are  also listed in the revision history at the front of the document.    BCSS Return to School Sport v3.0 - Oct 23, 2020.pdf

We are very excited to introduce the BCSS Cross Country Pandemic Challenge presented by SUBWAY. This challenge is not only for cross country athletes but multi-sport athletes across the province as we push for student-athlete engagement during these difficult times. This event will run from October 21 – November 4, 2020 giving lots of time for athletes to participate in the event.   Above you will find the  outline for the challenge, this should give you and your school all the tools you need to successfully participate in this challenge. If your school is interested in participating please contact the BCSS office to recieve an excel submission template, this document will be used to submit your school times as well as challenge shirt order by November 10,2020.   IMPORTANT NOTE: Students do NOT have to be rostered or registered in STARS to participate in this challenge.     HAPPY RUNNING!    

Find attached a growing document of Sport Specific Resources for coaches and AD's as a resource for skills and drills that align with the BC School Sports Return to School Sport Plan. 

After discussions with our Government Partners we are happy to provide some updates to our Return to School Sport Plan.  Version 2.0 reflects changes in the following areas; Updated to relect the allowance of shared equipment between cohorts which also allows for coaches to come into contact with equipment to facilitate drills, while maintaining social distance. Update to reflect that Virtual Competition is permitted within outlined guidelines. [[{"fid":"5469","view_mode":"default","fields":{"format":"default","alignment":""},"link_text":"BCSS Return to School Sport Plan v2 - Sept 23 2020.pdf","type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"default","alignment":""}},"attributes":{"class":"media-element file-default","data-delta":"1"}}]]

BCSS is moving to Stage 2, effective September 10th.  It is important to note that this is different from club/community sport as published by ViaSport two weeks ago. It is important to note that the ViaSport guidelines are NOT being applied to school sport.   These guidelines attached are consistent with the Ministry of Education’s Restart Education plan and will provide some practical clarifications for our member schools. In this stage, school sport activities are permitted but limited to students in the same educational learning group/cohort. We are the first to admit that in most of our sports this will restrict basic team practices in most schools.      We are hearing the frustration and concern from every corner of the province regarding the discrepancy between those in the club/community setting and those in school sport and the potential for long term damage to school sport. We will continue to share these concerns with our partners in government as we explore every option for expanding school sport at the appropriate time.   This uncertainty does provide the opportunity to try different things and approaches in our schools. While we continue to work behind the scenes to advance school sport opportunities, we are strongly encouraging our member schools, specifically our administrators, athletic directors and coaches to be creative in finding ways to create opportunities to engage students for their physical and mental well-being, maintain the relevance of school sport and perhaps even increase the reach of school sport in each school. As key people in the delivery of school sport across BC, we know you already believe in the power of school sport and its importance to our student-athletes and the schools that each of you works. We hope that those of you in a school will share this message of opportunity at this time.