(September 25, 2024, St. John’s): 

Paul Dinn, PC Opposition Shadow Minister for Education and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, today expressed concern over a new policy from NL Schools that requires a teacher sponsor for every school-based sport tryout, practice, game, or tournament.

Dinn said he has been contacted by a number of parents and coaches with concerns over the sudden, heavy-handed approach. Dinn, a long-time volunteer coach himself, noted all coaches are required to have a certificate of conduct and vulnerable sector check. Teacher sponsors were required when a team traveled or hosted a tournament; but that requirement has now been extended to all practices and games, putting enormous additional pressure on already stressed teachers.

"Although there are schools with teachers actively involved in coaching there remain many schools who struggle to find volunteer coaches."

"Now the Furey-Liberals are adding another burden to school sports, who are dealing with higher costs for team travel and fees. This will impact hundreds of teams around the province and thousands of kids” said Dinn.

Dinn added. “Larger schools can have 30 teams and up to 20 hours a week of practice and games. This simply cannot fall back to teachers and staff. Teachers are already struggling with violence in schools, overcrowded classes, and a lack of supports.”

Dinn noted many coaches and parents have reached out and posted on social media saying this will be the end of school sports in the province. Others fear it will push teams to “pay to play” club teams which will eliminate many children who cannot afford the cost.

“The irony of it all is that this is Well-Being Week. The Liberal Premier himself declared Newfoundland and Labrador as the country’s first Well Being Province. We should be removing barriers to physical activity and school sports, not putting up more,” continued Dinn.

“I call upon the Furey-Liberals to immediately reverse this new policy and have meaningful consultations with School Sports NL, the NLTA and School Administrators, Coaches, Athletic Directors, and parents on a path forward,” concluded Dinn.