Good news for the Oak Bay Barbarians. The only thing getting between No. 2-ranked ’Barbs and an AAA rugby provincial championship is a bunch of rugby teams.
After members of the B.C. Teachers’ Federation voted on April 20 in favour of withdrawing voluntary extracurricular services, it looked like provincial high school sports tournaments were doomed.
But that’s not necessarily so, said Sue Keenan, executive director of B.C. School Sports, which works independently of the BCTF and oversees the many aspects of school sports including provincial tournaments.
“As of this morning (April 24), the sports going forward are rugby, badminton, tennis and girls soccer.
“What’s still questionable are track-and-field and golf. We’ll know by the end of the week if those (provincials) will happen.”
Track and Field commissioner Kevin Mennie, who works out of St. Andrew’s regional school, said the league will continue with the help of community volunteers.
There is an understanding that teachers continuing to help with school sports won’t be sanctioned. But there has been one casualty confirmed. There will be no provincial championship for mountain biking.
Regular mountain biking races will continue in Greater Victoria, however, as part of the School Bike League which encompasses all cycling disciplines.
“All leagues will continue running, and I hope they continue happening and have fun out there,” Keenan said.
Commissions are meeting this week with a goal of having most sports sorted out by Friday.
In a lot of instances, parents or volunteers from the community have stepped up to help school teams carry on.