Only two teams competing in quad-A tournament

The optimism I felt on Friday is quickly disappearing.

Only two schools -- Grand  River and  WCI -- will compete in the CWOSSA quad-A qualifying senior girls volleyball tournament, which of course means Cameron Heights, Sir John A. Macdonald, Eastwood, Huron Heights, Waterloo-Oxford, Forest Heights and Bluevale will not.

Anyone else see a trend?

 

 

 

Comments

[Goran knows what he's talking about]

Fair enough, Engry. Thanks for taking the time to explain.

[Engry parent]

I do not hate teachers for this unfair decision.In democratic system it is fair to hear all sides of the story. For High School teams it is not mandatory that coach must be teacher. Perfect example is BCI. Many people in this region volunteer because they like it not because they are forced to. Also Co-Op students will be happy to step in. Than teachers that like sports will step in and the others can do their job without being forced to volunteer. Only thing that I strongly dislike is starting something and give up before almost the end. That should be avoided in future, and my idea is in previous post.

[Goran knows what he's talking about]

Perfect solution, Engry parent. And once you're done woting you can count the number of teachers coaching your kids on one hand. Keep your jealousy and hatred out of this forum please.

[Engry parent]

Teachers that gave up before finishing line should not be permited to coach kids for next 5 years. Parents would have chance to wote on that!

[Goran knows what he's talking about]

Frankly, Democracy, I think you're as fake as a 3 dollar bill. But you enjoy bashing teachers. That ought to encourage a lot of them to come back to the fold. Funny how you still won't answer a basic question or two, eh? What is your experience in the "education field" and what is your extracurricular involvement?

[Democracy?]

Last one Goran, they will not be awarding CWOSSA championships due to the limited number of teams participating locally. These are only qualifying tournaments for OFSAA. So, those coaches will not be adding to their hardware. Glad that your credentials allow you to spew even though you have not "walked in our shoes" (a wise man once quoted, oh ya that was you!!) I am done as I don't want to add any more fuel to your fire.

[Goran knows what he's talking about]

And lastly for Democracy:
No CWOSSA championships? Perhaps you need to research that one again, friend, as I believe that is the very reason (other than, of course for the philanthropic joy of seeing a dozen happy students and the chance to get an athletic scholarship) that a small handful of schools have returned to the basketball and curling ranks locally.

[Goran knows what he's talking about]

Thank you, Choice.
Democracy: "In education", eh? Strange, that you don't identify yourself as a teacher, though. If you are, indeed a "teacher", then shame on you for bashing your own colleagues. Please name your school and the contributions you have made to extra curricular activities over your 20 year career. Do you consider your colleagues to be "greedy scumbags"? Hope not.
My right to "spew" comes from personally knowing hundreds of teachers, understanding their concerns and not being willing to join a government bandwagon. I do not blame teachers, or any other member of the public service for the fiscal problems that Ontario is in. I do not use jealousy as the basis for hatred. And I also spend time getting my facts (generally) straight in order to counter the nonsense that people like you "spew" (to use your own expression). But yes, let's return this forum to celebrating the accomplishments of our local student/athletes. I'm actually quite surprised to see that there is next to little commentary about all the exciting things that have continued to happen in our local Catholic schools. And no- I'm not Catholic either.

[Democracy?]

Goran, you say that you are not a teacher yet you quote "Unless you have walked in a teachers shoes, you have no right to comment on his job or what he chooses to do with his free time". What then gives you the right to spew so much commentary about the profession and the choices people make within it. This will be my last post, I have been in education for over twenty years, even though Goran doesn't think so. I commend those coaches that have returned and those teachers who have returned to their musical productions, DECA, clubs, etc. It truly does take courage to break ranks, and I know that it is not an easy decision to do so. They are not returning to get that banner on the wall, as there is no WCSSAA or CWOSSA championships being handed out this year. These teachers are returning to the activities that they feel are important to a student's overall educational experience. And Goran, having walked in their shoes, they are doing it because they care!

[Choice is essential in a Democracy]

Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in :) Goran, you make an excellent contribution to this blog on a regular basis. I'm fighting the same battle you are. I think you might have misread the tone and intention of my post. Or maybe I just did a poor job of conveying it. I wasn't attacking Unions. My comment about "bullying" was designed to be an example of how a Union offers protection to its members. The blame can be shifted to the collective, not the individual in those cases. I support the teachers. My comments were directed at those who chose to coach last week. I truly believe these individuals, who are essentially selling out their colleagues, should have put their money where their mouth was and coached in December and January. Read my previous post again, but in the context that it may have been written from the perspective of a teacher, and a coach.

[Goran knows what he's talking about]

A very noble commentary, Choice, but I'm sorry. Teaching is a job. And it is a teacher's job. And everything that goes with it is paramount to THAT person who holds it. I'm sorry this has, once again, dissolved into an anti union and teacher bashing forum (like all other commenting sections in the Record these days), but it is just a job. And the teacher's livelihood, financial future and anything else that comes with it comes before you or your child. It has to. Otherwise you might as well replace all the teachers in the world with Saints and Martys, who wouldn't coach football either, as they would be too busy saving the world. Unless you have walked IN a teacher's shoes, you have no right to comment on his job or what he chooses to do with his free time. You want a scholarship for your child? Sign her up with Kitchener Minor whatever. And then you can run around issuing orders and commanding THOSE people to do your bidding. Unfortunately, your next to nothing contribution to the salary of any teacher in this province does not give you OR methat right, anymore than a teacher has the right to tell YOU what to do in your job or in your free time. Why would ANY teacher want to serve your needs, beyond the job that he (or she) is paid to do, with the attitude that you convey in your posting? Sad.

[Choice is essential in a Democracy]

Democracy?, the bullying aspect within Unions is a convenient scapegoat used by teachers to pacify students, parents and the general public. It's much easier to tell a great kid who wants to know why you're not coaching that "it's not my decision, it's the Union's". But deep down, all teachers know they sleep better at night thanks to their Union. That's one of the purposes of Unions. They take the pressure off the individual and place it on the collective faceless body. If those coaching now had guts. I mean real conviction. The type of strong moral fabric worthy of being labelled an example for kids, they would have coached all along. They would have said in December, when legal job action escalated, that they disagreed with OSSTF. They would have said that these imposed conditions are not worth the struggle. They would have said that collective bargaining is not worth fighting for. Most importantly, they would have said that we owe it to the kids - we owe it to them to give up our free time regardless of how we are treated. They would have stared the Union down and said go ahead, fine me. And you know what, they would have had support. The public would have backed them. Most of their colleagues, while not agreeing with them, would have had no choice but to respect their actions. More teachers may have even joined their protest. Communities might have stepped up to help them with their fines - were they even levied. But they didn't have the guts to do it when they had something to lose, when something was really on the line. They waited until there were no repercussions for them personally. That's not standing up for kids, or standing up for yourself, that's having your cake and eating it too. They get the benefit of being a hero to the kids and parents on their teams. They get the self gratification of accolades earned on the court. And on top of that, they get the benefit of any softening of the government's position in a negotiated conclusion to this whole unnecessary mess. So Democracy?, here lies the roots of my cynicism. Though I prefer to call it idealism. Thanks for the discussion everyone. Mark, disappointed you chose not to weigh in.

[wow]

D10 Coach: I totally agree.

[D10 teams are being ripped off...]

As a coach from district 10, I am very upset by what is happening right now with WCSSAA winter sports and CWOSSA. I chose to coach this year despite everything because I believe in what's best for the students.. We have had a season for the last 4 months. My team has dedicated hours and hours to their sport for the last 4 months. How is it fair that 2 teams from WCSSAA are allowed to be "let in" to play at CWOSSA and only one from D10 (who have had a season with 4 AAAA schools) and they didn't even have a season? I would like to know how these so called coaches who decided in November not to coach can all of a sudden, when it is glory time, enter a team into a provincial qualifying tournament? This should not be allowed to happen. It is despicable and cowardice...and the line, it's for the students, does not apply here because if it was really for the students, the teams would have had a season starting in November. We, at district 10, are furious with this decision. Our students, who we put first, are being ripped off because of the selfishness of some WCSSAA schools/teams.

[Goran knows what he's talking about]

I am neither a teacher, nor disgruntled. I provided you with facts that you wish to dispute. Provide alternate facts if you wish and/or care to do so. But you won't, because you really don't care. I've already said that ECs are an important part of student life for SOME students- not all. And any REAL teacher coach would agree with me that high school sports do not directly lead to scholarships. But feel free and continue to bash the people who give up their free time to your children. I'm sure they will flock back to the fields, gyms and pools to help you out. Apparently Democracy is an OSSTF member. He (or she) can take the bull by the horns and, I quote, "step up to the plate".

[Democracy?]

To just me:
Please ignore Goran, he has his own agenda and only picks out the facts that support his ramblings. You are 100 percent correct that it was the coaches at EDSS who introduced the sport to her and discovered
her talent. Obviously any athlete has to expand their training regime to become national level. However, she wouldn't have been introduced to the sport if not for those Elmira coaches. Goran is a disgruntled teacher who refuses to listen to logic.

[Goran knows what he's talking about]

And to followup: I just phoned a teacher friend of mine. He has coached in school for more than 2 decades and is a level 3 certified national track and field coach. He is going out of town today- with his track club- to participate in an indoor provincial track championship. Yes-- a teacher, on a weekend, volunteering his time (actually he gets paid to do it). He CONFIRMS that a) There is no way that Jasmine received a scholarship even remotely based on her participation at EDSS (with no disrespect to Elmira in ANY way) b) Her track coach at the club is outstanding c) Javelin is practiced through the summer- the time period during which US college scouts visit high profile national track meets to cull their prospects. And d) College Prospects (and others) can be worthwhile, but they cost tons of money.

So please. If you want to question my facts, get some of your own.

And congratulations, Jasmine. You earned it!

[just me]

You missed my point entirely. Jasmine would never have taken up Javelin had it not been for the opportunity of track and field in high school. She would not have discovered she liked it, was good at it and joined a club team. It was the OPPORTUNITY that drove her to discover

[Goran stares unhappily]

For Just me: K- I reread the story and got the answer. Jasmine is in a track club. She pays to get good (top calibre?) training from a certified track coach. Jasmine's accomplishments are marvellous. But she would NOT be a scholarship athlete simply based on throwing a javelin at Elmira District Secondary School (sorry, EDSS). Teacher coaches know that, College Prospects know that. Point being, Jasmine hasn't suffered one bit. And her scholarship was carved in stone long before the spring track season came and/or went this year due to volunteer coaches refusing to coach. Sorry- good story, but it doesn't float.
And for the angry man: my name is Goran- it always has been. What's yours?

[Goran shakes his head]

OK Democracy friend, you want to up this game, do you? You're a teacher, are you?
What do you teach? What grade levels? What school? What are YOU doing for extracurricular involvement now? What have you done recently? What have you done for 10 or 20 years? As for claiming the OSSTF is putting pressure on you? Nonsense. I would suggest that not only are you not a teacher, you most likely don't even know many. Go ahead. Answer the simple questions, friend.
And for just me: Great news for the EDSS girl. I am, however, very well versed with College Prospects and other American companies that squeeze money out of kids to help get them scholarships. But I have a question. Jasmine doesn't belong to a track club? She got this thru high school participation only?

[just me]

Certain sports do not help, aid or cultivate a scholarship, but perhaps those of you that don't believe should read Mark's article about Jasmine Wilson from Elmira. If track had been cancelled that year...she would never be where she is today. Sure she needed to "up her game", but it was the high school program that fostered this girl.

http://www.therecord.com/sports/article/886410--going-the-distance

[Democracy?]

Goran I find it comical how you change your name so often. It is quite evident that you are responding under various names. You are quirte wrong about the pressure of the union. Osstf has given a clear message that they do not want their members to return extracurricular. I have heard this message numerous times from them, as I am a member. Again, like you they speak out of both sides of their mouths! They are just as responsible as the government for this mess. Their way of dealing with being mistreated is to mistreat someone else, the students. This is wrong, good for those coaches that have restarted for realizing this.

[Goran shakes his head]

A decent discussion...
For Democracy: What are you using as the definition of "militant"? I'm not sure the 25 year old field hockey coach at the local high school is particularly "militant", but I know she is very peeved at having her contract stripped and her bargaining rights removed. She also doesn't think much of being blamed for ORNGE and health taxes and power plant debacles. As for "pressure"? There is none. The OSSTF has been quite clear on this. Each teacher has the right to coach if he or she wishes to do so. You're confusing OSSTF with ETFO (elementary). No such order was given to secondary school teachers. The fact that so many of them are still not volunteering has little to do with unions, but a lot to do with government disrespect and interference Anyway, because this IS a decent discussion, I won't ramble on about that.
And for choice: Dead on! Did readers know that rep hockey (from where the real stars come) does not allow their kids to play high school hockey? As I've said before. WCSSAA's mandate very clearly has NOTHING, whatsoever to do with creating scholarship candidates. It is for fun and participation. The fact that we dream of our kids running from the FHCI (just to name one school randomnly) soccer field to the pitch at Old Trafford is just that. A dream. These are parent motivations and have next to nothing to do with the reality of a high school extracurricular sports program.

[Democracy?]

To choice is essential
For someone who says you are not cynical, you continue to be cynical. I do respect those teachers who feel they are doing the right thing by not doing returning to extracurriculars. However, you have no right to make accusations about choices other people make unless you know their true reasons for making them. There are many teachers out their that woiuld like to be returning to EC's. However, due to pressure from their union and militant colleagues they feel they have no choice. This is not democracy. You are a good politician, you speak out of both sides of your mouth. Congrats to those who have made a choice to go against both the government and their union.

[Choice is essential in a Democracy]

To Democracy?, I certainly do not live my life with a cynical view of people who care about kids. I'm sorry if that's what you took from my post. If you're saying these coaches care more for kids because they're coaching now, you're sadly mistaken. I will not apologize for questioning the motivation of some of the teachers who have chosen to break ranks with their colleagues simply because I have doubts that they would be coaching if their teams weren't destined for extended play (CWOSSA/OFSSA). I never said these individuals didn't have a right to make the choice they did. In fact I completely agree with you that neither the government or unions are in a position to influence the choices teachers are making. It's a two way street though and I'm even willing to make you a deal... I'll agree to spread the word that everyone should respect those choosing to coach because they think it's the right thing to do. You agree to spread the word that it's equally as important to respect those who have chosen not to coach, because they think it's the right thing to do.
Go ahead, call me cynical.