For Release: November 4th, 1999

Watching the incredible amounts of snow piling up outside (it's only November 3rd thank you very much!), it brings to mind the significance that weather assumes in the high school scheduling process.

Depending upon it's severity, bad weather can most often be classified as a minor inconvenience in everyday life (takes a little longer to get where you're going, driving can be a little tricky necessitating care and caution, etc.)

Bad weather at a critical point in the schedule can present a convener a nightmare of uncertainty (is the game on or not?), rescheduling options (playoffs have to decided one week before N.O.S.S.A.!), conflicts with other commitments (work, etc.), not to mention the formidable challenges associated with getting the word to all those concerned.

The latter presents the greatest challenge, in that getting word out regarding a cancellation is often a last minute proposition, but one that of course all those involved - coaches, players, parents, school staff, officials, even spectators in some cases - need to hear and in a timely manner.

In both girls' and boys' hockey, inclimate weather has proved to be a challenge so often that they've adopted a special set of rules to deal with it. In the event of bad weather, the athletic administrator (that's me), is to contact the teams involved to inquire if there are concerns associated with travelling to the game. If both teams indicate concerns, then of course the game is postponed. If one of the two teams forwards a concern and the other does not, the final say rests with the administrator. In all cases, at least two hours notice must be provided to allow teams time to cancel their transportation arrangements and get the word out to all their players.

If one considers the sheer volume of games and competitions that the S.D.S.S.A.A. hosts each school season (well in excess of 1,200 in each of the past five years), it's surprising to note that weather has not presented more of a challenge to organizers ... not including today (Wednesday) of course.

As a result of weather conditions yesterday, the girls' flag football semi finals will be contested this afternoon at the Cambrian College . Marymount hosts Chelmsford at 3pm while Lo-Ellen plays Notre Dame at 4:30pm. The Championship finals have been moved to Monday at Cambrian as well - start time 4pm.

As for Varsity Football, thank goodness the semi finals were contested Tuesday night! Varsity finals go Friday night at Cambrian at 7pm, featuring the much-anticipated match-up between the Lasalle Lancers and St. Charles Cardinals. Weather considerations aside, this should be "one to watch" as the saying goes.

In other S.D.S.S.A.A. news, congratulations are extended to all our cross country athletes who participated in N.O.S.S.A. in Sault Ste. Marie this past Friday. Contrary to previous years where S.D.S.S.A.A. schools were shut out of either girls or boys team and/or divisional titles, this year proved to be a banner year for Sudbury schools. Of a total of six divisional titles available to be won, Lo-Ellen Park took home three divisional titles and Lockerby took home two others, virtually shutting out the competition. What a great performance!

Qualifying runners are heading for Etobicoke today for the O.F.S.A.A. Championships where they are hoping for a best-ever performance by Sudbury athletes at this level.

Back to Column Table of Contents