Provincial Boys Slow Pitch Softball Championships Highlight Need for Change
This past weekend saw the Provincial Boys Slow Pitch Softball Championships, with 2A through 4A tournaments held across the province.
2A Championship – La Scie
La Scie hosted the 2A event, welcoming eight teams from across Newfoundland. Noticeably absent were representatives from the Burin Peninsula—an absence attributed partly to distance but more so to an emerging formula of competitiveness versus travel.
The disparity in skill levels among schools once again raised questions about the need to reintroduce a 1A division for slow pitch, or perhaps to revisit the former Fair Play and Small Schools formats that helped balance competition and participation.
Despite the imbalance, the tournament went ahead with eight strong teams: Bishop White School (Random Island), Fogo Island Academy, host Cape John Collegiate, Leo Burke Academy (Bishop’s Falls), French Shore Academy, Baltimore High, St. James All-Grade, and Dorset Collegiate.
While there were flashes of good play, many games ended under mercy rules, exposing the wide gap between programs. In the end, French Shore Academy of Port Saunders dominated, crushing Dorset Collegiate of Pilley’s Island 20–7 in the championship game—further emphasizing the competitive divide within this tier.
3A Championship – Port aux Basques
Port aux Basques played host to the 3A boys’ event, featuring six schools: St. James All-Grade, Botwood Collegiate, Laval High, Indian River Academy (Springdale), Templeton Academy, and Pearson Academy.
Unlike the 2A tournament, the 3A competition offered more balanced and entertaining match-ups, with several games decided by narrow margins. By weekend’s end, however, Templeton Academy emerged as the clear victor, defeating Laval High School Cavaliers 16–10 to claim the banner.
4A Championship – Lewisporte
Lewisporte Collegiate hosted the 4A Provincial Championships, which saw an impressive ten teams competing. Division One included J.M. Olds Collegiate, Stephenville High, Roncalli High, White Hills Academy, and Ascension Collegiate. Division Two featured Mount Pearl Senior High, Exploits Valley High, Holy Trinity High, Marystown Central High, and the host Lewisporte Collegiate.
While the tournament featured moments of thrilling play, several games again ended in double-digit margins. Even the semifinals were decided by ten runs or more, underscoring the ongoing issue of competitive imbalance. In the championship final, J.M. Olds Collegiate of Twillingate captured the coveted 4A provincial banner, defeating host Lewisporte Collegiate 15–5.
A Call for Reform
Every event needs winners and losers—that’s the essence of sport. But when the structure of competition repeatedly produces one-sided outcomes, something needs to change.
It’s time for School Sports Newfoundland and Labrador to take a serious look at how teams are ranked, tiered, and matched for provincial events. These tournaments should celebrate youth sport—not demoralize young athletes.
Reform isn’t a matter for two or ten years down the road—it’s needed now.
With thoughtful restructuring, these championships can once again inspire participation, foster development, and ensure that every athlete steps onto the field believing they truly have a chance to compete
