When Does SSNL Stop Talking and Start Changing?
ST. JOHN’S, NL – Over the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing some truly special moments in high school sports across Newfoundland and Labrador. From softball diamonds to soccer pitches, from basketball courts to volleyball gyms, I’ve seen firsthand the passion, dedication, and pride that student-athletes bring to their schools and communities.
But somewhere along the way, that admiration has been replaced by frustration. Because the more I’ve watched, the more I’ve listened, to athletes, coaches, and parents alike, the clearer it has become, the system isn’t working.
The most troubling part is that this isn’t a new revelation. Concerns have been raised for years. Suggestions have been made. Complaints have been filed. Yet, very little has changed. So the question has to be asked, why?
A System That Leaves Too Many Behind
School Sports Newfoundland and Labrador often speaks about inclusivity and participation. On paper, those values are at the heart of what high school sport should represent. But in practice, the current structure tells a very different story.
Too many teams are eliminated too early. Too many athletes never get the opportunity to compete at a provincial level. Too many seasons end not because of a lack of effort or ability but because of a rigid, outdated format. For high school athletes, time is not something you can get back.
They have a limited window. Just a few short years to represent their schools, chase a banner, and build memories that will last a lifetime. Reducing those opportunities to a narrow and restrictive system does a disservice to the very athletes SSNL is meant to support.
The Flaws in the Current Format
The issues become even more apparent when you look closely at how teams advance. The recent 2A boys basketball qualifiers is an example.
In the Avalon region, Baltimore emerged as the regional champion. But anyone who followed the tournament closely could see that several other teams in that same region were stronger, something that became even more evident during the provincial championship.
Meanwhile, teams from other regions advanced despite being less competitive. That’s not a criticism of any one team, it’s a criticism of a system that doesn’t always reward the best teams, only the teams that happen to come out of a particular structure.
When stronger teams are left out while weaker ones advance, it raises an important question, is this really the best we can do?
There Is a Better Way
The frustrating part is that solutions already exist. The Newfoundland Volleyball Association has implemented a model that prioritizes both competition and inclusion and it works.
A tiered system within each classification allows more teams to participate at provincials while still maintaining competitive balance.
Imagine a structure where Teams are grouped into A, B, and C divisions. Within those divisions, further tiers (1, 2, 3) are created based on regional rankings.
Regional tournaments would still determine champions, but they would also establish rankings that allow more teams to advance at an appropriate competitive level.
The result is simple, more athletes get to participate, competition becomes more balanced and the overall experience improves for everyone involved.
If inclusivity is truly a goal, this is what it looks like in action.
More Than Just Games
This isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about opportunity.
It’s about the long bus rides, the early morning practices, the sacrifices made by families, and the commitment shown by athletes who give everything they have to their sport. It’s about the friendships formed, the lessons learned, and the memories that stay with you long after the final whistle.
For many students, high school sport is one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives. Yet, under the current system, too many never get the chance to fully experience it.
Time for Action
At some point, words have to turn into action. SSNL has an opportunity not just to tweak the system, but to modernize it in a way that reflects the values it promotes. Because right now, there is a growing disconnect between what is being said and what is actually being done. And people are noticing.
Athletes deserve better. Coaches deserve better. Families deserve better. Most importantly, the game itself deserves better.
Change doesn’t happen in silence. If you’ve felt the same frustrations—as an athlete, a coach, or a parent make your voice heard. Because this isn’t about one team or one region. It’s about creating a system that works for everyone. And that’s something worth fighting for.
I encourage you to put pen to paper or in most cases, modern day keyboard to email. And express your feelings and opinions too SSNL at admin@schoolsportsnl.ca
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