For Immediate
Release
September
22, 2006
Subject:
Human Rights Appeal
The Manitoba
High Schools Athletic Association is disappointed with the decision
regarding high school sport programs. The association strongly
believes that its eligibility rules promote equal opportunity
for boys and girls to participate in high school sport.
In this case,
both the West Kildonan boys and girls high school hockey teams
had approximately the same number of games and practices. The
coaching staff of the girls team consisted of a Level 2 coach,
and a specialized goaltender coach, and other assistant coaches,
while the boys team only had Level 1 coaches.
The MHSAA
followed the guidelines as set out by the Canadian Association
for the Advancement Women in Sport (CAAWS) who assert that it
is preferable for athletes to play on a gender specific team,
when resources are similar. The MHSAA policy is consistent with
all other provincial associations across Canada.
The MHSAA
allows girls greater opportunity than boys in high school hockey.
They could have played for a “AAA”, or “AA”
boys hockey team, but stated it was too expensive or they did
not like the coach. They could have played both high school hockey
and community hockey, which is an opportunity not available for
boys in Manitoba. They chose not to play. They could have attended
another school that didn’t have a girls hockey program and
tried out for the boys hockey team there. They chose not to play
any hockey for two years and then requested financial compensation
for their choices.
The Manitoba
Human Rights Commission should consider that educators guide the
Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association and it’s rules
and regulations. They should appreciate that these individuals
know what is appropriate for sport development at this level and
what is best for the student athletes. It is regrettable that
the Manitoba Human Rights Commission has chosen to uphold this
challenge. This decision is a significant backward step for girls
high school sport progress, and amateur sport in general.
The school,
had opportunity to appeal the initial decision of the MHSAA Board.
They chose not to appeal. The mother and superintendent were informed
that another appeal could be put forward. The original appeal
was not based on the differences of the games, but simply, “Can
girls play on a boys team, when the school has a girls team?”
It is regrettable that the school chose not to appeal. The school
had the opportunity to present a formal Motion to change our rules.
This could have been considered at an Annual Meeting, but no motion
was ever submitted.
This decision
paves the way for a purely merit (ability) –driven high school
sport program. This is contrary to the expert evidence from the
vast majority of school administrators, principals and coaches.
Does this now mean that boys can tryout for girls teams? Do we
eliminate gender specific teams? How will this affect female participation?
Can this carry over to Canada Games and other activities? The
MHSAA feels that by providing funding and coaching in separate
categories for competition, they promote maximum participation
and opportunity for all student athletes to achieve personal success.
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