High School High School Cheer In Canada - Need Advice

[schpo]

Are there any high school cheer coaches in Canada - specifically Ontario - who can answer some questions for me? I’m at the very early stages of trying to determine how cheerleading can become recognised by OFSAA. Thanks!

 

[ScottyB]

comment and shimmy for added visibility. am not familiar with that area/community, best of luck!

 

[OnceUponACheerleader]

Just west of Toronto, in the Halton District School Board, I know there were really really strict rules regarding "stunting" and all that nonsense. I tried so hard in my 4 years of highschool, but nothing took off.

I know there are some schools in Oakville, ON, that have teams. Try contacting T.A. Blakelock High School, White Oaks Secondary School.. those are a few that come to mind.

 

[schpo]

Just west of Toronto, in the Halton District School Board, I know there were really really strict rules regarding "stunting" and all that nonsense. I tried so hard in my 4 years of highschool, but nothing took off.

I know there are some schools in Oakville, ON, that have teams. Try contacting T.A. Blakelock High School, White Oaks Secondary School.. those are a few that come to mind.

I’m in eastern Ontario, and CP’s school has a team (yay!). Unfortunately they get no support or funding from the school because they’re not recognized by OFSAA. It’s frustrating.

 

[Vabel]

Hi @schpo !
I coach for one of the universities in Ontario.

I believe one of the main issues is that there is no single governing body running our sport here. For universities, you must be governed under the OUA or CIS championships in order to qualify as a sport. As teams can compete at Cheer Evolution, OCF, Jam, etc., and there isn't a qualifying regional, provincial and national competition competition schedule.
Although I'm not 100% certain if this would be the same for high schools, I suspect many of the same things would apply. Students would become limited on their years of eligibility, be prohibited from playing immediately after a school transfer and be limited to only sanctioned competition events.

ETA: I'm happy to find all my information about the university side of this if you're interested. I'm sure it's still in my email somewhere.
Please let me know if you have any questions!

 

[OldskoolKYcheercoach]

Hi @schpo !
I coach for one of the universities in Ontario.

I believe one of the main issues is that there is no single governing body running our sport here. For universities, you must be governed under the OUA or CIS championships in order to qualify as a sport. As teams can compete at Cheer Evolution, OCF, Jam, etc., and there isn't a qualifying regional, provincial and national competition competition schedule.
Although I'm not 100% certain if this would be the same for high schools, I suspect many of the same things would apply. Students would become limited on their years of eligibility, be prohibited from playing immediately after a school transfer and be limited to only sanctioned competition events.

ETA: I'm happy to find all my information about the university side of this if you're interested. I'm sure it's still in my email somewhere.
Please let me know if you have any questions!

Yea, I don’t know a thing about what goes on north of the border, but here in the States, being recognized as a “sport” is not all it’s cracked up to be. See also: California

 

[OnceUponACheerleader]

Yea, I don’t know a thing about what goes on north of the border, but here in the States, being recognized as a “sport” is not all it’s cracked up to be. See also: California

I dont think it is so much being recognized as a sport - but just some regulations across the province/nation that would give the 'sport/activity' some recognition by the school boards. - because as of now schools that offer cheer are soOoOoO few and far between.

 

[schpo]

I dont think it is so much being recognized as a sport - but just some regulations across the province/nation that would give the 'sport/activity' some recognition by the school boards. - because as of now schools that offer cheer are soOoOoO few and far between.

Except in Quebec...cheer seems to be huge there, at least in French schools.

 

[OnceUponACheerleader]

I’m in eastern Ontario, and CP’s school has a team (yay!). Unfortunately they get no support or funding from the school because they’re not recognized by OFSAA. It’s frustrating.

Not sure how far east you are, but when I was in university I worked a little with a high school team from Belleville ON.. Nicholson Catholic College. I know they have a team and they attend a lot of Cheer Evo events the coach still says hi if we ever bump into eachother.

Good Luck!!