Junior High Athletics

A Source of School Pride
For students and staff in our junior high schools, promoting school spirit and pride is an important way for students to feel connected to their school. One way this is done is in participating in athletics.

Athletics showcase skills developed by students in schools. Student-athletes have the opportunity to learn physical skills and team tactics, which are perfected during long hours of practice. Students also learn important social and life skills when they are part of a group. Goal setting, time management, and coping with different types of stress associated with competition are just a few of the skills learned.

A Brief History of the Calgary Catholic Junior High School Athletic Association (C.C.J.H.S.A.A.):
In the 1950’s before there was a Supervisor of Physical Education, the Department Head of St. Mary’s High School and Father James Whelihan had coordinated Track and Field for the Junior High Schools. The next Department Head of St. Mary’s—Bill Cassanova coordinated informal Track and Field Meets. Clarence Gourlay the first Supervisor of Physical Education for Calgary Catholic continued with Track and Field and added Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton and Hockey in the mid 1960’s. LeRoy Pelletier worked with Clarence Gourlay and added Flag Football, Softball, and Gymnastics.

C.C.J.H.S.A.A. has always enjoyed excellent support from the Principals and has benefited from their direct involvement.

Physical Education Supervisors:
• Clarence Gourlay
• LeRoy Pelletier
• Craig Foley
• Joy Taylor
• Ralene Goldade
• Wayne Meadows


Leadership

Role of President
The President of the C.C.J.H.S.A.A. is the Vice Chairperson of Principal’s Council. He/she will chair all Executive meetings. The President will also chair the Annual meeting and act in an advisory capacity to all Principal Liaisons and Athletic Coordinator.

Role of Principal Liaisons
Principal Liaisons are responsible for chairing committee and coaches meetings for their respective sport. They will assist with coordination of committee members for their sport. They will act as the final authority on their sport and will oversee any disciplinary action necessary beyond the school level.

Role of Athletic Director
School Athletic Directors are the main contact at their school. They assist with mentoring all coaches and assist with coordination of athletics at their school. They will assist the Athletic Coordinator with sports and communication. Athletic Directors will ensure their school has representation at all coaches meetings.

Role of Sport Committee Member
Sport committee members assist with the planning, scheduling and implementation for their sport, deciding on rules, policy, structure and seeding. They help to oversee operation and implementation of finals acting as representatives of C.C.J.H.S.A.A.

Role of Coach
Coaches must attend the meeting for their sport. They will ensure fair, safe and sportsmanlike participation of each of their athletes.

Role of Supervisors
Supervisors must attend the meeting for their sport. They will ensure the volunteer coach follows fair, safe and sportsmanlike participation of their team. Supervisors must be in attendance at all team events.

Role of Athletic Coordinator
The Athletic Coordinator works with each of the above groups to organize and implement sports for the C.C.J.H.S.A.A.