A study of the organization and administration of high school interscholastic athletics in Newfoundland and Labrador

• Main Author: Maxwell, Robert Wayne
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 1982
• Subjects: Newfoundland; Endeavour
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/7569/; https://research.library.mun.ca/7569/1/Maxwell_RobertWayne.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/7569/3/Maxwell_RobertWayne.pdf

This study examined the organization and administration of high school interscholastic athletics in Newfoundland and Labrador. To complete the study an internship was undertaken through the offices of the Newfoundland-Labrador High School Athletic Federation (N.L.H.S.A.F.) in St. John’s. Data were collected using a number of field study techniques including: structured interviews, document analysis, survey, and limited interaction observation. -- Major findings and conclusions resulting from the internship include: -- 1. Development of a three-tiered organizational structure ensures input in decision-making from local, regional, and provincial levels. -- 2. N.L.H.S.A.F. programs are directed primarily at generating high levels of participation at the local school level to result in educational, social, and recreational benefits to the student. -- 3. Lack of school board policy, finances, and personnel shortages constrain maximum organizational development. -- 4. The principal plays an important role in initiating, supporting, and coordinating school athletic programs. To attain maximum program benefits, schools need to appoint athletic directors to administer the overall interscholastic program. -- The study advanced the following recommendations: -- 1. Efforts should be made to equalize the high cost of delivering athletic programs at the local level. -- 2. School boards should initiate action to develop policies relevant to interscholastic athletics. -- 3. The Department of Education should demonstrate greater visible support for N.L.H.S.A.F. programs and increase interaction with other government departments in facilitating development, management, and delivery of N.L.H.S.A.F programs. -- 4. School districts, N.L.H.S.A.F., and the Department of Education should endeavour to evaluate interscholastic athletic programs in terms of their contribution towards educational objectives, contribution to the student, and contribution to the school and society.