Part 4: Senior Boys/Girls Basketball (A/AA)

4.1 Philosophy: Competitive league

4.2 League Format:

Leagues for A/AA and Boys/Girls may change from year to year due to numbers of teams and competitive

natures. AA schools may compete in South/Central leagues from year to year. If there are enough teams A

teams will complete only against A teams and AA teams will only compete against AA teams. Commissioners

may need to be creative with league/playoff structures but should follow these guidelines:

a. Double round-robin (home and home) played on Wednesdays with exceptions made to adjust for games

that can be played after Jr. games at the host location.

b. “AA” league will count only results between “AA” schools for qualifying towards OVSAA and B.C.

Championships. “A” league will count only results between “A” schools for qualifying towards OVSAA and

B.C. Championship. South Zone league will count all games in standings for South Zone playoffs.

c. League structure needs to be agreed on by all coaches and the SOSAA President.

4.3 Registration: Through B.C.S.S.

4.4 Playoff Format:

“AA” and "A" Playoffs (separate playoffs to determine teams for OVSAA Championships)

a. Commissioner and coaches need to be in agreement on a playoff structure before the start of the season

b. South Zone Championships to be played between league #2 and #1 at #1 .

4.5 General regulations:

a. FIBA rules with BCHS modifications apply

b. All games are 4 - 10 minutes quarters with minimum 5 minutes for half.

c. Game times should start at 4:00 pm, but will vary depending on availability of gym time and officials

d. Qualified officials must be used for all games.

Part 5: Cross-Country Running

5.1 Philosophy: To introduce runners to the competitive nature of cross country running.

5.2 League Format: Weekly races hosted by the various schools participating in the season ( 3 - 5 races).

Races are usually held Tuesday or Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. and are 5-6 km long.

These races are open to grade 8, junior and senior runners (4 runners in a division make up a team).

5.3 Registration: Athletes must be registered with BCSS.

5.4 Playoff Format: All runners having run in at least two races during the season may run in the Valley

Championships held in late October. The Junior and Senior Events are separate but juniors may run in the

senior championships. Grade 8's are eligible to race for their school at the junior level.

5.5 General Regulations: Senior and Junior Valley Championships - Five runners make up a team, but schools

may enter as many runners as are eligible. The top five score. The top 20 individuals and top 3 teams

are eligible to run in the Provincial Championships.

Part 6: Curling

6.1 Philosophy: To encourage mass participation.

6.2 League Format: Schools can enter as many teams as they wish. The number of teams in the zone will

determine where the games will be played.

8 teams or under - equal schedule for home and away

10 to 12 teams - most games played at Penticton Curling rink because there are 6 sheets.

13 or more teams - schedule using two venues

Schedule may be constructed so that weaker teams will be playing weaker teams and stronger teams will

be playing stronger teams.

6.3 Registration: Only 1 boys and 1 girls team from each school can be registered with BC School Sports.

6.4 Playoff Format:

a. South Zones: One boys and one girls team from each school will compete in a double knockout bonspiel

to be held the first weekend in January. Two boys and two girls teams will represent the south zone. All

games are 10 ends.

b. Okanagan Zone: Double knockout bonspiel with one boys and one girls team representing the zone at

the provincials.

6.5 General Regulations:

a. Responsibility of schools to secure ice time at the local curling rinks.

Part 7: Grade 8 Field Hockey

7.1 Philosophy:

a. Introduction to the sport.

b. Participation / broad base of players

7.2 League Format: Dependent on the number of teams

7.3 Registration: With OVSAA (South Zone) and BC School Sports.

7.4 Playoff Format:

League final standings will be determined from league play.

End of season play day wind-up.

Play day has a 1 p.m. start time, with 25 minute straight games.

7.5 General Regulations:

Games: Games are 35 minutes in length.

Game times: 3:45 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.

4:25 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

5:05 p.m. - 5:40 p.m.

Part 8: Junior Field Hockey

8.1 Philosophy: Development of skills, fitness and life-long enjoyment.

8.2 League Format: Round Robin

Teams must be declared by the first Monday after Labour Day.

8.3 Registration: With OVSAA (South Zone) and BC School Sports.

8.4 layoff Format:

Game 1 League 1 vs League 4

Game 2 League 2 vs League 3

Game 3 Winner Game 1 vs Winner Game 2 (First/Second)

Game 4 Loser Game 1 vs Loser Game 2 (Third/Fourth)

8.5 General Regulations:

League: 2 x 25 minute halves

5 minute 1/2 time

Ties are broken only in Playoffs.

Part 9: Grade 8 Rugby

9.1 Philosophy:

Everybody plays. “Fun” is emphasized. Fitness is key.

9.2 League Format:

Double round robin - home and away - with the weekly bye picking up a

match. (League play commences with a tourney)

9.3 Registration: All players are registered with the BCSS. the Commissioner, and the B.C.R.U.

9.4 Playoff Format: Tournament style - straight round robin to determine champs.

9.5 General Regulations:

13 a side rugby is played.

The referee’s decision is final.

All players must wear a mouth guard.

No kicking outside of the 22 meter line.

Scrum halves to wait at line of scrimmage during sets (to allow for the ball to be played).

Only 1.0 meter push allowed in sets by either side.

No high tackles, swearing or fighting.

Part 10: Junior Rugby

10.1 Philosophy: A competitive league which leads to OVSAA championships. Skill development, fitness and

fun are still emphasized.

10.2 League Format: Double Round Robin format. Season of play is from March until the end of May, one

match per week.

10.3 Registration: Must register through B.C.S.S.

10.4 Playoff Format: All schools will qualify for zone play-offs. Draw to be determined by commissioner

based on the number of teams in the league (the Valley Championships are usually played in Kelowna).

10.5 General Regulations:

Rugby Union rules - school version.

Full strip to include shirt, shorts and socks.

Mouth guards to be worn by all players.

1 meter push in set scrums.

No charge (cavalry style) from penalties.

15 players a-side.

Part 11: Senior Boys / Girls Soccer

11.1 Philosophy: Competitive league with cross tiers.

11.2 League Format: Leagues for A/AA and Boys/Girls may change from year to year due to numbers of teams

and competitive natures. AA schools may compete in South/Central leagues from year to year. If there are

enough teams A teams will complete only against A teams and AA teams will only compete against AA

teams. Commissioners may need to be creative with league/playoff structures but should follow these

guidelines:

Double round-robin (home and home) played on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“AA” league will count only results between “AA” schools for qualifying towards OVSAA and B.C.

Championships. “A” league will count only results between “A” schools for qualifying towards OVSAA and

B.C. Championship. South Zone league will count all games in standings.

11.3 Registration: Through B.C.S.S.

11.4 Playoff Format:

“AA” and "A" Playoffs (separate playoffs to determine teams for OVSAA Championships)

a. Game #1 played on last Tuesday of Oct at #2, 3:30 start.

b. Game #2 played on last Thursday of Oct. at #1, 3:30 start.

c. South Zone League Championships to be played between league #2 and #1 at #1 on first Tuesday of

November at 3:30.

11.5 General regulations:

Host school to provide referee and linesmen, as well as goal nets and flags for the pitch. Unlimited subs

with no subs except for injuries during last 5 minutes of the game. A player receiving a red card must sit

out the next league/playoff game. BC Soccer rules apply.

Part 12: Tennis

12.1 Philosophy: To develop skills in tennis which will enable students to play in a structured league format.

12.2 League Format:

a. Junior High - League is made up from any school in the south zone. The league format is non-competitive.

b. Senior High - Any team in south zone is eligible. League is usually Valley wide.

12.3 Registration: With BCSS.

a. Junior High - contact SOSAA Commission.

b. Senior High - apply to OVSAA Commissioner.

12.4 Playoff Format:

a. Junior - All teams participate in the playoffs (Round Robin). Top 2 teams playoff for the South Zone title.

No valley playoffs.

b. Senior - Valley playoff format decided by Valley Commission.

Part 13: Track and Field

13.1 Philosophy:

Grade 8 inclusion of all athletes to explore all event areas

Grade 9/10/Sr. to move toward specialization and develop technique.

13.2 League Format:

a. Each school to put forth a team of athletes - must be accompanied by a coach(es).

b. Set up clinics in April for track/field events. Practice meets late April to include all south zone schools.

c. Athletes may qualify for Valleys through Valley competitions.

13.3 Registration: With BCSS

a. Team lists to BC Athletics by April 30 at latest.

b. School coaches to let Commissioner know it they plan to participate by coaches’ scheduling meeting.

13.4 Playoff Format:

a. Athletes must attend at least one practice meet and clinic to be eligible to participate in Valleys.

b. Coaches must contact Valley Commissioner to inform them of competitors and events (coaches and

Athletic Directors need to be aware of dates, locations, and deadlines of events)

c. School coaches must ensure Sr. Valley qualifiers are registered and are serious about attending BC High

School Championship (day of meet).

13.5 General Regulations:

Athletes must make a qualifying standard (to be set) for grades 9 to 12. This is important for Sr. and Jr.

athletes trying to qualify for B.C. High Schools. Rules and Regulations will be sent out in March to all

schools.

There are Sr. and Jr. BCSS Provincial Championships.

Part 14: Junior Boys/Girls Volleyball

14.1 Philosophy: To have teams in a competitive league in order to prepare them for Valley

Championships and invitational provincials.

14.2 League Format: The league format will be adjusted depending on the number of teams.

a. Presently 4 teams play a round robin at a given site. The last match that teams play during the league

counts towards league standings.

b. Games shall not begin before 4:00 pm unless required for scheduling or agreed upon by both teams.

14.3 Registration:

a. All teams must be registered with B.C. School Sports.

b. Schools with 2 registered teams must designate the players to a particular team, with the purpose of

forming two teams. There shall be no exchanging of players between teams. Team lists may be

requested by the commissioner.

c. Only 1 team from a school can be involved in the playoffs

d. Schools that have 2 or more teams in a Jr. league will have its AD decide which team makes the playoffs

prior to the playoff start.

14.4 Playoff Format:

a. 1st place teams hosts.

b. 1st - 6th make playoffs (when available). Games should be the Thursday or Friday after the league

schedule is complete and a week before Valley Championships.

c. Top two teams qualify for OVSAA Championships

d. Backdoor challenges may occur if the team finishing in 3rd place team has not been beaten in the playoffs

by the team placing 2nd in the playoffs. If a challenge game is necessary it will be played on the Tuesday of

the next week at the 2nd place school (if this occurs on a long weekend the game may be played no later

than Wednesday).

i. It is the responsibility of the Athletic Directors, and the Commissioner, for ensuring all are aware of the

possibility of a challenge game.

ii. The challenge must be made within 24 hours of the last playoff game.

iii. The Athletic Directors, coaches, and the Commissioner must be informed no later than 9am of the first

day of school after the last playoff game to ensure location, players and officials are able to be

scheduled.

iv. The host team is responsible for all officials and scorekeepers for the game.

v. Both teams in the challenge match must be prepared to attend Valley Championships.

14.5 General Regulations:

a. Responsibilities of home school:

i. Game balls

ii. ”Qualified officials” (where possible)

iii. Forward the game results to the Commissioner

b. CVA rules in effect.

c. All matches are best of 3

Part 15: Senior Girls “A” Volleyball

15.1 Philosophy: All coaches and sponsors should have their own copy of the current volleyball handbook and

be knowledgeable of the policies and rules within.

15.2 League Format:

a. League will consist of a single round robin format within each team hosting and travelling as equally as

possible.

b. Matches will be best of 3 governed by the official CVA rules for the current year.

c. League standings to be kept by the league commissioner. It is the responsibility of the hosting coaches to

forward the scores to the Commissioner by the next day.

15.3 Registration: All teams must be registered with B.C.S.S.

15.4 Playoff Format:

a. Round robin tournament between all teams.

b. First place in league has right to host.

c. Playoffs are a best of 3 match.

d. Carded officials shall officiate all playoff games.

e. The top two teams from SOSAA shall represent the South Okanagan at the Valley Championships.

15.5 General Regulations:

a. Responsibilities of home school:

i. Provide referees, umpires, linesman, and scorers.

ii. Forward game results to Commissioner.

Part 16: Ultimate

16.1 Philosophy: to introduce the sport of Ultimate and lead to Valley and Provincials Championships

16.2 League Format: League will consist of all teams registered with BCSS

Ultimate is still a new sport and Regulations for league structures will be flexible with coordination between

coaches, Commissioners, Athletic Directors and the SOSAA President.

16.3 Registration: with BCSS

16.4 Playoff Format: All teams registered are eligible for Playoffs.

Playoff structure may be dependent upon OVSAA and Provincial berths and may be based on school size.

16.6 General Regulations:

a. Round robin tournament between all teams.

b. First place in league has right to host.

c. BC Ultimate Rules in effect.

d. Responsibilities of home school include:

i. Provide appropriate location and field marking.

ii. Provide a BC Ultimate game disc.

e. Teams are expected to have home/away uniforms for all matches.