During the winter months there are often opportunities to use Outside Activity Providers (that is, activity providers not affiliated with your school board) to enhance your physical education and intramural programs.
Prior to planning an activity that uses an Outside Activity Provider (for example, ski/snowboard resort, climbing facility/organization) it is important to check to make sure they meet your school board’s policies and requirements for:
- being an Outside Activity Provider
- third party liability insurance
- Criminal Reference Checks of staff
Once this is done, an important next step is to ensure the Outside Activity Provider will:
- review and confirm that they can meet the safety standards from OPASSE for the activity/activities they are providing.
- ensure students who have been identified with special education needs or medical conditions are accommodated so they can participate in the activity/activities.
- provide evidence that Qualified Instructor(s) possess the knowledge, expertise, and certifications to provide safety and skill instruction, and monitoring for the activities (where applicable).
Note: A Qualified Instructor is an individual who provides safety and skill instruction, and monitoring for an activity, and possesses the required qualifications (e.g., experience, certifications). This role could be fulfilled by a teacher, volunteer, or an employee of an outside provider. An instructor does not have the authority to supervise.
Now you can seek appropriate school/school board approval for the activity/activities. Prior to the activity/activities it is important to:
- communicate to parents/guardians information about the trip (e.g., details of the activity, risks associated with the activity, transportation) and receive consent for the student to participate.
- communicate to the students the risks associated with the activity and strategies to minimize risks.
For more information, check out OPASSE section on Outside Activity Providers.