High school hockey seasons would be put on ice during N.S. teachers' job action

Plans by Nova Scotia teachers to start work-to-rule job action Monday could costsports teams a few big wins,but also big bucksearmarked for facility rentals and tournaments.

High school sports will be on hiatus next week unless adeal is struck between the Nova Scotia Teachers Unionand the provincialgovernment. The union's 9,300 members are poised tostart work-to-rule job action Monday if there's no agreement, meaning teacherswon't do anything beyond the classroom duties required under their contract.

I had to tell the tournament committee that due to work-to-rule that we wouldn't be going,- Frank Hubley, Halifax West Warriors' coach

The Nova Scotia School AthleticFederation said this week that as long as work-to-rule is in place, the organization's insurance is null and void.

That means the whistle will be blown on school sports, including practices,games and tournaments.

Tournament trip called off

The Halifax West Warriorspre-emptivelypulled the plug on a hockey tournament in Fredericton scheduled for next weekend.

"I had to tell the tournament committee that due to work-to-rule that we wouldn't be going," said Frank Hubley, the team's coach. "I had to call a parent meeting and inform them of all that."

Hubleysaidhe'sasked for a refund of the tournament entry fee, but due to the team's late withdrawal from the event, he's unsure if itwill be fully reimbursed.

Hubley saidthe labour impasse wouldhave a devastating impact on the Metro High School Hockey League, which he co-ordinates.

Job action could come with hefty price tag

For teams with big budgets, the effects of work-to-rule could be significant.

The Dartmouth High School Spartans, for example, have allotted$17,000 for ice time at the Gerald B. Gray Memorial Arena, including practices twice a week and Friday night home games.

If necessary, the team will asktherink's iceco-ordinatorto try and resell the timeto another customer.

"If she can't resell it, then we have to pay for the ice even if it's not being used," said coach Peter Gallant. "For our Friday night gamesit's almost $400."

Event in doubt

Ifwork-to-rule plays out for a long time, it would be a big blow to the Spartans, who are set to host a 12-team tournament in early January drawing players from New Brunswick.

"We're going to have to make a decision pretty soon on that because there are a lot of financial concerns," said Gallant.

"We need to book officials.Teams that are coming have booked hotel rooms and buses so they need to know early enough in case they have to cancel."