By Canadian Press

Nova Scotia expert panel examining safety of high school sports like rugby

Jul 22, 2019 | 10:46 AM

HALIFAX — An expert panel promised after high school rugby was banned then reinstated in Nova Scotia this year has begun its work.

The 17-member inter-school sport safety review panel is expected to report to the province’s Education Minister Zach Churchill by Aug. 31.

The panel — made up of representatives from provincial and national sport organizations and government — is reviewing practices and policies in coaching and training, along with protocols for preventing injuries.

Panel members include Nova Scotia’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang, emergency physician Dr. John Gillis, the director of development for Rugby Canada, Paul Hunter, Stephen MacNeil, chairman of the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation board of governors and Olympic sprint kayaker Karen Furneaux, who will serve as an athlete representative.

The Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation abruptly cancelled the rugby season in April citing safety concerns, however Churchill intervened and the sport was reinstated in May following a meeting between the federation and the Education Department.

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The Canadian Press