Overview

Vision

To maximize school sport and educational opportunities for high school students that will assist in their holistic development.

Mission

To provide quality, equitable sport and educational experiences for Manitoba High School students.

Values

  • Promoting a fun and safe environment.
  • Building a culture of respect and integrity.
  • Fostering experiences that create an inclusive, equitable and diverse community.
  • Supporting and encouraging health, well-being and resiliency. 

History

The Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association was founded on April 24, 1962 as a result of a government commissioned study of "physical education and recreation in Manitoba".

One of the recommendations from the commission, headed by the late Dr. Frank Kennedy was the "definite need for a secondary school athletic association to define policy, standards and participation regulations for all parts of the province and membership should include teachers, principals and inspectors". After the commissions recommendation, a group of sincere, dedicated individuals worked very hard to set up an organization which would respond, at that time, to the needs of the schools, their student athletes and teams in high school sport. Resources were very limited, but the resolve and spirit of those committed people were of a very high degree. Thus, the Manitoba High Schools Athletic Association was born.

Today, we see the MHSAA as a positive influence on the lives of young people and a strong voice in speaking out about the role that high school athletics plays in the total education process. The MHSAA's primary function is to guide the operation of fair and equitable school sport activities for high school student athletes in Manitoba. High school sport provides young student athletes with positive experiences that will better prepare them for future endeavours in society.

The story of the MHSAA is one of steady growth in organization, numbers, and the promotion of the value of school sport in Manitoba. With over 200 member schools and approximately 40,000 student athletes participating, the association operates 11 official sports and more than 50 Provincial Championships.

True Sport Principles

Recognizing the need for a co-operative agency to plan, supervise and administer the inter-school activities of the province, MHSAA expresses a commitment to the True Sport Principles to ensure a safe, inclusive, welcoming and positive environment for athletes, supported by coaches, administration, parents, and officials. MHSAA believes that adhering to these field of play principles will encourage an optimal sport environment for all participants. Furthermore, MHSAA will benefit from aligning with partners who also believe in promoting these principles.

True Sport Principles are as follows:

  • Go for It – Rise to the challenge – always strive for excellence. Discover how good you can be.
  • Play Fair – Play honestly – obey both the letter and spirit of the rules. Winning is only meaningful when competition is fair.
  • Respect Others – Show respect for everyone involved in creating your sporting experience, both on and off the field. Win with dignity and lose with grace.
  • Keep it Fun – Find the joy of sport. Keep a positive attitude both on and off the field.
  • Stay Healthy – Place physical and mental health above all other considerations – avoid unsafe activities. Respect your body and keep in shape.
  • Include Everyone – Share sport with others. Ensure everyone has a place to play.
  • Give Back – Find ways to show your appreciation for the community that supports your sport and helps make it possible.