Cathy Poch, Churchill Phys Ed teacher, shares her reflections about Bordenball at Churchill.

“I can’t think of a better way to instill the love of sports in a child than in our alternative school system. One of the Alternative Tenets is that cooperation and teamwork are emphasized instead of competition in all aspects of the school. One of the ways this looks in sports is that we don’t have tryouts! EVERYONE is welcome to sign-up for the team. And so, right away, there is zero focus on who is better, who is faster, or who is going to “make it”. The focus of sports at Churchill is on having fun, doing your best and encouraging others. As their coach, I LOVE to focus on how the students are improving and how they are making others on their team feel!

• Are they passing to everyone?

• Are they encouraging others?

• Are they learning that mistakes (missing a catch or passing to the wrong person, etc. ) are part of the game and also how we improve?

“In sports at Churchill, we also don’t keep score. Without winning being the focus, we can focus on more important aspects of the game such a team play and sportsmanship. Because really, if there isn’t a winner or a loser, why would it matter who is faster or scores more points? The pressure not to be the winner or loser can relieve a lot of stress. Kids can focus on the love of the sport and doing their best. That right there gives them a base level of confidence to enjoy just playing the sport.

“I am very, very vocal when I coach… I am extremely encouraging and am always sharing compliments (even when I see them in the halls or in class) and pointing out when students are displaying good sportsmanship, improved skills, etc…. I also encourage the students to encourage others (whether it’s making sure you pass to everyone or saying “good try”; “next time”; “it’s okay”; or other supportive words). I model that behavior and I also talk about it all the time – encouraging kids to encourage. I think students really buy into it as they realize the leadership that they have within themselves when they give this gift to others.

“The kids also love the fun environment (I play music when they play sports and you can catch most kids at some point dancing or singing :)) The students know, understand and model that everyone is welcome no matter the skill level. And they also know that any unsportsmanlike or demeaning comments towards anyone are not welcome and are always addressed by me. I’ll have heart to hearts with students separately on my own time when I have to address these issues…but to be honest, it rarely happens. It just doesn’t fit into the environment.

This is how the bordenball season usually works:

Bordenball usually runs three days a week. Each student who wants to play is put on a team and the schedules are posted. Grades 3s and 4s are separated from grades 5s and 6s so that students can play with those who have a similar skill level. Each team plays once per week during recess. There are around 10 students on each team which allows for 2-3 subs sitting off at at any time; students are subbed in every 3 minutes so that no one is ever out of the game play for very long.

The grade 6’s referee the 3/4’s and have a strong role in encouraging, teaching and setting examples. Students look forward all week for their team’s chance to play – they just want to be a part of it.

The week before the Bordenball tournament, the school holds a rousing game of teachers vs. Grade 6’s (though, again, no scores are kept). Students in grades 3-5 make signs and come out in force to watch and cheer on the teams.

Then, during the tournament, students participate in a round robin play on a co-ed team mixed with students from all four alternative schools. Each team plays 6 games. The enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed by students at Churchill is contagious!

We find that student enthusiasm is ever-present and the Bordenball season helps foster students’ love of being active and playing sports. As quoted by one student (for whom sports have not always come easily): “I love bordenball, and I’m going to play every sport every year, I’m not going to stop…and I’m even going to be a referee in grade 6!!!

Published: Updated 2023

Tags: confidence, Cooperation and teamwork, Multi-aged groupings