Starting Date
The Southern Alberta Interscholastic Administrative Council (SAIAC) was formed in 1989.
Philosophy
The opportunity for students and staff to participate in interscholastic activities is a vital part of any school's educational program. Such participation carries with it responsibilities to the staff, to the activity members, to the student body, to the school, and to the community. These responsibilities are addressed by the collective commitment of all stakeholders to support interscholastic activities through financial funding, participation and understanding and acceptance of the pedagogical priority of all interscholastic activities. The teaching which our students receive in these activities is valuable to the individual and to the school community. When the emphasis is placed on developing character, achieving a spirit of cooperation, and striving for worthwhile goals, these interscholastic activity experiences contribute to the teaching and the learning skills and emotional patterns that enable students to maximize their total educational experience. The interscholastic activities program in any school provides an excellent opportunity for the teaching of important knowledge and skills which serve very well our students and ultimately, most of society.
Membership
SAIAC schools are all members of the Alberta Schools Athletic Association ASAA's South Zone.
When formed in 1989 SAIAC brought together four already existing leagues under one administrative structure.
- Southern Alberta High School Football League
- Southern Alberta High School Volleyball League
- Southern Alberta High School Girls Basketball League
- Southern Alberta High School 4A Boys Basketball League
Unique Feature
One SAIAC core tenet that makes it stand out among other South Zone high school athletic organizations is the degree of direct school involvement by principals. These individuals have the ultimate say in every SAIAC and SAIAC league decision. While the members of the various leagues do meet on their own and may indicate specific preferences it's the SAIAC Annual General Meeting that has the final say.
Zone Championships
In addition to overseeing SAIAC leagues, SAIAC as a group hosts the yearly 4A South Zone basketball championships for both boys and girls. This event is among the best attended annual high school events not only in Alberta but across the country.
Provincial Championship Hosting
SAIAC has on multiple occasions hosted the ASAA 4A Basketball Championships for both boys and girls. Spectator attendance at 4A ASAA basketball championships hosted by SAIAC is often the highest attended high school sporting event in the province.
In addition, SAIAC Leagues, groups of SAIAC schools, plus individual SAIAC members, have hosted ASAA provincial championships in football, volleyball and basketball. All have helped cement this area's well-earned reputation as one of Canada’s high school sporting hotbeds.
Conclusion
SAIAC membership has varied over time, but uniformly remained strong since its inception. Our association has been and remains a positive part of the educational and athletic experience for the student athletes we serve while benefiting the broader community of Southern Alberta.