Teacher cover decision puts future of school competitions in doubt

SCHOOL sports competitions face major disruption or even cancellation after a move to withdraw substitute teacher cover for staff bringing students to games.

Schools are already warning that the step will mean teams may have to pull out of games when the measure is introduced in January.

It is part of a €15 million cut in the Department of Education budget next year for substitute cover for school business absences, which includes coaches and other teachers accompanying teams to games.