For a short period of time this year, soccer officials with the Saskatchewan Soccer Association weren’t allowed to work high school soccer games. The decision prompted the cancellation of Soccerfest in Moose Jaw this coming weekend, and possibly other scheduled soccer games across the province.

Wednesday morning, the Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association and the Saskatchewan Soccer Association announced they had reached a new partnership allowing officials to work high school games.

In the joint release from the SHSAA and the SSA, the two sides recognize the impact there has been on high school soccer this fall, and they believe the agreement will result in a better working relationship.

“We are grateful for the positive discussions with SHSAA and with both sides refocused on ensuring a positive game time environment for all participants,” SSA executive director Doug Pederson said in the release. “We look forward to continued discussions going forward.”

“SHSAA is thankful for the continued work on this issue by SSA,” SHSAA executive director Lyle McKellar said in the written statement. “We look forward to pooling resources and we are excited that Saskatchewan students will continue their school sports experience in soccer.”

The new agreement between the two sides is effective immediately.