I don't disagree that there's a problem. I'm not sure this is the solution, but I don't know what is. I don't think the rationale behind it necessarily is strong enough to win out. |
I don't think we're very interested at this point. You don't see a lot of games in Indiana that are low scoring because we're holding the ball. It's an expense at member schools to install the equipment and I don't see it at this time. |
I'm not sure I want that freedom. (The current rule) has worked reasonably well. There have been situations where the coach was not willing to do anything and I didn't renew it, but it usually doesn't come to that. |
It was a good discussion, but in the end, I think the general sentiment was that there was not enough data or support on which to defend that kind of thing. |
It's a forgone conclusion that they'll vote yes. |
Many of the people in the legislature send their kids to private schools and I think they would defend them, defend the current system. I don't know that we've done enough research where we can defend this before the legislature or in court. If we're going to go this way we better have some facts to back our decision. |
Nobody on the board spoke that they were for it, necessarily, but they spoke of concern of having a basis upon which to make this kind of a change. |
Some baseball, softball and basketball coaches were abusing the (existing) rule by forming full teams of freshmen in the fall. Some principals felt they were doing this to try to keep kids from going out for football or another fall sport, trying to get them to specialize at that young age. That's really what spurred this to pass. |
The plan goes beyond the avoidance of ejections or violations to discuss what behavior is expected of players, coaches and fans. At the high school level, there is no reason to tolerate anything but good sportsmanship. |
They're going to have to forfeit some games. I've spoken to the (Hammond) central office and I'm waiting on a letter to explain everything. |
We know we have a problem. I just don't know if this proposal is the answer. |