Spring 2007 Vol. III, No. 3
The Michigan High School Athletic Association Newsletter for Coaches and Officials “Imagination & Energy...” NOW MORE THAN EVER MHSAA Executive Director John E. “Jack” Roberts’ Edited Address to the Media and Membership on April 2, 2007
his morning I had the opportuni- ty to speak about leadership to Tnearly 400 Macomb Area Conference student-athletes who are, or who hope to be, captains of teams at their respective high schools. This after- noon, I want to speak to you, and through you to the MHSAA constituents across the state, about a new challenge of lead- ership that has been given to Michigan's schools. In the sports seasons litigation, the US Supreme Court has denied the peti- tion to review the Opinion and Order of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The effect of the Supreme Court's refusal to give further review to this case is that the MHSAA will be conducting several tour- MHSAA Web site for more than two the transition and harmed most by the naments according to a different sched- years. Spared from MHSAA tournament change. ule in 2007-08 than has been in place by schedule changes are boys and girls • It means that no longer will college the decisions of local boards of educa- swimming & diving, Lower Peninsula volleyball coaches and players be tion for many decades. boys and girls soccer, Upper Peninsula available to coach and officiate • The Girls Volleyball Tournament will boys and girls tennis and Upper schools' girls volleyball teams. What move from March to November; Peninsula boys and girls golf. great role models they were for our • The Girls Basketball Tournament will Those involved in the directly affected young women. move from December to March; sports have provided many examples of • It means many coaches who have • The Lower Peninsula Boys Tennis the negative effects of these changes, chosen to coach both boys and girls and Lower Peninsula Girls Golf but none of this persuaded the District basketball will have to choose one or Tournaments will move from spring to Court whose unusual findings of fact the other. My gratitude goes out to fall; could not be seriously challenged under these truly dedicated people who • The Lower Peninsula Girls Tennis and our system of jurisprudence. have given so much for so long to Lower Peninsula Boys Golf • The court-ordered change means help so many student-athletes. Tournaments will move from fall to thousands – many thousands – of • It means our schools will battle col- spring; boys and girls who had been planning leges for volleyball officials in the fall. • A separate Upper Peninsula Soccer on playing a certain combination of • It means girls high school basketball Tournament will be offered for girls in sports in high school will find that will join boys high school basketball in the fall and boys in the spring. combination impossible. My heart the fight with men's and women's col- These changes are outlined in the aches most for those ninth, tenth and lege basketball for game officials in Contingency Plan that has been on the eleventh graders who are caught in the winter. – Continued on page 15
Inside: Threats to Educational Athletics © 2007 Michigan High School Athletic Association Coaches Advancement Program
Attend this Spring! COACHES ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM OUTLINE If you are a coach who has never attended a CAP 1 6 Hours Coaches Advancement Program course, consider 2 hours: Coaches Make the Difference: yourself at a competitive disadvantage. MHSAA Philosophy and Regulations Instituted in 2005 by the MHSAA and the 2 hours: Effective Instruction: The Coach as Teacher Michigan State University Institute for the Study of 2 hours: Sports Medicine and First Aid Youth Sports, the program takes coaching beyond the games to address matters such as communi- CAP 2 6 Hours cation, philosophy, instruction and nutrition to 2 hours: Effective Communication: Characteristics of assist in your everyday duties as a coach. Coaches Who are Great Communicators 2 hours: Legal Responsibilities of Coaches The MHSAA and ISYS look forward to helping 2 hours: Psychology of Coaching coaches provide their student-athletes with the best that interscholastic athletics has to offer. CAP 3 6 Hours As of April, 775 coaches had attended the 38 2.5 hours: Additional Coaching Responsibilities: courses offered. We urge you to push this figure Becoming Aware of your Many Resources higher in the coming months. 2 hours: Effectively Working with Parents Consult the MHSAA Web site at mhsaa.com 1.5 hours: The Coach as Performer: Managing Your Time and click on “Coaches” for an updated schedule of and Energy Level CAP courses near you this winter and spring. Simply fill out the enrollment form and return to the CAP4 6 Hours MHSAA to secure your spot in the program. 2 hours: Teaching Technical and Tactical Skills 2.5 hours: Strength and Conditioning: Designing Your Program MHSAA Coaches 1.5 hours: Preparing for Success
Advancement Program CAP 5 6 Hours Value Added Benefits 2 hours: Healthy Living 2 hours: Controlling Emotions in Pressure Situations INSURANCE: Liability insurance coverage in the 2 hours: Resolving Conflicts in Athletics amount of $1 million per occurrence. This protection extends to coaches’ performance of duties for the CAP 6 6 Hours school team during the interscholastic season. The coverage is good for the year that the coach success- 6 hours: Current Issues & Topics in Educational Athletics fully completes the program and the following year. Coaches Advancement Program Certification NEWSLETTER: GamePlans is an electronic newsletter that is sent six times a year to coaches who CAP Beginning Certification = 12 hours have successfully completed six hours of the Coaches CAP Intermediate Certification = 18 hours Advancement Program. The GamePlans newsletter CAP Advanced Certification = 24 hours contains pertinent articles that will assist coaches in CAP Masters Certification = 30 hours their daily planning. GamePlans also publishes a CAP Masters Elite Certification = 36 hours record of all coaches who have been certified through the MHSAA Coaches Advancement Program. Certification would occur after the first 12 hours with subsequent incre- STATE BOARD – CONTINUING EDUCATION ments of 6 hours for a total of 36 hours available. Additional units could UNITS: State Board-Continuing Education Units (SB- be written and received after the first 36 hours have been completed. CEUs) are available to coaches and can be used for the renewal of selected certificates issued by the NOTE: A coach who has completed Level 1 of the former “PACE” pro- Michigan Department of Education. Coaches who gram may advance to Level 2 in CAP. A coach who has completed Level complete a six-hour session are eligible to receive a .6 1 and 2 from the PACE program may advance to Level 3 in CAP. SB-CEU.
For the most updated CAP Schedule consult mhsaa.com Click on “Coaches” from the left-hand nav bar
2 Feedback Forum
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS igible athletes, professionals in high “R” IS FOR RIVALS ... AND RESPECT Too often as officials we are subject school sports, crowd misbehaviors and It goes without saying that the athlet- to games and venues which are subjects unruly fans, we – the Michigan high ic rivalry between our two schools is very of discussion among fellow officials when school athletic administrators of today – competitive, regardless of the sport, and conversation turns to bad games, bad must deal with our own set of challenges I'm sure you'll agree, one that results in crowds and bad administrators, leading from win-at-all-costs to national champi- great pride when one defeats the other. us to wonder why we do what we do. I onships; from coast-to-coast competi- As you are probably aware, the hockey would like to share with you, a contest tions to over-indulgent parents. In so rivalry between our two schools hasn't which affirms that the bad games are the doing, we must not let these challenges always been one based in mutual exception and not the rule. This season overshadow the positives that are high respect and sportsmanship. we were scheduled to officiate a boys school sports. The reason I would like to pay a com- varsity game between Dearborn Divine When an opportunity presents itself, pliment to your team is because of the Child, and Pontiac Notre Dame Prep. The do the right thing. Stand up for your pro- tremendous level of class, sportsman- day before the game, my partners and I gram, stand up for yourself and stand up ship and mutual respect your team received a phone call from the host for those that have preceded us. Whether showed to our team after our recent school, Dearborn Divine Child, informing at a freshmen basketball game or a state game in the Regionals. While the Devils us the game time was 7:30 p.m. and it championship contest; seize the teach- were understandably disappointed, most was also parents’ night, and we might be able moment and make sure you do not – if not all – went out of their way after the starting our game late, but they would do let one get past you. game to wish us well. everything to keep it as close to starting History does teach us that high This was happening not only as the time as possible. Upon arriving at the school athletics, in any decade, is some- teams were preparing to leave the Allen facility we were greeted warmly at the thing to be nurtured and developed but Park arena, but when we got back home door, and were informed we would be we must be vigilant in seeing that the les- as well. I don't know all of the kids’ starting at approximately 8 p.m. The AD, sons we are teaching are the correct names, but young men such as Louis Tony DeMare, greeted us with a hand- ones. As we look back on high school Morin and Robert Zubke represented shake, and a smile, and kept us updated sports in Michigan, it is interesting to see your school and community in a very as to when we needed to take the floor. I the groundwork that our predecessors commendable fashion. I was told that would like to commend Mr. DeMare and have cultivated for us. Rob stepped on to our bus to wish our the entire staff for there kindness and The introduction to the MHSAA team good luck, an act our kids were care above and beyond any expecta- Yearbook in 1930 stated: “While we com- very impressed with. Once arriving back tions. This is a great example of how all monly look upon athletics as predomi- at Trenton, Rob and a couple other play- schools should treat their officials. It is nately physical, we are coming to realize ers approached me, as well as our team the little extra that brings out the best in as never before that their greatest and as we unloaded the bus and again, con- all of us. most lasting values are spiritual. Greater gratulated us and wished us well. On behalf of myself and my partners perfection in playing the game is always I sincerely hope that by now that you Greg Kozub, and Robert Allen II, we to be sought after, but all of this is the can appreciate how impressed I was with would like to thank the entire Divine Child stalk which nourishes the real flower of the Grosse Ile kids, and I commented to staff for a job well done. the real process – fine sportsmanship. the Riverview kids that I hope that they Where this is not true athletic activities would have acted the same way had the — David Robitaille do not justify themselves. They cannot result been different. United Federation of Officials be neutral in building manhood and wom- The example the young men of the GI anhood; they must inevitably contribute hockey team set that night in not winning BACK TO THE FUTURE either good or evil in the building of char- the game will be my favorite memory of I was pleased to see that in a recent acter. “ that night. That example starts at the top, article in the MHSAA Bulletin, Executive What the MHSAA has been empha- and I give Coach Skip Howey and his Director Jack Roberts is looking to the sizing for 20 years now was true back in staff all of the credit for this. While I know past to help provide us with answers for 1930. We, as athletic administrators in for a fact he would love nothing more the future. Jack has always been the the state of Michigan, must re-dedicate than to beat us every single time we play, strongest advocate of what is positive ourselves, our coaches and our commu- he is also a sportsman, a gentleman, and about high school athletics here in nities to doing it the right way. Let's all has a great respect for the game. His Michigan and across the nation. I believe nourish that flower of “fine sportsman- players reflect those traits. we all can agree that our state leads the ship” in all of our programs. way when it comes to keeping sports and — Brian Betke life in balance. Our aim has always been — Dave Price, CMAA Riverview Assistant Hockey Coach true and in-line with the best practices of Director of Athletics in a letter to Grosse Ile the past. Wyoming Rogers High School Athletic Director Jim Okler Being a former history teacher, I feel we can all look to the past for some direc- Please submit your views and opinions to: [email protected]. tion for the future. Just as the administra- The MHSAA welcomes viewpoints from member school personnel and contest officials. tors of the Depression era dealt with inel- We thank you for your readership.
3 A Nice Job Nicely Done From the Editor t’s dinner time, but you’re not eating. It’s Saturday and your They are meeting kids from friends are golfing as a threesome. It’s January, 20-below, bigger homes, smaller homes, Iand the only other vehicle on the road is the salt truck as different incomes, different reli- you head to the school. There are so many other things you gions and different races. Better, could be doing. they become dependent upon Instead, you’re being educated on benefits of revamping them. Best, they welcome one your offense around somebody’s 5-2 outside hitter/daughter another in each other’s homes. who was, after all, the best player on her middle school team. Know what they’re not doing Town population – 72, not including livestock. with their free time? Your integrity is being challenged from someone with a per- They’re not straining the belt fect view of the plate from the first baseline, urging you to call of this country’s growing waist- them both ways. Top of the first, leadoff hitter, 2-2 count. line of obesity in youth. They’re You’re turning on the lights in a natatorium at 5:30 a.m. not running from authority, but because that’s the only time available for the JV swim team. running to it. They’re not develop- There is more steam from your breath than from the pool water. ing prejudices and opinions from Not one of you – in your few quiet moments – haven’t won- a glut of contrived reality shows. dered to yourself, “Why?” And, their form of competition is Here’s why. not relegated to video games, If you didn’t, 304,568 high school sports participants across which have morphed from the state in 2005-06 would have had to fill their idle hours some Astroids and Ms. Pacman to a other way. If recent trends hold, that number figures to be high- cesspool of graphic, violent er by the end of this school year. “games” glorifying war and street That’s a lot of impressionable minds with a lot of time. One crime. can only speculate what they’d do without you, but we know Before taking too much credit, however, realize the distinct what they’re doing with you, even if they don’t realize it. advantage you have over other influences in the lives of these They are discovering the benefits of physical activity, exer- students: they want to be with you. School curriculums call for a cise and proper diet to maximize performance. Just as impor- balance in their classwork. Not everyone likes math; not every- tant, they might be exposed to the perils of eating disorders and one likes English. Certain chores need to be done at home. It’s substance abuse. not a lot of fun mowing the yard or washing the dishes. However, Many are introduced to authority for the first time, held to they choose to be with you. They choose to run, to cheer, to play rules and regulations. Moreover, they come to realize what soci- baseball or volleyball. Coaches get a captive audience with ety would be without it. which to share knowledge at a most impressionable age. Some work hard and become the best in the state; others And officials, there aren’t too many other sectors in today’s work harder just to make the team. They find out their letter jack- dwindling job market where one can always find work. You, too, ets are the same. are in demand because of these students. True, you are giving They consider the gym a home away from home, and time to them, but have you ever thought of it in reverse? That the embrace the team as a second family. For some, it might be the students are giving their time to you? closest thing to a home and family they’ve known. It’s a nice job, this coaching and officiating business. Thank you all for doing it so nicely.
MENTOR is published three times per year by the Michigan High School Athletic Association, Inc., 1661 Ramblewood Drive, East Lansing, MI 48823 (Phone 517-332-5046). Edited by Rob Kaminski. MENTOR welcomes contributions of articles, information or pho- tos which focus on coaching and officiating in Michigan. Send them to [email protected], or the above address.
4 Health & Safety Allergies and Asthma in the Athlete appily, we're entering spring, expect- letes who have allergies to more sinister objects (i.e. bees, wasps, ing warmer weather, sunnier skies certain foods) can have life-threatening anaphylactic reactions. Hand getting outdoors. The indoor Anaphylactic symptoms can include lip swelling, sensations the gyms start to empty as more athletes and fit- throat closing, and inability to breath. They can also include severe ness enthusiasts take their activities into eye swelling, hives and earlobe swelling. This is a medical emer- the fresh air. Exercising outdoors is great gency. Immediate medical attention is warranted. If available, low- for most, but it can be problematic for flow oxygen is helpful. Epipens are also used in this instance. An athletes who have seasonal allergies or Epipen is an auto-injector that administers epinephrine-and epi- asthma. At the very least, allergies nephrine is the definitive emergency treatment for severe allergic and asthma can limit the athlete's per- reactions. If athletes have a history of such reactions or a history of formance. At its worst, it can be life- severe allergic reactions to items, it is imperative that they are pre- threatening. pared. Athletes should alert their coach or trainer to their allergies and be sure they are prepared for this type of emergency. ALLERGIES Allergy symptoms can be mild and include ASTHMA nasal stuffiness, clear runny nose, sneezing, Approximately 17 million adults and 5 million children in the cough, tearing, eye redness, itchiness of the United States have asthma. Asthma is a pulmonary disorder char- roof of the mouth. These symptoms occur acterized by chronic inflammation of the airways leading to after exposure to specific allergens. In the bronchial hyper-reactivity. Episodic symptoms of airflow obstruc- spring, the most common allergens are tree tion: cough, wheeze, chest tightness, or shortness of breath are and grass pollen. Exposure to the allergens hallmarks for asthma. Sometimes the athlete presents with “wind- causes a reaction in the body which releases edness” greater than expected or greater than teammates. a chemical called histamine. The histamine is Symptoms can be very subtle. Formal pulmonary testing is avail- what causes the symptoms noted above. able to assess severity of asthma and to diagnose subtle cases of Symptoms can occur immediately after expo- asthma. sure or up to several hours after exposure. There are several possible triggers for asthma. These triggers include allergens (pollen, mold, ozone), exercise and cold air. The athlete may have occasional asthma symptoms that occur only while they're ill with a cold or bronchitis. Athletes who have asth- ma should either practice indoors on bad weather days or use a mask. Athletes who have exercise-induced asthma may benefit from a longer warm-up, longer cool-down, and aggressive hydra- tion. Athletes who have asthma absolutely should be monitoring their lung capacity regularly. This is done with peak flow meters There are several types of medications used for seasonal aller- usually given by their physicians. Decreases in lung capacity can gies: anti-histamine tablets (sedating and non-sedating), and be subtle. Peak flow meters help to identify when the athlete's nasal sprays. Benadryl, Zyrtec, Contac are common antihista- capacity is waning. Changes in their medication regime can be mines. These minimize the body's reactions to the released hista- made to allow them to breathe easier. mines. They can be used prior to the expected exposure or after- Medications commonly used in asthmatic athletes are inhaled ward. These medications are effective and have been used for a B2-agonists (albuterol, Ventolin, Proventil, Serevent), inhaled corti- number of years, but can cause sedating side effects (drowsiness). costeroids (Pulmicort, Azmacort), combination inhalers (Advair), If athletes are using these medications, they should use them cau- and anti-leukotrienes (Singulair, Accolate). The only inhaler that is tiously because of the sedating effects, especially if the athlete is helpful in the acute setting is the short-acting B2-agonists: i.e. trying them for the first time. The non-sedating antihistamines albuterol, Ventolin, Proventil. The others types are not “rescue include Claritin, Alavert, and Allegra. These are dosed either once inhalers.” or twice daily and offer moderate-to-good relief of symptoms with Ongoing discussions with their clinician are imperative. minimal-to-no sedation. “Rescue inhalers” are too often overused. If the athlete requires Nasal sprays have shown to be very helpful with allergy symp- them more than twice a week, it's time to consider a different toms and are preferred by many clinicians. There are two types of regime. We used to worry about kids becoming addicted to the nasal sprays: corticosteroid nasal sprays (Flonase, Rhinocort, inhalers. However, keeping asthma under excellent control is nec- Nasacort), and mast-cell stabilizers (Nasacrom). The nasal sprays essary to limit permanent changes that can develop in the lungs. are most effective if used daily and if started prior to the allergy Over a lifetime, asthma flare-ups take its toll on the lungs' architec- season. It takes 3-10 days of regular use to achieve maximum ture and their ability to function properly. benefit. So, initially, a combination therapy of a nasal spray and an Certainly, asthma can be life-threatening. If you have an ath- antihistamine tablet are commonly recommended. As the effect of lete who is in respiratory distress, get them immediate medical the nasal spray takes hold, the use of the antihistamine is weaned. attention. Athletes who have allergies should be monitored for proper hydration (sufficient fluid intake). Increased body fluid loss occurs, — Nancy White, M.D., Henry Ford Center for Athletic Medicine and some of the medications may alter fluid losses and natural body cooling mechanisms. For further information on this article or for priority appointments for These seasonal allergy symptoms are more of a nuisance to sports injuries please contact Henry Ford Center for Athletic the athletes, and rarely cause severe problems. In contrast, ath- Medicine at 313-972-4216.
5 ISYS Update Threats to Educational Athletics or the last two years, our staff at letes for out-of-school teams; the attitude the Institute for the Study of Youth that it is more acceptable to specialize FSports (ISYS) has been conduct- held by younger coaches; pressure to ing numerous focus group interviews with keep up with athletes who specialize; and many of the key stakeholders in Michigan a lack of understanding of the value of high school sports. With the help of the cross-training. In terms of ramifications of MHSAA we interviewed student-athletes, specialization, the following were cited: coaches, athletic directors, parents of ath- problems getting enough athletes to form letes and principals. Our purpose in con- teams in all sports, athletes missing prac- ducting these interviews was to identify tices because of simultaneous sport com- critical issues and challenges encoun- mitments, and having athletes recruited tered in school sports programs. Believing out of other sports to focus on one. in the many benefits of educational athlet- Inappropriate attitudes and expec- ics (many of which are being verified in tations. Many of the thoughts comprising current youth development research) we this category focused on attitudes deemed wanted to identify concerns. For example, inappropriate, but according to the Daniel Gould, Ph.D. some have argued that youth sports are respondents were those that characterize Professor and Director becoming more professionalized with a many young scholastic athletes today. greater emphasis on winning, scholar- Institute for the Study of Youth Sports These themes included such things as a ships, sports specialization, and declining Michigan State University lack of appreciation for the opportunity to sportsmanship. We wanted to see if this participate, selfishness and a sense of was the case. If so, we can work with the sure to succeed placed on entitlement, and the notion that one's rival MHSAA to meet these challenges and athletes, and coaches pres- competitor is an enemy. ensure that scholastic sports benefits out- sures to perform at prac- Unhealthy parental involvement. weigh any costs. tice. One of the most frequently discussed top- Single-sport and early ics was parental issues. A wide range of sport specialization. sub-themes made up this overall catego- Voices from the Field Respondents from all ry; some focused on inappropriate involve- five stakeholder groups ment (trying to coach their child when WHAT WE FOUND identified single-sport untrained as a coach) and failing to under- Increased pressure and expec- and early sports spe- stand one's role as a sport parent, while tations placed on student athletes. cialization as a major others focused on unrealistic expectations Those interviewed frequently talked issue. They felt placed on athletes and an emphasis about the pressure placed on student there was increas- placed on earning college athletic scholar- athletes today; pressure not only to ing pressure to spe- ships (even in cases when the child did perform well and win, but also to cialize in one sport, not have the requisite talent). produce academically. Some of the to specialize early Overemphasized outcome and respondents felt that the pressure on and that this pres- focus on winning. This category students is much greater today than sure can come included sentiments that par- in previous generations. Other senti- from parents, ents and coaches overem- ments identified within this overall coaches and the phasize winning. In addition, a category included academic expec- players them- shift towards an extrinsic motivation tations comprised of such issues selves. Most orientation was noted, with sub- as pressure to maintain a high interesting themes centered around an GPA and score well on were the increased focus on extrinsic rewards achievement tests, parental explana- such as focusing on college scholar- pressure placed on athletes, tions ships or notoriety that can come from parents' unrealistic expectations of offered athletic success and the effects extrinsic their child's athletic talent, pressure for specialization, rewards can have on an educational ath- caused by athletes having to adhere which included: the letics focus. to higher standards of conduct, demand placed on Financial problems. All five partici- people looking to penalize ath- coaches to win; pant groups mentioned financial issues as letes more often than general coaches of both being a concern for high school sports. students, the impact of pressures school and non- These themes all centered around high placed on athletes (e.g., 'losing school sports school sport funding issues and the prob- one's passion for the sport'), pres- recruiting ath- lems inadequate funding can cause. The
6 sub-themes included: a lack of funds for strongly believing in the value will have to come from the local school programs; need for fundraising; problems of scholastic sports, respon- level. A good place to start is to empha- caused by inadequate funding; issues sur- dents from the various size parent and coaches education by rounding pay-for-play programs; and stakeholder groups clearly discussing the issues identified in this arti- increased financial burden for parents of indicated their concerns cle to help form relevant and meaningful high school athletes. It was also about an overemphasis on policies and programs. Many of the effects interesting that several groups results and outcomes, that spawn from a professionalized focus mentioned the need for fundrais- increased pressure and in youth sport subtly creep into programs. ing and how this necessity expectations placed on Therefore, to maintain a personal and reduces the time a coach has young athletes, single program-wide educational perspective it is to work with his or her play- and early sports spe- important to have your program philoso- ers and spend with one's cialization, parental phy well-thought out and repeatedly family. issues characterized emphasized (versus merely having it writ- Substance abuse. by over involvement ten down somewhere, but seldom reading Four of the five partici- and poor sportsman- or conveying your perspective to program pant groups men- ship, and inappropriate stakeholders; or waiting for a problem to tioned substance abuse as an attitudes on the part of occur before reacting). At the ISYS we will issue facing high school athletes participants, all fac- also do our part. We are currently develop- today. Many of the sub-themes tors that work ing a high school sport parent education reported alcohol, recreational drug against the program, have a study on sports special- and tobacco use as issues that face educational ization in progress and are assisting the young athletes. Potential causes of sub- athletics MHSAA in developing the curriculum for stance abuse identified by some of the model. their Captain's Leadership Training focus groups included parental tolerance The Conferences. of alcohol use and peer pressure to drink. biggest Finally, many forces are leading to the implica- professionalization of youth sports (e.g., PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS tion com- high school national team rankings, the So, what do these findings mean? It ing from these success of athletes who started are early has been suggested that sport for children findings is that ages like Tiger Woods and the Williams and youth is becoming more professional- we need to do sisters, greater availability of year-round ized, characterized by a focus on compet- everything possi- sport opportunities and private coaching). itive outcomes and winning, with less ble to combat the profes- However, just because our society emphasis on educational and develop- sionalization of high emphasizes a professionalized focus, mental gains that come from the experi- school sports. While adopting this approach is not necessarily ence. In addition, the professionalized some change can be carried out by the in the best interest of young people. As model focuses on intense training, single MHSAA's policies and the programs this Jack Roberts often says, it is imperative and early sport specialization, and year- organization develops (e.g., sportsman- that we all work to keep educational ath- round training. Results from our study lend ship efforts, Coaching Advancement letics educational. support to these observations. While still Program), the changes of greatest impact
Pressures to balance athletics and academics; the No. 1 syndrome; pay-for-play, and national championships and related travel all threaten to take the air out of school sports, according to study groups.
7 Scope of School Sports Inaugural SCOPE Award Presented to Four
o help promote the proper per- “The biggest challenge school sports spective for educational athlet- faces in maintaining its different niche Tics, the Michigan High School from all other levels of athletics by all Athletic Association has teamed with other sponsors is maintaining a sane AT&T to create an awards program scope – realizing that these programs which acknowledges the efforts to are here to educate students,” said John schools to maintain student-centered, E. “Jack” Roberts, executive director of educationally focused sports programs. the MHSAA. “Schools which promote Four schools were selected for the the proper perspective will find success 2006-07 school year to receive the in all respects – including between the 2007 SCOPE Award Recipients SCOPE Award, and were presented lines. We’re proud of the schools which $2,500 checks from AT&T to be used in have been selected to receive this year’s the continued promotion of an educa- SCOPE Award.” tional attitude for their programs in cere- AT&T is also the sponsor of the monies at halftime of the MHSAA Class MHSAA’s new Student Advisory D Boys Basketball Final on March 24. Council, a 16-member group which Visual Image Photography pro- Visual Image Photography Visual Image Photography Visual Image Photography Alpena, Richland Gull Lake, vides feedback on issues impacting edu- Grandville Calvin Christian and cational athletics from a student’s per- Caseville were selected as the inaugural spective, and is also involved in the recipients of the SCOPE Award in their operation of MHSAA championship respective classes (A-B-C-D). All events and other programming. schools entering the program were Operating globally under the AT&T required to submit an essay describing brand, AT&T companies are recognized Alpena how they would use the $2,500 to further as the leading worldwide providers of IP- the promotion of a proper perspective for based communications services to busi- school sports; a series of essays from an ness and as leading U.S. providers of athletic administrator, student, school high speed DSL Internet, local and long faculty member and community member distance voice, and directory publishing about how the school’s perspective on and advertising services. Additional educational athletics affects the school information about AT&T Inc., and AT&T and community; and any materials the products and services is available at school has used to promote its perspec- www.att.com. tive on athletics.
Caseville Dan Ferguson
Grandville Calvin Christian
Captains Clinics Draw More Than 1,000 More than 1,000 student-athletes from 90 schools participated in day-long Captains Clinics held this year with the Kensington Valley Conference, Catholic High School League, Jack Pine Conference, Southwestern Athletic Conference, Cascade Conference, and Macomb Area Conference (pictured above). Facilitators from Michigan State University's Institute for the Study of Youth Sports, and athletic directors from member schools presented a variety of topics pertinent to both current team captains and aspiring leaders. Plans are in place to expand the Captains Clinic Series in 2007-2008. MHSAA staff contacts for these events are Andi Osters and Andy Frushour. Richland Gull Lake
8 Scope of School Sports What Should Our Programs Look Like and Who Can Make That Happen? hink for a moment about what you And students, what do they say? The There is no silver bullet, no single solu- would like the sports program of number one reason they play, the number tion to deliver these six features to an inter- Tyour school to look like, feel like one result they want, is “fun.” They partici- scholastic athletic program; but I will step and represent. What words come to mind? pate to have fun, to be with friends. And out on a limb and suggest the one variable When these questions have been note this: while they recognize that winning with the best chance to do the most good in asked, in study after study and in all kinds is more fun than losing, kids always put fun bringing these features to an interscholas- of settings, there have been some common before winning. They would rather play on a tic athletic program, no matter how large or responses. See if they resonate with you. losing team than sit and watch on a winning small and regardless of its location. Here are the most popularly used words team. I believe that the single most important when people describe what they want their But there is another word that must be link in the educational process of school interscholastic athletic program to look and mentioned. It's not the most popularly cited sports is the coach. I believe that just as the feel like. word for any one constituent group, but it is teacher is most important to the learning One word is “safe.” Moms most fre- the most popularly cited word for all of process in the academic classroom, so is quently use this word. They don't want their these groups combined. That word, that the coach the most important ingredient in child harmed playing sports. They want it concept, is “fair.” the interscholastic athletic program. safe. The students want a fair chance to I believe great teachers educate, great Another words is “competitive.” That's make the team and to play in the contests. teachers inspire learning, regardless of the what dads cite most frequently. They want Parents want this for their children as well. bells and whistles. If you put a great their kid to be competitive, and they want And students, parents and administrators teacher in a barren, broken-down setting, their kid's teams to be competitive as well. alike – and coaches – want a fair chance to great learning still occurs. Likewise for ath- From school administrators, two words win, a fair chance at success. They want a letic coaches. Athletic coaches can redeem are cited with almost the exact same fre- level playing field; what we call competitive the bad decisions that are sometimes quency. The words are “sportsmanlike” equity or balance. made, but bad coaches can ruin the best and “educational.” School administrators So what words do we have? Safe, decisions that school boards, administra- want the program to teach students, and competitive, sportsmanlike and educa- tors and parents ever make. they want those lessons to be the ones they tional, fun and fair. How would that feel? I believe we need to invest in coaches: can't learn or can't learn as readily in the That's what most people want their first, last and always. There is no higher pri- academic classroom. Like teamwork and interscholastic athletic program to look and ority, and there is no greater potential for sacrifice. Like leadership, and most of all, feel like; that's what they want the program achieving that six-word vision for our inter- sportsmanship – playing by the rules, to represent. scholastic athletic programs. respecting opponents and officials. From three decades of work in athletic We need to have higher expectations at administration, and two of those decades hiring that candidates will aspire to that six- here in Michigan; from reading the research word vision. Sometimes the pool of candi- from such sources as the Institute for the dates is shallow. For them, and for all
Just as the teacher is most important to the learning process in the academic classroom, so is the coach the most important ingredient in the interscholastic athletic program.
Study of Youth Sports at Michigan State coaches really, we need to provide training: University which has assessed the atti- initially and ongoing. tudes of athletes, parents, coaches and Why would we not do this? Classroom administrators; from student surveys in teachers are required to have continuing Iowa and Minnesota; from listening, to education. Why not also coaches? Why not adults and especially to students; this is especially coaches? They work with large what I have heard and learned. And it numbers of boys and girls, in settings of appears to be what we all want. high emotion, sometimes with risk of injury, Championships would be nice, but they in front of crowds. Their pupils take their are a limited commodity available to few, no exams in public; we'd better help them matter how hard we try. But these six char- teach those pupils well. acteristics are even better than champi- onships, and they are not in limited supply; — John E. “Jack” Roberts they are available to all who will work for MHSAA Executive Director them.
9 MHSAA File Photo Student Spotlight 2006-07 Scholar-Athletes Honored n ceremonies at halftime of the 2007 MHSAA Boys Basketball Tournament Class C Final on March 24 at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, 32 students were honored as the 2006-07 recipients of the Association’s Scholar-Athlete IAward, sponsored by Farm Bureau Insurance. Following the game, the group enjoyed a reception with their families, friends and MHSAA staff in recognition of their achievement. All 32 honorees were in attendance for this year’s ceremony. In its 18th year of sponsoring the award, Farm Bureau Insurance gives a $1,000 college scholarship to these 32 indi- viduals, to be used at the college, university or trade school of their choice during the 2007-08 school year. Each of the 2,206 applicants for the award are presented with a certificate, and each of the 120 finalists received a commemorative medallion. 2007 BY THE NUMBERS: 1,253 of the 2,206 applicants (56.8%) were females. There were 902 Class A applicants from 150 Class A schools, 695 Class B applicants from 146 Class B schools, 447 Class C applicants from 127 Class C schools, and 162 Class D applicants from 70 Class D schools. The 120 finalists averaged 2.89 sports played, and 78 of the finalists participated in at least three sports. Applications for the 2008 Scholar-Athlete Award will be available on the MHSAA Web site in the fall. Jim Hastings Photography, Haslett
2006-07 Scholar-Athletes – Front Row (L to R): Allison Assaly, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Eastern; Hilary Beauchamp, Iron Mountain; Kerry Brennan, Dearborn; Alessa Cekauskas, Birmingham Seaholm; James Ciennik, Waterford Mott; Andrew Cuthbert, Dowagiac; Alexander Davenport, Grosse Pointe North; Adam DeWolf, Marshall. Second Row: Emily Feldhake, Cedarville; Aaron Fletcher, Walkerville; Riley Ford, Harbor Springs; Ben Halbower, Holton; Michael Harden, St. Johns; Alexandria Henry, Alma; Allyson Karaba, North Muskegon; Jeffrey Koelzer, Grand Rapids Northview. Third Row: Jessica Konal, Berkley; Tyler McCoy, Tawas Area; Spencer McFarland, Mackinaw City; Seth Meyer, Okemos; Nicole Naidoo, Brighton; Daniel Olsen, St. Ignace; Katelyn Preisel, Imlay City; Chelsey Quinlan, Plymouth. Fourth Row: Chelsea Read, Grand Ledge; Alexander Ralston, Fenton; Shane Sinda, Capac; Shaziah Singh, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern; Brenda Sisung, Fowler; Ashley Theobald, Kingsford; Jason Thompson, Ludington; Kayla Thompson, Marlette.
10 Coaches Corner STRETCH Your Team’s Performance
Q: When is the best time to stretch? A: It is best to stretch before and after practices and games. Stretching before activity allows the muscles and tissues to become pliable and increase range of motion giving the athlete the ability to perform at a higher level. Before competition it is important to stretch a half hour to an hour before game time. Questions? This allows for proper warm-up prior to other pregame activi- ties. After activities athletes should perform a lighter stretch as The most efficient method of communication with the compared to pre-activity to decrease soreness and tightness. MHSAA on eligibility questions is through the athletic Q: How long should it take for a team to stretch? director or principal. Athletic directors should gather all infor- mation necessary on a question and then call or write the A: Your team should take at least 10-15 minutes to stretch which MHSAA. Coaches or parents calling the MHSAA on eligibility gives enough time to target all the areas involved with the com- petition. Some stretches may take longer than others depend- matters can create confusion and delay. ADs or principals are ing on their size or the use of them during activity. For example encouraged to contact the MHSAA office directly. Please follow if you have track athletes you may concentrate more on the this efficient path of communication. lower half of the body compared to the upper half. Q: Is it better to warm up before or after stretching? A: To get the maximum benefit from stretching the muscle needs Cranbrook’s Johnson Elected to be warmed up close to competition level. Therefore, athletes should perform sub-maximal sustained activity for 5-10 minutes to National Federation Hall allowing for increased blood flow to the working muscles. An example for lacrosse would be to perform a jog while tossing Jim Johnson, prolific hockey player at Cranbrook HS in the ball back and forth. Bloomfield Hills from 1971-74, has been elected to the National Q: Which is better – static or dynamic stretching? Federation of State High School Associations Hall of Fame. A: To better answer that question you need to address what you Johnson, currently athletic director at Troy High School, scored are trying to accomplish. Static stretching by definition is a hold- 249 goals during his four-year (1971-74) ice hockey career at ing stretch for 20 to 30 seconds at a time and performed from Cranbrook High School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and his 3-5 reps each. Static stretching should be used to increase national record for career goals has stood the test of time for 33 range of motion (flexibility). This may be beneficial for athletes years. Amazingly, many of his goals were scored on Cranbrook's who are just starting a season or who may be hitting a growth outdoor ice rink. Johnson was an all-state selection four times and spurt. In comparison, dynamic stretching is stretching while a two-time high school all-American. He then played four years at moving (not bouncing) in directions of athletic movement. These stretches should be done about 10 reps on both sides Michigan State University. and held for 2-3 seconds each. Dynamic stretching is more of a Johnson will be inducted into the Hall on July 4 at the Desert functional warm-up, preparing the muscles prior to activity (i.e. Springs Marriott Hotel in Palm Desert, Calif. not isolating joints to address range of motion deficits). Q: At what age is it best to start stretch? A: There is no specific age at which it is best to start stretching; however, there are ages at which it would be more beneficial to Treetops Appreciation Weekend work of flexibility. Males and females should concentrate on increasing range of motion at times of increased growth espe- for Coaches and Officials cially during puberty. This is important timing because it is at these ages when they usually increase their ath- July 6-8, 2007 letic activities. As for the other end of the age spectrum, it is never too late to start. $55 – Tom Fazio “Premier” • Rick Smith “Signature” • Q: I've heard that the hurdlers' stretch is bad for your knee is that true? Trent Jones “Masterpiece” A: The short answer is yes. When the back leg is bent behind the athlete it is put- $40 – Rick Smith “Tradition” • Rick Smith “Threetops” ting a lot of stress on the knee joint liga- ments which could cause pain and Treetops will donate $3 to Officials for Kids Foundation injury. The better way to perform for every round of golf played! the stretch is to put the bent knee so that the foot is flat against the stretch leg Please call James Vanderveer (989-731-8614) to set up (left). This gives the all tee times. This is not restricted to only coaches and same hamstring stretch officials so bring a friend along with you (each tee time without the irritation to the knee joint. must have a least one coach or official of any sport).
ScoreCSA.com — John Brady ATC, NASM-PES Henry Ford Center for Athletic Medicine 11 Sportsmanship Winter Good Sports Are Winners! Award Recipients Tabbed
early 400 teams representing presented framed certificates from over 300 schools have been rec- MEEMIC Insurance. Those teams are also Nognized for displaying outstand- listed in the MHSAA Bulletin, the MHSAA ing sportsmanship during selected Finals program series, and on the MHSAA MHSAA Winter postseason tournament Web site. During the course of the school competitions through the Good Sports Are year, nearly 1,000 teams will be recognized Winners! Program. All will receive awards in 15 activities for their sportsmanship ranging from framed certificates to com- efforts during MHSAA tournaments.
memorative banners and crystal trophies At the Finals in those tournaments, Visual Image Photography from MEEMIC Insurance, the Association's schools judged to have met those stan- corporate partner in sportsmanship efforts. dards are presented a crystal trophy and The program is commemorative banner. The winter Finals conducted in team winners are: Utica Ford and Munising in sports, with schools Girls Competitive Cheer; Manchester in being evaluated by Team Wrestling; Battle Creek St. Philip in tournament manage- Girls Volleyball; Grosse Pointe South and ment at all sites. This East Kentwood in Boys Ice Hockey, and (Ice Hockey 1990), Grosse Pointe South winter, a total of 375 Stevensville Lakeshore in Boys (Baseball 2001) and Stevensville teams were selected Basketball. Lakeshore (Boys Soccer 1990) from 303 different Presentation dates at each winning each are receiving the honor schools in tourna- school will be announced at a future date. for a second time. ments conducted in Utica Ford, Munising, Girls Competitive Cheer, Team Wrestling, Manchester and Girls Volleyball, Boys Ice Hockey and Boys Battle Creek St. Basketball. At the District, Regional, Philip earned the Quarterfinal and Semifinal levels of Finals award for MHSAA tournaments, all schools which the first time in
meet a set of high sportsmanlike standards school history. Visual Image Photography may be recognized. Those schools will be East Kentwood
Manchester (above) and Battle Creek St. Philip were two of the Good Sports Are Winners! Award recipients for the MHSAA Finals this winter. The award encom- passes sportsmanship efforts of athletes, coaches, fans and administration.
Complete lists of the Good Sports Are Grace Through Pain Winners! Award recipi- ents can be found on n Friday, Jan. 5, the Clinton High School basketball team played Dundee in an Lenawee County Athletic the Recognition page of OAssociation contest at Dundee. Clinton lost the ball the MHSAA Web site. game, but one player won the hearts of fans, something that isn't really news in Clinton. The CHS junior has previously received the Evaluation/Report Good Sport Award in another sport and is known for always doing the right thing. Spencer Krauss academic all-state as a sophomore Forms for Tournament and winner of the Class C MHSAA championship in the discus, is Managers may also be a hard-working student-athlete (currently a 4.0 GPA). Krauss was found on the Good injured in the middle of the third quarter vs. Dundee, falling to the Sports Are Winners! floor with an opponent after tripping on the ball. After receiving Award page, as well as treatment from the trainer, Krauss used crutches to hobble back into the gym to watch the final minutes of the game. Following the the Administration page game, he took to the gym floor, crutches and all, to shake hands under Tournament and with the Dundee coaches and high-five all of their players. Event Management. According to his coach, he wasn't about to let a little thing like a sprained ankle deter him from doing the right thing. — The Clinton Local 12 Officially Speaking
Quick Whistles Online Registration in Progress Through June 1, the MHSAA is conducting an exclusive online registra- tion period for all officials. After June 1, applications will be accepted online, by mail, and on a walk-up basis in the MHSAA Office for the upcom- ing school year. The MHSAA Office also has a lobby kiosk available for online registrations. Online registrants receive a $5 discount off processing fees, regardless of when they submit their application. Online registration can be accessed by clicking Officials on the home page of the MHSAA Web site. More information about officials registration may be obtained by contacting the MHSAA at 517.332.5046 or [email protected]. Uyl Chosen for Pan Am Games Mark Uyl, MHSAA assistant director, has been selected to umpire baseball competition at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The baseball portion of the Games will begin on July 14 with pool play between the eight competing nations, and culminates with the gold medal game on July 19. Uyl was nominated by USA Baseball and the Amateur Baseball Umpires Association (ABUA). This is Uyl's first international assignment. “It is a tremendous honor and privilege to be selected to umpire the 2007 Pan American Games,” Uyl said. “It is a thrill to be representing the ABUA in this tournament, and I look forward to this opportunity of a life- time.” Uyl has umpired baseball at the collegiate level for the past 11 sea- sons, and currently works league games in the Big Ten, Big East and Mid- American conferences. Setting Up Camp Basketball officials looking to hone their games can do so at one or more of the following summer camps:
Michigan Collegiate Basketball Officiating Camp June 15-17 & June 22-24 Central Michigan University Contact: John Kirk - [email protected]
Capital Area Basketball Officials Camp June 15-16 Michigan State University Contact: Mike Conlin - [email protected]
Mike Smith’s Basketball Officiating Camp June 22-24 Oakland University Contact: Mike Smith - [email protected]
Tri-City Basketball Officials Camp July 27-29 Saginaw Valley State University Contact: Jim Eastman - [email protected]
13 Commentary Recruiting & Retaining Officials: 3 Big Ideas earning why people leave officiat- ence and stay than have a bad experience for officials and their local associations? ing is important to learning how to and leave officiating. Would that really be best for high school Lretain people in officiating. What would be the components of this sports in Michigan? In Michigan, we have been making a training? Two key features, primarily: (1) But none of these unresolved questions study of what causes officials to quit, and training for initial, early success; and (2) should undermine the first of the three big we're trying to act on that information. We mentoring for help through tough times. ideas, that training matters, in fact it matters studied the National Federation of State Rather than merely registering officials a lot, especially in the first through fifth High School Associations' survey in August and sending them out to fail, we would years of a person's officiating. of 2001, as well as the special conference equip them better at registration and The second big idea is this: schedul- report entitled “How to Get and Keep increase the likelihood of their success. ing matters. We can't expect a lot of peo- Officials” from the 2001 convention of the And we would establish mentoring pro- ple to be available for 3 p.m. games on National Association of Sports Officials. grams – through local officials associations weekdays. Contests must be scheduled And in 2004, we conducted our own survey – to help them through tough times. later, after officials' regular jobs are over. of “lost officials” over the previous five Training and mentoring for officials for years And we can't expect a lot of people to be years, 1998-99 through 2002-03. Here are one through five. That must be our focus. available for 12-hour weekend invitationals. some of the findings. There is a delicate balance. If we ask Competitions must be shorter, leaving offi- The National Federation survey cited too much or charge too much, we will dis- cials time for family. job/career demands as the No. 1 reason courage officials. However, if we ask too lit- As schools and organizations build people leave officiating. Poor sportsman- tle, we will devaluate officiating. schedules, they must think about being offi- ship by participants was No. 2; poor sports- The Ohio High School Athletic cial-friendly, as well as student-, coach- and manship by spectators was No. 3; time Association asked for much more from its spectator-friendly. Scheduling matters. It away from family was No. 4; and low game officials, a lengthy training program for all matters a lot, to a lot of our officials. fees was right behind. new registrants, and they've actually had Friendly scheduling (job-friendly and family- The National Federation survey also more officials, not fewer, register. friendly) encourages new officials to start revealed that the closer one is to his or her The only churches growing in the officiating and encourages veteran officials first registration, the more likely that person United States are the more evangelical; to stay with officiating. is to quit, and the more likely that person is and there are two features that are relevant Remember, conflicts with work and to cite poor sportsmanship as the cause for here: (1) the requirements for membership family are both among the top five reasons quitting. in these growing churches are greater than why we lose officials. The officials them- Our 2004 survey in Michigan returned for other churches; and (2) the members selves have told us so. two times the responses as the 2001 are active in inviting new recruits. The third big idea is this: sportsman- National Federation survey, but had very This tells us that reasonable require- ship matters. Even if we did nothing to similar findings. The No. 1 cause for offi- ments can serve as a magnet to attract offi- improve training and even if we did nothing cials to leave MHSAA registration? Career cials and a glue to hold officials; and one- to improve scheduling, we could make change or job demands. The No. 2 cause on-one recruiting is best. There is no suit- huge progress in recruiting and retaining was lack of sportsmanship by fans; the No. able substitute. officials if we improve sportsmanship, if we 3 cause was lack of sportsmanship by In Michigan, where registration has improve officials' “working conditions.” coaches. The No. 4 cause was low game been at record-high levels for several years, Both the National Federation survey in compensation, and the No. 5 cause was we do not feel that we yet require enough, 2001 and the MHSAA survey in 2004 cited time spent away from family. In our survey, and we are soon to require more – if not of sportsmanship issues as a force driving lack of sportsmanship by players was well all officials, at least of all MHSAA tourna- people out of officiating. down the list of causes. ment officials, including online video train- The No. 1 thing I can do in my job to We learned from more than 800 ing and rules testing. We think we can ask help officials and officiating has nothing to responses to this survey of the nearly 8,000 for more and not end up with fewer troops. do with officials and officiating directly. It officials who did not renew their registra- Another delicate balance involved with has everything to do with the conduct of all tions with the MHSAA in 1998-99 and the training is this: for years we've stressed the the others at contests, including players, four following years, that most were in their local officials association as the delivery coaches and especially spectators. second to fifth year of registration. After system, and we've devoted our resources Every effort to improve sportsmanship that, retention was much higher: if an offi- to training not the individual official but the is an effort to improve officiating and helps cial lasted five years, he or she was just as leaders, assignors and trainers of local offi- us with recruitment and retention of offi- likely to last 20. cials associations. cials. Every ad, brochure, DVD, PSA, PA The results of our survey were not iden- However, if we go online, directly to offi- announcement, Sportsmanship Summit, tical to the results of the National cials, do we undermine the local officials mini-grant and award has the potential to Federation survey, but so similar that we association and the train-the-trainer con- help us recruit and retain officials. must take notice, and must take action. cept? Do we weaken the local officials Nothing matters any more than this While there are some factors we can do association and that training program? And third big idea: sportsmanship. The MHSAA little about (for example, career changes), do we blur the legal line of officials as inde- membership must be more vigilant in the there are other factors that we can do a lot pendent contractors? enforcement of sportsmanship standards about, if we will, and if we have the will. These are important policy issues for and more vigorous in their educational Here are the three “big ideas” for increasing organizations like this to address. We know efforts. officiating ranks. more training is needed; we want it to be The first big idea is that training mat- better and more consistent; and that would — John E. “Jack” Roberts ters. If we can get officials started better, occur if we were more centralized in our MHSAA Executive Director they are more likely to have a good experi- training. However, would that really be best 14 Sports Seasons Case
– Continued from page 1 should not defend the current seasons and whining will not help. Imagination because they are not beneficial to boys and energy are what we need, now more • It means facilities won't be used as and girls, then the MHSAA would not than ever, to turn this disappointing day wisely and media attention to high have defended those seasons. Because into a brighter tomorrow than we believe school basketball will be spread more our constituents believe their seasons is possible right now for our kids and thinly. structure is much better than what the coaches. It means that school districts must District Court has ordered, the MHSAA Michigan schools, and especially immediately get to the tasks of voiding gave its best effort to defend those sea- their young women, may have lost their contracts for some coaches and recruit- sons; and we did so without any expendi- special seasons. That's bad. But it will be ing new coaches from a shallow pool of ture of time or money by schools, and worse if schools lose sight of their special candidates; voiding contracts for officials without any distraction from MHSAA mission that gave rise to those seasons and seeking replacements from an services to those schools. decisions: maximizing participation. already inadequate supply; rescheduling Ultimately, our efforts to preserve We will keep working, and we believe contests and practices, and then schools' seasons have been unsuccess- our colleagues in Michigan schools will reschedule the use by other school and ful. We have to apologize to schools, not do the same, to continue to realize that community groups around the new reali- for making the efforts, but for not making goal. ties. It is unfortunate at any time, much successful efforts. We are disappointed There are two lessons of high school less at a time of severe financial stress with the results; but we could not have sports that are relevant here: guts and for our state and its schools, that lived with ourselves if we were also dis- grace. In school sports you must have Michigan's most efficient, fair and proac- appointed with the effort. the guts – the courage and persistence – tive model for utilizing community It is extremely important now that our to play the full contest. When the going resources must be changed. schools remember who we are in gets tough, coaches ask their athletes to Many people have observed that the Michigan. We are the schools which make a “gut check.” A good high school MHSAA has maintained the strong sup- decided to maximize high school sports athlete doesn't quit before the contest is port of the schools throughout this case; participation; and we are the schools completed. And we did not quit either. and it's true that at every step, there has which, more than in any other state, have A second lesson of high school been almost unanimous support. In fact, accomplished that mission. We are sports is that you must accept the final briefs have been filed multiple times in eighth in the nation in high school age outcome with grace. Sometimes you win these proceedings by the state school population but fourth in the nation in girls when you deserve to lose, and some- boards and athletic directors associa- high school athletic participation, includ- times you lose when you deserve to win. tions. ing third in the nation in girls high school But in either case, accepting the result However, it is more accurate to volleyball and tennis participation. In gracefully is what we expect of our ath- observe that the MHSAA has been sup- every sport at issue in this case, our letes; and it is what we expect of our- porting the schools than to say the national rank in girls sports participation selves now. schools have been supporting the is sixth or better, not eighth or worse. I know you have questions now, and MHSAA. Schools made the sports sea- In a nearly bankrupt state, with many the answers require candor, and that will sons decisions, not the MHSAA. Schools nearly bankrupt school districts, and not always sound positive. But it is my set the seasons for their local regular declining enrollment in rural towns and desire that we approach our future with season play; and when enough schools urban centers, in spite of this, Michigan optimism, with the hope and even the sponsored the sport, then the MHSAA schools have amazed everybody and expectation that Michigan will continue to sponsored a tournament in that sport; continued to maximize participation. represent the best of what school sports and placed the tournament logically at So the challenge now – and it's a has to offer in America: pure, whole- the conclusion of the season that had huge one – is to do in Michigan what no some, local, amateur, educational athlet- already been used for regular season other state has done: to avoid decreasing ics, the family brand of sports in a world competition sponsored by local schools. participation in the wake of seasons where sports is too often out of perspec- In this case, the MHSAA has been changes. Some states saw double-digit tive and out of control. No state has been defending schools' decisions, not percentage drops in girls and boys bas- in hotter pursuit of the highest ideals of MHSAA mandates. Every portion of our ketball participation and girls volleyball school sports than this great and won- constituency has favored the current sea- participation following the change of sea- derful state in which I serve, and that will sons: athletes, their parents, coaches, sons. We must do better. continue. administrators, school boards, officials Michigan schools must continue to My personal passion for this is not and the sports media. avoid easy choices, including plans con- diminished; and if you had been with me Many times I have met with athletes, venient for adults. We must continue to as I addressed the team captains today especially female athletes, and I have seek out and implement creative plans or had the opportunity I did for private said to them: “If you tell me you believe that will maximize participation for stu- conversation a week ago with this year's the seasons should be switched, then to dents. MHSAA scholar-athletes, I think you the limits of my authority, I will advocate The goal that has guided this associ- would share my optimistic view of our for that change.” The students did not ation of schools like no other in America future. These kids, who give their very ask; and therefore, I did not advocate has been maximizing participation. It best, deserve our very best attitudes and what they did not want. must be our continuing passion. efforts, now more than ever. If ever our constituents had said we The job just got harder. But blaming Visit mhsaa.com for the Revised 2007-08 Quick Reference Calendar 15 PLANNER Spring Sport Dates Visit mhsaa.com for Pairings and Ticket Information First First Days Opt-Out Ratings MHSAA TOURNAMENT DATES Practice Contest or Due Due SPORT Date Date Contests Date Date Districts Regionals Quarters Semis Finals
Baseball Mar 12 Mar 12 56 G+D May 9 May 25 May 29, Jun 9 Jun 12 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 1 or 2
Golf - LP Girls Mar 12 Mar 15 16D May 9 May 17 or 18 Jun 1-2 or 19 or 21
Golf - UP Boys & Girls Mar 12 Mar 12 16D May 18 Jun 1
Lacrosse - Mar 12 Mar 23 18C May 2 May 25 May 17 - Jun 2 Jun 6 Jun 9 Boys & Girls
Soccer - Girls Mar 12 Mar 19 18C May 9 May 25 May 29 - Jun 2 Jun 5-9 Jun 13 Jun 16
Softball Mar 12 Mar 12 56 G+D May 9 May 25 May 29, Jun 9 Jun 12 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 1 or 2
Tennis - LP Boys Mar 12 Mar 12 16D May 9 May 17 or 18 Jun 1-2
Tennis - UP Boys Mar 12 Mar 12 16D May 18 May 31
Track & Field Mar 12 Mar 12 18D May 14-15 May 18-19 Jun 2
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