More thoughts on situation with JC athlete (04/11/06)

To the editor:

I am writing in regard to the letter that appeared in your publication on March 30, 2006 written by Kathy and Russell Clark. I have been an IHSAA official for the past 30 years and have broadcast high school for over 20 years. Through these years I have had the privilege to work with a multitude of coaches, athletic directors and administrators.

I read this letter in disbelief that a high school student athlete was forced to choose between high school softball and club volleyball based on the dictate of a coach of one sport, alone. I am sure that every coach would prefer that every athlete only concentrate and participate in their sport. However, high school athletics are not about the coach or his selfish desire, they are about the student athlete and allowing them the opportunity to participate in every activity that they have the interest and ability as long as there is no impact to the grades of the student athlete.

Not only is participation in a secondary activity not prohibited by the IHSAA, such participation is encouraged. The IHSAA creed states “...Let the Players, Play, Let the Coaches, Coach...” It says let the coaches, coach, not let the coaches dictate.

It would be my understanding that this student athlete has not violated any of the written athletic policy of the Jay School Corporation. Therefore, any reasons that the girls softball coach has given for not allowing the participation in any other activity are not material and truly have no bearing except for giving him an undue sense of power.

The coach would have probably been far better served had he told the student athlete that in his opinion, he did not think she would be able to do both. Human nature does not allow us to be told that we cannot be allowed to do something based on one individual’s opinion alone. Most times we find ourselves excelling and meeting the challenge of being told we can not do something, especially a competitive student athlete. Thus, the coach may have been able to enhance the performance of this student had he taken this tactic. As it is, the coach has discouraged this student athlete.

Consistency is important throughout life and we all seek what is just. Should this student athlete be prohibited in participating in an additional secondary activity, then the same must apply for every other student, athlete or not, in the Jay School Corporation. How would that affect athletics and other extracurricular activities in the Jay School Corporation? One does not want to imagine.

But more importantly, how would this policy affect the students of the Jay School Corporation? It would be devastating and have lifelong ramifications. No, this would not be just and no one would want this. However, if this policy is being imposed in some sports, then this is the policy that must be established for the entire Jay School Corporation.

I totally agree that the athletic director, school administrators and school board members should support the decisions made by the coaches they have employed. Except when they are totally wrong. This decision is wrong and an error has been made.

The coach should not be allowed to make this type of decision.

This error can easily be corrected and must be corrected or the ramifications previously discussed must be employed and these only have devastating consequences.

Education in school and athletics are about the students, that is the first priority and must be the first thought in every decision. This is still America and our rights to freedom of choice are still in place. The idea of making a student athlete make this type of choice and not allow them to participate in an activity of their choosing is nothing but wrong and without hesitation must be corrected by those in the power to make this right.

Sincerely,

James W. Byrd

Winchester[[In-content Ad]]