Saturday, April 28, 2001
OHSAA may lift summer coaching restrictions
By Dave Schutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Restrictions on contact between high school athletes and coaches during the summer could be lifted in the next two school years.
The Board of Control, the governing arm of the Ohio High School Athletic Association, has canvassed member schools to get a sense of direction to take on the controversial issue.
“We're one of three or four state associations that has regulations during the summer,” said Dale Creamer, vice president of the Board of Control.
“Over the years, I've often said that maybe we should soften our stance and get out of the rules business during the summer. Each school will get one vote on the issue.”
The question posed to the principals asked: Do you fa vor doing away with regulations on coaches and athletes from June 1 through July 31?
Coaches are permitted only 10 days of contact with athletes during this 61-day period in sports such as baseball, football, basketball, baseball, wrestling and soccer.
The Enquirer surveyed six principals, and all were against lifting the regulations.
“I plan to vote no,” Loveland principal Chuck LaFata said. “It would put year-round pressure on the coaches to remain competitive. It's the nature of the beast to play year-round, but in a lot of ways, that's a shame. We don't have as many three-sport athletes any more.”
Norwood principal David Griffel also opposes the proposed change.
“If it was opened up, it would be that much more competitive, and coaches could become more restrictive with the athletes,” Griffel said.
“This could mean not allowing athletes to miss prac tices or take vacations with the family. They could also tell them they can only play for (that coach). It would be just another step toward year-round sports.”
Larry Hook, a former football, baseball and basketball coach before taking over as Milford's principal, is also opposed.
“The athletes need time with their families,” Hook said. “This could also become a money thing, with coaches insisting the athletes attend camps. I can see abuse at the end of this.”
Although the OHSAA is often criticized by state coaches associations for the restriction, Creamer, principal at Brookville, has a feeling the rule will stand.
“We started talking with the (OHSAA) staff, and they didn't think the schools want the restrictions removed,” Creamer said. “This is a way to find out what the feelings are on the matter.”
If the response comes back in favor of lifting the restrictions, action could be taken before the summer of 2002.
Due to specialized coaching needed for swimming, golf, tennis and gymnastics, there are no restrictions during the summer on those athletes.
The second question on the survey deals with adding a second preseason football scrimmage.
“When the football coaches asked for expansion of the playoffs, they said they were willing to give up something,” Creamer said. “One scrimmage was eliminated, and now they want it back.”
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OHSAA may lift summer coaching restrictions
