As the high school seasons loom on the near horizon, some flashing thoughts across the brain that’s nearly fried from the heat.

MSHSAA’s new regulations permitting coaches to work individually with players all year long has many implications. Some questions come to mind, ...
…does a player need time away from his coach ?
…will it become a fight between the coaches to see which sport a talented athlete chooses to “work” in ? It’ll be a type of recruiting within the school—coach vs coach !
…will this drive more women and men from coaching ? Meaning, the coaches that don’t want to or can’t commit many off season hours to a sport may “chuck” it since they feel that the playing field is no longer level ?
…what’s next ? spring football ? fall baseball ?
…how much will this modify the expectation level of the student-athlete regarding scholarships ?
…is this a measure for the large schools only ? Since small schools have the same person often coaching multiple sports seasons, it will be impossible for them to do this off- season work with athletes.
…what role do the parents have in these workouts ?
…remember, MSHSAA doesn’t make the rules. The high schools of the state of Missouri introduce, vote and promote these rules. Who was the impetus for these changes ?

If the weather doesn’t change dramatically, it will be very interesting to see which coaches can adapt to weather, yet prepare their teams for the football season.

Keep your eyes on Parkway South’s athletics. There has been a real shuffling of the coaches there. How much will it affect the play?

Ursuline Acadmy will unveil their new sports facility this fall. The opening volleyball game will be against rival, Notre Dame High School.

What do you think ? I’d love to read your thoughts, email us back your ideas in a sentence or two.

july 26, 2005