Testing

[CoachT]

Have we run out of things to say?

[VolunteerGeneral]

I think we`ve finally taught everyone that there should be no split.

[PHargis]

Interesting article that has been running in the Memphis Commercial Appeal for a few days and only brings up questions about comments to the media by TSSAA head concerning, and this may be taken out of text, no imminent compromise on athletically finding a way to consolidate all Divisions in High School Sports. No explanation means again no debate. Explanations here are partison and since it can be done, maybe some reporter should go see how someone who is doing it, did it and the results. Maybe two or three reporters from all over the State.

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Text size: A A AAAA rejects plan for separate Arkansas high school playoffs

By Noah Trister, Associated Press

Originally published 05:15 p.m., August 4, 2009

Updated 05:15 p.m., August 4, 2009

 

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LITTLE ROCK — The Arkansas Activities Association rejected a proposal Tuesday that could have created separate state playoffs for private schools.

 

In recent years, Arkansas schools have grappled with ways to handle private schools’ perceived advantages on the playing field. This year, the Berryville and Harrison districts proposed that schools where varsity athletes can receive need-based financial aid compete for separate championships.

 

The measure needed two-thirds’ approval to pass, but fell short of even a simple majority. The final vote was 114-93.

 

“The biggest barrier we have is the relationships nonpublic schools and public schools have administratively and athletically,” said Greg Jones, the dean of students at Shiloh Christian high school. “The burden’s on us as nonpublic schools to seek those relationships and foster good relationships.”

 

The AAA did vote overwhelmingly to limit transfer eligibility at private schools.

 

Studies have shown that private schools have higher sports participation rates. Also, they generally draw students from a wider area than public schools.

 

Arkansas private schools with enrollments of at least 80 are currently forced to play one class higher than their enrollments would dictate. In the past, the state has used a multiplier when calculating private school enrollments for sports classification.

 

“We had them play up a division, and that didn’t work,” Berryville Superintendent Randy Byrd said. “We tried a multiplier, and that didn’t work. We tried a higher multiplier and that didn’t work.”

 

Pulaski Academy football coach Kevin Kelley, who led his private school to a state championship last year, says he’s hopeful the public-private dispute will calm down.

 

“I think things are getting better,” Kelley said. “I think there will always be a little bit of a battle and I don’t think there’s any way around that. Hopefully we’ll always step back and go, ‘What is best for the overall state and the kids that play sports?’”

 

 

As was reported, and likely is more true than not if I read it right and anyone can interpret it how they want, the real problem seems to be adminsitrative in nature. Is that the problem here or is it just an Arkansas isolated problem? A statement quoted in the Jackson Tennesse Sun quoted the head of TSSAA but evidently no astute reporter got the story as to why. Afraid of newspaper sales or not having enough expertise on the subject at the news conference. Not like newspaper people to get the story on something that doesn't have a simple majority even in a neighboring state. Likely no interest.