OT - OSAA gone too PC?

[CMHCoachNRef]

Originally Posted by Tim C

So let me get this straight: The Oregon School Activities Association has generated rules that require schools to model Good Sportsmanship and you are against that.

The OSAA is just following the general philosophy the NFHS that feels that a sporting event is an extension of the classroom and a learning experience for players, coaches, officials and fans.

My, what a terrible thing.

Let the college crowds model what ever they want. High school sports has a totally different direction (intended result) than college or professional sports.

If attendance is down because of this (and there is no data to prove it is or is not) then perhaps it is the correct people that are staying away. I have enjoyed football and basketball games more this year than anytime in the past 10 years.

Tim Christensen

Secretary
Oregon Athletic Officals Association
State Baseball Umpire Committee

Publication Committee Member
National Federation of State High Schools
High School Today

Tim,
First question: When you go to games, do you go as an observer or as a fan?

Whether you want to admit is or not, the OSAA has taken things further than the NFHS Rules indicate.

I have played sports since the early 1960s, coached sports since the mid 1970s and first officiated in the late 80s. I have been an Athletic Director, Athletic Board President, League Commissioner, Referee Assignor, Referee Mentor, Referee Assessor, Club Director, etc. during the past 20+ years. I think that I have always taught my players to play the right way including utilizing good sportsmanship at all times.

My personal opinion is that the OSAA has gone too far with some of these regulations. You have the right to disagree with my view, just as I have the right to disagree with yours. For gosh sakes, if kids can't have some fun at the games they are likely to find something else to do. I know, I know, kids can have fun by just cheering their own team. I am sure that is your opinion. That is fine. I just happen to disagree.

We have some very clever "Student Sections" in Central Ohio. Yes, they do the basic "Air Ball", etc. But, they also come up with some very interesting cheers as well. "You can't do that", "fundamentals", and many other catchy cheers do not cause harm to the game or the team in my opinion (don't officials actually tell the players "they can't do that" when they commit a foul or "fundamentally, you cannot take four steps while holding the ball"?).

There are some aspects of these rules that may make sense. But, I just think that some of them have gone too far.

As the distinguished Bob Jenkins accurately stated:

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Like all "moral" judgments, no matter where the line is drawn, some will say it's too severe and some will complain it's too lax.