The fact remains that an imbalance exists!
For the 4th consecutive year, the OHSAA has proposed a new competitive balance referendum to be voted on by 825 high school principals in May 2014 because
they recognize an imbalance exists. The commissioner said it is the best and fairest proposal they have had yet, aimed at leveling the playing field between public and private schools. Who knows if it will work but it implies they know a change is needed.
If passed, the new proposal -- which is similar to the 2013 proposal that was narrowly rejected by 19 votes -- will require schools to submit to the OHSAA their team rosters of student-athletes in grades 9 through 12 and to further provide more information about each student. Students in public schools will be subject to modifying factors if their parents do not reside in the district or the student has not been continuously enrolled in the district since seventh grade, and students in private schools will be subject to the same modifying factors if they did not attend that school’s designated “feeder†school(s) continuously since seventh grade or have not been continuously enrolled in the same system of education. If approved, it is anticipated the proposal will become effective for the 2016-17 school year.
After reading all of these posts, I still do not understand why some people do not see the disparity and the need for change! Its not all private schools but a few bad apples spoil the lot. First of all, what would race have to do with it? No one said or implied that Africentric had an unfair advantage because they are black kids, but rather that they are all top-notch athletes hand-picked and recruited from all around a large metropolitan area going on to play D1 college ball. Has nothing to do with race and I give no props to someone so small-minded who resorts to race-baiting to distract from the real issue. OHSAA gets it...that's why they are trying to fix it....!
ushoot2Ishoot3 wrote:Theres no debate, Private system is better and will always have a better selection of players is one school, you cannot have 5-10 college level players in one public school consistently, Private schools actively attract that. Since this is a Peebles Forum their team is a good example of many of the past posts. Why would a top notch student athletes parents want to move their kid to Peebles? No jobs, high welfare, Drugs just like the city and a lackluster education system? Send them to Private school!!!!
1. Private system is better and will always have a better selection of players (Correct, they are not limited to a geographic area… so logically they have a greater chance of assembling top-caliber athletes when the selection pool is so much larger; a distinct advantage thus proving your point)
Private schools operate similarly to colleges: charge tuition, offer scholarships, limiting enrollment and selection and recruiting top athletes. OHSAA has had to bird-dog some of these schools because of their unethical behavior in trying to load their programs to gain undue advantage. It is an epidemic in non-public schools hence the need for the new competitive balance.
2. Private schools actively attract 5-10 college level players in one school where public schools do not
(Correct, public schools do not seek to attract or recruit athletes to move to their school, its high school not college, you play with the kids you went to school with since Kindergarten, that ride your bus, and live in your town.)
3. So WHY would a top notch athlete want to move their kids to Peebles after all its a $hithole you say? (Therein lies the problem…public schools do not actively seek out top notch athletes to "move" in or "transfer" in to their school, that’s what private schools do....no sir, you play with what you got!!!! That's the point!!!
Let’s face it there are four non-public high school teams comprised of college level players in the final four who could probably beat most NAIA college teams. Imagine how much money OHSAA has lost this year due to the empty seats.
Lastly, the elitist undertone of some posters regarding the work ethic of private school athletes being stronger than public school athletes goes right to the very heart of the problem. Public school kids have the same heart, dedication, desire and work ethic; just not the same advantages and they are no less deserving than those who pay for their education.
We could assemble all the best athletes across the district and take a loaded team all the way, but what is the fun in that?
Maybe its our downfall here in SE Ohio but we have School Pride and Loyalty, Tradition (2nd & 3rd generation players), not to mention the immense fan following and community support from not just your town but the whole county. Kids in SE Ohio arent going to move away from their school to go to a private school just so they can win a state title. Its about playing on a team with your classmates and friends like your parents and grandparents did, rather than individual recognition and personal accolades. Time to level the playing field!! Tell your principals to vote!!
Tonight will be an instance where having a split session will not result in more money being made. If the D4 regional final with these teams was played along with either of the games tomorrow, there would be more people watching it and they would at least sell more concessions.
