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I used to be hard on the IHSA. I really did. But then one morning I woke up and started to look at the IHSA in the same light that I look at the CTA, Chicago Public Schools and ComEd. No matter what they do, they'll never be doing enough in the eyes of some people.
But I think the pass I've given the IHSA is coming to an end. It's time for the IHSA to get someone on their executive staff with a soccer background.
After reading the latest release from the IHSA http://www.ihsa.org/activity/sob/2007-08/07-08%20SO%20state%20assoc%20adoptions.pdf, I'm suggesting that coaches need to start using Chris Tucker's line from Rush Hour: "Do you understand the words that are coming out of my mouth?"
Seriously, coaches have complained about three state finals games in less than 24 hours in the past to playing state playoff games on cracker jack fields also known as human pinball. But IHSA executives always point to the fact that its membership decides.
What does that mean? It means even more clueless administrators (when it comes to soccer) are voting on the future of the sport in Illinois.
Let's be honest here folks - it's really hard to understand any game unless you played it or are around it on a consistent basis. Boys soccer is different from girls soccer, and soccer in general is different from other sports.
So I hoped you enjoyed reading this latest IHSA press release telling us that players can wear hats when it's cold (remember to mind your color coding). Hey, you can even wear tape - but make sure the colors match. And most of all make sure you keep track of all yellow and red cards.
I love that one. Sportsmanship is important and should be promoted. But maybe I should start keeping track of basketball coaches who put a hack in the game to foul on purpose when they are down by 20 with 10 seconds to play. Better yet, how about I keep track this fall each time a lineman is called for holding.
Let me keep track of that. And how about I do this, too - I'll keep track of the number of soccer officials who cash their checks quicker than they move on the field and are out of place when they give a yellow card.
Hey IHSA, here's a card - better yet, here's two. And they're red, but not because I love you.
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I am still laughing after reading this. But it's so true.
I argee! great column. The IHSA administration has had its head up its @@@ for the past five years or so. They do not really know anything about the goings on of ANY sport. (or at least they don't do what they should!)