Year-round coaching plan denied

A proposal that would have allowed high school coaches to coach

school teams in outside leagues before and after their season of

sport, was soundly defeated Thursday at the CIF Southern Section

Council meeting at The Grand meeting center.

The council, comprised mostly of representatives from the

section’s 79 leagues, expressed concerns that the proposed change,

introduced by Duarte High, would increase pressure on athletes to

compete year-round in one sport, limiting opportunities to play

multiple sports. Concerns were also raised about pressure the

proposal would place on prep coaches, many of whom are involved in

more than one sport, to commit to year-round instruction. Liability

issues were also discussed.

In other council news:

* The Marmonte League introduced a proposal that would allow

teams to play football games a week before the current date for the

first contest, then take a bye week at any point during the season.

The move, contrary to the current system, which requires teams who

play an “early” game to take their bye the next week, would help

avert scheduling difficulties encountered by schools in leagues with

an odd number of members.

Teams that opt to play a week early, however, would forfeit the

ability to compete in a preseason scrimmage.

The measure will be voted upon at the next council meeting,

scheduled Jan. 23.

* Jim Staunton, the section commissioner, announced a $75

processing fee will be required for hardship eligibility appeals and

appellants will also be required to fill out a request form that

identifies the specific rule they wish to challenge. Fees will be

refunded to those who win their appeals.

* Staunton also said the inflatable clapping devices being used

at Anaheim Angels games are considered noisemakers and, thus, banned

by rule from use at Southern Section contests.

-- by Barry Faulkner