I hope this ruling will be reviewed as it seems to have been made in haste and not well thought out. Safeguards for the student should be put in place so that over zealous schools and coaches do not put students at a disadvantage. Good athletes should be allowed to play as many sports as they choose too. Neither CIF nor the Schools should be allowed to put obstacles in the student’s way because of their own selfishness.

I was at a meeting where this topic was discussed last night also. We were told that many of the inner city schools wanted this change because their kids cannot afford to play on Club teams.

This ruling will really kill the small schools. It will take away some of their facilities because they have to use other schools fields, gyms and pools - and these facilities will now be used year round. It will also force much more specialization from the athletes. You will see fewer 2 sport athletes and probably no 3 sport athletes. I heard one prediction that this will ruling will be challenged and probably overturned next year.

Chkyslf,

I sat in a meeting where a basketball coach in Pasadena asked a question to his AD about this very subject and the AD told the coach, "This is your program you can do whatever you want to do". In that meeting was also the principal and vice principal of the school and the asst superintendent Mckenna. Not one of them contradicted the AD's statement therefore Annon should not expect any help from the administration or the PUSD. Scott keep an eye on this rule as I think this could be somewhat problematic for some programs. The shoe companies control AAU and also control the top 100 recruits so they are not going away, to much money to be made.

Anon I know what you’re speaking of. With the new rule a coach can force a student to choose which sport he is to play which puts a Fball player that also plays Bball at a disadvantage. With the new rule change there is no dead time and the basketball coach can say since you weren't in practice since September you can't play basketball. Or if you choose to go AAU in the spring and the coach does not like it he or she can make up somthing so you can't play for the school team. This rule change gives total control to the coach and if he or she is an insecure person or a control freak you’re going to have problems. Going to the administration in PUSD means nothing, they allow coaches plenty of latitude so appealing is a waste of breath. CIF is losing the battle against travel ball so this rule change is to try and counter act AAU. But giving total autonomy to the school without checks and balances is not the answer. I hear another rule change is on its way, 1 transfer by any student to any school at anytime without sitting out. Hang in there Anon and remember if you are the cream you will rises to the top.

Chkyrslf: We're definitely going to watch how things develop with the new rule change once it takes effect.

Anon,

Are you a student?

Do you already play travel ball?

Where do you play high school ball?

Baseball or softball?

Have you spoken to an administrator about it?

I am interested in finding these things out because it sounds wrong and should be challenged.

Scott, maybe you should consider furthering this story.

If you play 2 sports or go on vacation other than the times the coach specifies you've dug yourself a hole it's almost impossible to get out of. Going to our AD is worthless because the coach denies what was said and then benches you for another reason which always ends up being " He was beaten out of his position by another player". Sounds ridiculous but it's reality at my school.

If a coach told you that you can not play travel ball because of the new rule, I would take it to an administrator of the school.

Scott,

Thanks for the coverage of the second Prep / Poly game the article was excellent.

Freedom of Speech! Just by writing those words the majority of you believe I'm a poster that has no respect for anybodys feelings or rants other than my own. Well I hate to disappoint you but I do care about personal attacks etc. but I put them in perspective. People write viscious things for the simple reason that can't get their point across because they lack the tools to do so. A lot of the attacks come from individuals who have never played the sport, were cut by a coach or have nothing better but to stir the pot. I read posts about coaches, players, & schools etc. on the blogs @ PSN and have to admit most people make ignorant statements because they know not what they speak of. I could rant & rave about coaches for example but if your not involved in the program I am it's hard for you to take into serious consideration my problems with a particular coach or program. For example my coach has made it perfectly clear that since the CIF rule change there will be no playing on travel teams. I have read the blogs on the rule change and can only say if you're a coach you love the change or if you're a player in my position transferring to another school is the only option! Sorry about my RANT!!!!!

Today's game's being covered.

Was there a story on yesterday's Poly / Prep game? I didn't see anything in the paper this morning and cannot find anything on-line. I thought these games were going to be covered?

Fed Up,

It can be condidered important to make sense when you try to make a point.

either let the blogs go free flow and eliminated offenseive comments or give it up your blog is 10% of Fred's

I'll vouch that chkyrslf is a big supporter of softball.

Chkyrslf;

Thanks. Both of my daughters played softball and I was a softball coach. I also coached LL at Live Oak for one season and coached two seasons of Pony baseball in TC a few years ago. My intention was not to attack softball, it was simply the comparison of posts between football, baseball, & softball. I guess I was utilizing the scientific method in looking at ALL of the posts for the last 2 years.

And by the way, a stand-up guy does not admit he is a classie guy.

Thanks to all of the BLOGGERS for supporting the original DAWWGER since Nov. 2006.

I'll be looking out for your posts on softball Chkyrslf.

GO LAKERS!!

DAWWGER

Dawwger,

Everybody knows that I am a staunch supporter of softball, so I try to drive it home when people question the sport or its popularity. And when I swing I usually take a pretty big cut, but it isusually in jest and hopefully people can keep it in perspective.

I am impressed, however, that you have so many people willing to get your back, you must be a stand up guy. But if you take a shot at softball I will DAWWG ya.

PS - I will do my research and give you a shot at my football top 10.

Chkyrslf;

Thanks for clearing that up. Sometimes, people read into the BLOGS a little too much. I know when some bloggers write out of anger and when they're being funny. Being on the BLOG for nearly 2 years, no one has ever directed such comment. It's cool.

So are you going to predict the top 10 teams for this coming season on the football post???

GO LAKERS !!!!

DAWWGER

Actually Tom S, what I said was, "What does S stand for SIMPLE? (not simply)"

I was responding to you telling me to "take more meds"

Dawwger - I am a big fan of the comedy thing as well, and when I put my response to your theory of football blog dominance I tried to be pointed and funny. I noticed that you did not respond to the comment but others did with misquotes by me. It was not meant to be personal.

Scott,

I also think you should keep it as it is and I will try and put funny with informative over anything else, but that usually only happens when I don't take my meds.

Plus I think that the softball blogs have become a lot more informative this year and a lot less combative with your new policies.

That is great. It should be a very exciting finish in the Prep league this year. Possibly a 3-way tie for first.

I understand your frustration. The Prep League is not ignored. We've tried to cover all the top games and have had a couple posponed on us. We'll be doing Poly and Flintridge Prep this week.

SG

I see your predecessor Fred J has a Spring Ball football teaser up.

As far as the RHL, I am wondering about La Canada, SP and SM in particular..since not much has been said regarding those teams outlook for 08.
In fact, I am even curious to hear how Backus sees the upcoming season...

There is serious sweat being seen in the weight room.... and in the long haul that will pay off...win or lose

I like the Blog comments - sometimes it really adds to the stories.
I would also like to see more coverage of the Prep League (obviously because my daughter plays in the Prep League). I realize that these are smaller schools and so they have fewer athletes that can play at the same level as some of the public schools, but there are definitely a handful of girls who could play Varsity for any of the teams covered by the Pasadena Star News. I do see a game or two occasionally covered, but for the most part the Prep league is ignored.

With 3 of the Prep league schools in Pasadena, 1 in Arcadia and 1 in La Canada there are definitely plenty of parents and kids who read the newspaper that would appreciate this coverage.

I agree - keep it respectful. I appreciate intelligent conversations (but I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed person!) The breaking news and insights are valuable for the fans. Humor is always appreciated on the blog, but vicious attacks are not.

Keep as is. I only request that some bloggers utilize respect amongst each other. As a realist, I post my opinion and at no time do I diminish any blogger by in direct contrast. I respond out of humor, not personally. I know where not to cross the line.

DAWWGER

Go easy on the Cupcakes - like the old beer commercial said "don't fruit the beer and no baking on game day. Man law.

Before the Tussle it heated up some...always does..as tradition and rivalry tend to spike up the emotion.

The blog kind of policed itself during fball last year...but there was alot of self to self bizarre conversations going on - question and answer games originating from the same individual. The new formatting hopefully will knock back some of that this season.
Spring practice is around the corner.

Actually, for the most part, football was fine. I think we'll keep football. :)

Scott,
Maybe just eliminate the football and softball blogs, all the others seem fine.
Just kidding!

Freddy, I'd hardly call you a cupcake.

What's so funny about Scott's comment is that when I was in Pasadena, everyone said we had a tame blog compared to the Trib, they were calling me "Cupcake Freddy." Anyway, I thought we had a lot fun.

OK Tom, that seemed to be some good natured jabbing between you and chk. By the way, you've done alright as well when it comes to posting.
Now, at the same time is it OK if people come out here and badger and belittle people all the time and resort to name calling?
This is, as you know, a blog about high school kids, IE: not adults. These are the same kids that we are subject to phone calls and letters if we mention a name on a big play that doesn't go the team's way.

At least on this blog, it's been sort of calm over here so things really haven't gotten out of hand. And, unless things get out of hand, comments will stick. I'm not here to be a babysitter and I've said that since Day 1.
But let's face it. Some coaches have been ripped on here and commenters have tried to poke fun upon other players. Is that fair game? Or is it just part of the new game.

Hey Scott:
Here’s my take on this.
First off you had some big shoes to fill with taking over for Freddy who was well liked on here but you’ve done all right. You need to keep things open and pretty much unrestricted unless someone goes after an individual athlete. If you can’t take the heat stay out of the kitchen. Just recently chkyrslf ripped me after a comment I made to the comments she or he made to Dawger
“Tom S,
Wow, you are not very smart. What does the S stand for, simply?
You are the nutball if you are taking me too seriously.
Chkyrslf”
I thought about replying to this but thought I’d be the better man and leave it alone.
Of course you need to keep profanity in check and a direct personal attack or threat but other than that let comments remain free.
Just my two cents.
Tom S