UIL shoots down lacrosse proposal

[shrekjr]

The University Interscholastic League's policy committee unanimously rejected a proposal Wednesday to make lacrosse a varsity sport.

http://www.statesman.com/sports/content ... rosse.html


And a better article in anticipation from the day before...

UIL likely to 'wait and see' on officially endorsing lacrosse

http://www.statesman.com/sports/content ... osse_.html

[Brent Burns]

Shrekjr, thanks for posting the links to the articles about UIL rejecting a proposal to sanction lacrosse as a varsity sport in TX. That's not surprising, but like someone said in the article that it is a good step because that got the UIL to talk about this.

[Karl Lynch]

Why would anyone ask the UIL for sanctioning if the THSLL was not involved in the petition process? How does that make sense?

[shrekjr]

Why would anyone ask the UIL for sanctioning if the THSLL was not involved in the petition process? How does that make sense?

This could be debated for eternity without resolve and I can take either side. On one hand, it seems perfectly logical to include the current organizing body in the process. On the other hand, THSLL would have to remain completely separate from UIL, no different than the current soccer or volleyball leagues that operate independently today. One is the school league, the other is the after school (and probably more successful) club league. Everything from administration to coaches to rules are different. However, both leagues are very successful in their own right and there is a certain pride in "playing for your school". That being said, other than to speak to the credibility of the sport as it currently exists, why would UIL need or want to hear from THSLL?

I do agree with the article and Brent that at least it is a step in the right direction. It's not important how many times they say no. What's important is that they say yes one time. The key is being organized enough to get them to say yes as soon as possible.

[Karl Lynch]

If being organized in front of the UIL is the goal, don't you need the input of the current de facto high school administration of the sport?

Every article that I read about states taking the sport to varsity status always find themselves in the same boat. Some want it in the beginning and the rest don't because they want to control the growth and their turf.

Lacrosse goes varsity for high schools when those currently in control (THSLL) capitulate. If the powers that be at the THSLL don't want varsity status or are unsure if they do or don't, then why present it at all to the UIL?

I disagree with Brent. I think that nothing tangible was started by this petition and the UIL proved my case for me by summarily dismissing the effort. The UIL will continue to reject the proposal as long as THSLL and those in control who don't want varsity status are on the sidelines.

Getting organized to me means building consensus within the lacrosse community that varsity status is the way to go. No current consensus exists. If the consensus existed, THSLL would be involved. And they are not.

[Sonny]

If you want "main-stream" credible/coverage and you want the support to grow the sport long term, you will want & need the sanctioning and the blessings of the governing body. The existing lacrosse supporters and infrastructure can only do so much.

You need to ultimately bend the ear of the athletic directors and football coaches that control H.S. athletics. Better to do that on the inside (rather then the outside looking in).

[shrekjr]

I will agree with that almost 100%! It can be done someday without THSLL/USL local support, but you are absolutely correct that it would be much better and faster with everyone's support. The big thing I keep hearing from detractors is they don't want to lose what they have now and see the quality of their players and teams diminished. On the contrary, look at the success of other club sports and how they have flourished once their sport was approved on the varsity level. At that point, the youth level grows because everyone has to get experience in order to be good enough to make the school team, and the high school aged club teams get better as the players have access to better facilities, more time to play etc., much like the private schools are able to do now. I just can't understand why the current group would not want to push their beloved plaything as a varsity sport, which is why I'm sure someone decided to take it upon themselves to proceed without those in charge. Sometimes, revolt and mutiny is a good thing in the long run.

[PigPen]

If you want "main-stream" credible/coverage and you want the support to grow the sport long term, you will want & need the sanctioning and the blessings of the governing body. The existing lacrosse supporters and infrastructure can only do so much.

this may be true-but then again with UIL rules-who the heck is going to coach these kids? I don't know very many lax coaches that are actually teachers, which UIL requires. The immediate impact would be interesting-coaching would suffer and teams would suffer.

Many teams now are hodge podge conglomerates of area players who's players either attend a high school with no team or in some circumstances play for a different team than their own school for one reason or another-a big UIL no no.

The good side-yes the championship and league would be more legitimate in terms of an even playing field, but the down sides include just some that I mentioned.

I agree with Karl-why bring it up now, if they are not ready or willing to go?

[shrekjr]

The coaching issue will always be a problem, but no different than when other sports are accepted into UIL competition. The schools are not going to hire lacrosse coaches before they have a need for them. Once lacrosse is accepted by the UIL, there will be a mad rush of lacrosse coaches to Texas, or finally the reason for some professionals who are burned out with their current careers to make the move to teaching full-time, much like many others are doing today. There are ways of getting in the classroom and getting certified later.