From Deseret News archives:
UHSAA must get tough on transfers
A recent decision by the Louisiana High School Athletics Association gives new meaning to the idea of enforcement when it comes to undue influence and the recruiting of high school athletes. Its transfer rules are similar to Utah's, but its investigation, enforcement and sanctions appear to be as different as the teeth of a tiger shark from those of a golden retriever.
An Aug. 30 story in USA Today reported that LHSAA stripped Bastrop High of its 4A football title for recruiting at least five players from Port Sulphur, a school severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
It also ruled two players, who still attend Bastrop, ineligible to participate in any athletics for the remainder of the year. The LHSAA said it took the action it did because they found an assistant coach, who had previously coached at Port Sulphur, physically transported the players to Bastrop.
Many criticized the LHSAA for the decision, including two state legislators, especially the punishment imposed on the two high school students. In fact, the school is appealing the decision to the LHSAA's executive committee. The LHSAA also imposed a $14,000 fine, sanctioned the assistant coach, who isn't allowed to participate in games, and put the school on one-year probation.
Wow. What big teeth you have, LHSAA! And not afraid to use them. No title. No sports and $14,000! These people mean business, even in the wake of hurricanes that left millions without a home or a school!
I don't know all of the details, so I can't weigh in on whether it was a just decision. I do believe, however, that the fact they're willing to impose such huge penalties will likely deter recruiting. If it doesn't, the fact that they ruled the athletes ineligible will probably cause parents and players to think twice about an enticing invitation.
I bring up this far-away example to illustrate a point that many deal with daily here in Utah. Recruiting and improper transfers are real problems that do damage to prep athletes, first and foremost. Solving these problems will require creativity, courage and serious commitment to enforce the state's rules or to re-write them in a way that will protect prep sports.
I recently complained if the Utah High School Activities Association didn't create an enforcement arm, our rules are largely ceremonial. Currently the UHSAA relies on reports from the public that must be backed up with proof that the claims are more than gossip or rumor. Players, parents and even principals are too afraid of retaliation to investigate or offer proof of these types of activities, and so the majority of violations go unpunished.
If the UHSAA doesn't have the ability to independently investigate allegations and then impose meaningful sanctions, regardless of what the rules are, Utah will remain a dog with an awfully loud bark but very little bite.
E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com
