MIAA Rules

Re: MIAA Rules

If an A.D. is going to suspend a kid going to train with the NATIONAL TEAM... I say F#$% High School then... the kid's probably too good for that level anyways, and other than being with friends, High School is not worth it for him/her.

It's the US NATIONAL TEAM... isn't that what most/all elite level players dream of? How dare an adult authority figure penalize a teenager for an opportunity such as that!?!?!

Re: MIAA Rules

If an A.D. is going to suspend a kid going to train with the NATIONAL TEAM... I say F#$% High School then... the kid's probably too good for that level anyways, and other than being with friends, High School is not worth it for him/her.

It's the US NATIONAL TEAM... isn't that what most/all elite level players dream of? How dare an adult authority figure penalize a teenager for an opportunity such as that!?!?!

I think maybe you read too fast in this thread. Waivers ARE generally granted for NT participation. It's people saying it isn't fair that other kids don't get waivers for other things that results in the complaints.

P.S.Being with friends when they can is probably very important to the few kids that participate on the NT level and everyone knows playing for high school is a completely different experience.

Re: MIAA Rules

Is *olive*'s daughter now in the U17 National pool?

Yes

Susy's got a new nickname too??? It must be because she resembles Olive Oyl.




http://www.johnrozum.com/images/oliveoyl.jpg

Re: MIAA Rules

My son played HS varsity last season as a freshman while still playing U14 MAPLE. We discussed the "bona fide" rule with both coaches and had no problems. HS had occasional Sunday practices (light workout and blackboard session before Monday games) and they were all scheduled for late afternoon/evening (we have lights on our field) and we had enough time to make it back from our away MAPLE games. Club coach supported him and did not require him to attend every practice; his assistant was a HS coach himself and understood the rule very well, so there was no surprise. Our club practice location is over an hour travel for several kids and they scheduled late (again we have the luxury of lights) to let the traffic abate anyway, he was able to make nearly every club practice, although we were occasionally a little late. It worked out fine - the only problem was avoiding the temptation to "fast food" on the way back home! And it made my kid be VERY good about managing his time and homework (he's that kid in the back of study hall, head down, getting his work done and hurried home every day to study before practice(s). Made honor roll and had 0 days absent. We were even able to make it to 3 or 4 Revs games as well, although he does admit he did miss TV!

I don't mean to brag on him, just to point out that it can work out fine - I suggest that you discuss your situation, first with your kid and then with your coaches. If you have the right kid and a good club, it can work out fine - he never played better soccer (despite the fact that the two teams played very different styles, as you might imagine) and it was great for his fitness (probably averaged 10-12 hrs/week practice). As I said, it was a great time management lesson as well, which stood him in good steed all year. He had no problems with "overuse" injuries, but was sidelined from both teams for about a week (kicked in the thigh in a HS game).

You might want to look at getting one of those "car desks" (they have them in Staples catalog) salesepeople use, if you're going to do homework in the car while traveling or waiting for stuff to start - it makes it easier to keep the stuff organized and clean (he didn't do this much though, discovered that reading in motion made him queasy).

It may not work in your situation - one of his friends (also U14 but a different club) was offered a Varsity spot, but his club coach said that he would be cut from their first team if he played HS and they would keep him as a practice player only - but that was a good life lesson as well! They agonized over it, gave the kid his choice, and he picked Club.

Last bit of advice - read the actual rule in the MIAA bluebook, there are a lot of misunderstandings, as it was changed (as a result of litigation) a couple of years ago and the probhibitation of "two events" in a day was removed, the requirement is that the HS player fully participate in ALL team activities (and in only one HS sport per season). I think the intent (at least as rewritten) is to keep the unscrupulous from bringing in ringers only for "key" games (which, I think, is a legitimate scope of concern for the MIAA); the rule is an improvement over the old version.

Anyway, that's my two cents - good luck with your season!

You really thought doubling up was a good idea for your son?

Re: MIAA Rules

My son played HS varsity last season as a freshman while still playing U14 MAPLE.
<SNIP>
Anyway, that's my two cents - good luck with your season!

You really thought doubling up was a good idea for your son?

Yes we did - still do, and tried to describe some of the benefits we saw in terms of him keeping himself organized, time management, fitness, etc. That's why its such a long post. If his schoolwork had suffered, or he seemed to be getting worn down physically we would have forced him to make a choice, but it worked for him. Basically, he chose to "double up" on soccer and give up television, malling, and so forth. It was his choice, I'm glad he made it, I'm glad his coaches supported him, and I'm glad we allowed it.

I am also glad that the MIAA rules were changed so he could - the old language, which went into the number of events (games and practices) allowed would have prohibited it. The new wording seems to do a better job of requiring that HS be your priority, and that all HS players be legitimate team-members.

Re: MIAA Rules

My son played HS varsity last season as a freshman while still playing U14 MAPLE.
<SNIP>
Anyway, that's my two cents - good luck with your season!

You really thought doubling up was a good idea for your son?

Yes we did - still do, and tried to describe some of the benefits we saw in terms of him keeping himself organized, time management, fitness, etc. That's why its such a long post. If his schoolwork had suffered, or he seemed to be getting worn down physically we would have forced him to make a choice, but it worked for him. Basically, he chose to "double up" on soccer and give up television, malling, and so forth. It was his choice, I'm glad he made it, I'm glad his coaches supported him, and I'm glad we allowed it.

I am also glad that the MIAA rules were changed so he could - the old language, which went into the number of events (games and practices) allowed would have prohibited it. The new wording seems to do a better job of requiring that HS be your priority, and that all HS players be legitimate team-members.

Bravo to you and your son. You made an informed decision and knew the requirements of your decision and what need to be given up in order to do it. It may not be the same situation or choices for all, but as parents that is all we can do, give info, choices and consequences. If your child can handle that then great, if not...then at least you had all the info...Again Bravo to you!! =D> =D> =D>

Re: MIAA Rules

I can't wait until we have year-round Premier Club soccer. No more HS/MIAA nonsense.

Someday, when I have enough energy, I start a tread about why true elite players should look to play professionally abroad instead of going to college. Yes mom and dad, I said NO COLLEGE SOCCER for any 16/17/18 yr. old player who may be thinking about going NCAA DI.

...bring on the hate mail all you townies out there!

Re: MIAA Rules

College soccer for 16-18 year olds? Do you mean recruiting?

Re: MIAA Rules

No I mean forget about playing D1 college... go play professionally abroad... girls AND boys. College soccer is a waste, and if you're a good player it'll ruin any hopes and dreams you may have of playing pro. By the time you get out of school you're 21/22 and have played soccer at a high level for roughly 3-5 months of the year.

If you do make it to a pro club, you have to compete with similar aged players who may have been pro for 3-5 yrs. ... good luck to the Americans with their university diplomas... it won't get you a job playing soccer!

Re: MIAA Rules

My son played HS varsity last season as a freshman while still playing U14 MAPLE. We discussed the "bona fide" rule with both coaches and had no problems. HS had occasional Sunday practices (light workout and blackboard session before Monday games) and they were all scheduled for late afternoon/evening (we have lights on our field) and we had enough time to make it back from our away MAPLE games. Club coach supported him and did not require him to attend every practice; his assistant was a HS coach himself and understood the rule very well, so there was no surprise. Our club practice location is over an hour travel for several kids and they scheduled late (again we have the luxury of lights) to let the traffic abate anyway, he was able to make nearly every club practice, although we were occasionally a little late. It worked out fine - the only problem was avoiding the temptation to "fast food" on the way back home! And it made my kid be VERY good about managing his time and homework (he's that kid in the back of study hall, head down, getting his work done and hurried home every day to study before practice(s). Made honor roll and had 0 days absent. We were even able to make it to 3 or 4 Revs games as well, although he does admit he did miss TV!

I don't mean to brag on him, just to point out that it can work out fine - I suggest that you discuss your situation, first with your kid and then with your coaches. If you have the right kid and a good club, it can work out fine - he never played better soccer (despite the fact that the two teams played very different styles, as you might imagine) and it was great for his fitness (probably averaged 10-12 hrs/week practice). As I said, it was a great time management lesson as well, which stood him in good steed all year. He had no problems with "overuse" injuries, but was sidelined from both teams for about a week (kicked in the thigh in a HS game).

You might want to look at getting one of those "car desks" (they have them in Staples catalog) salesepeople use, if you're going to do homework in the car while traveling or waiting for stuff to start - it makes it easier to keep the stuff organized and clean (he didn't do this much though, discovered that reading in motion made him queasy).

It may not work in your situation - one of his friends (also U14 but a different club) was offered a Varsity spot, but his club coach said that he would be cut from their first team if he played HS and they would keep him as a practice player only - but that was a good life lesson as well! They agonized over it, gave the kid his choice, and he picked Club.

Last bit of advice - read the actual rule in the MIAA bluebook, there are a lot of misunderstandings, as it was changed (as a result of litigation) a couple of years ago and the probhibitation of "two events" in a day was removed, the requirement is that the HS player fully participate in ALL team activities (and in only one HS sport per season). I think the intent (at least as rewritten) is to keep the unscrupulous from bringing in ringers only for "key" games (which, I think, is a legitimate scope of concern for the MIAA); the rule is an improvement over the old version.

Anyway, that's my two cents - good luck with your season!

I think this is one of the most obscene posts I have ever read on this forum, and the beauty is that this guy I'm sure has absolutely no idea why it is so obscene. He is actually serious and posts this in good faith which makes it even more disturbing.

Thanks especially for the tip on the Staples 'travel desk,' but where's the advice for the 'queasiness'?

Freshman, club, varsity, long drives, honor rolls, perfect attendance, fast food, wildly divergent soccer styles from the two teams managed seamlessly, devoted Revs fan........priceless. Why don't we just skip those last 3 years of high school and enroll at the University of Michigan on a joint athletic and academic scholarship right now? Or is that beneath your aspirations? Or maybe you can catch a flight tomorrow and meet up with the national team for the next world cup qualifier in Chile but still be back by Saturday to get a perfect score on the SATs. Your town MUST have lighted fields for the SATs as well, correct?

And give yourself a pat on the back for managing to be so magnanimous in offering advice to the thousands out there like you suffering the same dilemmas while you are simultaneously so bursting with pride. Sorry about that little thigh bruise and shame on you for being a "little late" to the club practices. You can save time if you make all meals ahead of time (you can outsource that my friend) and use some new dream-incoding technology so that your child is actually doing his homework in the few hours you allow for sleep).

Re: MIAA Rules

I think this is one of the most obscene posts I have ever read on this forum, and the beauty is that this guy I'm sure has absolutely no idea why it is so obscene. He is actually serious and posts this in good faith which makes it even more disturbing.
<SNIP>

Ok, it's my $0.02, and you can keep the change. But I have to disagree with the people who told the original question to lie to his coaches - both because of what it teaches your kid, and because it isn't necessary... You can make this work, although you apparently will have to put up with opinions like the above. But my real advice is to be honest about what you want, ask for help, and go get it.

This is probably my last word on this subject, Good Luck all.

Re: MIAA Rules

I think this is one of the most obscene posts I have ever read on this forum, and the beauty is that this guy I'm sure has absolutely no idea why it is so obscene. He is actually serious and posts this in good faith which makes it even more disturbing.
<SNIP>

Ok, it's my $0.02, and you can keep the change. But I have to disagree with the people who told the original question to lie to his coaches - both because of what it teaches your kid, and because it isn't necessary... You can make this work, although you apparently will have to put up with opinions like the above. But my real advice is to be honest about what you want, ask for help, and go get it.

This is probably my last word on this subject, Good Luck all.

I posted the comment about not being honest with the HS coach, and yes I realize it is a very cynical view and also I struggle with the thought of the lessons my child is learning. However, the problem is that it's a black and white policy that doesn't fit all circumstances. There is no room for compromise or common sense. The poster who detailed his/her son's experience last year put some great info out there, and I believe that's how the process should work - everyone be forthright and honest. Look out for the best interests of the teams and the player and work it out like adults. Make the kid learn that life is about trade-offs, etc. Problem is that while in the situation posted everyone acted like ADULTS and worked it out (and the scheduling helped); that's not what happens everywhere. My son and some of his Freshmen friends had some serious issues with conflicts between JV and Freshman team events (Basketball, Baseball, Lacrosse) and club soccer. They were on a mediocre club team and the coach was reasonable about them missing, but most of the experiences with the HS coaches and adminstrators (at numerous High Schools) were not positive. There was no collaboration, no lets work it out, etc. The rule is the rule and I get that, but at my son's school the baskeball coach nor the AD knew the rule. So when my son went to them to talk about a soccer conflict they told him - you can't play for your club team and play basketball. We found the rule in the MIAA handbook, shared it with them, and then kept things quiet after that. I don't think he ever actually broke the rule, but we learned that honesty was not the best policy.

I can certainly understand how it's not fair for a kid to take a spot from someone else and then not show up or how it would really stink for a team to make it to the playoffs and have the star player opt for a tourney in Florida. In schools where there are big cuts, then the coach could/should make a rule about dual sports. At my son's HS there are few cuts so his missing one practice to go to a soccer tourney in Dec doesn't hurt anyone. If the coach wanted to have rule that you miss practice you get benched for some duration, then great - a perfect way to learn about tradeoffs. Instead the rule as written is black and white and pretty draconion - miss 25% of the season if you miss one practice for another sport. What's even more depressing is that it's okay to miss for a party (wedding, Bar Mitzvah) or a family vacation (Christmas, Feb Vaca and April Vaca are all during the MIAA seasons), but it's not okay to miss for a sport - per the MIAA. If the MIAA lets the coach/AD work out the policies for these kind of misses why can't they trust them to work it out for sports misses.

It's a power play in my opinion - the MIAA is trying to preserve the existing system. Why don't they focus on improving the quality of their product and let the coaches do their jobs. Their actions and hard-line approach are only going to serve to push more kids away from the HS experience as more and more options become available.

That's my 2 cents.

Re: MIAA Rules

"It's a power play in my opinion - the MIAA is trying to preserve the existing system. Why don't they focus on improving the quality of their product and let the coaches do their jobs. Their actions and hard-line approach are only going to serve to push more kids away from the HS experience as more and more options become available. "

You are absolutelt right! The MIAA is the ultimate bureaucracy and they are completely out of touch.

Re: MIAA Rules

Ok, it's my $0.02, and you can keep the change. But I have to disagree with the people who told the original question to lie to his coaches - both because of what it teaches your kid, and because it isn't necessary... You can make this work, although you apparently will have to put up with opinions like the above. But my real advice is to be honest about what you want, ask for help, and go get it.

This is probably my last word on this subject, Good Luck all.

It's not clear what your point was, except that it seemed almost entirely gratuitous and self-congratulatory. You cited your kid's own friend and pointed out that your advice will not work for him, so you concede that your advice is not generalizable, and you point out, in great detail, including the good fortune of having lighted fields wherever you go, how unique and special your own situation is. So, even though you seem like a very nice guy, one can't help but think that you are grandstanding under the guise of "offering insight and advice." That some apparently well-intentioned folks can find your story somehow laudable just shows how deeply the misguided soccer-star zeitgeist has infiltrated the thinking of even regular, sane people...

[beentheredonethat]

Re: MIAA Rules

I have kids that have played on a varsity team early in high school while playing on a club team and I also coach, though a different sport, at the high school level. While I have my own issues with the MIAA and am disgusted by the lengths some coaches and ADs will go make their personal point about the bonafid rule, it actually makes sense to me. There are a couple of things to take into account when you talk about this subject.

1 . The MIAA, as well as most school administrators, ultimately look upon participation in a sport as a priviledge not a right. Though I am well aware that this point gets extremely preverted in some school districts, the MIAA essentially starts with the foundational notion that participation is voluntary. From their perspective, since an athlete is not required to participate in the sport , they can simply choose not to be involved if they feel that they can't abide by the MIAA rules.

2. The MIAA is not concerned about individual athletes. Realistically they can't be. This organization is responsible for administering all of the inter-scholastic sports programs in the state and, no matter how complelling the circumstances, focusing on one athlete's plight over the thousands of others involved invites anarchy. We all know that one exception lays the foundation for the next. They are like every other bureaucracy in believing that exceptions destroy policy. This is the classic situation where the needs of the many are viewed to out weigh the needs of the one.

3. The MIAA is absolutely consistent in their belief that an athlete should only partcipate in one sport activity at a time. This is why a kid can't play on the soccer team and also be the field goal kicker on the football team. Believe it or not they actually do police this.

4. The MIAA wants to ensure that every sports team has the ability to practice and compete in their scheduled inter-scholastic contests. Let's face it, most, if not all of us, have experienced situations where a team has suffered because of individuals who have choosen to ignore things like practices and games for other personal interests. Think about how disruptive it could become if schools had to cancel games because they don't have enough athletes to compete. Never mind the wasted expense of such a situation (think politics of school budgets), just imagine how much anger could be generated between the communities and the problems that could create. Having personally played in games where fans were not allowed to attend because of the threat of violence you can't underestimate the problems waring schools can create. People need to realize that the MIAA actually has a very broad perspective and they must consider both intra and inter community relations.

Bottom line is that this rule is not about some parent's view of what is best for their child. Like it or lump, if you are a bona fide member of a high school team you are expected to conform to the expectations set forth by its coach.