I came across a great quote the other day and would like to paraphrase it for you: I am not saying that all rules are good rules, and that there is not a need for some changes, but these are the rules that our governing body has installed to allow for this organization to run fairly and effectively. I am not opposed to necessary changes using the structure in place. But, until those changes occur, these are the rules that we will live by, and they will be enforced religiously. President, Abraham Lincoln
I find it interesting that many of the complaints that are received by the Section Office arise when a particular rule prevents a player, coach, team or school from engaging in activities that are in conflict with their desired actions. Or, after a violation of a rule and when penalties are considered, rules are questioned and decisions to enforce the rules are challenged.
The Gold Book contains the rules and regulations that the State CIF and Section governance has chosen to enforce to provide safety, fairness, equity, participation, and the opportunity to design an athletic program that will support academic success and sportsmanship with concern for compliance of all rules.
As a new CIF Section, we have the opportunity to identify and create our direction and a process with which allows our schools, coaches and administrators the opportunity to identify needed changes in our Section. We have a platform to shape and renew our directions and possess the ability to create opportunities for change through communication from coaches, member schools, leagues, Section, and State CIF. It is understood that changes should be in the best interest of the whole and not benefit a few; that the process should allow for every member to convey their ideas and the elected body, Board of Managers, to discuss and confirm our direction. This requires participation of the whole, but especially those that question the rules and those that have a vision for improvement.
Until change occurs, the one assurance I can offer everyone is that rules will be enforced in a consistent, equitable, and fair manner and due process will be afforded to all. I would request your support with becoming knowledgeable of the CIF rules & regulations, comply with the rules & regulations, and proactively offer input for justified changes.
Quality Athletic Programs
All schools desire to create athletic programs that instill pride, school spirit, and maintain community support, but many fall short. It takes a conscious effort by the administrative staff to create an athletic program that will bring the desired qualities and continual benefits to the school. Quality athletic programs begin with the understanding and knowledge of the CIF rules and procedures and with the design of an education based athletic program. Effective communication between administration, athletic director, coach, parents, and students will enhance a school’s efforts to develop quality athletic programs and would emphasize participation by all stake holders.
The design of a good athletic handbook that outlines the connection of an athletic program to the schools educational mission; emphasizes the importance of sportsmanship, character, competition, and leadership; as well as demands a team concept that encourages positive relationships; sets high standards of character, and provides opportunities for parental support.
In any program there will be challenges of funding, facilities, equipment, discipline issues, and allegations of wrongdoing, all of which can challenge the best of programs. But with anticipation of the possibilities, a proactive approach, and efforts to eliminate many issues before they become a problem, athletic administrators can stay one step ahead of most issues before they become chronic.
Improvements to a program can be attained by consideration for implementation of the following: establish standards of expectation and behavior, require coaches, players, and parents to set the proper example and conform to established standards, have coaches identify positive resources to include facilities and community support, seek assistants coaches that are willing to assist students with meeting their academic success, Identify student and program needs that the program can build on, work to utilize and expand the resources available.
Lastly, the checks and balances of the administration working with the athletic director and coaches to develop an education based athletic program that contributes to the established mission of the school. Working with student-athletes to establish positive relationships, understanding of their needs, to allow for achieve improved behaviors, increased attendance, higher academic achievement in a rigorous educational environment, and ultimately increased graduation rates of students that are prepared for higher education and/or ready to make a positive contribution to our society. When a school works together, greater things will happen.
Creating Opportunities for Participation
Schools should work to meet the needs and interest of their community and students. Surveys, open forum discussions concerning student interest, and request considerations for school programs can assist the administration with the decision of adding additional athletic programs. The student interest should drive the effort to field a team, securing a qualified coach and funding for the equipment would be the next step in make the final decision to field a new program. Once the decision is made, acting on it by including the new sport on the seasonal sport commitment forms and confirming with your league commissioner that your school has been added to the league. Then it is the schools responsibility to publicize and stimulate interest among the students. The coach and athletic director should work diligently to connect the new offering with physical education classes, lunch publicity, and direct connection with students.
The CIF Los Angeles City Section is collaborating with the LAUSD Special Education and the Special Olympics to develop a proposal that would create a new level of participation in the CIF. Inclusion Sports would be a level designed to allow students with special needs to participate in individual sports teams to include: cross country, wrestling, track, tennis, and golf. We have been collaborating on this proposal for several months and are preparing to present a final draft to the CIF Los Angeles City Section Board of Managers at the January 26 meeting for Inclusion Sports teams to be introduced for the 2015-16 school year. We are also partnering with LAUSD and the Special Olympics to connect the Unified Sports Team Championships to the Section Championship events. LAUSD currently offers Unified Teams in the sports of Basketball, Soccer, and Track & Field.
The goal is to provide greater opportunity for all students that will connect them with adult support and resources to promote academic success. Athletic participation in a well-designed and structured education based program has proven to be a highly effective motivator to increased student attendance, improved academic performance, and increased graduation rates. It is the Section’s goal to continue to increase opportunities of athletic participation for all students. It is our hope that the Inclusion Sports and Unified Teams in the CIF Los Angeles City Section will be a launching point for the rest of the State of California.
Section Fall Playoffs
The fall playoffs have provided opportunity for many to rise to the top of their game. Girls Golf saw Granada Hills set a new team scoring record and capture the Section team title and Julie Ward, of Sylmar High School, capturing the Section individual girl’s golf title. Volleyball expanded to five divisions and saw Vaughn Charter take the first Division 5 title. Palisades, Taft, Verdugo Hills, and Elizabeth all won division titles and represented the Los Angeles City Section in the Southern California Regional Tournament.
In addition to its volleyball title, Palisades captured Section titles in boy’s water polo, girl’s team tennis, and girls Division I cross country. Taft won the first-ever Division 2 girls tennis team title. Girls Cross Country championships were captured by VAAS in Division 2 and USC Mast in Division 3. Boys Cross Country saw El Camino Real (Div. 1), Manual Arts (Div. 2) and Harbor Teacher Academy (Div. 3) capture City titles.
In the sport of football, Fulton College Prep won the eight-man football championship. The Section football championships returned to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the first time in four years with the Division 1, 2, and 3 championships being held in the historic venue. Los Angeles defeated Monroe to win the Division 3 title for its first championship since 1965; Hamilton outscored Sylmar in a highly entertaining game to take the Division 2 title; and Narbonne captured the Division 1 title by defeating Carson in a very close contest.
Congratulations to all of our fall champions and to all the other playoff qualifiers for their season accomplishments.
Wishing everyone a Cheerful Holiday Season!
John A. Aguirre