One LHSAA proposal calls for separate playoffs

    The LHSAA’s Jan. 27 meeting of the minds promises to be an arduously long morning with more than a tinge of controversy. I expect to be planted at the press table in the massive meeting room of the Baton Rouge Crowne Plaza listening for hours to passionate pleas from principals on the “for” and “against” sides of various issues.
    My hope is that Jesuit Principal Mike Giambelluca’s third attempt to gain a majority for   his proposal that would allow schools to play one class above their enrollment size finally passes muster with enough public school principals.
    Last week, we wrote about the proposal that would mandate schools that give financial aid to open their records for inspection upon request by the LHSAA. Some schools that offer  such financial aid actually approve of the measure.
    Of the 50 items to be acted upon, I find examples these to be the most interesting:
    ➤ That the LHSAA be divided into four classes, with schools competing in football divided into “Non-select” (another word for public schools) and “Select” (which would include Catholic, other religious, charter and private schools).
    Although Select and Non-select schools would compete against each other during the regular season, they would have separate playoffs.
    The “Selects” would compete in just two classifications, based on enrollment, while the others would compete in four classes.
    ➤ That the cut-off date for eligibility be changed to Aug. 1 from Sept. 1, an idea proposed by Holy Rosary Principal Len Enger.
    ➤ That schools receiving a bye in the bi-district (first) round of  state playoffs be considered the home teams for that round and have to travel the next week.
    ➤ That first and third base coaches be required to wear protective coaching helmets for all LHSAA-sanctioned baseball games, including scrimmages, jamborees, tournaments and playoffs, an idea pushed by Giambelluca.
    ➤ That all boys’ and girls’ playoff games through the quarterfinal round shall be played in the home team’s gym if it meets the following minimum seating capacity: Class 5A – 1,000; Class 4A – 800; Class 3A – 600; Class 2A – 500; Class 1A – 500; Class B – 500; Class C – 350.
    ➤ That a player ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct be required to take the National Federation’s Coach Education/Certification program elective course – “Sportsmanship: It’s Up to You.” A certificate of course completion must be sent to the LHSAA before the athlete may compete again. The penalty for a second offense includes suspension from the next contest. A third, heaven forbid, would result in suspension from that sport for the remainder of the season.
    In other related business, the LHSAA/Louisiana High School Coaches Association will induct three new members with New Orleans ties to its Hall of Fame.
    They include former St. Augustine football coach Otis Washington, Jesuit All-State baseball player Will Clark and  Newman’s basketball coaching legend Ed “Skeets” Tuohy.
    Ron Brocato can be reached at www.clarionherald.org.