No Give in Coach’s View of the Rules : Awaiting Simi Valley Approval, McCamy Withholds Equipment

Judging by Roger McCamy’s actions recently, coaches at scandal-sensitive Simi Valley High are more determined than ever to follow rules--even when nobody else does.

McCamy, the Simi Valley football coach, would not issue equipment to four of his players participating in the Ventura County All-Star game until he got the go-ahead from administrators last Friday. Practice began Tuesday for the game, which will be played June 10 at Moorpark High.

Football coaches traditionally have supplied their graduating seniors with helmets and pads for all-star games, even though it is a violation of Southern Section rules to issue “hard” equipment in the summer. The section does not enforce the rule because the players involved have no eligibility remaining, an official said.

McCamy, however, grew concerned after receiving a newsletter several weeks ago that addressed the equipment issue. Bill Clark, assistant commissioner for the Southern Section, said the newsletter’s intent was to discourage coaches from providing equipment for players with remaining eligibility to use at “contact camps,” a violation that could result in penalties.

But McCamy didn’t want to put himself at risk if, in fact, the same rule applied to all-star games. He asked school administrators for a ruling.

“The [Southern Section] says we have a huge liability risk,” McCamy said last week. “If I have to make this decision, I’m not going to give [my players] equipment.”

Simi Valley Athletic Director George Ragsdale said McCamy’s cautiousness was in part caused by disciplinary actions taken against other coaches at the school, including Mike Scyphers, who recently was forced to resign as baseball coach by Principal Kathryn Scroggin after he was investigated for alleged misconduct.

“After all we’ve gone through, we can’t afford any controversies,” Ragsdale said. “Our coach [McCamy] was depending on our administration to decide for him.”

Said McCamy: “The bottom line around this school is you’re not going to break any rules for any reason, either by accident or on purpose. I’m walking on eggshells around here.”

Before getting word that equipment would be issued by the school, senior Sean Ginnever was considering buying his own helmet and leg pads to play in the Ventura County All-Star game. He estimated it would have cost him about $300. Other Simi Valley players in the game are Brian Kavanagh, Tim Wolleck and Justin Klein.

Told he wouldn’t have to get his own equipment, Ginnever said, “That’s good news.”