PREPNET / SPEAK OUT

Should the Southern Section allow athletes to compete for club teams when it conflicts with their playing for their high schools?

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ASHLEY CASAS

Capistrano Valley, Soccer

I don’t think so because it’s too much work for the athlete and it’s more wear and tear on the body. This is high school season and it should be all high school games. There’s a club season, and that’s when all the club games should be. You shouldn’t have to worry about it during the high school season. You don’t want to let one team down to go play for another.

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SCOTT HINMAN

Irvine Swimming/Water Polo Coach

The only sport in the Southern Section that is allowed is swimming. The junior and senior nationals are usually in March when high school league meets begin or there are the CIF relays. It’s a bummer the schedule is the way it is because for the year-round swimmers who work as hard as they do to reach those national meets, how can you tell them not to go because of a high school meet? But then if the kid has no contact with the high school team until after those meets, it brings up other issues. It puts the coach into a tough position of being the good guy or bad guy depending on however he sets up the policy. I think the section should either say absolutely no or just open it up. With this, there is no consistency.

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DAVID WARD

Laguna Beach, Parent

It is OK to be involved in both club and high school sports. However, if an outstanding athlete makes a commitment to high school, then it should take precedence over club obligations simply because this would be the fairest solution to his or her teammates. Club teams are normally filled with an equal amount of talent, and one player missing shouldn’t make a significant difference.

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BOB TERRY

Brea Olinda, Boys’ Basketball Coach

Definitely no! The main emphasis should be the students’ high school team. There is such an increase in all of these club teams. These club coaches have too much influence on these kids. Most club coaches I’ve been involved with in boys’ basketball are promising kids scholarships when they can earn the same with their high school coach. I don’t have a problem if a kid wants to play club as long as it does not conflict with anything we’re doing.

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DIANE LILJESTROM

Woodbridge, Volleyball Booster

If athletes are allowed to compete in club during their high school season I think there would be conflicts with tournaments and practices. As many athletes are recruited by colleges based on their performance in their club teams, high school athletics might be given a back seat. I think this would be a shame and have a negative impact on high school programs. Also, many coaches coach club and high school, so coaching would also be affected.

NEXT QUESTION

The Southern Section generally sends basketball playoff teams to neutral sites beginning in the semifinal round. Is this a good policy and should it be used in other sports?