PREPNET / SPEAK OUT

What would be an appropriate New Year’s resolution for the athletes, coaches and other officials who are involved in Orange County high school athletics?

DANNY LAMBERT

Woodbridge, Basketball

For the teams and coaches, the No. 1 thing is to have a winning season. That’s important for high school programs. For our program, I would say get to the playoffs and go as deep as we can. And for the officials, never stop refereeing even when there’s a blowout. It’s not fair to the players, so keep going until the end of the game.

LINDSAY PELOZA

Capistrano Valley, Basketball

I wish that players were more intense, more in love with basketball, and that all coaches had the same intensity as my coach [Pete Belanto]. It’s inspiring for me to play for him, and everyone should have the opportunity to play for someone who has a passion for the game.

MARCUS McCUTCHEON

Edison, Football, Baseball

For players, coaches and officials: To do their best to be a good role model. Everybody looks up to athletes and tries to emulate their actions. They are in a leadership position among their peers, and the example that they set will have a direct effect on those around them.

BROCK SCHERMERHORN

Aliso Niguel, Soccer

It would be great if everyone gave it their all on the field at all times. I’d also like to see players and coaches striving to get along with officials better. We don’t always agree with officials’ calls, but I’m going to make an effort to try and understand their calls.

ERIK HALLENBECK

St. Margaret’s, Soccer

I’d like officials to become more experienced so they can understand the games that they are calling better. A lot of them, it seems like they’ve only read about the game in books and never played it. I promise I’ll be more understanding to their calls.

ERIC HAINLINE

Santa Ana, Fan

For coaches and other officials: “I promise to remember at all times that the only reason I am involved in this activity is for the happiness, health and development of these young men and women.” For athletes: “I promise to recognize and respect the time and effort of all coaches, officials, administrators and volunteers who have dedicated their efforts for my benefit, and to honor and respect my teammates and opponents in the spirit of sportsmanship and fair competition.”

RALPH ROLLINS

Newport Harbor, Parent

To simply remember this: High school sports is the purest form of sport there is. It is for the kids. Athletes need to play your game hard and show good sportsmanship toward your opponent no matter who wins or loses. Administrators, coaches and officials need to do the same thing and remember, it is the kids’ game. Let them play it.

MARK ARBLASTER

Newport Beach, Soccer Referee

All coaches should have to take the basic referee course in their sport.

BEN HALEY

Anaheim, Football Coach

The thing that I would hope would be that all officials and administrators would work as hard at their profession as the coaches and athletes work at theirs.

NEXT QUESTION

If you could add another game to your team’s schedule, who would you play and why?