A LETTER FROM THE IHSAA COMMISSIONER- Paul Neidig
I may be showing my age with this reference, but Bob Dylan once wrote and sang “the times, they are a-changin.”
In February, the IHSAA Executive Committee approved changes to the Association’s bylaws that will effectively allow one-time transfers for student-athletes prior to their senior year. Of the 26 changes to Rule 19 over the past decade, this is unquestionably the biggest one.
I don’t mean to make light of the situation by referencing Bob Dylan—indeed, this rule change has consumed much of my day-to-day life over the past several weeks and months. I mention the lyrics because—as someone who has spent my career in service to education-based athletics—it’s hard to see the landscape of high school sports and not be hit by that thought on a daily basis.
The fact is change is almost always scary. Unknown obstacles and uncharted courses are usually more daunting than previously navigated challenges.
But amidst all of the change within high school sports, I’ve also been rubilating on the idea that the more some things change, the more others stay the same.
For instance, basketball has changed to where the three-point shot is now a focal point of most offenses. But the desire and ability to play defense is still what separates streaky teams from good ones.
Sport specialization seems to become more and more common at younger ages. But playing multiple sports has proven to be a better indicator of success and—more importantly—fun for kids.
And while the national landscape and rules surrounding school sports are debated nationally, voted on, and constantly changed, the promise of high school sports remains as strong and imperative as ever before.
To paraphrase from the Association’s 2019 Annual Report:
The promise of participating in high school sports is not that you will win.
The promise is not that student-athletes will earn an athletic scholarship or play professionally.
The promise of high school sports is impartial and universal. It unifies families and communities. It defines our values. It strengthens our character. It is deeply and inextricably woven into the fabric of our state.
Regardless of sport or amount of playing time, high school student-athletes are better prepared to make wiser, more responsible decisions when they enter adulthood. They are more tolerant and empathetic. They have a better work ethic. And they are more honest and accountable.
This is the promise of high school sports.
Times may be changing. But the promise of high school sports remains the same.
Regardless of how daunting change can be, I’m inspired by the promise of high school sports. I’m inspired by the men and women who have the courage and integrity to keep that promise. I’m inspired by some of the things that have stayed the same.
They’ve stayed the same because they still matter. They’ve stayed the same because they make a difference.
The promise of high school sports and education-based athletics in Indiana still matters.
It still makes a difference.
And it always will.
To keeping promises,
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