Ringer, I love it. Thanks, as it has brought a smile to my face.
Needless to say, the lady is indeed upset...lol.. but believe me when I say I care not.
I have fired off a response to her again this morning with should make her Monday morning a welcoming morning as she still continues to "dance" around the issue of why some associations can still give out "paid berths" as first place finishes. I continue to include her partners in OHSAA as CC of all correspondence.
The uniforms are not illegal as they are not cash prizes. The cost of a full set of uniforms is figured at XXXX amount of dollars. I have an estimate from a manufacturer that I go by. The people I know, did buy uniforms.
So what is that monetary prize amount? According to their by laws , 4-10-3, it is an amount set by OHSAA administration, to which we see set at $200.00 per student athlete in another by law.
So are trophies and medals illegal as well? There has to be a limit on the amount and I believe that 4-10-3 gives us that amount.
After much reflection last night at home, in life, sometimes you have to take a stand on issues of the heart. I come from a long line of genes that fear not. My great, great grandfather wrote the President asking him to change the names of the week from names of "heathen gods" in 1828. My faith demands me to stand up for my community. Whether it is for a child or an adult.
Governor Strickland and my pastor are friends. Gov Strickland and myself have had many letters back and forth to one another on the issue of making Election Day a "full" state holiday being we, as Americans, wanted to show the people of Iraq the importance of freedom and the right to vote... give our sons and daughters to fight and die for them.. and fail miserably in our own convictions of making election day the sacred day that it is. ( Note: Election Day is a formal Ohio State Holiday from 12:00 Noon to 5:30 p.m.) Don't let any employer tell you differently.
I also sent a copy of said letters to him and to Ms. Brunner, our AG, as well, being she represents the Ohio Legislature and all governing bodies within Ohio.
I do know some of the legislative people from my area and will contact them as well very soon. I talked with the law students that did the research on some issues and they are very interested in making the issue "their class project" so to say. To file Federal action would force the State of the Ohio to look at the issue through the eyes of the Attorney General when it concerns a body falling under their domain.
The issue is whether or not there is a disparity between student-athletes in other states versus Ohio that gives those other state's student-athletes an advantage. IT does as in other states, there are events that give away much, much more prizes monies classified as "travel expense monies". NCAA has realized it... stepped up to understand the needs.... as Ohio continues to be the dinosaur.
A grass roots effort is always a good thing and would be very helpful in this situation. I think a form type thing should be printed up and sent out to the coaches and their parents to where they can pluck the form and e-mail it or send it "snail mail" to the Board of Directors and all included in the e-mail addresses of anyone in a position to make changes.
I will post those e-mail addresses so people can do such a thing. Such as grab a form, and sent it out via e-mail all in one shot to our represenatives, Govenor, AG and OHSAA officals as well as the Board of Directors. Maybe a little pressure on them is what they need to quit feeling they are some high a mighty association that has to answer to no one. Especially, since they are living financially off the backs of our Ohio student athletes and regulate them so they do so. Just my opinion.. but it seems to be the opinion.
It will take coaches to contact other coaches, parents to contact other parents.
I'll get busy with the form and after the holdiays, I should have things set up. I will have an "area box" where a person can add their own opinions as to what they feel needs to be changed with OHSAA. In this electronic world, things are so much simplified for people to be involve and voice their opinions without much effort.
I'll fight for these girls here in Ohio but oviously it takes more than me. We have always said that this softball community is one big happy family ... well it is time for the "family reunion" and stop allowing the OHSAA to overregulate our girls and live off their backs all in one stroke of the pen.
