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At a glance: Softball coaches debate season overlap dilemma

By Star Tribune, 05/02/16, 7:20PM CDT

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THE ISSUE

Softball is one of three sports in Minnesota in which athletes can compete for high school and non-high school teams at the same time. The Minnesota Fastpitch Coaches Association is considering giving up softball’s exception to Bylaw 208 of the Minnesota State High School League.

IN SUPPORT OF CHANGE

“Restricting high school athletes to school participation during their season is not going to stunt or hinder the growth of their softball skills or negatively impact their softball experience in any significant manner.” — Stillwater coach Bob Beedle

“It’s happening in all of the different sports. It’s putting a lot of pressure on kids to make decisions.” — Shakopee coach Neil Johnson

LEAVE THINGS ALONE

“We do not object to our non-varsity kids having limited practices and/or games during this overlap time period with their Farmington summer teams, as long it does not conflict with our high school games or practices.”— Farmington coach Paul Harrington

“To me, it’s easier to just have the high school coaches tell the club coaches no.” — Forest Lake high school coach and Midwest Speed club director Sean Hall

WHAT’S NEXT

The softball coaches association will continue to collect information on the idea of giving up the exception. If they decide to pursue it, coaches would make a proposal to the high school league, which would then study the proposal before any action could be taken.

JIM PAULSEN

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