Coach twink stated:

"I don't think we need to wait for someone to die, or even do serious damage to themselves before implementing safegaurds. The KSHSAA is trying to be proactive here."

If this is the stance KSHSAA is taking, then I would agree. If we are looking at proper hydration/nutrition via body fat, then I say institute both the hydration/nutrition and on-site weigh-in. This will bring us into compliance and make us voting members once again. The old saying of "if you don't vote, don't complain," comes to mind. We can't make changes or champion them if we don't have the ability to dispute, via the vote. It's a civic responsibility.

As to the proactive measure, a thought to consider - with the growth of FS/GR in the state and the number of real injuries that occur with athletes not properly trained/coached in these disciplines should be a concern. Deaths/season ending injuries due to hydration/body fat in Kansas = 0, real injuries, a loss of opportunity for athletes to compete at the highest level and earn scholarships, and the disability of many small schools vs. metros in = many.

If KSHSAA was interested in saving injuries/ possible deaths (a suplex placed on a kid that doesn't know how to land can break his neck and kill him), then they would do the responsible thing and recognize FS/GR as different from folkstyle and allow coaches that have athletes that are interested in these disciplines the opportunity to coach them to prevent serious injury.

Enough broken arms, strained backs, dislocated shoulders have evolved from their lack of training. Granted, it won't cure all injuries, but by taking a PROACTIVE step would be a step in the right direction.

I'm concerned about KSHSAA. They do many great things, but not all follow the mission statement they propose:

via KSHSAA's web site:

Goals that Influence Student Learning Outcomes (my comments in parenthesis):


The Kansas State High School Activities Association advocates principles and sponsors services which assure that the state's middle level and high school students gain a balanced preparation for life, work, and post-secondary education. (post-secondary education - an athlete that is stellar in the classroom is not capable of gaining the "balance" sought by the restrictive rules)


Principles on which Intended Outcomes are Based


Principles advocated by the association are promotion of scholastic achievement as a fundamental basis for a well-balanced activity program, and development of effective citizenship through the practice of good sportsmanship. (effective citizenship through good sportsmanship = are they doing this? Part of being a good citizen/good sport is to take your losses in stride, but still work hard to overcome your setbacks. KSHSAA's position of "taking their ball and going home does not follow the mission they have adopted. Just as a good citizen will continue to vote even in defeat, KSHSAA should do the same. Hiding under the guise of "we're doing what's best for our kids," is in my opinion, the exact opposite. We are showing our kids that it's okay to just quit when you know you can't win, which is exactly the message sent by KSHSAA and it non voting status.)


Services to Accomplish the Mission


Services provided by the association are:

1. sponsorship of educational workshops, seminars, conferences and publications designed to inform and positively influence students, parents, educators, and community members in accordance with organizational principles;

2. administration of a program of interscholastic activities, festivals, clinics and contests among member schools;

3. protection of member schools from exploitation by special interest groups; and

4. communication with policy-making bodies to influence decisions consistent with association principles and operational standards. (That's funny, from what I understand from talks with KWCA coaches and others within the wrestling community, communication is "no".)

I do like the way the sport has evolved since I was a kid. It's too bad KSHSAA hasn't evolved at the same rate.