I considered it stupid a decade ago. I said the SF was the dumbest thing the IHSAA had done since they went to class basketball. I don't think the IHSAA wanted to have a SF, but they felt they had to because LCC and Luers had both just finished winning state 4 years in a row. The way the SF is set up now, it could ruin your program. I don't think it helped Pioneer very much.
Maybe not total ruin, but it certainly can impact kids transferring, fan support, finances and overall positive momentum in a program.
Transfers: Why go here (or stay here) if we face a guaranteed buzz saw in sectionals or regionals.
Fan Support: It may not be immediate, but after 2 years of early playoff losses many lose interest.
Finances: Less concessions and merchandise money with less games. Less support as success diminishes.
Positive Momentum: After consecutive years of deep playoff runs and/or a state title, momentum is at its peak. Lose in the 1st or 2nd round 2 years in a row and by the time it resets the positive mojo just isn't what it was.
If the idea behind SF is to offset open enrollment in public schools and/or no district map in private schools, the better equation would be evaluating rosters for organic enrollment. Have AD's submit an affidavit showing where ROSTERED PLAYERS attended 7th and 8th grade, as well as any high school transfers. If more than X number or Y percent is over a threshold, have a SF policy that deals with it.
Change in SF?
in The Indiana High School Football Forum
Posted
Maybe not total ruin, but it certainly can impact kids transferring, fan support, finances and overall positive momentum in a program.
Transfers: Why go here (or stay here) if we face a guaranteed buzz saw in sectionals or regionals.
Fan Support: It may not be immediate, but after 2 years of early playoff losses many lose interest.
Finances: Less concessions and merchandise money with less games. Less support as success diminishes.
Positive Momentum: After consecutive years of deep playoff runs and/or a state title, momentum is at its peak. Lose in the 1st or 2nd round 2 years in a row and by the time it resets the positive mojo just isn't what it was.
If the idea behind SF is to offset open enrollment in public schools and/or no district map in private schools, the better equation would be evaluating rosters for organic enrollment. Have AD's submit an affidavit showing where ROSTERED PLAYERS attended 7th and 8th grade, as well as any high school transfers. If more than X number or Y percent is over a threshold, have a SF policy that deals with it.