Dear Editor,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After reading the accounts of a recent Friday night football game at Ty Cobb Stadium, I realized that they saw the game from a different \u201cperspective\u201d than I did. It was the semi-finals of the New York State Class \u201cD\u201d Championships. It was the first trip for No. 1 ranked C. S. P., a combined team from Section VI in western New York made up of the Clymer, Sherman and Panama school districts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
No. 2 ranked Tioga, of Section IV, was making trip number seven in the last eight years. They were nine wins two losses, and C. S. P. was undefeated at 11-0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Historically, Section VI has strong teams as does Section IV, and Tioga\u2019s schedule this year included five games with larger schools, four Class \u201cC\u201d and one \u201cB\u201d. Tioga will play anybody anywhere anytime. We don\u2019t mind playing \u201cup\u201d to get better, but when it really counts it\u2019s important to know the \u201cplaying field is level\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are rules that govern the five classifications that schools must fit into. \u201cFairness\u201d dictates they must be adhered to and \u201cintegrity\u201d reinforces that. The total high school enrollment of boys and girls must fall within parameters set for each classification from double \u201cAA\u201d the largest, down to \u201cD\u201d the smallest. \u201cPlaying down\u201d for any reason should not be tolerated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Transfers can also be a problem. If the rules are not followed properly, there could be consequences as well. If you sense I see \u201cred flags\u201d here you would be right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I can\u2019t put my finger on it, but the only other time I have ever seen us so ineffective was the 2016 opener at Chenango Forks following our only State Championship season in 2015. Forks was the defending State Champion in Class \u201cB\u201d and beat us 55-12 on their way to another state title. We went on to suffer our worst season in memory, 3-7. It was the only time in the last eight years we didn\u2019t reach the final \u201c4\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Our kids are expected to respect their opponent and they expect the same in return. That might account for the unusual amount of penalty flags on the field that Friday night. There is no place for \u201cobnoxious behavior\u201d anytime or place on or near the field and, evidently, there was. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I believe some penalties called on Tioga were in response to comments and actions that should have drawn penalties for acts of poor \u201csportsmanship.\u201d A few of those and an ejection or two would have quieted things down and focused attention on the game instead of the \u201clack of order\u201d on the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To say I was disappointed with the officiating would be an understatement. I don\u2019t believe they ever had command of the game, players, or visitors on the sidelines. I do think the penalties they assessed to Tioga were critical factors in our performance and the success of our opponent, but I believe the calls they should have made, and didn\u2019t, were equally hurtful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I think Section 4 and the entire body in charge of training and assigning referees should \u201craise the bar\u201d to make sure they are as well versed in their \u201cresponsibilities\u201d as the coaches and kids are in theirs. Too often that is not the case, no matter the level of competition. We should not expect perfection, but \u201cbetter\u201d is certainly possible. At least I hope so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In closing, why not lower ticket prices to these events so whole families and more seniors can afford to attend. This should increase sales at the concession stand as well. Drop the prices there, too. You can make up the difference in volume, and the larger crowds will add a great deal of enthusiasm and excitement to the experience. Wouldn\u2019t that benefit everyone? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, words cannot adequately express our appreciation to the people at Union Endicott High School for the unbelievable job of snow removal not only on the field, but also the stands and the entrance to them. We never would have imagined it. We have never experienced such consideration in Syracuse or Rochester. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sincerely,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doug Graves<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tioga Center, N.Y.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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