I posted on another thread about the IHSAA and the new bill that would abolish the IHSAA and put interscholastic athletics in the hands of the DOE. Once again, two words,,,,BAD IDEA. I have 34 years of experience in coaching wrestling, officiating wrestling, coaching football, AND dealing with the IHSAA on a number of items. I don't always agree with them and I have had some spirited "debates". However, they are one of the most well respected and well run state athletic organizations in our nation. And to say that the commissioner has no oversight is simply not correct. The IHSAA Board of Directors has 15 members that are elected by the principals in the state of Indiana. These members are selected (and elected) just like our legislators. They solicity opinions from principals and athletic directors in their geographic districts. The commissioner does not make rulings without the support of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. If a ruling is made by the commissioner and supported by the Board of Directors, the DOE has the ability to review the decision and overturn it when appropriate.
Our state politicians have much more important items to tackle. They should keep their noses out of interscholastic athletics. If we think that the IHSAA does not care about wrestling and does not do what is best for the sport, I guarantee you that the DOE will not make the moves that we want for the sport of wrestling. I stated earlier that the DOE and many of our politicians (who are mostly concerned about basketball) don't know the difference between a "wrestleback" and a "spladle"! The IHSAA is not perfect, but I promise you that a nine member panel appointed by the DOE, will not be close; and if you think that there will be no politics in the appointments of those nine members, you are kidding yourself.
Just think about the state tourney this past weekend -- the parade of champions, the outstanding competition, the introductions, the excitement, and even the celebrations -- the IHSAA hired a phenomenal tournament director in Dave Fleming and they put on a great show for our sport.