AURORA | The Colorado High School Activities Association Legislative Council held the first of two meetings Jan. 24, and a proposal to reduce the number of games basketball teams play was the hot topic.
Among several items on the agenda for the Legislative Council in its meeting at the Red Lion Inn was a proposal by the Northern and Tri-Valley conferences to reduce the maximum number of basketball games allowed from 23 to 19. Mostly fueled budgetary and scheduling concerns, the proposal was approved 40-27 by members, then later was reopened with a 66-5 vote.
The proposal could be reconsidered at the Legislative Council’s April 18 meeting or at next January’s meeting, as any potential change couldn’t be implemented until the 2013-14 season at the earliest. Until then, council members are likely to hear plenty from disgruntled coaches and players.
Aurora basketball coaches understandably were disturbed that a reduction in games was even being contemplated. Schools in other states play more than 30 games, which gives their players more experience and makes them more attractive to college programs.
“That’s a head-scratcher,” Rangeview boys coach Shawn Palmer said. “I thought we were progressing and getting to the point of what other states have. We’re already near the bottom of the 50 states, so I don’t know why we would go back.”
• The maximum number of contests for softball will remain at 19, as a proposal to go to 23 was defeated.
• The Class 5A state football playoffs will retain its format in regards to hosting. After the first round, the team with the fewest home games will get a home game in the next round, regardless of seeding.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555
