Major Announcement by NCHSAA concerning Regional Playoffs

Here's a different spin on your statement. There is unrest amongst the natives, and rightfully so. We have some angry parents here, but with money being spread around thinner than mayo on Aunt Gracie's banana sandwich, there's not a whole lot you can do.

School looking to build new field to satisfy Title IX probe?

 

Hey wait a minute. I got accused of being a Roberson fan. I think the Yankees might be doing spring training at West next year. Get them toughened up for early spring and late October games. Oops, the fences might be a little short for the city boys though, whatever that has to do with anything.

 

I read the story. Who paid for the lights on the baseball field? Here in the mountains it is rarely the schools. It is usually some parents that fork out for that. So if baseball parents put up lights on their field, are the taxpayers required to put up lights on the softball field? I should hope not.

 

I think that means only the home teams are allowed to hit 340' HR's. Visiting teams are not allowed to because they haven't practiced it...................or something like that.

 

A baseball field and how it looks is a direct reflection of the coach. You can go to one of the newer schools and their field is awful or you can go to one of the oldest HS fields in Charlotte, East Meck, and it's one of the best in the state.

They don't ask for federal money or state money. They go to supporters of the program for material and hard work to keep their fields looking good. The problem with HS softball in general is it's poorly coached...and many times by an outside parent. They aren't going to put in the time nor bothering trying to find resources to make improvements.

Now when you do find that rare HS coach that does a great job with their team, like a Monte Sherrill, Brian Cottom, etc you will find their fields are immaculate. If you want to fix the softball fields, you better fix the coaching first.

 

My question is, is it mandatory to have lights for a softball field if lights are installed on a baseball field? If so why don't the schools use those fields as city parks, if the funds are unavailable? Kannapolis Middle School has lights on the softball, baseball and football fields and allow them to be used by the community. Like "Braves" stated earlier, no need running to the "Feds" about funding, the resources are there...you got to go and find them.

 

Very simple...if you provide for one group you have to provide it for the other......http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_IX

Most coaches once they get their field in nice shape don't want community groups on their field. They don't take care of it the way coach does and it causes extra work for him. Plus they don't take care of his stuff that his teams use for practice, etc. Can't say that I blame him. Also, once the high school season starts there is little field time available to rent and at $20/hour it just doesn't add up.

 

One of their arguments was that they were the only team in the conference without lights. Richmond has always had a strong baseball program and they have always taken pride in the facility. It's been just in the past several years that the softball program has taken off. I understand their gripe, though. There just isn't a whole lot of money to spread around, but it will happen. As far as using it as a public park, that ain't happening.