An Open Letter to the MN Legislature

I am appalledat the Minnesota House and Senate’s response to the Minnesota High School Athletic League (MSHSL) change of by-laws regarding student athletes utilizing open enrollment not for academics, but for athletics. I feel that as a legislative body you have more important things to worry about like say, balancing the budget, transportation etc. I guess ALL 48 MEMBERS VOTED FORT THIS BILL are well meaning, but don’t really know what they are doing. This group is made up of high school principals, coaches, athletic directors and others who are dealing with the issues of open enrollment on a daily basis really don’t understand what is going on. Think of all the poor kids who just want a chance to better themselves through open enrollment. But what about the other side?

There is a group of kids who have up until now been deeply affected by open enrollment. These are the kids who have worked hard since kindergarten to improve their skills. The kids who sat in the stands watching the high school team dreaming of the time when they could represent their school. They work hard to hone their skills and finally get to high school. They are the ones who are told “sorry, you didn’t make the team” because someone from another city or area has decided that they don’t like the coach in their school district or feel they have a better chance of being seen by a scout at your school. It is always difficult to be cut from a team. But the pill is even bitterer when you are displaced by someone who doesn’t even know the school mascot or cares.

Be very careful in your deliberations. You are setting a dangerous precedent. This ruling does not eliminate students from extracurricular activities; rather it prevents students from moving from school to school to get a better coach, better position or more exposure to enhance their athletic ambitions. The MSHSL was put in place to govern student athletes. Let them do their job and you get back to doing yours.