By Dana Hess
For the South Dakota Newspaper Association
PIERRE — The success of revised rules governing the number of contacts coaches can have with their players in the summer will depend on the willingness of coaches, athletic directors and superintendents to see that the rules are followed.
That was part of the message when the South Dakota High School Activities Association board of directors approved the first reading of new out-of-season regulations at its meeting Wednesday.
“We have a fairly obvious strong mandate,” said SDHSAA Assistant Executive Director John Krogstrand, noting that 80 percent of superintendents responding to a survey about the changes voted in favor of their implementation.
The proposed out-of-season rules include allowing coaches to work with athletes on an unrestricted basis during the summer time period—defined as from the state track meet through July 31. Exceptions during that time would a moratorium on contact between coaches and athletes from July 1 through July 7.
Teams would also be limited to four team contacts which include any activity that occurs on or off school grounds. This can include a team camp, scrimmage, league or an event that involves participants from multiple teams from different schools.
Open gyms or private lessons would remain legal.
Some board members and members of the audience—largely athletic directors and superintendents—questioned whether the rules would be enough to rein in an overzealous coach.
Krogstrand said that with the contacts allowed by SDHSAA and the proliferation of football camps, high school players could be practicing in full pads from May 31 to July 31.
Some on the board and in the audience were more trusting of coaches.
“It’s silly for us to say it’s all right to practice in pads for the summer,” said board member Brian Maher. The Sioux Falls superintendent expressed confidence that school officials would step in to enforce the rules.
“We should trust our coaches and trust our ADs,” said board member Sandy Klatt of Brandon Valley.
Board member Steve Morford of Spearfish predicted that if some football coaches take the opportunity to practice throughout he summer, other coaches will face tremendous pressure from parents to follow suit.
The board unanimously passed a first reading of the regulations. A second reading will be held at the board’s meeting on March 2 in Pierre.
SDHSAA staff was also instructed to explore regulations governing restrictions on contact during summer football practices.
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