High School Coaches vs Racing

[akj101]

It recently came to my attention that a local (Pueblo) football coach told some of his players, who race motocross, that they could not play football if they continued to race. Two of these have quit football. Has anyone in the racing community heard of or experienced anything similar? Can a coach dictate what students do outside of school? They obviously have parental support and there is nothing illegal or immoral about organized racing. If he is going to do this, he should ban any "dangerous" activity like skiing, rock climbing, rodeo, crossing the street, etc...
I feel that it is wrong to make young people choose between two passions, and feel that racers should voice their opinions on this. If anyone has an idea of who the correct group to contact is, let me know. We have many high school age racers spread throughout many disciplines and divisions. Hopefully they will not be the next ones to have to give up something based on a coaches ignorance and prejudice.

[757]

If they are being paid to race (purse winnings, sponsorship cash ETC.), then technically they are not an amateur athlete anymore, and that may have something to do with it, but if its just that he is worried about them being hurt than thats ridiculous.

[akj101]

To paraphrase the NCAA eligibility clearinghouse (which we recently completed): In order to be considered as being "paid" all money (purses, sponsorships, endorsements, etc...) earned has to exceed "actual and necessary" expenses. I am not aware of many local racers that turn a profit, let alone earn a living racing. Combine this with the fact that these teams are family owned and all moneys are usually paid to the parents, and these students eligibility is not a question. My feeling is that it is a coach who is intimidated by something he doesn't understand and can't control. If it were a fear of injury, he should ban them from competing in all other sports.

[webby]

There are certain levels of youth sports where the coach can make such a request. My boys played hockey and when they were at the AA level they were not allowed to play other sports during the 7 months when they were on that team.

Of course had they not wanted to abide by that standard they could have moved down to a lower level team or quit hockey altogether.

There is nothing wrong with that.

If you want to play at higher and higher levels you might need to make a higher and higher commitment.

[Jacob29]

It's none of his business what happens in their spare time. I'd play and not let them know. It could be becuase he doesnt want anyone hurt thats going to play, or it could be what 757 said.

I coach HS track, next year will be my 7th year. What the kids do in their spare time isnt my business.

[sportsman26]

Am going they.the same thing with my daughter we want her to race the.super stock if she is winning money it keeps her from competing with high school sports yes they can do this to protect the school from any legal mishaps and plus its per ncaa

[5.0THIS]

Originally Posted by webby

There are certain levels of youth sports where the coach can make such a request. My boys played hockey and when they were at the AA level they were not allowed to play other sports during the 7 months when they were on that team.

Of course had they not wanted to abide by that standard they could have moved down to a lower level team or quit hockey altogether.

There is nothing wrong with that.

If you want to play at higher and higher levels you might need to make a higher and higher commitment.

Doesnt matter. It still isnt the coach's decision to make, and as a representative of the high school he is overstepping his bounds. If a player meets all of their obligations to play on a high school sports team (such as making practices and performing at their expected level), then there is no reason any coach, wether acting from an official standpoint or otherwise, can make such a demand on their players.

[moore]

Motor sports or rodeo pay will not affect amateur sports eilgibility.The football coach here in s/w Kansas would let our son out of practice early so that he could race at the 5-State Fair races in Liberal Ks. WE did well in the races and had a very good football team.