Red,
Yes, I have been a member, from the "get-go" of the committee which is developing these rules . Do I like the fact that we are imposing more rules on a sport that already has more rules to live by than any other KSHSAA sanctioned sport (skin forms, waivers for weightloss, hair length, finger nails, certification, blood clean-up etc. etc.)? HECK NO! (BTW--the KSHSAA REALLY SHOULD have rules on checking for finger nail length for FB & BB players!!!!!!!!! )
In my estimation what is now driving the train in regards to these rules is a sincere belief that some of our athletes are engaing in very dangerous weight loss practices--often with the encouragment, at worst, or benign disinterest, at best, of coaches and parents. Secondly is the concern that when there are rules developed by National Experts (such as those who compose the NFHS Medical and Rules Committees) and we choose not to follow them--what is our legal and legitimate defense if there was a tragic accident? "We in Kansas know more about these things than the nationally recognized experts?" I don't think that will go very far--perhaps Richard can shed some legal light on this as to whether or not this would be a defensible position to take.
I truly believe the rule changes that are being proposed draw the best fitting line which connects (a) giving more protection to the health of our athletes; (b) being able to defend ourselves legally in the event that it is necessary and (c) avoiding an excessive burden of documentation for our coaches and administrators.
It may be, in all likelihood, that there will be training available for persons such as yourselves so as to be "certified" to help with this process.
You know, in some respects this situation is very much like McDoanlds being sued because they serve hot coffee; in that the legal responsibility to protect people who are voluntarily availing themselves of an institution rests with the institution. But, that is a topic for another thread.
