The rite of passage of mandatory two-a-day practices for high school fall sports should be ended. Here are the reasons why:
They are a hand-me-down from the college ranks, and even the NCAA eliminated twice-daily contact for their football players in 2017.
It is only even an option for fall sports. The other seasons start while school is in session, and they manage without them – equity between the sports.
Finally, the most important aspect: player equity. Players are forced to ask for an exception to the twice-daily routine and often choose between summer work and athletics.
Again, this is a fall sports issue, as the others take place while school is in session so student work hours are often limited by state law, and the school day makes twice-a-day practice impossible.
Some students need to work as much as they can in Maine’s summer season to save for college, gain work experience or even help with the family bills. There is already a class system of club teams and expensive camps, and this is just another example. Coaches are free to make themselves available twice a day – let the player pick one or both to attend.
Zak Harding
Wells
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