Arizona could allow year-round access by high school coaches

The move is reportedly an effort to curb influence by club coaches and help to cut down on recruiting by other schools, according to The Arizona Republic. Opponents fear it could lead to burnout and result in fewer athletes playing multiple sports.

From The Arizona Republic:

A main reason for moving in this direction is coaches feeling a loss of control in the advent of club sports and how 7-on-7 all-star teams from various schools are taking off.

Phoenix Pinnacle football coach Dana Zupke said he thinks the rule represents that the AIA understands the coaches’ loss of control.

“Football is really the only major sport not dominated by clubs,” Zupke said. “However, with the increasing prevalence of year-round 7-on-7, this could be shifting. I have college coaches telling me stories of dealing with 7-on-7 coaches when it comes to recruiting certain skilled athletes in other parts of the country, likening them to ‘street agents.’

“Unfortunately, naive parents are driving this new economy of experts – trainers, recruiting services, 7-on-7 coaches. Parents are being sold that this is what they have to do to get their kids exposure. This comes at the expense of the high school coach who typically has the best interests of the student-athlete at heart. The question comes down to who is the better influence on the student-athlete? The club guy/trainer, who has a direct financial interest in that individual? Or the high school coach, who has a greater interest in development of the person?”

The Arizona Interscholastic Association’s legislative council is expected to vote on the rule Friday. Click here to read the complete story.

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