Ohio Competitive Balance Referendum Fails

http://highschoolsports.cleveland.com/news/article/2606362352032231928/ohios-competitive-balance-referendum-rejected-for-3rd-straight-year-by-ohsaa-members-high-school-transfer-proposal-passes/

Competitive Balance III failed by a mere 19 votes, 327-308, in a referendum vote of high school principals, the OHSAA said Thursday.

“I was hoping it would pass, but I thought it would be very, very close because this is a very passionate issue,’ OHSAA Commissioner Dan Ross said. “Ten schools vote the other way and this passes.’

Of note, 157 members did not cast ballots, 27 votes arrived late and were not counted, and four votes were declared invalid. The two-week voting process ended Wednesday.

Also, OHSAA members approveda referendum to reduce the period of ineligibility for most transfers from one year to half a season.

A vote to separate public and private schools likely will come next, possibly in May 2014, on a ballot that also could include Competitive Balance IV in a final, “either-or” showdown.

Wooster Triway Superintendent Dave Rice said Thursday he will initiate a slimmed down version of a past separation referendum that will be limited to football, soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball and baseball.

Ross said a competitive balance committee will be revivied to “tweak’ this year’s proposal.

That scenario would leave member schools with an “either-or” choice — competitive balance or separation, Ross said.

“I think that’s a waste of time,’ Triway’s Rice said. “What do you tweak? If he (Ross) thinks it’s a good idea, put it to the board (OHSAA Board of Directors) and vote, and be done with it. Quit screwing around with a (referendum) vote.

“It’s a leadership issue.’

Ross said the issue is too important not to involve the OHSAA membership.

Disappointed and nervous private schools, meanwhile, are beginning to examine their options, which include leaving the OHSAA if a separation vote passes.

“I’m already hearing rumblings that there would be true separation,’ Walsh Jesuit President Karl Ertle said.”I don’t know why we can’t find a way to all get along and play each other and have a great state tournament.

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