The Florida High School Athletic Association and a gender equity group have settled a lawsuit stemming from the association's attempt to pare down its prep sports schedules.
The agreement includes these points:
- The FHSAA will comply with all state and federal policies applicable state athletic associations, including the Florida Educational Equity Act, the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
- The FHSAA is prohibited from retaliating against the plaintiffs, their children or anyone else involved with the lawsuit.
- At the FHSAA's representative assembly in January 2010, the association will provide training about the obligations of Title IX and other laws dealing with gender equity. Similar training will be conducted at the next six FHSAA compliance seminars, beginning July 2010.
- The FHSAA will pay the plaintiffs' legal fees of $41,200.
Florida Parents for Athletic Equity was formed when the FHSAA, in an attempt to lessen the financial burdens of its member schools,voted to trim its schedules - 20 percent for varsity sports, 40 percent for sub-varsity sports - with the exclusion of football and competitive cheerleading.
The measure was carried out in April.
The group felt the cuts were biased against female athletes and violated Title IX, as well as state law, and filed a lawsuit in June, as well as a temporary injunction and restraining order.
In July, the FHSAA's board of directors called an emergency meeting and unanimously voted to rescind the cuts, which were referred to as Policy 6.
"It is unfortunate that the situation occurred while trying to help our member schools with the financial crisis they are facing, which inadvertently created an unintentional disparity to our student-athletes," said FHSAA executive director Roger Dearing. "We will continue to focus on providing excellent academic and athletic opportunities for the girls and boys in the state of Florida."
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Blakely fielding offers
Mike Blakely is barely halfway done with his junior season.
But the Manatee playmaker has already received Division I scholarship offers from Clemson, USF and Syracuse, though he plans on taking his time before making a decison.
"I'm just waiting, because I'm still young," he said. "Hopefully, more colleges come after me."
Blakely scored three different ways Friday night - he returned a kickoff 91 yards, scored on a four-yard run and caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Brion Carnes. Manatee defeated Sarasota 35-20 win in its Class 5A-District 10 opener.
While Blakely is keeping his college options open, he said Clemson has been his most impressive suitor thus far.
"Clemson's been showing me a lot of love," he said. "Plus, it's a great atmosphere."
But the Manatee playmaker has already received Division I scholarship offers from Clemson, USF and Syracuse, though he plans on taking his time before making a decison.
"I'm just waiting, because I'm still young," he said. "Hopefully, more colleges come after me."
Blakely scored three different ways Friday night - he returned a kickoff 91 yards, scored on a four-yard run and caught a 22-yard touchdown pass from Brion Carnes. Manatee defeated Sarasota 35-20 win in its Class 5A-District 10 opener.
While Blakely is keeping his college options open, he said Clemson has been his most impressive suitor thus far.
"Clemson's been showing me a lot of love," he said. "Plus, it's a great atmosphere."
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Canes defense a work in progress
Manatee is heading into its first district game Friday at Sarasota, and coach Joe Kinnan hopes the Hurricanes' new-look defense takes more steps in the right direction.
The Canes ditched the 3-4 they ran last year in exchange for a 4-2-5. Four weeks in, and Kinnan is starting to see improvement.
"This is a little different than what we've been doing, with different fronts and coverages," Kinnan said. "It's a learning experience for our kids as well as our coaching staff."
One change the Canes will make will be at defensive end, where freshman Marquis Dawsey will start Friday against the Sailors.
"The goal is to get the best players out there," Kinnan said.
Everything has gone the right way for Manatee, which is 4-0. But Kinnan knows tonight begins a pivotal stretch for the Hurricanes, who face Class 5A-District 10 opponents in four of their last six games.
"They're starting to understand what we’re trying to get across from them," Kinnan said. "Learning from our mistakes, and trying to improve, is the purpose of what we’re trying to do.
The Canes ditched the 3-4 they ran last year in exchange for a 4-2-5. Four weeks in, and Kinnan is starting to see improvement.
"This is a little different than what we've been doing, with different fronts and coverages," Kinnan said. "It's a learning experience for our kids as well as our coaching staff."
One change the Canes will make will be at defensive end, where freshman Marquis Dawsey will start Friday against the Sailors.
"The goal is to get the best players out there," Kinnan said.
Everything has gone the right way for Manatee, which is 4-0. But Kinnan knows tonight begins a pivotal stretch for the Hurricanes, who face Class 5A-District 10 opponents in four of their last six games.
"They're starting to understand what we’re trying to get across from them," Kinnan said. "Learning from our mistakes, and trying to improve, is the purpose of what we’re trying to do.
Falcons platooing at QB
Saint Stephen's will be using a two-pronged attack under center, Michael Roberts and Adam Vining taking the snaps, beginning Friday when the Falcons head to Moore Haven for a Class 1B-District 6 game.
"We'll see who wants it," said coach Stan Brown.
Vining started at the beginning of the season, helping Saint Stephen's earn wins against St. Petersburg Shorecrest Prep and Naples First Baptist Academy. But Roberts was inserted midway through the Falcons' Week 4 loss against Bradenton Christian, during which Saint Stephen's threw for 224 yards.
Roberts started last week against Boca Raton Saint Andrew's, throwing for 151 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. Roberts has thrown for 331 yards this season.
Vining has thrown for 193 yards and has rushed for 151.
"We've given each one a fair share, passing and running," Brown said, adding it will be a game-time decision to see which one starts against Moore Haven.
What Brown does know is the Falcons need a win Friday to stay in the postseason picture - they are 0-1 in district play.
"I told them, this is it. Our playoffs start Friday," Brown said. "Our playoffs don't start (in) November."
"We'll see who wants it," said coach Stan Brown.
Vining started at the beginning of the season, helping Saint Stephen's earn wins against St. Petersburg Shorecrest Prep and Naples First Baptist Academy. But Roberts was inserted midway through the Falcons' Week 4 loss against Bradenton Christian, during which Saint Stephen's threw for 224 yards.
Roberts started last week against Boca Raton Saint Andrew's, throwing for 151 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. Roberts has thrown for 331 yards this season.
Vining has thrown for 193 yards and has rushed for 151.
"We've given each one a fair share, passing and running," Brown said, adding it will be a game-time decision to see which one starts against Moore Haven.
What Brown does know is the Falcons need a win Friday to stay in the postseason picture - they are 0-1 in district play.
"I told them, this is it. Our playoffs start Friday," Brown said. "Our playoffs don't start (in) November."
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Woodie high on Ackerman
Palmetto defensive back Brian Ackerman played a pivotal role Friday for the Tigers, blocking a punt and returning a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown in a 27-9 win over Bayshore.
It was a solid performance, and one which came as no surprise to coach Raymond Woodie, who watched Ackerman make 21 tackles Week 3 against Wauchula Hardee.
"I expect that from him," he said. "He always has his motor running. In practice, he does a great job. If you practice perfect, things like this will happen in a game for him. And it doesn't surprise me because he works hard."
The Tigers will need Ackerman's motor to be running Friday when they head to Punta Gorda Charlotte for their district opener against Charlotte.
"Hopefully," Woodie said, "that type of energy will feed off the rest of these players. In practice, every heartbeat, you've got to keep it up."
It was a solid performance, and one which came as no surprise to coach Raymond Woodie, who watched Ackerman make 21 tackles Week 3 against Wauchula Hardee.
"I expect that from him," he said. "He always has his motor running. In practice, he does a great job. If you practice perfect, things like this will happen in a game for him. And it doesn't surprise me because he works hard."
The Tigers will need Ackerman's motor to be running Friday when they head to Punta Gorda Charlotte for their district opener against Charlotte.
"Hopefully," Woodie said, "that type of energy will feed off the rest of these players. In practice, every heartbeat, you've got to keep it up."
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Palmetto hoping for some momentum
There is no better time than now for Palmetto's football team to snap its skid.
The Tigers take an 0-3 record into Friday's game at Bayshore (2-2), and hope to get into the win column before heading to Punta Gorda Charlotte next week for each team's Class 4A-District 11 opener.
"Obviously, the kids need momentum," said coach Raymond Woodie. "We're looking at this week's game as the most important game on our schedule because it's the next game. It's all about execution. We just need to execute."
The Tigers have struggled offensively, mustering one touchdown and 13 points during their first three games. Of course, their first opponents were Southeast, Manatee and Wauchula Hardee - not exactly a collection of cupcakes.
"A lot of these kids are first year guys, and they understand we've been playing some good teams," Woodie said. "And if you make mistakes, good teams are going to capitalize."
Woodie said Donald Campbell and Rian Kelly, both of whom are seniors, will share the quarterbacking duties. The Tigers have thrown for an area-low 77 yards thus far.
"Hopefully, they’ll click before districts. And that’s the most important – each game, finding improvement," Woodie said. "We don’t want to put too much on them. Just try to keep it simple, and try to catch people off balance and not make many mistakes. When you’re a young team, you can’t make many mistakes, especially when you play a good opponent.
"We’ve just got to keep plugging and keep getting better."
The Tigers take an 0-3 record into Friday's game at Bayshore (2-2), and hope to get into the win column before heading to Punta Gorda Charlotte next week for each team's Class 4A-District 11 opener.
"Obviously, the kids need momentum," said coach Raymond Woodie. "We're looking at this week's game as the most important game on our schedule because it's the next game. It's all about execution. We just need to execute."
The Tigers have struggled offensively, mustering one touchdown and 13 points during their first three games. Of course, their first opponents were Southeast, Manatee and Wauchula Hardee - not exactly a collection of cupcakes.
"A lot of these kids are first year guys, and they understand we've been playing some good teams," Woodie said. "And if you make mistakes, good teams are going to capitalize."
Woodie said Donald Campbell and Rian Kelly, both of whom are seniors, will share the quarterbacking duties. The Tigers have thrown for an area-low 77 yards thus far.
"Hopefully, they’ll click before districts. And that’s the most important – each game, finding improvement," Woodie said. "We don’t want to put too much on them. Just try to keep it simple, and try to catch people off balance and not make many mistakes. When you’re a young team, you can’t make many mistakes, especially when you play a good opponent.
"We’ve just got to keep plugging and keep getting better."
Non-district game means plenty to Canes
There's no comparison between district and non-district football games. District games mean everything - win them and you're in the playoffs.
Win your non-league games and, well...it makes for a nice overall record.
Consequently, Manatee coach Joe Kinnan has had his players focused on winning the county championship, which the Hurricanes can take a step toward clinching Friday at Lakewood Ranch.
Manatee is 3-0, having scored wins over Bayshore, Palmetto and Southeast.
"That's something we set our sights on," he said. "It gives us some extra incentive for those five (non-district) game."
Following Friday's game with the 2-2 Mustangs, Manatee heads to Sarasota for its Class 5A-District 10 opener. The Canes missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2004.
"We had a very good week of practice last week. We made progress, which is good," Kinnan said, referring to Manatee's bye week. "Now, we're ready to start grinding again."
Lakewood Ranch has already doubled last year's win total and has an improved quarterback in Reggie Lindsey, who has thrown for 519 yards and hasn't been intercepted in 67 attempts.
Kinnan saw Lindsey play twice last season - in a junior-varsity game, and in Manatee and Lakewood Ranch's varsity meeting in Week 10.
"I even made a comment, 'He's better than what they have on the varsity level,'" Kinnan said, who was also quick to refer to the Mustangs' Week 2 win over Southeast.
"It got our players' attention," he said. "We're not overconfident or anything like that. But we're ready to play a game."
Win your non-league games and, well...it makes for a nice overall record.
Consequently, Manatee coach Joe Kinnan has had his players focused on winning the county championship, which the Hurricanes can take a step toward clinching Friday at Lakewood Ranch.
Manatee is 3-0, having scored wins over Bayshore, Palmetto and Southeast.
"That's something we set our sights on," he said. "It gives us some extra incentive for those five (non-district) game."
Following Friday's game with the 2-2 Mustangs, Manatee heads to Sarasota for its Class 5A-District 10 opener. The Canes missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2004.
"We had a very good week of practice last week. We made progress, which is good," Kinnan said, referring to Manatee's bye week. "Now, we're ready to start grinding again."
Lakewood Ranch has already doubled last year's win total and has an improved quarterback in Reggie Lindsey, who has thrown for 519 yards and hasn't been intercepted in 67 attempts.
Kinnan saw Lindsey play twice last season - in a junior-varsity game, and in Manatee and Lakewood Ranch's varsity meeting in Week 10.
"I even made a comment, 'He's better than what they have on the varsity level,'" Kinnan said, who was also quick to refer to the Mustangs' Week 2 win over Southeast.
"It got our players' attention," he said. "We're not overconfident or anything like that. But we're ready to play a game."
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