Rural schools dissatisfied with CHSAA

A group of 1A and 2A school superintendents are advocating for the need for Colorado High School Activities Association to listen to the rural perspective and how it affects sports activities.

Reporting at the April 8 Holyoke School Board meeting, Superintendent Kyle Stumpf said the group is sharing things with CHSAA about their frustrations and concerns.

While it is hoped that CHSAA officials will listen, the group of rural districts is preparing to potentially start an alternative high school athletic association.

They have started the planning, policy and legal work necessary to provide an alternative option if needed.

Holyoke activities director John Baumgartner noted that most schools in the Lower Platte Activities Association are on board with this, as are other smaller schools on the other side of the state.

Several superintendents met with CHSAA Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-
Green on April 5 to present issues and concerns that they feel need addressed. They offered solutions in each area of concern.

At last week’s Holyoke board meeting, Stumpf said the next steps were to include discussion at the April 12 CHSAA meeting and at a CHSAA summit this summer.

While there seems to be buy-in for sports such as football, basketball and baseball, Stumpf said there is some concern in Holyoke for sports such as swimming and golf that compete at a 3A or larger level. Those may not be part of an alternative CHSAA plan for 1A and 2A schools.

Other logistics are also of concern in terms of traveling clear across the state for regular season, but Stumpf said everyone is fairly open-minded at this point.

He emphasized that the group of superintendents that is pursuing this just doesn’t feel like they’re being heard by CHSAA officials. They’re hopeful that their voice will be listened to at this point and some changes made.

Holyoke board members complimented the direction this group is taking by offering solutions.

Stumpf said if something is going to be in place with regard to an alternative athletic association for this coming school year, a solid plan would need to be established by the middle of June.

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