The threat is invisible at times because it comes cloaked in shiny new uniforms, athletic gear and promises of the educational experience of national and world travel and competition. We were not established as a reactionary group but we must examine if that is what we have become. In the substantive matter of these changing ideals of sport, I respectfully suggest we cease our reactionary roles and become an instigator, a catalyst, an activator of some sort that appeals to a reasonableness of thought and protects the interests of young people in our charge. A new language is called for if we are to deal effectively with these issues. Old language is This is a terrible set of problems and circumstances, - if only we could do something about them.
New language is a call to action the development of a plan with as many parts as necessary.
To give consideration in this plan for some state or national rules or initiatives in these matters, supported by us all and the subsequent strength and voice that will bring and to consider National Programming that challenges these outside influences. National Programming that is under the guidance of educators. Therefore the immediate need is to swiftly engage dialogue, which will help us to decide if this is a cause for which we wish to collectively and publicly act against and to decide what that action should represent. We have begun that at the Federation level with task forces assigned to the concept of amateurism and the international student. If member schools do not play them, their national reputation may require a national schedule for all of their contests .