We’re almost one-third through the 2010-11 school sports year; so it’s time to remind myself of what I learn every August as the new year kicks off.

Every August for two decades I’ve met with the sportswriters of school newspapers during the summer conference of the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association at Michigan State University.  I use the time to report the latest news from the MHSAA and to listen to the topics raised by the students.  They tell me a lot about what’s going on in school sports and a lot about what’s important to students these days, and what is not.

Part of my time with these bright, informed and engaged students involves separating the hot topics from the important topics.  Discerning what is merely a controversial issue from a more critical, defining issue.

We discover together that hot topics come and go, while critical issues last.  Critical issues are defining issues that get to the basics of school sports, to the essence of educational athletics.  These are topics that were as important when I was in school as they are today when these young students are in school.  Invariably, the students identify:

• fairness (competitive equity)
• coaching competency
• sportsmanship
• pressure from coaches and parents
• safety and health issues
• time demands and balance with academic pursuits as well as other school activities

Every year I leave this session with renewed resolve to keep these topics in mind and to keep working on them, even in the midst of the hot topics that will push their way onto our agendas as the year unfolds.