There is a great difference between interest in and commitment to rules.  If we’re interested in something, we do it, support it and speak to it when it’s convenient for us to do so.  If we’re committed to something, we do it when it’s inconvenient, even when it seems impossible.

People who are interested in the integrity of interscholastic athletics speak about the need to play by the rules.  In a general way, they urge the MHSAA to investigate alleged rule breakers.  In a general way, they preach good sportsmanship, citizenship and ethics.

People who are committed to the integrity of interscholastic athletics actually report specific rule breakers, even when it’s a member of their conference, a neighboring school or their own school.  Even when the violations are unintentional.  Even when they cost a team a game or come between a school and a championship.

People who are committed to the integrity of interscholastic athletics not only preach good sportsmanship, they teach it by education, example and enforcement, even when it means removing an influential parent from the stands, or a veteran coach from the sidelines, or a star player from the game or the team.  Even when it means giving playing time to substitutes before records for superstars.  Even when it means subordinating the results of contests to the process of educating students.