Each October for 32 consecutive years, the MHSAA has hosted a series of meetings across the state called “Update Meetings,” an opportunity for school representatives to review recent changes as well as proposals for change that are working their way through the organization’s governing structure.

As these meetings come to a close this week – in Warren tomorrow and Marquette on Friday – we are reminded of this state’s great size and even greater diversity:

• Two peninsulas and two time zones.
• Public and nonpublic schools.
• Religious and non-religious private schools.
• Urban, suburban, rural and remote schools, including some on islands.
• Some schools 100 times larger than others.
• Some schools west of St. Louis, Missouri, while others are closer to the Atlantic Ocean than to the schools they may meet in MHSAA tournaments.

It should surprise no one that few policies or procedures designed to promote competitive equity – fair play – among such a diverse membership will be found perfectly acceptable to all schools in all situations.

The Update Meetings provide an opportunity for all parts of the state to hear first-hand what is new and what may become new in Michigan school sports.  As I complete my 24th annual “tour” of Michigan, I will not only be looking at the autumn colors; I’ll also be listening for those ideas which rise above mere compromise but actually resonate with consensus among our far-flung membership.