Dear Editors:

With regard to the “Free Hausman!” article on the M-A Bear News site, I appreciate Russell trying to get the story and the fact that he approached me for my comments.  I did tell him that disciplinary issues are confidential and would not discuss specifics with him then, and won’t comment on them now.  I have a slightly different perception of the events, but overall I feel he did a good job.

There is a bigger issue, however, that we as administrators face every school year, and that is with regard to sportsmanship guidelines. We are part of the Peninsula Athletic League and the Central Coast Section, and when we choose to be associated with these organizations, we as a school understand that we must follow league guidelines.  Practices cannot begin before a certain day, there is a time requirement for length of practices, students are expected to have a 2.0 GPA to be eligible, etc.

In addition, there are clearly defined sportsmanship guidelines that our spectators are not just expected to follow – they are required.  At times when I talk to students I get the feeling they think we are making things up to spoil their fun, but in reality we are just following  league guidelines regarding what can and cannot be done.  Taunting, booing, and derogatory remarks are not allowed.  As an administrator I do try to caution and advise during games, but when the line is crossed, ejection from the game may be a consequence.  I invite anyone to stop by my office if they would like to discuss these guidelines.

One final note – I have been able to attend many athletic competitions this year, and I enjoy it when the 6th Man Club, 7th Woman Club, and students in general fill the stands.  The lackluster numbers that Russell mentioned for the PAL semi-final game honestly mirrored what I saw all year.  The boys victory against Burlingame a couple of weeks prior was one of the most exciting and exceptional performances that I’ve seen in my 25 years at M-A.  It saddened me that there was not one member of the 6th Man Club in the stands that night.  “Perfection Since Conception” - has it become just a motto?  Maybe some reporter would like to tackle that.