Rushville, IL – The Schuyler-Industry School District will start limiting the number of students who participate in each sport.
Right now there is no cap in place. Superintendent Matt Plater says that does not always result in many wins. "I get approached every year by people and our own coaches asking if we have to do it this way," says Plater.
Plater says the school board decided it was time to change the policy. "We are going to allow coaches to limit the number of participants to a good functioning number that doesn't take away from the success of the group by having more than we can deal with or having to divide practice time or play time amongst so many people," Plater says.
Plater says the district is simply doing what other school districts in the area have already done. "Many of the 5th and 6th grade teams that we go play are playing to win," says Plater. "That's who you're going to compete against in high school. If you fall behind in the very beginning, you are going to stay behind. Ultimately that is what's happening here."
Plater says the district might add intramural sports so everyone can participate. "This would be for any and all students who didn't make the team, but still want to play," says Plater. "They can get better and might make the team next year."