Lawmakers call a foul over team's Sabbath showdown

Refusal to change game time could hurt Jewish team

By Alan Gathright, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published February 28, 2008 at 12:30 a.m.
Updated February 28, 2008 at 7:56 a.m.

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February 28, 2008

6:37 a.m.

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politwriter writes:

I live in a heavily Orthodox Jewish neighborhood, where many cook for the entire weekend on Fri. morning and leave their lights on day and night (since they aren't allowed to work a lightswitch on the Shabat) and wear Amish-like Black hats and coats, etc.

The vast majority of American Jewry do not embrace these customs, just as the vast majority of Christendom does not embrace the Saturday sabbath practices of the 7th Day Adventists or the Jehovah's Witnesses.

It is unfortunate, but I don't think the larger society should be compelled to substantially upset their activities to accomodate the peculiar requirements of each and every very small religious sect.

The logical solution would be for this Yeshiva to join with co-religionists and compete in a league of their own.
February 28, 2008

6:46 a.m.

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Classof80 writes:

One question with maybe a simple solution.. If there religion allows activities after sundown on Saturday why not just push the game back to where it takes place after sundown?? No reason why CHSAA cant make exceptions for them as they do for others..
February 28, 2008

7:06 a.m.

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MrJim writes:

I'm not Jewish, but I hope w/ all the Jewish lawyers (sorry for the stereotype) someone takes CHSAA to court TODAY and gets a judge to order CHSAA to change the game time. Seems like a slam dunk case to me.
February 28, 2008

7:07 a.m.

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Mtnsjohn writes:

Herzl/Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy applied to the CHSAA knowing that this might happen. At that time they agreed if they got to the playoffs they would just not play in order to keep their orthodox Sabbath. This has to do with honoring agreements.

That said, they should go through the process to try to get the CHSAA to accommodate them in the future. To have the State Legislature involved is just plain stupid.

Anyone have a problem?....get a legislator to introduce a law to fix it.
February 28, 2008

7:08 a.m.

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Lisa writes:

Interesting comments so far showing some ignorance of Jewish beliefs. Religious Jews do not work on the Sabbath, which is saturday for them, just as religious Christians do not work on the Sabbath, which is sunday for them. If the CHSAA has a rule not to play games on the Christian sabbath because it violates the religious beliefs of their religious Christian members, it isn't much of a stretch for them to allow religious Jews, and this is a religious Jewish school we're talking about, to play after their Sabbath ends on saturday evening. The children at the religious Jewish school have an opportunity here to test the strength of their belief in keeping the Sabbath holy. Either way they can win. If the CHSAA relents and re-schedules their games they will learn the value of living in a pluralistic society that values all of its' members. If the CHSAA does not relent the children will learn how following their religion sets them apart. Hopefully they can gain positive lessons from that with the help of their teachers.
February 28, 2008

7:29 a.m.

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glowrock writes:

I'm essentially a non-practicing Jew, so the Saturday sabbath means very little to me personally. That being said, this is a clear-cut case of discrimination, pure and simple. The CHSAA needs to accomodate Herzl/RMHA's religious stance, period.
February 28, 2008

7:43 a.m.

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vudumom writes:

I disagree with the legislature getting involved in this.The team knew when it joined the CHSAA,what the rules are.They thought their team would never make it that far and thus assumed they would never have to deal with this issue.The CHSAA every year months in advance rents out different places for the playoffs or whatever they call them.They cannot now add hours to the facilities that they rent for these games.the facilities are all around the region.The facilities are rented for a specific number of hours and specific days.The contracts I'm sure allow for funds to hire someone at the certain facilities to do clean up after the games are played.It might be a big deal to change these contracts and rules the CHSAA has made with these facilities.

One more question .If these people are so tied to their faith and such a stickler for rules,than why do they have a problem forfieting a game for their religion?
February 28, 2008

7:53 a.m.

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glowrock writes:

That is such a cop-out it's unbelievable, vudumom... Give me a break, the school has been trying to work something out with CHSAA for months, to no avail. No reason at all why some kind of rescheduling couldn't happen, and I don't buy for a minute your argument about rentals, cleanup crews, etc... Just have a game after dusk on Saturday if needed...

Again, I'm not one to normally call out discrimination, but this seems to be a clear-cut case of it.
February 28, 2008

7:57 a.m.

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Mtnsjohn writes:

glowrock:

Even if it means that Herzl will not honor their agreement with the CHSAA? Isn't that dishonorable? Voluntarily agree to something and then look for a lawyer to sue?

The Muslim's Sabbath is on Friday, Jewish is on Saturday and Christian is on Sunday. So I guess tournaments need to be held during the school week and at night?
February 28, 2008

8:27 a.m.

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vudumom writes:

So if a Muslim kid is on a team and is scheduled to play,but during the game he must get out the prayer rug,does that mean everyone has to wait while the game is held up because of a religious rule?
The no playing on Sunday rule was made many ,many years ago.It was not because of religious rules,it was because these kids were playing all week and tournements being held on Saturday's and evenings so parents could be there.Sunday's were set aside as a day of rest because at the time alot of people didn't work on Sunday's.Catholics and other religions often go to mass on Saturday's and other days and nights.Alot of religions go at all different times,are they asking for rule changes?This school signed up with the CHSAA and knew well in advance the rules.Now they come along wanting the rules changed because of their religion.I thing the school has breached it's contract and gone back on it's word to abide by the rules of CHSAA.So they are in the wrong not CHSAA.Life is not always fair and when you sign a contrat you are giving your word that you will follow the rules.That makes this school look like liars and whiney babies because they now want the rules changed,Good lesson to teach their students.Sign a contract,know the rules,go back on your word to abide by those rules,force people to accomodate you and your religion and sue to change the rules you don't like as you see fit.
In other words,lie,cheat and sue.
February 28, 2008

8:31 a.m.

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Jennie writes:

RememberThis: How would the Jewish players even get to the basketball courts to play on a Saturday? They observe the Sabbath and don't drive. Orthodox Jews can do some things on Saturday, but it is very limited. No TV, No driving, no cooking (meals are prepared before the Sabbath) no work (therefore physical labor like SHOVELING would be a definite no), no changing on and off of lights/electricity. Competing in a basketball tournament wouldn't go over well. They are not taking this too far. Perhaps you should research Orthodox Judaism a little more.
February 28, 2008

8:34 a.m.

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ham writes:

These kids should learn a lesson from this. The games SHOULD NOT be moved to accommodate them, and they should learn that taking a stand on principle can have negative consequences. The real world out there is not going to capitulate other to your side when you take a stand! So they should go ahead and take a stand and deal with the consequences. That's how the world works, folks. If you want to take a stand, be prepared to deal with the results.
February 28, 2008

8:40 a.m.

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glowrock writes:

Would you say the same thing if it were Evangelical/Fundamentalist Christians who refused to play a game on a Sunday if that's when the games were held, ham? Somehow I doubt it.
February 28, 2008

9:07 a.m.

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3rdGenerationNative writes:

Pajama, God bless you.
Vudumom, watch Chariots of Fire: Sunday amateur sports, even in England were banned by the Anglican church. Our founding fathers understood that connection and included most other activities on Saturday in deference to the Jewish community. by the time pro leagues started, Sundays were about the only time dates left to schedule venues. They 'changed the rules as they saw fit': pro sport betting in England became big business because gamblers wouldn't be caught dead in church (pun).
I know you can't please everybody, but CHSAA's usual good-ole-boy stubbornness displeases everybody. Imagine if they had orthodox Jewish/Islam tournaments north of the Arctic Circle?? have to suspend play for 6 months!

I think the Legislature needs to jump in - they could decide from the photog-kicking incident if it was a case of religious interference - btw - how come LowTax=freedom hasn't posted here?
February 28, 2008

9:21 a.m.

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wow writes:

The entire weekend should be opened up for play. Any family who has kids in an extracurricular activity wants to have the opportunity to work their schedule around the activity. More flexibility is always welcome.

That said--refusal to make special allowances for one group and their choice is not discrimination. What about all the Jewish and Muslim kids on public school sports teams? Do they skip practice, games and school itself on thier Sabbaths? If they did, they wouldn't see much play, warming the bench all season. Orthodox people are forced by thier religious laws to find ways to observe thier Sabbath, and no one is required by any law to help them do that, as far as I know. If you take a job where Sabbath day work might occasionally required, you don't just get to refuse to do it when your turn comes around...at least not if you want to succeed. The rest of the world does not stop for you just because you think it should.
February 28, 2008

9:26 a.m.

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harrisj1122 writes:

The children should learn a lesson now matter what the outcome, that lesson may be that others care more about their rules than helping kids. The only problem with this whole scenario is if the Sunday prohibition truly was a religious one. If so, then there is discrimination.

There are over 15 million Seventh Day Adventists world wide. That may not be the majority of Christians, but it is alot. I don't think you ever hear the seventh day adventist church try to change anyone else's rules on their behalf. Maybe some individual, but not the church.

http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/fund...

I am not sure, but I don't think that Jehovah's Witnesses embrace the Jewish Sabbath.

Oh, by the way, it isn't the Jewish Sabbath. It is God's Sabbath. He set it aside an ordained it as such before there even were Jews.

It may be that they will have an opportunity to be proud that they stood for their beliefs even though it means forfeiting the game. I sure hope their parents and coaches are teaching them about standing on their moral high ground and not whining about not getting the rules changed on their behalf.
February 28, 2008

9:27 a.m.

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plainsguy writes:

First off, why is this news worthy. They agreed to follow CHSAA rules when they opened up 5 years ago. Now all of a sudden when they think they have a good team they need to change the rules now. Why not 5 years ago when they got into CHSAA? Their not that good anyways, they play in a weak district and they play the same teams twice all year and they have a 11-3 record or whatever it is and they still are only the 3rd seeded team in their district, come on what a joke. They say that they have a shot at playing for the championships. NO YOU DONT!!! Maybe for district 8 you will, but that's a joke of a district to play in anyways!! They don't have a chance to play in the 1A state championship game anyways, they wont even make it out of the regional that they will play in. Our law makers need to find something else to stand on the front steps and demand that it needs to be fixed. Instead of trying to fix a stupid basketball game which the team they are trying to help IS NOT ANY GOOD ANYWAYS!!!!!!!!!!
February 28, 2008

9:45 a.m.

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goneflying writes:

Mr. Reader's comment "We can't be all things to all people" says it all. Hey Sherlock, you work for the all the people. Unfortunately this is the kind of high minded inflexibility we have come to expect from CHSAA. Get off your high horse and accomodate these kids. How hard is it to schedule the game after sundown? I'm have trouble figuring out who are the kids and who are the adults in this fued. Hey boys and girls at CHSSA, "its just high school basketball". Let's stand behind these kids who are willing to sacrifice their season to honor their faith.
February 28, 2008

10:02 a.m.

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eagleye writes:

There have been several statements made in these posts which indicated that Sunday is the Christian sabbath, and therefore, Christians cannot work (or play basketball) on it. This is simply not true, and it flies in the face of the New Testament (e.g., Colossians 2:16,17). The Old Testament ceremonial laws, which include "holy days," dietary restrictions, and blood sacrifices, simply do not apply to the New Testament church. Many Christians choose to worship on Sunday, since that's the day Christ rose, but it's not a Scriptural command. Christians are free to work or worship on any day they choose.

That said, I am very happy that CHSAA banned Sunday games, tournaments, and organized practices. It at least gives practicing Christians, the majority of whom have chosen Sunday for worship for nearly 2,000 years, the chance to go to church (or at least, it relieves them of having to make a decision between church and sports). It also allows families, whether Christian or not, the opportunity to have at least one day out of seven that they can relax and spend time together.

But since the main reason behind CHSAA's decision re: Sunday games was religious in nature, I don't see how they can't somehow figure out a way to accommodate an orthodox Jewish school in scheduling tournaments.
February 28, 2008

10:07 a.m.

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buffsblg writes:

The Sunday rule originally had a religious basis but by now is more likely a tradition. I respect the hebrew kids for standing on their principles, but it is also important to learn that principles have a price. This is, after all, only a basketball game. If they give that up for what they believe in then that is their choice.

While I suspect that CHSSA is being more stubborn than necessary, that is also their right. This should be addressed next year by a more general consideration of what day off the kids should get and how do we take into account the needs of most of the kids.
February 28, 2008

10:22 a.m.

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Pyro12 writes:

was the rule and schedule different than in years past? Has this always been the format? I think so. Why do people always cry foul when they can't get the world to "change" to meet their needs? What are these parents, and officials saying to children today? Work hard, be firm in your beliefs, do the best you can, but if things don't come out the way you "need" them to, just file a lawsuit.
February 28, 2008

10:23 a.m.

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wow writes:

We should stand behind them for being true to thier faith--kids who are commited to any cause enough to sacrifice for it are worth recognizing. So allow them to make the sacrifice, and honor them for it.
Don't convince people that discrimination is taking place when it is certainly not.
Unless it is written somewhere that Sunday play is prohibited for Christian religious reasons, non-Christian people with a different Sabbath are being denied nothing, and there is no discrimination.
They should work on opening up the entire weekend for all the kids and thier families to participate, if for no other reason than to end all the future bickering. Let people of faith continue to work out thier own way of functioning in secular society. They've been doing it well for 2,000+ years, no special help needed.
February 28, 2008

10:23 a.m.

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stone writes:

Remember, religion does not belong in public schools. Jews have been sueing school districts for decades to have all traces of Christianity removed from educational environments. For this very reason, there should be no adjustment to the playoff schedule to accomodate their religion. Religion does not belong in Colorado High School Activities Association events.
February 28, 2008

10:34 a.m.

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Jennie writes:

Stone, Herzl RMHA is a private school.
February 28, 2008

10:41 a.m.

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mikeincr writes:

This issue is all about tolerance. And I must say, what an apalling lack of tolerance these comments show about the people of Colorado. This makes me a bit sick to my stomach, and those who make comments like "they" should not expect the rules changed for them should be ashamed of themselves. We're simply talking about moving a game time out a few hours, not a stance on which religion is best or right or deserves to have rules made for them. Do we in Colorado not have enough tolerance to take other people's views into consideration, and more importantly respect that others don't always have our views? Does the Lord not emphasize tolerance always?? If you can't be tolerant of another's beliefs, then how do you feel about the tolerance our country is based upon? It's simply awful to read how strongly people feel about not being flexible enough to think about others...awful.
February 28, 2008

10:58 a.m.

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wow writes:

How does sticking to a posted schedule equal religious intolerance?
No one is advocating the wholesale disregard of the needs of religious people. Rather, I personally am advocating for the disregard of "want" for "special accomodation". It would be great if we could all be "nice" to one another, and meet eachother's expectations when scheduling activities, but why should any one group be given prefferential treatment?
Will this organisation re-schedule around a coach who's daughter's wedding is Saturday? Will they be moved to change the schedule to accomodate a player's ilness, or family emergency? In fact, what if the whole team gets food poisoning?
Honestly.... The only reason this story has made it this far is that some one feels politically motivated to preempt a perceived slight against a religion.
What about pagans, and athiests. I want Wednesdays off...I worship the letter W.
February 28, 2008

11:03 a.m.

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El_Rabino writes:

What is wrong with Bill Reader? Push the game back a few hours so the boys can play. What of good sportsmanship? What are we trying to teach these kids? There are fewer teams now than when the tournament started so you know he's not forthcoming.
February 28, 2008

11:35 a.m.

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plainsguy writes:

Why move it back for them? They understood the rules when the joined CHSAA so why changed now. The problem is this is first time in 5 years they think they have a team thats going to the state tournement so they better change the rules now to help suite their needs.
February 28, 2008

11:40 a.m.

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vudumom writes:

One other comment.A lot of these kids and their families are not practicing jews.The school however has them sign a contract in order to attend the school that they observe the Sabbath.So they want non practicing jews to follow their rules and others outside their school to follow their rules also.This is pure religious bullshi* !
February 28, 2008

11:57 a.m.

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stone writes:

Jennie - read my last sentence.

They are a private school that has joined a state sanctioned athletic association.
February 28, 2008

12:40 p.m.

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Classof80 writes:

There's no reason that CHSAA cannot puch the game back so that these kids can play!! CHSAA is a bunch of arrogant individuals that put in ridiculous rules that they can't enforce to begin with (i.e. no recruiting) they have allowed schools like Mullen and others to set schedules based on the beliefs. Its time someone puts CHSAA in its place !!
February 28, 2008

12:41 p.m.

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Classof80 writes:

Sorry I meant push the game back .. Missed the spelling there..
February 28, 2008

1:01 p.m.

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wow writes:

Classof80,
That's an entirely new point, then. What did Mullen and "others" do to get preferential treatment, and how was it accomplished? If some religious considerations are taken, all should be taken...It was the general understanding till now that that was specifically not the case....
February 28, 2008

1:23 p.m.

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plainsguy writes:

Classof80, give an example about how Mullen set their schedules to their beliefs. To me this is just a mute point. They understood the rules when they became members of CHSAA so why change now. CHSAA doesn't care whether your Jewish or whatever religion you are. These are the rules that all schools go by that are members of CHSAA, and if you don't like their rules than join a indepented league.
February 28, 2008

1:31 p.m.

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Brain writes:

Seems to me that it is the school that is not "flexible" or "tolerant". I think it is an extreme belief not to do "anything" during THEIR sabbath.

If they can't drive until sundown then that would make it about 6pm before they can even get ready (unless they make some kind of exception for getting ready??) I have heard that they may have to drive to Sterling? for the game? minumum 2 hour drive (unless they speed but that would be another exception to their religion) I wouldn't want to start a game at 9pm if I was the opposing team; doesn't sound reasonable to me.

Their religion is apparently important to them; this basketball game really isn't. I think the school should make an exception for their kids and not push THEIR beliefs on everyone else in the tournament.
February 28, 2008

1:56 p.m.

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Radar writes:

Oh Come on, let them play! I really doubt that the CHSAA actually looked at ALL the avenues to solve this issue. They just didn't want to!
February 28, 2008

2:02 p.m.

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wow writes:

Ullr sounds better than my deity, RickyLee. Mine won't let me do anything that doesn't start with W all day on Wednesday. We all have our little restrictions...
February 28, 2008

2:58 p.m.

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Cel writes:

Posted by ham on February 28, 2008 at 8:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

These kids should learn a lesson from this. The games SHOULD NOT be moved to accommodate them, and they should learn that taking a stand on principle can have negative consequences. The real world out there is not going to capitulate other to your side when you take a stand! So they should go ahead and take a stand and deal with the consequences. That's how the world works, folks. If you want to take a stand, be prepared to deal with the results.

I would agree with this post but as well I'd apply it to CHSAA as well. They can certainly stand on principle, but in court I doubt that stand they took would get them very far. And no one's asking CHSAA to change the rules, they'd just like a very minor adjustment to the schedule. It seems to me that about 20 or so years ago a state championship game was snowed out, a circumstance far less dire the a centuries old religious practice, and they just move the game to a day more conducive to a fair football game. I think the game was played at CU. Religion and the practices thereof have always taken precedent over governmental matters, religion can keep you out of a war, it can keep you from paying taxes, they ought to be agreeable to changing the time of one stinkin' basketball game
February 28, 2008

5:09 p.m.

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hinona writes:

The only thing more sickening than Bill Reader is the ignorance of those who do not understand the real issue here or have no desire to understand what this really means. And that is precisely why this type of discrimination has been going on for generations. It is taught and believed to be right and handed down from one generation to another.
This is not about children not following the “rules” and not “bending to the general ways of the world”. This is not about children “whining and getting their own way”. This is about a 6 thousand year old issue. This is about blatant anti-Semitism and discrimination. This is about recognizing the whole world is not Christian and the whole world does not believe in Jesus.
I would like to hear what the response would be of those who see this as a group of “inflexible” kids if your children were asked to play on Easter Sunday or Good Friday. Or if they were told to wipe the ashes off their forehead before coming to school. Reprehensible, isn’t it. Disgusting, unfeeling, lacking tolerance and respect, you would say. Well guess what. So is this!
Of course, that would never happen. It wouldn’t happen if Christians were setting up the event and it wouldn’t happen if Jews were setting up the event. For the simple reason that it is NOT THE RIGHT THING TO DO. Perhaps you should ask yourself, those of you that think this a big to do over nothing – What would Jesus do? That’s always the question, isn’t it? The fact that Jesus was a Jew and an observant one at that, I would make a bet he would not play basketball on Saturday.
As far as the Sabbath is concerned, for the righteous out there, it is Saturday. That is the 7th of the week. What this group of athletes are asking for is “reasonable accommodation” so that they do not have to choose between their religious beliefs and a sport they have worked so hard to achieve excellence in. It is so interesting that no games are scheduled on Sunday. Why??
When I was a child, we had kids in our class that were excused during the school day to attend Cathachism classes. These sessions took place every Wednesday afternoon. They missed about the last 2 hours of the day and there was never any push back from the public schools. But what they did do what make sure these kids got their homework to go, and didn’t miss a beat because they had to leave early. It was “reasonable accommodation” before it became fashionable.
This is a black mark on Colorado and Bill Reader should take a hard look at himself. . He and his cronies are supposed to set an example for the youth of today. Wasn’t it someone famous that said, “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do”. Well, in this case, they know what they do.
February 28, 2008

6:05 p.m.

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wow writes:

hinona,
I think we have a clear understanding of what you believe is going on.
I also think that being in touch with reality is worth more than all the righteous anger that's been summoned up over this so called problem.
February 28, 2008

6:51 p.m.

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wow writes:

Fresh,
How dare you discriminate against the dirt worshippers. I insist you use asphalt instead, cause if not I'll write an angry letter, and maybe even see if I can get a Lawmaker to scold you.
February 28, 2008

7:18 p.m.

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wow writes:

to heck with them...bunch of freaks...
February 28, 2008

7:29 p.m.

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BuffsIn2008 writes:

Peter Groff is the despicable one here. I wonder how many decades it has been since he attended a high school basketball game, and now he's the all-knowing dictator? Typical windbag politician.

And I forget: Who exactly is holding the gun to Herzl/RMHA's head, forcing the school to join CHSAA in the first place? A bunch of other small, private schools choose not to register with CHSAA, and have great athletic programs for their kids. They just don't play for CHSAA-sponsored state championships. So what?

It seems obvious to me that if you choose to join an organization, you should abide by its rules. And if CHSAA were forced by the likes of Peter Groff to redo the entire state tournament to accommodate Herzl/RMHA, that would be an injustice to all the other teams and their fans.
February 28, 2008

8:19 p.m.

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alissabee writes:

I am reading the comments above and it is frustrating to me how infantile and disrespectful some of you are.

To those who are against organized religion: fine. It seems you've forgotten that we live in a place where we have the choice to follow (or not) whichever belief system we wish. In other parts of the world, people are not as lucky.

To those who've said that the players should make concessions to their faith on the Sabbath: to an observant Jew, breaking the Sabbath in any way is the same as a Christian missionary being put on trial for their beliefs in a non-Christian country , or a Muslim being told they had to handle pork. It is a deeply ingrained religious belief, and to force anyone to stop that for any outside reason shows hate and intolerance, plain and simple.

My solution to CHSAA: just schedule games on Sundays. That way everyone has equal opportunity to be discriminated against for their religious beliefs. And in a society with so many faiths and cultures, that is how it should be.
February 28, 2008

8:46 p.m.

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BuffsIn2008 writes:

Alissabee, would you rather harm 200 schools and their fans rather than stand up to one that won't follow the clearly established rules? And why should Herzl/RMHA be in CHSAA in the first place? Plenty of high schools are not.

I don't even see this as a religious issue.
February 28, 2008

10:05 p.m.

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alissabee writes:

Buffsin2008: it sure sounds like a religious issue to me when the league's prescribed "day of rest" is Sunday, the Christian day of rest.

Like I said, just schedule games on Sunday. Other states do that and have done so for years. By setting any specific day aside as a "rest" day, you open up the doors to potential religious and cultural bias. No one should have special rules set up for them, whether to benefit or hurt them. And yes, that goes for all you Christians out there, too.
February 28, 2008

11:11 p.m.

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BuffsIn2008 writes:

Other states regularly schedule games on Sundays and don't play on Saturdays? Are you trying to make a joke?

Oh, well, it doesn't matter now. Herzl/RMHA lost both games to Shining Mountain, boys and girls, on Thursday night.
February 29, 2008

4:43 a.m.

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alissabee writes:

Buffsin2008: not at all. By my statement above, I meant "Schedule games on both Saturday AND Sunday." For example: http://www.njsiaa.org/EVENTINFO/tourn.... That is the tournament schedule for the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association. You will see that playoff games are scheduled on both days of the weekend.

I seriously wonder how many of those who have commented above have ever faced any obstacles in their lives due to their racial, cultural, or religious backgrounds.

Yes the team lost. I would hope for the future CHSAA would come to its senses and do the same as other states have done for years.
February 29, 2008

6:15 a.m.

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Oh_Wise_One writes:

God settled the issure for the school. LOL. Karma always wins.
March 3, 2008

9:40 p.m.

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Talltwin writes:

It is all about choices. Whose choice was it to complain about the so-called injustice of CHSAA not adjusting a set schedule. It was not the school's choice. The issue was first brought forward by parent's of the players who wanted to see their children excel in sports and perhaps bring home a nice trophy for the mantle. The school did not even have an issue until pressured by the parents to push the issue with CHSAA. I can understand if this was the first year the school was a member of CHSAA but NO. This was the first year the school had a team they thought might be good enough to make it to state. I guess it seems only right to sue when it should benefit certain students athletes. I have question. How many players on the team are not strict followers of the sabbath rules? If there is at least 5 players, enough for a team, then shouldn't the school allow them to play. Oh wait, no it is the school's rules that the players would violate. In that case why did the parents first let their children go to that school. It was their choice to enroll their children and it should have been the responsibility of the school to inform the parents upon enrollement that the school has agreed to follow CHSAA's rules and guidelines. It was the school that joined CHSAA. High school athletics is a privalege not a right. Next I guess any student athlete that claims they should be exempt from drug abuse policies because they are a Rastafarian should be allowed to play. The one thing I take from this is that this school and it's parents are teaching their children that you should sue when it only benefits yourself because no one cared in the 6 prior years the school belonged to CHSAA. I guess if I want to get out of work on Saturday's now I have to convert because I am Catholic and work Saturdays and Sundays. God hasn't blessed me with enough money to sue over a basketball game which very few will remember in 10 years.

Home › Politics › Colorado Government

Lawmakers call a foul over team's Sabbath showdown

Refusal to change game time could hurt Jewish team

By Alan Gathright, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published February 28, 2008 at 12:30 a.m.Updated February 28, 2008 at 7:56 a.m.

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Published February 28, 2008 at 12:30 a.m.
Updated February 28, 2008 at 7:56 a.m.