Legal Action

[lookoutforliam]

I may be in the minority here, and I am open to hear other thoughts, but does Fenwicks pursuit of legal action send a good message to our youth? Before you hammer me, I feel terrible for the kids. It's tough, it's heartbreaking. But, do we now say to them if something doesn't go your way in life, sue? It's a fine line. In a perfect world ( which we indeed do not live in) PN would say, hey we didn't earn that, you guys are the rightful winners. IMO Fenwicks actions set a dangerous precedent. I guess we live in that type of world now. One last thing, I know it's been said, but the officials are humans. They make mistakes. Let's not forget that. IHSA could have made it right, but seems like they turned their backs on this. No winners here.

 

[LakeCtyNewt]

I think you make an excellent point and in my opinion yes it does send a terrible message. From here on out every time there is a close play, a wrong interpretation of the rules - every parent who seemingly feels wronged will have their attorneys on speed dial.

This is a can of worms that we are certainly opening wide.

And if the courts over turn this and rule in favor of fenwick then what? Is that really fixing this?

 

[jwarigaku]

Lookout,

If you consider this frivolous, yes its problematic. However, if you get hit by a truck because the governor sells licenses someone needs to be held accountable. The IHSA decided to say sorry, not sorry and in my opinion for that it clears the bar of legitimacy.

I may be in the minority here, and I am open to hear other thoughts, but does Fenwicks pursuit of legal action send a good message to our youth? Before you hammer me, I feel terrible for the kids. It's tough, it's heartbreaking. But, do we now say to them if something doesn't go your way in life, sue? It's a fine line. In a perfect world ( which we indeed do not live in) PN would say, hey we didn't earn that, you guys are the rightful winners. IMO Fenwicks actions set a dangerous precedent. I guess we live in that type of world now. One last thing, I know it's been said, but the officials are humans. They make mistakes. Let's not forget that. IHSA could have made it right, but seems like they turned their backs on this. No winners here.

 

[tccguy]

Did you watch the reaction of those who did not like the outcome of the election? Get ready for a world in which this will be the norm.
Part of me would like Plainfield N to step aside, but how do I know that they didn't get screwed by a 3rd quarter call that cost them 7 points? Or what about the lack of knowledge by the Fenwick coaches - if you know the rule, take the kids off the field and refuse to play another down because you know you won.
In the end, no one is going to win. Feel bad for both sides here (not to mention ESL who now probably feels like they have to get ready for two teams).

 

[lookoutforliam]

I understand the analogy, but this is sports, not life or death. Sports, in my mind at least, is a great teacher. You're hit with adversity, how do you respond? I understand Fenwick is very, very upset. But, like I said in the earlier post this sets a dangerous precedent. Again, I feel awful for the kids, the parents, the coaches, the staff, the administration, the cheerleaders, the band. Everyone. They were robbed of a great opportunity. But, do we now say if you don't like the outcome, sue someone? Everything happens for a reason and maybe the reason for this is for the kids to learn how to deal with adversity. JWar I respect your thoughts and it's too bad it's even gotten to this point when the IHSA could have stepped up to the plate.

 

[jwarigaku]

Lookout,

I have no horse in the race here just looking at the whole things from outside. There is no right answer other than to clean house at the IHSA and get some well qualified reasonably paid folks to run the place. There are some there that are certainly good people but there are others that are riding that gravy train.
#NotMyStateAthleticAssociation

I understand the analogy, but this is sports, not life or death. Sports, in my mind at least, is a great teacher. You're hit with adversity, how do you respond? I understand Fenwick is very, very upset. But, like I said in the earlier post this sets a dangerous precedent. Again, I feel awful for the kids, the parents, the coaches, the staff, the administration, the cheerleaders, the band. Everyone. They were robbed of a great opportunity. But, do we now say if you don't like the outcome, sue someone? Everything happens for a reason and maybe the reason for this is for the kids to learn how to deal with adversity. JWar I respect your thoughts and it's too bad it's even gotten to this point when the IHSA could have stepped up to the plate.

 

[bgoss6474]

Just my two cents here:

"do we now say to them if something doesn't go your way in life, sue?"

I think this misrepresents the situation. The message being sent is more along the lines of: "if an institution fails to enforce previously agreed upon rules in relation to some activity such that it harms you tremendously, and you were playing fairly, then you should seek justice. In our society, filing a lawsuit is the way to pursue such ends, so you should sue that institution." If that's the general principle or moral being sent to the youth then I think it's a good one. How else are you gonna manage yourself in this society? If you give JP Morgan access to your money and they arbitrarily take some, you should sue them. Similarly, if you play by the IHSA's rules and earn the right to play for a state championship, and they choose to not enforce their rules, you should sue.

Edit: "Everything happens for a reason and maybe the reason for this is for the kids to learn how to deal with adversity."

I agree that everything happens for a reason, but that doesn't mean everything happens for a good reason. Maybe the reason this happened is because the Friars need to learn how to deal with adversity. But maybe it's because the IHSA made a terrible decision. I believe it's the latter explanation.

 

[Cross Bones]

All PFN has to do is pick any questionable call made during the game and claim it changed the outcome and we're at a stalemate. Thats why the lawsuit is absurd.

Perhaps the lesson is to not let the game come down to a ref's call. Had Fenwick been up by 9 then the untimed down is meaningless.

I remember a game we had in 2003 against Thornton. The reason this game stands out was because it was the only time I ever felt we got possible preferential treatment by the stripes, on the other hand I could rattle off games being on the opposite end of that same scenario. The lesson learned was if you let it come down to a call then its your fault. I suppose only some teams get to learn that lesson.

I remember the narrative in the 90's where Thornton would have numerous TD's called back when playing LW(C). I guess the proper avenue would have been to sue their way into W's.

Thornton probably doesnt have lawyers on standby. What are we really teaching kids?

 

[Jiggs]

I don't envy Judge Kennedy at all. For the uninitiated, Judge Kennedy presides over a Court in equity, not a law court. In other words she is being asked to weigh the arguments and determine what would be fair and equitable. Is it fair to set aside the results of the game, or is it fair to let the results stand?
The facts are undisputed. Both sides will present good and valid arguments. I presume she will rule on Fenwick's motion tomorrow and one side is going to be sorely disappointed.

Not to be dramatic but this may be a watershed moment where the relationship between the IHSA and its member schools, specifically the private schools, have reached a precipice. A few years ago when the success factor was initiated it was clearly a shot across the bow at private schools dominating class 5a. The action taken by Fenwick in challenging the authority of the IHSA to run the State Championship as they see fit will be seen by some as a further reason to further marginalize the relationship between the IHSA and private schools.

No matter the ruling tomorrow, I believe that there will be repercussions down the road that will further deteriorate the relationship between its private school members and the IHSA.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

All PFN has to do is pick any questionable call made during the game and claim it changed the outcome and we're at a stalemate.

Wrong.

This was no "questionable call." It wasn't, "Did he step out of bounds or didn't he? It wasn't, "Did he hold or didn't he?" It wasn't, "Did he commit defensive PI or didn't he?" Rather, it was a case of IHSA officials acting against NFHS/IHSA rules (admitted to by the IHSA) and, in doing so, a game that should have been won by one team was won by another. How you can lump this in with all other questionable judgement calls makes sense only in your twisted mind.

Perhaps the lesson is to not let the game come down to a ref's call. Had Fenwick been up by 9 then the untimed down is meaningless.

Wrong.

Nine points up or one point up, it doesn't matter.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

I don't envy Judge Kennedy at all. For the uninitiated, Judge Kennedy presides over a Court in equity, not a law court. In other words she is being asked to weigh the arguments and determine what would be fair and equitable. Is it fair to set aside the results of the game, or is it fair to let the results stand?
The facts are undisputed. Both sides will present good and valid arguments. I presume she will rule on Fenwick's motion tomorrow and one side is going to be sorely disappointed.

Not to be dramatic but this may be a watershed moment where the relationship between the IHSA and its member schools, specifically the private schools, have reached a precipice. A few years ago when the success factor was initiated it was clearly a shot across the bow at private schools dominating class 5a. The action taken by Fenwick in challenging the authority of the IHSA to run the State Championship as they see fit will be seen by some as a further reason to further marginalize the relationship between the IHSA and private schools.

No matter the ruling tomorrow, I believe that there will be repercussions down the road that will further deteriorate the relationship between its private school members and the IHSA.

My opinion...

I think that if Fenwick loses their argument tomorrow, they will accept the result. If the IHSA loses tomorrow, they will either appeal or accept the result. If the IHSA accepts the result and doesn't appeal, they will cancel the 7A title game rather than allow Fenwick to participate in it. If the IHSA loses tomorrow and goes on to appeal and win, Fenwick will accept the result. If the IHSA appeals and loses, they will cancel the 7A game.

Who is the bad guy here?

 

[Cross Bones]

Wrong.

This was no "questionable call." It wasn't, "Did he step out of bounds or didn't he? It wasn't, "Did he hold or didn't he?" It wasn't, "Did he commit defensive PI or didn't he?" Rather, it was a case of IHSA officials acting against NFHS/IHSA rules (admitted to by the IHSA) and, in doing so, a game that should have been won by one team was won by another. How you can lump this in with all other questionable judgement calls makes sense only in your twisted mind.



Wrong.

Nine points up or one point up, it doesn't matter.

Youre choosing to draw the line in that spot because it helps you get your desired result. Not surprising. This whole thing boils down to mistakes in refereeing.

 

[LakeCtyNewt]

I would love to see them try and cancel the 7A game.

And no I don't think Fenwick will walk away quietly.

 

[Hinterland]

I don't envy Judge Kennedy at all. For the uninitiated, Judge Kennedy presides over a Court in equity, not a law court. In other words she is being asked to weigh the arguments and determine what would be fair and equitable. Is it fair to set aside the results of the game, or is it fair to let the results stand?
The facts are undisputed. Both sides will present good and valid arguments. I presume she will rule on Fenwick's motion tomorrow and one side is going to be sorely disappointed.

Not to be dramatic but this may be a watershed moment where the relationship between the IHSA and its member schools, specifically the private schools, have reached a precipice. A few years ago when the success factor was initiated it was clearly a shot across the bow at private schools dominating class 5a. The action taken by Fenwick in challenging the authority of the IHSA to run the State Championship as they see fit will be seen by some as a further reason to further marginalize the relationship between the IHSA and private schools.

No matter the ruling tomorrow, I believe that there will be repercussions down the road that will further deteriorate the relationship between its private school members and the IHSA.

You may very well be correct regarding what you stated in the second paragraph of your post. In fact, I believe the "punishment factor" (I refuse to use their deceitful term until it applies to ALL schools winning multiple championships) would not have been implemented had not Montini been so dominate in a number of sports, not just football (wrestling and girls basketball come to mind). But you are correct: the football Class 5A dominance was the trigger. The IHSA in my mind (and the court's mind if I remember correctly from the challenge to the multiplier) does have a point in stating that membership is voluntary, NOT mandatory. Interested in following this to see what happens.

 

[RichieRebel]

You may very well be correct regarding what you stated in the second paragraph of your post. In fact, I believe the "punishment factor" (I refuse to use their deceitful term until it applies to ALL schools winning multiple championships) would not have been implemented had not Montini been so dominate in a number of sports, not just football (wrestling and girls basketball come to mind). But you are correct: the football Class 5A dominance was the trigger. The IHSA in my mind (and the court's mind if I remember correctly from the challenge to the multiplier) does have a point in stating that membership is voluntary, NOT mandatory. Interested in following this to see what happens.

Attempting to digest this mess is same feeling I had watching Making for Murder!
Someone please tell me how this situation is a private vs public?
I am looking for one piece of evidence to change my thinking.
Just a bad situation! Many people are looking to blame someone!
The game of football is won and lost on the football field. That is where you put up or shut up!!
I feel sorry for every Dad of players going through this experience.
Everyone want to be treated Fairly and Equally. Those terms don't mean the same. Now it is up to a judge to decide.

 

[Quags22]

My opinion...

I think that if Fenwick loses their argument tomorrow, they will accept the result. If the IHSA loses tomorrow, they will either appeal or accept the result. If the IHSA accepts the result and doesn't appeal, they will cancel the 7A title game rather than allow Fenwick to participate in it. If the IHSA loses tomorrow and goes on to appeal and win, Fenwick will accept the result. If the IHSA appeals and loses, they will cancel the 7A game.

Who is the bad guy here?

I don't think The IHSA will cancel the game. They have a TV contract.

Few years ago, after the Jalen Brunson incident, Stevenson refused to come out of the locker room unless Brunson was allowed to play. The game was on TV when the IHSA caved.

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

Youre choosing to draw the line in that spot because it helps you get your desired result. Not surprising. This whole thing boils down to mistakes in refereeing.

I'm not drawing any line. What happened, as Rock Soup so eloquently pointed out, is that the officials suspended IHSA rules when they allowed that game to go into overtime. That's no mere mistake. To lump making up rules as you go along in with a judgement call like whether or not a player was in or out of bounds is over simplifying the matter to the extreme.

All of this could have been solved if the IHSA had done the right thing and disqualified every illegal thing that happened after time legally expired. We are in the situation we are in now not because of anything that Fenwick or PN did or didn't do. We are in this situation solely because of the IHSA's lockstep allegiance to its officials, even though the IHSA ADMITS those officials were wrong and that the wrong team was not allowed to advance.

Shame on them and only them .

 

[ramblinman_rivals165935]

I don't think The IHSA will cancel the game. They have a TV contract.

Good point. I suppose if there is anything that would cause the IHSA to back down, it would be money. Clearly, doing the right thing is not reason enough for them.

 

[go dogz]

I'm not drawing any line. What happened, as Rock Soup so eloquently pointed out, is that the officials suspended IHSA rules when they allowed that game to go into overtime. That's no mere mistake. To lump making up rules as you go along in with a judgement call like whether or not a player was in or out of bounds is over simplifying the matter to the extreme.

All of this could have been solved if the IHSA had done the right thing and disqualified every illegal thing that happened after time legally expired. We are in the situation we are in now not because of anything that Fenwick or PN did or didn't do. We are in this situation solely because of the IHSA's lockstep allegiance to its officials, even though the IHSA ADMITS those officials were wrong and that the wrong team was not allowed to advance.

Shame on them and only them .

well get the private investigators out. they will need to comb thru every single play, for every single second ticked off that clock. for every single second the scorer let that clock run extra.
and you are totally incorrect. this was and is STILL a judgement call. plain and simple a mistake occurred. yes everyone is in agreement. but, the mistake was in the play call and timing on the clock. it was very simple turnover of downs. same outcome.
the judge will take it under advisement and come back to sessions on Monday morning with an answer.

 

[BataviaDogs1]

Good point. I suppose if there is anything that would cause the IHSA to back down, it would be money. Clearly, doing the right thing is not reason enough for them.

1.) Put a camera in the court room tomorrow morning.
2.) Stream it live on NFHS, have to pay $10 for the monthly fee.
3.) Profit

Also, I smell the makings of a ....."What if I told you...."

 

[RichieRebel]

1.) Put a camera in the court room tomorrow morning.
2.) Stream it live on NFHS, have to pay $10 for the monthly fee.
3.) Profit

Also, I smell the makings of a ....."What if I told you...."

I would pay to watch! Just like OJ!

 

[bgoss6474]

but, the mistake was in the play call and timing on the clock. it was very simple turnover of downs. same outcome.

That's not correct. There was no dispute that the clock had reached 0.00 on that fourth down play. It clearly had. The question was over whether or not PN was to be given one untimed down, given that the QB had intentionally grounded the ball. The rules state that it's not the case that PN should be given an untimed down in that situation. So strictly speaking the game is over after that play with Fenwick up 10-7. This is no judgement call. This is just incompetence on behalf of the refs and the IHSA. I don't think Fenwick's suing the IHSA is blameworthy in the least.

 

[SPB56]

Pay to watch....screen lag, audio drop outs, dropped connections.....sounds like an IHSA production and revenue opportunity. LOL

 

[go dogz]

That's not correct. There was no dispute that the clock had reached 0.00 on that fourth down play. It clearly had. The question was over whether or not PN was to be given one untimed down, given that the QB had intentionally grounded the ball. The rules state that it's not the case that PN should be given an untimed down in that situation. So strictly speaking the game is over after that play with Fenwick up 10-7. This is no judgement call. This is just negligent incompetence on behalf of the refs and the IHSA. I don't think Fenwick's suing the IHSA is blameworthy in the least.

whoa whoa, there was NO dispute after the call WAS made. they both agreed to the call on the field(right/wrong/or indifferent) let the play happen thrusting them into ot.
if you clearly look at the clock when the ball hits the ground, it is still running. so yes, there will be a dispute on every single play. why would pn not challenge everything if they were stripped of the chance to play.

 

[bgoss6474]

there was NO dispute after the call WAS made

Oh I see that I misunderstood you. So your claim is that there was no dispute after the call was made. But that's gotta be false too, as the Fenwick staff and the refs spent about 20 mins in dispute. Or am I still misunderstanding you?

 

[LHSTigers94]

My opinion...

I think that if Fenwick loses their argument tomorrow, they will accept the result. If the IHSA loses tomorrow, they will either appeal or accept the result. If the IHSA accepts the result and doesn't appeal, they will cancel the 7A title game rather than allow Fenwick to participate in it. If the IHSA loses tomorrow and goes on to appeal and win, Fenwick will accept the result. If the IHSA appeals and loses, they will cancel the 7A game.

Who is the bad guy here?

They will not cancel the game. I am sure of it.

 

[mchsalumni]

All PFN has to do is pick any questionable call made during the game and claim it changed the outcome and we're at a stalemate. Thats why the lawsuit is absurd.

It is not absurd based on the unique nature of the given call. This wasn't a judgment call, this wasn't a questionable call. I'm in the camp of letting the game stand as it is, with PFN playing ESL, but the way you are viewing it shows a large lack of comprehension.

 

[moebias]

I have a practical way out of this mess. IHSA with agreement from Fenwick and and PFN declares Saturday's game invalidated due to official errors. In a rematch, PFN and Fenwick play their semifinal game in the 7A Championship game slot at Memorial Stadium this Saturday. The winner gets to play ESL 1 week from Saturday, at a suitable location of ESL's choosing to play for the 7A State Championship. This is the only equitable way out of this cluster.

 

[LHSTigers94]

It is not absurd based on the unique nature of the given call. This wasn't a judgment call, this wasn't a questionable call. I'm in the camp of letting the game stand as it is, with PFN playing ESL, but the way you are viewing it shows a large lack of comprehension.

I know you are responding to bones but I think you are missing the point. No one is saying that all the cases are the same however, they all can be argued. True one is a little more black and white than the other but wrong is wrong. I think Fenwick was robbed however they agreed to continue to play. I feel they should have took a hard stance when the play occurred not after they lost. If they get the chance to play it is fair. If they don't get the chance to play and PN play, I think its fair as well.

 

[LHSTigers94]

I have a practical way out of this mess. IHSA with agreement from Fenwick and and PFN declares Saturday's game invalidated due to official errors. In a rematch, PFN and Fenwick play their semifinal game in the 7A Championship game slot at Memorial Stadium this Saturday. The winner gets to play ESL 1 week from Saturday, at a suitable location of ESL's choosing to play for the 7A State Championship. This is the only equitable way out of this cluster.

Nope, ESL is playing on Saturday. If Fenwick and PN want to play a rematch, meet up tomorrow and play one quarter of football. The winner meet ESL in Champaign Saturday at 4pm.

 

[mchsalumni]

I know you are responding to bones but I think you are missing the point. No one is saying that all the cases are the same however, they all can be argued.

I disagree. Guaranteed @Cross Bones considers them all the same. He might argue differently now, but I would see it as backpedaling at this point. I've seen this stance from him before.

 

[SPB56]

Moebias, All in all a good suggestion except for one thing, ESL loses in the end. The hype and hoopla won't be there as it would be in Champaign. The viewing audience one week later will be pretty much just ESL and the winner of PN/F. Perhaps a few of us may tune in, but I know it'll be lower on my list of things to do. I'm pretty sure that I will listen to / watch every game (in spite of the announcers and they're ever present partisanship) on Thanksgiving weekend, but I'm equally as sure that I won't watch a game 1 week later.

 

[pancakechamp51]

Being an outsider of both teams I see it as being this:
1. The call was a mistake and Fenwick did get screwed on the final play of the game which awarded PN the field goal chance to go to OT.
1a. Why did the coach from Fenwick elect to throw a pass that would result in intentional grounding in the first place? Take a snap instead and run around for 4 seconds before going down.

2. The call was made and we need to live with the results as the game finalized in OT. Fenwick could have blocked the game tying FG, they could have stopped PN from scoring and TD and then the 2 point conversion but they didn't. Life isn't fair sometimes but to take the game away from PN players, coaches and community at this point sends a worse message.

3. Officials make bad call and that is part of the game. The Houston Texans had a bad call on their opening drive last night that you could say cost them the game in the long run. The PN/F was the last play of the game but officials are humans and it happens.

4. Getting lawyers involved in HS Football is a bad idea. Need I say more? Agree with lookoutforliam, what message does this send? The bigger statement for Fenwick would be to say "Yes, we did get screwed and the IHSA owned up to it. But that happens in life and it is time to move on." for Plainfield North "Yes, we did get a call that went our way and we ended up going out and winning the game on our own in OT. Sometimes in life you get a lucky bounce and we recognize that Fenwick received a bad call."

5. ESL wins the 7A State Championship either way in a rout over Fenwick (46-7) or over PN (59-24). Predictions yes.

 

[Cross Bones]

It is not absurd based on the unique nature of the given call. This wasn't a judgment call, this wasn't a questionable call. I'm in the camp of letting the game stand as it is, with PFN playing ESL, but the way you are viewing it shows a large lack of comprehension.

I dont consider it unique, i consider it a referee error. Sometimes refs apply the pass interference rule incorrectly. Some times the clock is ran incorrectly. Sometimes the ball is spotted incorrectly. It's all referee error. I dont think the time it happens matter, Im not going to give more importance to a mistake at the end of the game to mistakes in the middle.

People are talking about a play where a PFN receiver was pushed out of bounds and re-established himself and caught a TD pass but was called back. Could be referee error and that would have won PFN the game. The intentional grounding would not matter. Im not willing to focus on one call in the course of a game and say, "That was the unfair call." because they all affect the outcome.

Sadly the system doesnt always work the way we want it to. When it doesnt we suck it up and put on our basketball shorts. I truly hope if the judge rules in favor of Fenwick that the courts are flooded with people filing suits due to referee errors. Hell, maybe we end up in the playoffs somehow.

 

[mchsalumni]

I dont think the time it happens matter, Im not going to give more importance to a mistake at the end of the game to mistakes in the middle.

That is the unique nature of this call. It happened when the game was over, not during or at the end.

 

[Cross Bones]

That is the unique nature of this call. It happened when the game was over, not during or at the end.

Right, but that doesnt matter. A mistake during the game cost PFN a TD. Why not up arms about that?

 

[morrisfan]

People are talking about a play where a PFN receiver was pushed out of bounds and re-established himself and caught a TD pass but was called back. Could be referee error and that would have won PFN the game. The intentional grounding would not matter. Im not willing to focus on one call in the course of a game and say, "That was the unfair call." because they all affect the outcome.

Perhaps that is a large problem with this as well. Based on information that I have read, it appears the refs may have made an error in assessing a 15 yard penalty on a questionable illegal touching, where illegal touching is not a 15 yard penalty, that I am aware of.

 

[mchsalumni]

Right, but that doesnt matter. A mistake during the game cost PFN a TD. Why not up arms about that?

And you are proving my point, thanks. Again, one was a judgment call, one was disregarding (intentional or not doesn't matter) the rules of the game.

 

[Cross Bones]

And you are proving my point, thanks. Again, one was a judgment call, one was disregarding (intentional or not doesn't matter) the rules of the game.

No, none are actually "judgment calls" they either happen or they dont. For expediency purposes we dont review all of them or any of them in some matters. But if we are attempting to change what was deemed the outcome of a game via legal means then I would rightfully bring up every instance where the refs may have applied a rule incorrectly.

#allcallsmatter

 

[mchsalumni]

No, none are actually "judgment calls" they either happen or they dont. For expediency purposes we dont review all of them or any of them in some matters. But if we are attempting to change what was deemed the outcome of a game via legal means then I would rightfully bring up every instance where the refs may have applied a rule incorrectly.

#allcallsmatter

David Haugh from the Chicago Tribune:

"Fenwick's appeal cited a 2008 case in which the Mississippi High School Activities Association reinstated a team into the playoffs three days after a similar enforcement of an incorrect call on the final play of regulation allowed a team to score an apparent game-winning touchdown. Also in 2008, the IHSA established precedent by overturning results of the Illinois wrestling tournament three days after Edwardsville celebrated beating Granite City by ½ of a point. A recount revealed Granite City actually won 217 ½-217 and the IHSA – after initially clinging to a rule that says results must be corrected within 30 minutes of the end of a tournament – rightly reversed the outcome.

In that case, the Edwardsville coach detected the scoring error himself and contacted the Granite City coach in a display of the type of sportsmanship we all want to define youth sports. Likewise, Plainfield North officials have an opportunity to make a bold, principled statement on behalf of honesty and fairness by forfeiting a game the IHSA agrees it lost in regulation."