news-record.com

Stricter rules proposed for student-athletes in Guilford County schools and their parents may not be tamper-proof, but they'll make it much more difficult to "game" the system.

For years, coaches, parents and gifted athletes have taken advantage of weak enforcement policies. To some people, winning at any cost seemed to justify ignoring rules.

But a rewrite clearly was in order after disclosures of residency violations of 12 student-athletes attending Northern Guilford High School and a subsequent investigation.

Now the process, which began in June, finally is nearing completion. After inviting another round of citizen input, the school board is expected to vote on the proposal.

It goes hand-in-hand with new policies for system coaches that put educational growth, fellowship and sportsmanship on an equal footing with win-loss records.

The key is oversight. For too long, rogue coaches have recruited promising athletes from outside of their school attendance districts. Parents, with visions of college scholarships and pro contracts dancing in their heads, have eagerly gone along.

To counter that, school officials propose reasonable rules pertaining to residency, grades and eligibility and tough penalties for violations. Committees also would be set up to investigate alleged fraud and to hear appeals.

In fact, the revision isn't revolutionary. Much of it is based on N.C. High School Athletic Association guidelines. Unfortunately, those too often are greeted with a wink and a nod.

Given the blatant violations at Northern Guilford and rumblings of similar activity at other schools, school administrators and board members must send a clear message that cheating -- by parents, students or coaches -- can't be tolerated.

Playing by the rules starts long before the game clock starts ticking.