Spring Footbal in Missouri

[FBisLife12]

Missouri is the only SEC state that doesn’t have Spring Football. I’ve heard plenty of excuses from MSHSAA officials about why that is, but I’m curious to hear what folks here have to say about it. Missouri wants to think of itself as having strong prep football, but prohibiting Spring practices doesn’t really promote it.

Opinions?

 

[Mofan79]

I agree with mshsaa on this let the kids have some time away from the sport there is enough stuff in the summer as is. The goal of high school sports is to build better people not prepare students for college athletics. Let kids be kids.

 

[anon_o1osz027druk9]

Missouri is the only SEC state that doesn’t have Spring Football. I’ve heard plenty of excuses from MSHSAA officials about why that is, but I’m curious to hear what folks here have to say about it. Missouri wants to think of itself as having strong prep football, but prohibiting Spring practices doesn’t really promote it.

Opinions?

Honestly not sure why not. But I’m ok with some time off.

 

[MIZ...ZOU]

The states that have Spring football have a few more limitations in the summer so I feel like it evens out.

 

[FBisLife12]

Honestly not sure why not. But I’m ok with some time off.

The reasoning that was given centers around “giving kids time off” and concerns that it would create a greater gap between “haves” and “have nots”. Areas and schools that have strong football programs would likely draw more participation than those that didn’t have as much enthusiasm. It was essentially a similar argument that was made before MSHSAA allowed schools to begin practice for Fall sports at the beginning of June. There are a lot of benefits and arguments for having a Spring Football, but there isn’t enough demand for it at the local level. 7-on-7 football came to Missouri later than most places and has filled in the gap, but Spring Football is one of the reasons why other SEC states are ahead of Missouri overall.

 

[Mofan79]

The reasoning that was given centers around “giving kids time off” and concerns that it would create a greater gap between “haves” and “have nots”. Areas and schools that have strong football programs would likely draw more participation than those that didn’t have as much enthusiasm. It was essentially a similar argument that was made before MSHSAA allowed schools to begin practice for Fall sports at the beginning of June. There are a lot of benefits and arguments for having a Spring Football, but there isn’t enough demand for it at the local level. 7-on-7 football came to Missouri later than most places and has filled in the gap, but Spring Football is one of the reasons why other SEC states are ahead of Missouri overall.

How many kids from Missouri actually on an SEC roster?

 

[J. Kane]

 

[FBisLife12]

How many kids from Missouri actually on an SEC roster?

That point is used both in favor of and against Spring Football. Are fewer Missouri kids recruited by SEC schools because they’re less skilled/developed as kid from states that DO have Spring Football? Conversations with SEC coaches would suggest that’s the case. In addition to Spring being a time when college coaches can visit high schools and recruit kids without interfering with their own college team’s schedule.

 

[bullitpdq68]

Let's move soccer to the spring, so some of those athletes could play football.

 

[Mofan79]

That point is used both in favor of and against Spring Football. Are fewer Missouri kids recruited by SEC schools because they’re less skilled/developed as kid from states that DO have Spring Football? Conversations with SEC coaches would suggest that’s the case. In addition to Spring being a time when college coaches can visit high schools and recruit kids without interfering with their own college team’s schedule.

I understand that i'm just wondering what % compared to other states that offer so I can get an idea of the amount of kids it would affect..or effect whichever it is

 

[FBisLife12]

I understand that i'm just wondering what % compared to other states that offer so I can get an idea of the amount of kids it would affect..or effect whichever it is

I’m sure there’s a list somewhere online. Player development isn’t just measured by how many kids end up playing for an SEC school. I mentioned the SEC specifically because MIZ is in the conference and being able to seal the borders and keep the best players in Missouri (presumably at THE state school) is one of the things they need to do to become competitive again. There isn’t magic in the water in Alabama, Texas, Florida or Mississippi. Their kids receive more contact with their coaches and are more developed, overall. It’s analogous to kids studying math more and becoming for proficient as a result.

 

[WaggleQB]

What is Spring football exactly? Do these teams play another full schedule?

 

[deacon jones]

There isn’t magic in the water in Alabama, Texas, Florida or Mississippi. Their kids receive more contact with their coaches and are more developed, overall. It’s analogous to kids studying math more and becoming for proficient as a result.

The genetic makeup of the athletes may make a difference, too.

 

[FBisLife12]

The genetic makeup of the athletes may make a difference, too.

What’s the difference in “general makeup”? More limbs? Superior genetics?

 

[FBisLife12]

What is Spring football exactly? Do these teams play another full schedule?

There are a specified number of “contact days” that football coaches have with their players in the Spring, similar to the “contact days” Missouri coaches can have during the Summer. Very similar to what the NCAA has for college football players.

 

[Mike Winchell]

I know it would be a struggle at small schools due to the fact of football staff coaching Track, Baseball, Golf, etc. It would be difficult to do at schools 3A and below.

 

[anon_o1osz027druk9]

What’s the difference in “general makeup”? More limbs? Superior genetics?

I think he’s trying to say in the most sincere way possible, kids in those states on average are more gifted. I really doubt kids in the big 8 in general would get scholarships to Alabama regardless if they played throughout the whole season if that was possible. Nothing is meant with bad intent. It’s just the facts of situation.

 

[JNreturns]

Missouri is the only SEC state that doesn’t have Spring Football. I’ve heard plenty of excuses from MSHSAA officials about why that is, but I’m curious to hear what folks here have to say about it. Missouri wants to think of itself as having strong prep football, but prohibiting Spring practices doesn’t really promote it.

Opinions?

There is track and field, baseball, tennis and golf in the Spring. Plenty of things to do. And if you aren't doing that, most schools have open training, which is basically training geared for football anyway. Just open to all students.

 

[WaggleQB]

There is track and field, baseball, tennis and golf in the Spring. Plenty of things to do. And if you aren't doing that, most schools have open training, which is basically training geared for football anyway. Just open to all students.

THIS

 

[WaggleQB]

I think this would lead kids to "focusing" on one sport and ruining the Spring sports mentioned above.

 

[JNreturns]

I think this would lead kids to "focusing" on one sport and ruining the Spring sports mentioned above.

Yes, agreed. what's wrong with a top notch football player playing golf? He can still get his workouts in outside of golf.

 

[FBisLife12]

All excellent points. College football coaches prefer high school athletes that play multiple sports. Spring Football practices in the states that have them don’t preclude their kids from participating in track, baseball, etc. They simply allow the high school football coaches to have official contact days with those kids. There are plenty of colleges outside of Alabama or SEC schools that kids have opportunities to play for. Spring football wouldn’t guarantee that kids that don’t have extraordinary athletic ability will play at the collegiate level, but I dispute the notion that Missouri kids are somehow less “gifted” athletically because they and their families grew up in Missouri. For what it’s worth, I don’t see MSHSAA changing the rules to allow Spring practices ... even if there WAS scientific/statistical data proving it made things better for the players.

 

[mowesten]

I don't know man, the rest of the SEC is located in state's that are just different about football. I've spent a lot of time in some of those southern states, namely Florida, Georgia and Mississippi, and if you haven't been around football down there, you just don't understand.

People care about football in those states at a level that most people in Missouri can't even comprehend.

To me, spring football is a result of the interest level surrounding football. I think people here are making the mistake of assuming it works the other way around. Drive over to Tulsa and take in a game or visit the facilities. There's a reason they have spring football over there. People care. Enough to show up to a game. Enough to build an indoor practice facility. I'm not sure spring football is going to help you create something that doesn't already exist. I think if you had spring football in, lets say Springfield, you might not have enough kids show up to even have a spring football game.

Not sure it moves the needle to be honest.

 

[FBisLife12]

I don't know man, the rest of the SEC is located in state's that are just different about football. I've spent a lot of time in some of those southern states, namely Florida, Georgia and Mississippi, and if you haven't been around football down there, you just don't understand.

People care about football in those states at a level that most people in Missouri can't even comprehend.

To me, spring football is a result of the interest level surrounding football. I think people here are making the mistake of assuming it works the other way around. Drive over to Tulsa and take in a game or visit the facilities. There's a reason they have spring football over there. People care. Enough to show up to a game. Enough to build an indoor practice facility. I'm not sure spring football is going to help you create something that doesn't already exist. I think if you had spring football in, lets say Springfield, you might not have enough kids show up to even have a spring football game.

Not sure it moves the needle to be honest.

Bro, you just NAILED it. I wholeheartedly agree. I played college football in Florida and you’re absolutely correct. One of the reasons I asked the question in this forum is because it’s populated by folks in Missouri that care enough about high school football to fuss about it year-round and passionate about it enough to go at one another personally (for better or worse). If people HERE don’t get hyped about the topic of Spring Football, then the “normal” folks definitely wouldn’t. I agree that turnout would be minimal statewide.

 

[Mister_Wizard]

It doesn't feel like we need Spring football, but if we add it, let's make sure there are no 1 versus 8 games. We don't want to muck that season up too.

 

[MoSooner69]

Football is just a different animal in some of those states.. Plus, Many of those states that have "spring football" get less days days with their players than coaches here do.

 

[Duck_walk]

I dont want to sound insulting but one obvious reason is that states in the south like Texas and Florida, etc can play their baseball seasons earlier and then have spring football after baseball concludes.

Many years ago I went to a spring football jamboree in Florida, there were so many college coaches there I thought I was at the AFCA convention.

 

[WaggleQB]

Yes, agreed. what's wrong with a top notch football player playing golf? He can still get his workouts in outside of golf.

I think they need a break too. Trust me, the ones who want to do football workouts are doing them, Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.

 

[JNreturns]

I don't know man, the rest of the SEC is located in state's that are just different about football. I've spent a lot of time in some of those southern states, namely Florida, Georgia and Mississippi, and if you haven't been around football down there, you just don't understand.

People care about football in those states at a level that most people in Missouri can't even comprehend.

To me, spring football is a result of the interest level surrounding football. I think people here are making the mistake of assuming it works the other way around. Drive over to Tulsa and take in a game or visit the facilities. There's a reason they have spring football over there. People care. Enough to show up to a game. Enough to build an indoor practice facility. I'm not sure spring football is going to help you create something that doesn't already exist. I think if you had spring football in, lets say Springfield, you might not have enough kids show up to even have a spring football game.

Not sure it moves the needle to be honest.

Texas and Florida...track and field is HUGE also.

 

[r14veer]

Missouri is the only SEC state that doesn’t have Spring Football. I’ve heard plenty of excuses from MSHSAA officials about why that is, but I’m curious to hear what folks here have to say about it. Missouri wants to think of itself as having strong prep football, but prohibiting Spring practices doesn’t really promote it.

Opinions?

I think we're missing some information here when talking about Missouri not having spring ball and Texas having it. Here is the wording from Texas' equivalent to MSHSAA (UIL):

Spring Training. There shall be no school football practice or training for a contestant or team, and no football equipment issued after the close of the regular season schedule, except as incidental to the football championship playoffs and, in Conferences 5A and 6A only, 18 spring training practice days which may be conducted in a period of 30 consecutive calendar days. Exception: Conference 5A and 6A schools may choose not to conduct the 18 days of spring training, replacing said training the next school year by following the workout days as specified for Conferences 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A.

Summer Practice. Any specific grouping of high school athletes during the summer months for the purpose of conditioning and/or organized athletic (football) instruction is prohibited and is a violation.

It seems to me that we actually have more allowable contact days; we just do it in the summer rather than the spring. Also, it seems that they only allow the 2 biggest classes to do spring ball.

 

[J. Kane]

There is track and field, baseball, tennis and golf in the Spring. Plenty of things to do. And if you aren't doing that, most schools have open training, which is basically training geared for football anyway. Just open to all students.

 

[JNreturns]

I think we're missing some information here when talking about Missouri not having spring ball and Texas having it. Here is the wording from Texas' equivalent to MSHSAA (UIL):

Spring Training. There shall be no school football practice or training for a contestant or team, and no football equipment issued after the close of the regular season schedule, except as incidental to the football championship playoffs and, in Conferences 5A and 6A only, 18 spring training practice days which may be conducted in a period of 30 consecutive calendar days. Exception: Conference 5A and 6A schools may choose not to conduct the 18 days of spring training, replacing said training the next school year by following the workout days as specified for Conferences 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A.

Summer Practice. Any specific grouping of high school athletes during the summer months for the purpose of conditioning and/or organized athletic (football) instruction is prohibited and is a violation.

It seems to me that we actually have more allowable contact days; we just do it in the summer rather than the spring. Also, it seems that they only allow the 2 biggest classes to do spring ball.

And we get around it by calling it a club, and allowing anyone to participate.

 

[FootOnTheGas]

Been a while since I've been on here....but you all mean to tell me that the perennial powerhouse school don't already have "spring football" built into their schedules? The schools that are not doing "football stuff" in spring already are the ones who are not winning consistently. Spring football should comprise of all football kids running track and field and then everyday they have strength and conditioning (probably with their coach) they can do football specific stuff.

 

[tigershs]

I do not feel spring football is necessary as long as athletes are involved in other sports.

 

[CoachFox-ScreamingEagles]

1. Missouri already pretty much has year round football- why shorten it to just spring ball?

2. Aint that what track is for?

 

[Mofan79]

According to cal preps Missouri is always in or near the top 20 percent of states that play football. I'm perfectly satisfied with that and think the culture Missouri HS Football has is good for building good young men without going over the top. I don't think a change should be made.

 

[Duck_walk]

I do not feel spring football is necessary as long as athletes are involved in other sports.

Obviously you arent a football guy and have never put a team together. Stick to soccer.

 

[FOURPLAY]

Missouri is the only SEC state that doesn’t have Spring Football. I’ve heard plenty of excuses from MSHSAA officials about why that is, but I’m curious to hear what folks here have to say about it. Missouri wants to think of itself as having strong prep football, but prohibiting Spring practices doesn’t really promote it.

Opinions?

As much as I like the game, I hope Missouri never adopts Spring football. Our kids need variety, and the other spring sports offer that. We are already at the saturation point with football. The coaches and kids need a break from each other.

 

[tigershs]

Obviously you arent a football guy and have never put a team together. Stick to soccer.

Stick to politics snowflake.

 

[BoosterBosko]

As much as I like the game, I hope Missouri never adopts Spring football. Our kids need variety, and the other spring sports offer that. We are already at the saturation point with football. The coaches and kids need a break from each other.

Why would you ever want a variety of sports? All you need is football. Here in Ampipe, kids know two things; Ampipe Bulldog football and steel mills!