Delay of game. That has been one of my pet peeves over the years in high school basketball and that is the slowing down of the game. Oh, I don’t mean on the floor but on the sidelines. Have you ever noticed how, when a player fouls out the coach takes his full 30 seconds to get a new player in the game. Now I realize that is treating it like an uncharged timeout. But the fans in the stand likes to see the game move along and I am one of them, although most of my time is spent on the sidelines covering a game.

Well, believe it or not, the National Federation of High School Association (NFHS) Rules Committee took up the matter of player replacement (sub for a player disqualified on fouls) and reduced the 30 seconds allotted to get a new player in the game to 20 seconds. The NFHS is hoping the new ruling will speed up the game and cause it to progress quicker.

I know coaches will not like the new ruling but the fans will. By the way, the new ruling was approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

FOOTBALL …

I am really looking forward the high school football season. I only got to take in one spring practice but I like what I saw from the Hornets. I am not a person who enjoys confusion and I don’t know many who do. That is why I get a lot out of a Hornet practice. Everything is so organized by coach Joey Pearson and his outstanding staff. It is just a pleasure to go and take in a practice time.

While I missed last season all together, but I think Lafayette will enjoy another banner year. I look forward to the games and covering the Hornets on the gridiron. Season kicks off August 31 and that will be here before we know it.

Softball Lady Hornets, banner season …

I know I have mentioned this before but the Lady Hornets softball team enjoyed a banner season this year. They fell 2-1 in the semifinals of the state tournament and was one of four teams of a field of 32 to finished the season at Plant City. Our hats are off to coach Derek Garland and the Lady Hornets for a great season.

This will most likely be my final column until sports returns in August. I have enjoyed the past six months covering sports for a great newspaper – the Mayo Free Press. Until we come together again in the fall, good sports everyone and be good sports. Have a great summer!