Rankings Need Consistency
I was in Don Buckley's office on Wednesday afternoon as he happened to be crafting an email to Neil Kerr. For those who don't know, Buckley is the longtime athletic director at St. Anthony's and former president of the state Federation.
In other words, someone whose word matters. And he's not one to complain unless there's something worth addressing.
The point of his email, which he showed me before sending it off, was the NYSSWA boys soccer rankings. St. Anthony's is unbeaten and ranked in the Top 5 nationally by ESPN and by the more respected NSCAA. So why are the Friars not even mentioned in the NYSSWA rankings.
It brings the rankings' credibility -- as well as the NYSSWA in general -- into question.
I've brought the same issue to the attention of John Moriello. His explanation is one of need. Namely, there are a shortage of poll editors. So the job has fallen to some coaches. And in the case of the boys soccer rankings, the coach has decided to only include teams eligible for the NYSPHSAA Tournament.
I understand the arguement. I do. But...
This is yet another reason why we need to better organize as a group. This is the New York State Sportswriters Association. And rankings with our name on it are being hijacked by a coach or coaches.
At the very least, we as an Association need to make sure all our rankings are uniform. But the rankings are just a symptom. There are deeper issues.
In other words, someone whose word matters. And he's not one to complain unless there's something worth addressing.
The point of his email, which he showed me before sending it off, was the NYSSWA boys soccer rankings. St. Anthony's is unbeaten and ranked in the Top 5 nationally by ESPN and by the more respected NSCAA. So why are the Friars not even mentioned in the NYSSWA rankings.
It brings the rankings' credibility -- as well as the NYSSWA in general -- into question.
I've brought the same issue to the attention of John Moriello. His explanation is one of need. Namely, there are a shortage of poll editors. So the job has fallen to some coaches. And in the case of the boys soccer rankings, the coach has decided to only include teams eligible for the NYSPHSAA Tournament.
I understand the arguement. I do. But...
This is yet another reason why we need to better organize as a group. This is the New York State Sportswriters Association. And rankings with our name on it are being hijacked by a coach or coaches.
At the very least, we as an Association need to make sure all our rankings are uniform. But the rankings are just a symptom. There are deeper issues.
4 Comments
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Comment by John Moriello on October 30, 2008 at 12:05pm - Does this mean you're volunteering to take over the soccer rankings next fall?
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Comment by Jason Molinet on October 30, 2008 at 1:14pm
- If no one else wants it, I'll volunteer my services...
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- But I'd rather volunteer to organize an annual conference for us all.
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This was an email Fran Piraino sent:
Hi Jason
You raise a number of valid points regarding soccer state rankings. Rankings can be subjective depending on the coordinator. I find it hard to believe that an agreement can't be reached to include St. Anthony and other schools in their situation. I know Neil still ranks down state football teams even though they don't participate in the state tourney.
If needed, I would be willing to contribute Section III information to any state poll editor. At this time I submit rankings for girls soccer, baseball, softball and girls basketball. Being a poll editor is a thankless job but I see that some criteria needs to be established.
I would also support a state writers meeting.
Thank you for your email.
Fran
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