I think some of you folks will enjoy this article from the Cats Pause in 1984. The KHSAA appeared to be discussing a move from four classes down to three. Along with the reduction in classes there was discussion of moving the maximum numbers of games from 11 to 9 (Louis Stout said games would likely move to Friday to accommodate longer travel!). Games would be dropped from the beginning of the season, citing increased concern with injuries and exhaustion from playing in August, meaning it would have been closer to Labor Day for the season openers.

 

Does anyone remember these discussions? I find it funny that basically the same arguments put forth in 1984 are being used today.

 

http://nyx.uky.edu/dips/xt7g7940sj07/data/0010/0010.pdf

Three classes would have been fine, but the concept of dropping it to nine games is a strange one. I know back then they didn't necessarily play everyone in their district, but with so many teams crammed into districts and sub-districts, you'd figure if they did play each it would comprise almost their entire schedule.

Funny thing, I found an article stating the same thing - from 1980. Apparently this was a debate that went on for several years.

 

Williamson Daily News - Google News Archive Search

 

Here's one from 1990. This one is more of an opinion piece. You want to talk about one that sounds like today's arguments, here's a line from the article: "Since the two-team procedure was unveiled in 1986, Mayfield, the perrenial champion of the Class 2-A 1st District, has humiliated the runnerup in the 2nd District."

 

Kentucky New Era - Google News Archive Search