I would call myself a "fan" of both Scott Co. and Pineville. I still think these kids have to follow the rules. If my cousin at Pineville was in the same position as the Combs kid, it would be unfortunate but he would have had to have been aware of the rules. If a kid is an 8th grade athlete, the high school coach should be aware of them, regardless of their ability. He should also be hearing if they are wanting to stay back in 8th grade the next year, and be able to convey that to his middle school coaches so they know the consequences as well so this doesnt happen. If it was a kid at Bell Co. I would be saying the same thing. It's been around long enough that people should be aware of it, if it keeps happening its the parents and coaches fault.

 

 

The bylaws of the league in which the Harlan County middle schools participate, explains the rule and the consequences.

When was this rule put into effect because I think Rodney Haddix was held back before warnings or anything was sent out. I also know Matt Combs and his family and I'm very sorry that he has been caught in this rule.... Is he still playing hockey??

The warning was sent out in August 2001, which would have been when Haddix and Combs were in the seventh grade.

Haddix enrolled at St. John's school in Georgetown where he took a placement test. The test showed that he belonged in the 8th again - so that's what he did. However, since he had already passed the 8th grade at Scott Co. Middle - the rule was in place. In his case he would have been better off to purposfully (sp?) fail the 8th grade at SCMS so he could have repeated it. What a great rule - sarchasm...

 

BTW - he has earned a 3.0 or better since repeating the 8th grade when he was no where near that before. He's the poster child for why the rule isn't in the best interests of the individual student athlete.

AGAIN - IMO he was in the wrong and should not be allowed to play this year, but his situation causes me to question the rule itself...:fight: :irked: :fight: :irked: :fight:

Rodney staying back without question was the best decision for him academically.