[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]"The NCAA relies on our high schools producing quality student athletes in all sports. It doesn't make sense to endanger your lifeline," Sullivan said. "Maybe the NCAA should impose the 'death penalty' on itself for this infraction."[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The decision of the NCAA will have a negative impact on high school football, because fans will be forced to decide whether to support their high school team or their college team, House Resolution 1024 declared. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]The effect of the rule change could have a broader impact than just on high school athletics, because in many cases other sports rely on revenue generated from football, the resolution warns. Consequently, lower attendance could have an adverse effect on the budgets of other high school sports.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]"It concerns me that at least three athletic conferences have agreed to play Friday night games and ESPN has agreed to televise them," Sullivan added.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]Several groups have expressed concern about the rule change, including the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and the Southeastern Conference athletic directors.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]In a statement posted on the AFCA website, Executive Director Grant Teaff believes the decision is a mistake.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]"The action by the NCAA, in my personal opinion, is a mistake. It is compounded by certain conferences and institutions seeking the national spotlight and additional revenue that a televised game brings. This action by the NCAA was never discussed with the AFCA nor was input requested from state high school coaches associations or the National Federation of State High School Associations."[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Helvetica,Geneva,Swiss,SunSans-Regular]"The main objective of the resolution is to urge the NCAA to change the rule and reinstate the restriction on Friday night college football games," Sullivan said. [/FONT]