To the editor:

I applaud the letter “Level the field,” in last Thursday’s paper written by Eric Schmidt. He is absolutely correct.

The Hurricanes blow over our kids because of the sheer number of players they have poached from the other teams and also from the unfair advantage they get from the referees. Several of the officials in this league should not be allowed to be in this “good ol’ boy network.” They obviously fear making a call that our “president” disagrees with.

As for the poaching and recruitment of players, this practice should no longer be allowed. As a solution we could require the players to be on a team that represents a specific area. If your child lives in this area you play for this team. If he or she lives in Baldwin, they play for the Bulldogs; Eudora, the Cardinals; if they go to Lawrence schools, then it’s the Hurricanes, Cougars, Twisters, Chops or Gorillas. Then, if a parent feels like they have to be on “the” team that wins at all costs, then they pack up and move to that school district.

He also should not be allowed to coach a team with the position he holds. The right thing for him to do would be to put into place an alignment to be fair to all teams and step away from coaching or the presidency. Make a choice, Sir, for our kids. Has he heard, “It’s not whether you win or lose …”? I think he’s just forgotten that part of sports.

Jeff Cuttell,

Lawrence