I think he should be able to play! Glad State Senator Michael Nozzolio is stepping up and helping! Hope the kid gets to play. He deserves it.

He was at boot camp! The whole purpose for having the required number of practices in is for condtioning and physical preparedness. If boot camp dose not do that i don't know what does other then double sessions. This is not making an exception, this should be common sense and understood. Let him play! What are we the Talaiban in a muslum state.

Once again individuals are making decisions that have no common sense.  I played football all the way through college and then went on to serve 6 years in the military.  I never experienced anything more physical then basic training.  How could a school district justify not letting this kid play.  It should be a decision that the coach makes.  Then coach will know if the kid is ready to play or not.  By the way I apologize for calling him a kid.  He is a young man.  And from the sounds of it, he is an honorable young man.  Not many kids would give up the summer between their junior and senior year to attend basic training.  If the school district stands by their decision then it will discourage other young men from doing this same activity.  I would like to thank this young man for stepping up to serve for our country.  If it was me on the school board you would be playing.  Hell, if it was me on the school board you would be honored that night of the first game as you took the field.  God bless the men and women serving this country.

Make the exception.  Change the Rules...do what you have must to support his decision to serve and protect...without penalty.  Self Sacrifice he has offered for his country and school.  Repay him properly.

Get him off the bench and on a safe playing field.  The next field he plays on will not be so friendly.

Here we go agian, trying to make speical rules for individuals, play by the rules or don't play. This is not ment to be offesive to steven, but what goes for one student should go for all students.

The rules are the rules. He's doing a great thing serving in the miltary and I have complete respect for a kid this age to take time out of his summer to go to boot camp, preperation for serving our great country. But again the rule are the rules. He's not kicked off the team or anything of the sort, he just has to miss the first two games.

Rules are created for particular reasons (in this case conditioning), and cannot be applied to all situations, (referring to the comment from 'ray').  (I did not capitalize your name; you didn't do it for Steven).  Also, three spelling errors in two sentences?  I believe the simple rules of basic English should disqualify your comment.  

I would expect exceptions would apply to anyone that could qualify their situation as Steven has done.  

My daughter was unable to play because she missed practice when her dad passed away.  The school told me that there was nothing that they could do about it.  I feel that in certain cases there should be exceptions.  It is different if they were just on vacation!! Which doesn't get counted as an illegal absence.

Our daughter Kristin just returned from Basic Training for the Army Reserves also.  Her soccer coach, told her that she would not be able to play because she would  miss the pre-season.  The school initially supported his decision.  After several meetings and phone calls with the principal, the Athletic Director, the Army Commander in Syracuse, two Army recruiters, her father and myself, the school decided to allow her to play.  However, when Kristin approached the coach her first day back he told her that she could be on the team but she would not be given much playing time.  He stated that it would not be fair to the other girls.  Kristin has played varsity soccer since 8th grade (year round) for this coach.  She reached her 100th goal last year and was Channel 5 Athelete of the Year for 2005.  I guess two weeks preseason is more important than four years of dedication to the team.  She also plays for the Syracuse Titans (a premier travel team).  Let these kids who choose to serve their country through volunteer enlistment in the Army Reserves have the full opportunity to play.   I respect these dedicated kids and their decisions.  We cannot understand the coach's concerns and position on this matter.  It sounds as though this is not a "team" thing but more of a personal bias than anything.  Just think, are tax dollars are paying both these coaches and our volunteer armed services.  

This is absurd , he deserves to play not be punished for wanting to serve his country!  Send an email to the idotic rule enforcers.... maybe they will listen to the masses!
nvanerk@nysphsaa.org

I understand that there are rules that they must follow, but rules can also be changed. I think that the schools should look into changing that rule. I had two family members that played football for years and one had to sit the bench one year because his mother was taken to the hospital and he was only at the practice for 10 minutes before we had to pick him up so they said that he missed that one practice (he made all others by walking 3 miles a day just to get to the school to go to practice) and would not be able to play the first game,I felt he should of been able to play but understood they had to follow the rules.  We are living in different times and it is time to change the rules. These young men and women are willing to serve our country at such a young age and what  do we tell them... that is not good enough, you can not play a high school sport because you were serving our country and missed a practice.............WAKE UP......HE WAS IN BOOT CAMP WHICH IS A LOT HARDER THEN A FOOTBALL PRACTICE ........LET THIS KID PLAY.

Everyone that will be at this game should carry signs, chant let him play, get the media involved (we all know the media loves a good story) do what ever they can to make the school districts open their eyes and maybe this will not be a factor at future games...after all if it was not for our service men and women over the years  who knows if we would even have the FREEDOM to sit and watch a high school football game or any other sport.

Now I am not saying that every student that misses a couple of practices should be able to play I am only saying they need to look at their guidelines and make a few changes. I am sure someone will have something to say about what I wrote but that is how I feel and I am sure that there are some that feel the same. These young men and women are fighting for us to have the right to say what we want, do what we want and have the freedom that we have and have had over the years and then you hear something like this and it just make me nuts. I am sure that Stephen is upset by this but I believe also that this young man will sit on the side line with his head up high.

I would like to say to Stephen and all others that are in the service or at one time served ......THANK YOU.

THIS KID SHOULD BE ABLE TO PLAY. I LOOKED UP THE RULES OF THE SPORT AND IT APPEARS THAT THEY WERE JUST REVISED THIS YEAR CHECK OUT 2.5.2  IT STATE NO WORKOUT PERMITTED AT MILITARY INSTALLATIONS. THIS IS JUST NOT RIGHT.


GENERAL RULES Revised 6/07

SEASON OF SPORT
2.3 The opening game cannot be played until the team has had 14 days of practice, with 10 days of practice for each individual.

2.4 The maximum number of football games per season shall be 10, exclusive of playoff games. Maximum number per week is one.

2.5 Pre-Season Conditioning Program

2.5.1 It is permissible (not mandatory) for a high school coach to conduct a physical conditioning program for prospective members of his high school football team on 5 weekdays, set by the Central Section Board of Managers, prior to the official opening of practice. Each coach shall limit his program to four hours per day. This time may be utilized in one session of four hours or in two sessions of two hours each. The session, or sessions, may be held in the morning, afternoon, or evening.

2.5.2 All such pre-season conditioning drills must be held at the school's regular practice field. No workouts will be permitted at beaches, mountain resorts, or military installations. No meals and/or housing of athletes shall be provided free of charge by the school conducting the pre-season conditioning drills or by any of that school's allied organizations, such as booster clubs, etc.

2.5.3 Add: Such conditioning sessions may include calisthenics, rule sessions, chalk talks, and game films. Football and football shoes, HELMETS AND BLOCKING DUMMIES will be the only equipment permitted.

2.6 The season shall end with the last regularly scheduled league game except for those qualifying for divisional playoff contests.

2.7 All playoff dates shall be determined by the Section Commissioner, with approval of the Board of Managers.

2.8 Spring football practice (optional), may be held for a maximum of ten (10) school days. Practicing to begin no earlier than the first school day following the last league contest in spring sports. Football shoes, shorts/sweats, and footballs only will be allowed. (Hand-held bags may be used)

how old is this patriotic kid; very commendable to join the reserves and grab a little spending money for his senior year. is this kid a high honor student; i dont think so. what is his motivation; is he animportant cog on his team; rules are made to be broken so whats new; let him play ; but remember, your setting a new precident for everyone. just cant figure out why he couldnt wait till he graduated if sports was important to him , other motivations are in work here or hes like most kids in this generation classless or braindead.

While I agree that Steven is probably in better physical condition than many of his teamates, we can slant the view of the ruling in many different directions. His dedication to the military is honorable, but in not being at practice, he missed part of the reason for being there - molding himself into the team as a unit, becoming fmailiar with how his teamates move and react on the field, etc.  The 10 practice minimum noted above allows some level of that team building to occur - in the same way military units train together.

He won't miss the whole season, and it might be frustrating to have to sit out two games, but his life will not end.   If people do not give him an excuse for adopting a bitter attitude,  he will have learned that in life, one makes choices with sometimes unhappy consequences, and knowing that will make him a better person.

The rule is in place for a reason.... if exceptions should be granted, then the rule should be re-written to accommodate them.  How bout NASA summer space camp?  How bout an gay or animal activist march on Washington? What about a death in the family?  There are lots of reasons some people would deem "worthy".

Stick to the rules or rewrite them.

Way to go Bruce
 Great comments
 I say let these young men & women play their sport.
They are the ones that may be putting their lives on the
line for all of us here, special considerations must be made.
Just think , these people may be saving the lives of ther coaches.
Is this girl at J.E ?

I think this is an insult to Steven and all of the other men and women who serve.  As for Jon Ch, I think you would be the brain dead one if you really have the nerve to sit there and talk about this kid in that way.  He could be the star student with all of the brains in the world, are you saying that to serve our country is a classless thing?  These people who are willing to pick up a gun and defend you and me and the rest of the country have more individual class than most and further more, until you are ready to do the same, I think you should just say thank you for the sacrifice and leave it at that!!!

hey ,jessica, learn how to read and interpet; yet another person verifing my theory  about 50% OF YOUTH[ 15-25]. I DIDNT SAY ANYTHING BAD ABOUT SERVING YOUR COUNTRY; READ THE ARTICLE,IF YOU ARE CAPABLE; ITS ABOUT MOTIVATIONS; I JUST THINK IN YOUR CASE JESSICAYOUR LIMITED KNOWLEDGE AND SOCIAL AWARENESS NEEDS ALOT OF DEVELOPMENT.; incidentally i was in the big one[vietnam], and i guarentee you or some of your freinds would never  survived36 years ago; the difference in the generations is very basic' and you may not understand what these words are; integrity, personal character and the respect for others as well as how we got here today. todays generation lacks all of these characteristicsa' therefore my definition of brain dead and classless.,

Ok so refuring to ray and tina rules are rules but i don't see u two doing anything to serve our country. If you are than great good for you guys i respect that greatly but if not and you have the nurve to go and say that, basic training is way tougher most high school football training, and as was said, rules say it has to be pratcice under certfied high school personal well guess what as stated early this was government training hello way higher on the ranks of who are better fitted for training(No affence to any high school coach) and also it has been said that he was in the best shape of his life! thats more than most high school football practices can do for you. its not like hes not in shape or conditioned to play so how can you even say he shouldn't be aloud to play and its not like its his first year, he already has the skills that would be taught in the first few practices that he missed and he knows the system considering hes been there for years since 7th grade,PLUS in real life people in the reserves have jobs they can be called in at any given time to serve their country but they don't loose their jobs, postions, or time while they are serving, Pro Players can boycott trainging camp and play the first game of the season even if they missed training because they were boycotting it. and BTW training camp is 6 weeks long. So everyone should take more consideration into this because he is serving our country and fighting for our right to be free so missing a couple pratcices is nothing compared to what he just went through. I'm a senior in his class and i hate that this is the way some people support our high schools!

  I want to thank each and everyone of you for your comments, both pro and con! That is "one" of the reasons I enlisted in the Army National Guard, so I can help defend your rights, and one of them is freedom of speech. I have many things that motivated me to enlist early, and yes one was money. Some of the others are education ( the Army has excellent college opportunities),experience (I did a lot of things that I would never get to do as a civilian,how many of you got to throw a real hand grenade?) travel (I got to go to Georgia and I didn't have to hear my Mom and Dad argue all the way about who's driving to slow, or to fast, or I gotta use the potty........)pride (I can now put my uniform on, both football and Army, and walk with my head up and say "I MADE IT" not to mention I can stand next to my Grampa(U S Marines)Dad(U S Army)and older brother ( U S Army,who was in Iraq at the very beginning of  the war) with my head held high knowing that I am part of something bigger and that I can help make all of your lives a little better.)And there are many other reasons also, but the BIGGEST is that I wanted to do something with my life, I didn't and don't want to be one of the "braindead" I am now way more team oriented than ever before, and I have played footrball wth these guys for the last 5 years, but it still doesn't compare to the teamwork I learned in the Army. I have the dedication, drive, motivation and now I have the ABILITY to do a lot more than I could a mere 10 weeks ago. I am not asking you or any one to change the rule/law for me, but for all who elect to take the split option. I feel it is a change that needs to take place. My feelings are that there should be certain activities that should be counted toward practice time and one is basic training, another that should be considered is a sports specific training camp, and any other activity that the governing body feels qualifies. And to the Vietnam vet, and all other vets "THANK YOU" and I am greatful to be a member of "YOUR" team.

HOAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just wanted to respond to Ashley...

remember I said:  "He's doing a great thing serving in the miltary and I have complete respect for a kid this age to take time out of his summer to go to boot camp, preperation for serving our great country."

I am sure he is getting more physical conditioning and training in boot camp then he would have at practices, but remember football is a team sport. He's not in training with his team, he's not getting in groove and preparing with his teamates, he's not running the drills with his teamates. I am sure this kid is a team player, that is not what I'm saying... physical practice is one thing team building is just as important.

and lastley, you don't see me doing anything for our country -- that's because you don't know me. Anybody that does wouldn't have made that comment.

HOAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Private Brewer and many many thanks

tina if you truley knew me and the guys that ive played football  with for the last 5 years the kids that i have grown up with my whole life i dont need to practice 2 weeks to bond with them or learn much about football or any other drills the thing is people have to realize that, and that would go for anyone not just me i mean theres other kids out there that have been on the same team for the last 5,6 or 7 years including pee-wee football or other sports that dont need to team build the funny thing is that my teamates took me in faster then my battle buddys in basic ever did  

When I first read the article I thought Stephen should not be allowed to play.  But then I read his entry.  Stephen, you should be proud of yourself, and you made some very valid points.  I wish you success both on the football field and in your service career and beyond.  Thank you!

To PVT Stephen Brewer --- thank you for your service to our country.  I have my freedom because of the brave ones like yourself and all the others who have and currently serve this great country.

Thank you so much for the gift of freedom for me and my family.

In response to tina again i said!  Ok so refuring to ray and tina rules are rules but i don't see u two doing anything to serve our country. If you are than great good for you guys i respect that greatly!!!

If you do do stuff for our country i said i respect you greatly and now i will say i thank you for defending my rights of freedom i have great respect for military people i have lots of family in the military so its not like i was say you didn't! do ianything i said if you didn't BUT if you do thank you i respect you greatley!!!

What a great variety of comments!  Sadly, many of them are "knee-jerk" reflexes.  

As a veteran myself, I understand the dedication required to volunteer and serve.  I delayed a career and gave up a lot of income during my service, but I don't regret it.  It was a choice I made...a choice with consequences that I accepted.

Stephen also made a choice - to do his basic training early - a "split option."  It was his choice, and it triggered a rule that insures a uniform practice build-up for the playing season.  Without taking anything away from Stephen and his willingness to serve, he went to basic training, not to Iraq or Afghanistan.  It's a tough grind, and while he may bravely serve us all well in the future, he isn't doing so now or while in training.  The early training option while in school was a choice with consequences, and his motivation toward future service is not the determining point here.  How would you explain the special exception to a teamate who enlists right after graduation with the same deidcation, but who waited for basic training?  Same service, same dedication, but a different decision and different consequences.

Stephen can now recognize that out in real life, decisions have consequences that often cannot be undone.  Life doesn't always seem fair when you're on the receiving end of a penalty, but life ain't always fair.  This particular one is pretty unimportant in the grand scheme of life.

Rules are rules if you miss practices you cant play in the games it doesnt matter where he was he didnt have to go to the national guard that was his decision

I am sure this young man is a fine individual.  For me it's not about whether this individual is capable or physically fit to play.  It's about the rules.  There are many rules that one learns as they go through life.  Life is not going the change the rules to suit each individuals requirements.  This young man made his choice, now he has to learn to live with the consequences.

sadly i agree with this im not gonna be popular but those practices get you ready to hit and tackle.  after seeing kevin everett bust his neck because he was a tight end and not used to tackling(as a defencive player would) its only two games and come on hes  not goin pro so hang with the team and play when you can.    that does suck but those have been the rules and those are the rules.

The same thing is occuring with me right now. Im enrolled at Jordan Elbridge Senior High School and they arent letting me play soccer. I have played varsity soccer since 8th grade. I enlisted in the army reserves in march of '07, and i went to BCT in June to Fort Jackson, Sc. I returned home on Sep 5th at 1 am. My email is independentgirl13@msn.com Stephen, please email me when you recieve this.

Thanks

PVT Raeon