CAA Developments: Proposed League Changes Spark Discontent Among Schools
The Catholic Athletic Association (CAA), which comprises 25 high schools, recently held a contentious meeting to discuss the formation of new leagues as part of the upcoming four-year cycle. The session concluded with significant disagreement, particularly stemming from the Mission League, with indications that some schools might consider departing from the organization.
Meeting Outcomes and Disputes
Terry Barnum, the head of athletics at Harvard-Westlake, put forth two re-leaguing proposals during the meeting but later requested their withdrawal in favor of alternative options, a request that was ultimately denied. This refusal saw one of the proposals approved solely for football by a narrow margin of 14-11.
Following the decision, Barnum announced his intention to appeal based on what he perceives as procedural violations. He expressed concerns that this could lead Mission League institutions to seek independence from the CAA and establish their own competitive area.
Historical Precedents and Rationale
Barnum drew attention to a previous CAA meeting that took place eight years prior, highlighting that proposals were typically allowed to be withdrawn under similar circumstances. “We believe precedent and procedures were not followed,” he said, expressing frustration with the current decision-making process.
Moreover, Barnum emphasized a growing ideological divide between parochial schools and Mission League members, stating, “What today showed is that there’s an ideological difference and divide in parochial schools and the Mission League. We will never be in position to control our own destiny.”
Future Steps for the Mission League
Holding a respected position within the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and the CAA, Barnum plans to appeal to the Southern Section while seeking support from fellow members of the Mission League. The members include Harvard-Westlake, Crespi, Sierra Canyon, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, Loyola, St. Francis, Bishop Alemany, and Chaminade.
Originally scheduled for last Wednesday, the meeting was postponed, raising suspicions that the delay was orchestrated to allow certain schools to align themselves with a preferred proposal.
Conclusion
The ongoing discussions within the CAA reflect deeper issues at play among various schools. As the Mission League deliberates its next steps, the decisions made in this meeting are likely to have lasting implications for competitive structures in the years to come.