[knighted]

Being involved with KYMSFA since its conception I can say the founders and organizers have wanted to avoid politics and back-room deals that seem to be prevalent at the HS football level. The goal of this tournament and KYMSFA as a whole is expand and promote the sport of football at the middle school throughout the state - period.

The concept of this tournament was simple - to give teams and kids a chance to play against other strong teams in the state after playing in their own local area. Basically, to provide a test to teams that may or may not have strong local competition.

The logistics of this tournament are daunting for not only the organizers - volunteer coaches who sacrifice 100s of hours of time - but also, as correctly pointed out above, for the coaches, teams and school administrators of the participating teams.

To host what amounts to the 'sweet 16' of middle school football takes commitment on the part of the KYMSFA but also of the hosting school. To staff 2 full days of non-stop football has required the focus of the Lexington Catholic administration, the Lexington Catholic coach Bill Letton and will require volunteer workers from not only the MS parents but also varsity parents who do not have kids playing MS football at all. Being the host facility has nothing to do with a competitive advantage on the field - but with accepting the mission to utilize the unique features Lexington Catholic with its central location, good facility, available hotel accomodations and outstanding boosters to offer to support to the KYMSFA and to better this sport at all levels for kids from throughout the state.

To see schools from far away such as Trigg and Graves County play in the first year of the tournament was amazing. To see the support of school superintendents attending the first years games from places like Bell County indicated that this was a special event for the state. And to see kids from different parts of Kentucky play for the pride of their state was special.

To those reading this long post, especially the coaches and school administrators, remember that KYMSFA is a volunteer organization primarily of coaches. While it sponsors this tournament it's role is much broader and critical to the sport of MS football in Kentucky. To expand and grow and continue in it's mission more volunteers are needed. I have personally seen the dedication and commitment of the founding staff. But more committed coaches are needed to keep this organization going. I have never seen KYMSFA as an exclusive function for the purposes of using politics to gerrymander this tournament or other activities. It is meant to be inclusive. But that means commitment of those who want make this sport better for all Kentucky Middle School kids. If you are interested in serving and being part of KYMSFA reach out to the current members and coaches. They are busy, very busy, especially right now. But knowing the coaches who assembled this organization I can say they want and need you to get involved and get committed. But remember - its not just this tournament. KYMSFA exist to improve middle football throughout the state and it takes an all-year, multi-year commitment to be effective. Do not be on the sidelines, be in the game of KYMSFA.

WHAT BLUEGRASSCARD SAID.:Clap::Clap::Clap::Clap::Clap::Clap: