In regards to the Clovis West vs Bakersfield Valley Championship. Congrats to the winning team for a hard game. Unfortunately, the better team didn't win. The announcer and the "our gang" chain gang won the game for Bakersfield. Clovis West was at a severe disadvantage, therefore not considered a “fair game”. The announcing was one sided and was in clear violation of CIF regulation. Detailing every offense play as it occurred, giving the opposing team a severe advantage, yet he was silent when the drillers had the ball until the play was complete. And the funny thing is that the CIF “so called official” was too busy chatting with the Bakersfield sideline to notice. Until of course he was dragged from sidelines to attend to chain incident. The CIF official never blink an eye at the “radio commentator”. It was as though he did know what he was suppose to do. Other than have the correct number of officials on the field. But that’s another issue. With regards to the announcer and according to the CIF Sportsmanship Guidelines, Appendix A , which were developed to maintain the highest possible standards in your athletic programs and to promote a positive attitude toward those high school athletics by all involved. Many are items are listed, but direct your attention to Item “D”, “Announcers”, where it states in item #1: The announcer is an important component of “any” athletic contest. He/she must remain “neutral” and is considered an “official of the contest”. Public address announcers “are not radio commentators”, then it goes on to list other expectations of announcers.

Here’s another section in the CIF that addresses the expected conduct of the “announcers”, in section 5.11, the “Announcer”. The announcer should be a responsible adult who can properly set the tone of the game. He should be knowledgeable of game rules, official's signals, school rules, and CIF rules. Also, he should have knowledge of both home and visiting players playing backgrounds, and the standing of both teams in league play. There is no mention of detailing every offensive play of the opposing teams only. Another item listed in regards to Public Address announcement under CCS General Tournament Information. It states, Public Address Announcements are an important and occasionally over-looked portion of a well-run event. Not only is the contest and sponsorship information required, the announcer must also assist in establishing the tone and environment of the event. As well as using an announcer who can lend a professional and positive demeanor to this important aspect of the contest.

In CIF bylaws, Article 1, Name and Purpose section, item #12 A-1. The CIF Operating Principles are the 16 Principles of the Pursuing Victory with Honor program. Item 1 states, CIF sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and “six” core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, “fairness”, caring and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character”. And this responsibility relies upon the school officials.

People may get angry, but the violation was oblivious, but a “Win is a win” and it can't be taken back, unless the CIF does, and they should. And if not congrats to Bakersfield for cheating to victory, thanks to their announcer. But if the CIF enforces what they preach and investigates. Bakersfield should be disqualified and the reprimanded for such behavior for allowing the announcer to conduct in a manner not within the CIF guidelines for fairness. Bakersfield should not be able to participate in the playoffs for awhile. I will be filing a formal complaint with the CIF central division, quoting their bylaws and guidelines regarding conduct of announcers, as well the conduct of the onsite CIF official and recommend that Clovis West athletic Director and Coaches do the same. Here’s the commissioner address and phone number. If any one taped the game and caught the announcer voice on CW offensive drives. Please forward that to Clovis West AD and so that they can submit it the commissioner as proof or post it my web, so we can use.