'Cool-Down' Policy for HS Coaches Proposed

The WPIAL's proposed 15-minute "cool-down" period for coaches before they talk to the media after playoff games could take some getting used to.

Some area coaches seem to understand the spirit of the policy, but don't think it will have much of an impact.

Overall, they seem to be "cool" with it.

The somewhat odd policy pertains to all sports. It's last-straw origin could be related to Clairton football coach Wayne Wade's critical comments of officiating after last year's PIAA Class A championship game, and Penn Hills basketball coach Dan DeRose' criticism of referees last winter after a WPIAL quarterfinal playoff game.

Wade and DeRose are suspended for the first four games on their respective seasons.

"Like someone said, by the time you're done shaking hands and walking across the field you (already) had 10 minutes," Jeannette football coach Roy Hall said. "After what happened to Wayne, it's in every coach's head: they know what the punishment will be. I doubt very much if you ever hear it happen again."

Penn-Trafford football coach John Ruane also doesn't foresee an issues.

"I think that most writers give coaches a few minutes already to address their team before interviewing," he said. "So, I don't think much will change."

Hempfield boys basketball coach Bill Swan said he sees both sides of the argument.

"(The WPIAL) is trying to help coaches and schools with uncomfortable situations," Swan said. "But in reality, by the time most of us meet with our teams and get things cleaned up, we don't speak with (media) for a while anyway."

Bill Beckner Jr. is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at [email protected] or via Twitter @BillBeckner.

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