Chelmsford Baseball Controversy Prompts Bill Proposal to Prevent SAT Conflict

Chelmsford High School baseball coach Mike O'Keefe told Patch that if the controversy his team had to go through being forced to pick SATs or a key playoff game led to changes in the offseason to prevent a similar situation from happening in the future, it would be a great thing for all athletes.

If a proposed bill is passed, O'Keefe may get his wish.

The Eagle-Tribune reported on Wednesday that Representative John Scibak out of South Hadley filed a bill Monday with 30 supporters that would prohibit the MIAA from holding sporting events before 2 p.m. on days when college entrance exams are scheduled.

On Saturday, Chelmsford and Methuen players were forced to choose between their SATS and the North Division 1 semifinal game after the MIAA rescheduled the contest for Saturday at 10 a.m., the same time as the test, and would not move the time despite protests from both teams.

“It doesn’t seem fair to expect a kid who could be at the high point of their athletic career to sacrifice their academics,” said Scibak, according to the Eagle-Tribune report.

Chelmsford was victorious despite missing four players, which Methuen lost the game without three players who took the test instead of playing.

"If (a change to the rules) is what comes out of this, than that would be great for all of the teams in all sports," O'Keefe told Patch on Sunday. "We don't want to have kids have to make that choice. It was unfortunate that it happened. The MIAA is in a tough position with all the games it has to schedule. But I think flexibility when it comes to a major academic event like that needs to be considered."