Proposal for spring softball title fails

A proposed amendment to allow for a spring softball state tournament was the lone item which failed to pass Friday as the results of the Missouri State High School Activities Association's annual ballot were announced.

The amendment, which only needed a majority to pass, was voted down by a vote of 242-122. In all, there were 17 items on the annual ballot.

If the amendment would have passed, a spring softball state tournament would have been established in the spring of 2007. Teams which play in both the fall and spring would have been eligible for both tournaments.

Among the items which passed was a proposal which made girls lacrosse a MSHSAA sport. Girls lacrosse will be a spring sport. Another item which narrowly passed was a proposal which shifts the start of basketball practice and games back one week each.

-- Southeast Missourian