AA Athletic Directors,

We are asking you to reconsider your most recent decision concerning divisional and state tournaments.  There is an overwhelming support from virtually every parent and coach to hold both tournaments.  We are asking for a common sense Montana approach in holding both tournaments rather than make decisions on the extreme end of the covid issue.  There is ample room to meet in the middle for the safety and benefit of all.
• Most importantly, safety can be of premium importance, yet still provide a tournament atmosphere
     ◦ space out every other row
     ◦ cleared between games - easy enough to space games out a few minutes more
• Class A, B and C are holding tournaments, yet AA is different?
     ◦ what other information does AA AD's have that the AD's of A, B and C do not have?
     ◦ MHSA is in support of both tournaments
• Class A, B and C have many gyms half full with many more fans in attendance than any current AA game
     ◦ quite a few of these same gyms are in the same county as AA gyms
     ◦ AA gyms generally have much more capacity as well
     ◦ many A, B and C current games have six fans per uniform player, yet AA is still stuck at 2?
▪ again, what information do the AA AD's have that is so different from your respective counterparts in A, B and C schools?
• Most recently, Metra had 2,900 fans in attendance
• Divisional / State tournaments are at a much, much bigger venue than a high school gym
• As of today, the 4 Seasons Expo Park in Great Falls is open and ready to host a AA tournament (I verified this today)
• If it's a money issue, turn this problem over to the parents of the 16 AA schools and we can solve this together
• Apparently there is a thought amongst a few AD's that holding a divisional / state tournament would be too difficult?  
     ◦ again, there are many parents that would be glad to volunteer time to solve this with you as we have all faced much more difficulties in life and we figured out a way (great example of the American dream)
• Coaches and players all year have done exactly what you have asked, yet the major penalty in your decision is the players and the fans
     ◦ Is your decision fair to 16 AA teams, approx. 560 players, approx. 1,120 parents, plus thousands of other fans?
Please, be solution leaders.  Let's look for ways to make this happen.  You have an opportunity to lead, now.  Let's all put ego and pride aside and make the right decision based upon the players.

Respectfully,

Parents, Fans and Players