[JK37]

The Florida State women’s soccer team will play Saturday for a berth in the quarterfinals of the N.C.A.A. tournament, having made a provocative tactical decision that raised intriguing questions about sportsmanship, integrity and the autonomy of a coach to choose a lineup.

To provide rest amid a grueling travel and playing schedule, Coach Mark Krikorian kept seven starters home from the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament earlier this month as he planned for the more important national tournament. Florida State’s athletic director approved the decision.

When Florida State lost its opening A.C.C. match on Nov. 3, conference officials ruled that the Seminoles had compromised the integrity of the tournament. Krikorian was suspended for a game, Florida State was fined $25,000 and the university was denied a $15,000 reimbursement for travel costs.

Read full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/19/sport ... 2&emc=eta1

Personally, I think the ACC was way out of bounds in punishing a coach and school for something not even specifically addressed in its by-laws. Its a dangerous path to travel when a conference begins telling a coach how he/she should play their players and urn their programs in such ways. I can't believe FSU isn't putting up more of a fight about this!

[flamesbball84]

Some would say that's basically intentionally losing a game, which as far as I know is probably in violation of some rule.

[From the class of 09]

Some would say that's basically intentionally losing a game, which as far as I know is probably in violation of some rule.

They basically did the same thing NFL teams do when teams that have their playoff spot locked up sit their starters. I know its college but if the argument is that they threw the game then it's illegal in the NFL too

[olldflame]

I think they made an example of them because it was the conference tournament. If teams that know they are getting an at large bid can tank the tournament, it loses all credability. Could you imagine coach K sitting out Singler, Smith and Plumlee in the ACC tournament to rest them for the dance?

[TDDance234]

What does that tell your backups? As a coach, you're telling your bench to always be ready but when you call upon them, the ACC lays the smack down? How is that fair?

[RubberMallet]

women college soccer?...who cares.

[olldflame]

What does that tell your backups? As a coach, you're telling your bench to always be ready but when you call upon them, the ACC lays the smack down? How is that fair?

Actually, it is the FSU coach who is sending the negative message to his reserves. Do you think they are really gullible enough to believe he did this because he has confidence they can win the tourney against other team's starters? They know the deal. They are cannon fodder.

[JK37]

My follow-up is this: how far does the conference take it?

If the HC instead takes those 7 players on the trip, they dress, but sit on the bench the whole time, what then? Let's say the HC tosses out a standard "violation of team rules" suspension? Of, what if he sits them just for the second half?

I just don't see how a conference can tell a coach how and when to play his/her players. And if Swofford's fear is that Krzyzewski or Williams would do it, please! Even if they did, hell would freeze over before telling RW or the Weasel how to play their players.

[Schfourteenteen]

At the Super Y-League finals, there was a team who had qualified for the next round after two games in group play. For the third meaningless group play game, they decided to play with 10 instead of 11 to rest up. It caused a major stir within the parents and coaches as the other team was fighting for a wildcard spot.

We ended up doing nothing, and the ACC should have done the same.

[flamesbball84]

Some would say that's basically intentionally losing a game, which as far as I know is probably in violation of some rule.

They basically did the same thing NFL teams do when teams that have their playoff spot locked up sit their starters. I know its college but if the argument is that they threw the game then it's illegal in the NFL too

And I would say the same likewise for that situation as well, and when it happens in the NBA and I assume it goes on in the MLB and NHL but i don't pay much attention to those two leagues.