From Powder Puff 2008 to Powder Poof 2009?

One of the great things about this job is, at times, there's something unique to cover. And they doesn't get any more unique that the annual GBHS Powder Puff Game.

During the football season, it's the girls cheering on the guys. Here, it's the other way around. Some of them took that literally, dressing up in cheerleading attire.

Just like any other sport, tempers can, and do, flair. But when it happens every other play, something needs to be done.

And, just like any other sport, injuries can, and do, occur. Sprained ankles are one thing, but when an ambulance is called (which has happened each of the last three years), that's something totally different.

For those who know me, you know that I make my living off these kids. So there is a level of respect and admiration that I have for them. One on those such kids was among those seriously injured in the game.

One thing I've noticed in my five and a half years here - and more than 16 in this business - is that high school kids either can't, don't or won't look past 'the moment.' They don't think about consequences.

Well, your favorite sports writer is here to tell you - if things don't change, Powder Puff in '08 is going to become Powder Poof in '09.

So, here's a list of suggestions to make sure that doesn't happen:

One of the gripes I heard during the game was that the flags didn't work - that clamps were missing and that players had to tie them. So the Student Government needs to raise money to get flags that do work.

I know what you're thinking: Isn't that the school's job? Well, with the economy the way it appears to be, GBHS has more important things to fund.

You want it done right - do it yourself. The soccer boosters needed $19,000 to send two teams to state this year, so it can be done.

Another gripe I heard was that a lot of calls were missed. Here's the solution: Hire a full officiating crew, like the ones used on Friday nights in the fall. Of course, that costs money, too, but again, you want it done right…

This way, they can't be bribed with cookies, cakes, money or whatever to make sure your squad gets calls. With these officials, order can be easily maintained, which brings me to another cause of concern - uniforms.

Apparently, some of the girls thought the game was an audition for a Flashdance sequel. One wrong pull and GBHS could've had its own version of a wardrobe malfunction. So - proper attire, please.

Now I know the uniforms are a vital part of the Powder Puff experience, with the graduation year proudly displayed. That's fine, but each shirt should have a number on the back, too. This way, the officials can keep tabs on who's acting up and acting out on the field, which includes stepping onto the playing surface when you have no business doing so.

First flare-up - 15-yard penalty. Second flare-up - ejection. Failure to leave Dolphin Stadium in a timely fashion - suspension. And for the seniors - who may think they're above reproach since their time at GBHS is short - a threat of not being allowed to walk down the aisle sounds like a good deterrent to me.

By 'flare-ups,' I also include name-calling. Calling someone a 'b-word' or other variation (or any other demeaning phrases or gestures) is way over the line. Some of the sweetest girls I've ever known underwent a Jekyll and Hyde act Thursday, and it wasn't pleasant to watch.

You can't get away with that behavior on the basketball court, baseball or softball diamond, or the soccer pitch - and you certainly can't get away with it in the hallway of Gulf Breeze High - so, what makes you think you can get away with it in this case?

When the best-behaved class is the freshmen, there's a problem - with no insult meant toward the Class of 2011, to whom when it's all said and done will be my best female athletic class yet.

And from a selfish perspective, I have to hold stuff until next week's paper because of this column.

Not to get all Kumbayah on everyone, but we need to start caring for one another a little bit more. I was absolutely floored by the reaction of a senior when I told him about a sophomore who had to go to the hospital after the game - 'waaah. Cry me a river.'

I have a saying - show some class and not your a**. I'm afraid a lot of kids left their "cl's" at home Thursday.

I remember a saying by a former high school classmate of mine - if it's to be, it's up to me. So take these words to heart if you want to play Powder Puff in 2009.