The fiscal crisis the state finds itself in the grips of right now is very real, impacting every segment of our society, including high school sports.

Undoubtedly tough decisions have to be made about stretching declining resources. And, for the most part, you have to believe the vast majority of the over-burdened, under-funded folks calling the shots are proceeding prudently with the best of intentions toward doing what is right for the students. Which is the way it should be.

But the cynic in those of us who have observed the behind-the-scenes push and pull of prep sports politics for a while might also wonder if there is some sleight of hand, not to mention a nuanced purpose pitch, in some of the proposals and voting to cut the fields for Hawai'i High School Athletic Association state tournaments.

Not from all, mind you, but from just enough of the parties involved to get the subtle message across in the actions leading up to the HHSAA Executive Board's decision yesterday to approve 20 percent cuts in participation for 8 of 10 individual sports. The board is scheduled to revisit next week a proposal that would impose up to 33 percent cuts in some team sports.

When you examine the list of 2008-'09 state tournament team titlists and see the overwhelming dominance of the private schools, accounting for 32 of 42 championships, you grasp why some folks might have an interest in any opportunity to regrade the playing field.

For example, a smaller postseason landscape, under the participation formulas currently in use, inevitably means less competition for some public school leagues. Which is part of why they have pushed the reduced field concept for several years, even in better economic times. Now, if it can be done under the cover of fiscal belt-tightening, well ...

Growing disparities in resources, recruiting, attention, you name it, have posed problems. For generations they have been among the recurring bones of contention for O'ahu public schools especially. They are festering issues that, unfortunately, led to the break-up of the storied 10-member Interscholastic League of Honolulu following the 1969 football season. And the type that have remained sources of friction between the public O'ahu Interscholastic Association and private ILH.

We've seen them creep into other issues and votes. Recently, some officials have floated the concept of public schools splitting off altogether, leaving each side to hold its own version of state championships.

That, of course, is something nobody should seek since it would dilute the meaning of a state championship for all concerned.

Which is why this wouldn't be the first time there was gamesmanship attached to HHSAA housekeeping.