[fullmetal]

Seems that the only downside is the disruption to athletic schedules...(and the later end to the spring quarter, which eats into your summer).

of course your summer extends into mid-late Sept instead of mid-late Aug

on athletics schedules the biggest disruptions seems to be the the basketball tournament and winter quarter finals and baseball/softball and spring quarter finals

There is some upside as several fall sports can play several games before school starts and potentially have less travel during the school year during the season

Great point about less travel during instructional periods.  And perhaps it allows for better focus during the start of the season.  But it also means virtually no home crowd during home games too...

Spring quarter finals wreck a lot of spring sports, not just the ones you mentioned.  Coaches end up having to proctor exams in the hotel in between events or during the evening, etc etc.  Suboptimal.

[fullmetal]

Seems that the only downside is the disruption to athletic schedules...(and the later end to the spring quarter, which eats into your summer).

of course your summer extends into mid-late Sept instead of mid-late Aug

on athletics schedules the biggest disruptions seems to be the the basketball tournament and winter quarter finals and baseball/softball and spring quarter finals

There is some upside as several fall sports can play several games before school starts and potentially have less travel during the school year during the season

Great point about less travel during instructional periods.  And perhaps it allows for better focus during the start of the season.  But it also means virtually no home crowd during home games too...

Spring quarter finals wreck a lot of spring sports, not just the ones you mentioned.  Coaches end up having to proctor exams in the hotel in between events or during the evening, etc etc.  Suboptimal.