Chairman Phillip Gardner, Vice Chairman Priscilla Dillow, Mike Blackburn, Dale Crafton, Curtis Casbon, Dan Cunningham, Sue Keenan, Al Logsdon, Michael Powell, Janis Qualizza, Cassel White, Directors Linda Barnett, Dennis Eller, Michael Necessary, Cecil Raymond, Oren A. Sutherlin, Joseph Trimboli, Directors-Elect Jim Feist, Lee Lonzo, Pam Noble, Commissioner Bob Gardner, Assistant Commissioners Blake Ress, Sandy Searcy, Theresia Wynns, Sports Information Director Jim Russell and Attorney Robert Baker.

The minutes of the March 23, 2000 and April 6, 2000 were recommended for approval. A motion for approval was made by Michael Powell; seconded by Dan Cunningham; motion passed 11-0.

Assistant Commissioner Ress presented a list of softball umpires who have made application to work the 2000 tournament. Permission was requested to assign umpires from this list. A motion to approve the submitted list of umpires was made by Mike Blackburn; seconded by Janis Qualizza; motion passed 11-0.

Assistant Commissioner Searcy presented a list of track and field starters who have applied to work the 2000 tournament series. Ms. Searcy requested approval to assign starters from this list. A motion to approve the submitted list of starters was made by Dale Crafton; seconded by Mike Blackburn; motion passed 11-0.

Assistant Commissioner Wynns presented a list of ISTA officials and requested permission to assign officials from this to assist at the 2000 girls tennis tournament series. A motion to approve the submitted list of tennis officials was made by Cassel White; seconded by Curtis Casbon; motion passed 11-0.

Commissioner Gardner presented a list of baseball umpires who have made application to work the 2000 tournament. Permission was requested to assign umpires from this list. A motion to approve the submitted list of umpires was made by Janis Qualizza; seconded by Mike Blackburn; motion passed 11-0.

Commissioner Gardner requested permission for the executive staff and the Board of Directors to attend the annual meeting of the National Federation of State High School Associations in Minneapolis, Minn. in July. A motion to approve this request was made by Michael Powell; seconded by Dale Crafton; motion passed 11-0.

Commissioner Gardner presented for adoption a policy regarding who shall determine whether a player, withheld from practice or competition due to injury, illness or pregnancy, shall be allowed to return to action. This proposal was developed by the Sports Medicine Committee, which has adeptly advised this Association on many medically related issues. In essence, this policy states that, when present, a licensed physician shall make these decisions. In his/her absence a certified athletic trainer would have this authority. If neither a doctor nor trainer is present, the head coach should use his/her discretion to make participation decisions. A motion to adopt this recommendation for returning to play was made by Dan Cunningham; seconded by Michael Powell; motion passed 11-0.

The Executive Committee took the following actions on proposals presented by representatives of the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association at the March meeting.

1. The coaching box should be expanded to 15 feet or the length of the team’s bench, whichever is shorter. A motion to approve this proposal was made by Dan Cunningham; seconded by Janis Qualizza; motion passed 11-0.
2. The IHSAA should mandate that only two officials may be used for basketball games. A motion to approve this proposal was made by Al Logsdon; seconded by Mike Blackburn; motion failed 1-10 with Dillow supporting the proposal.

Assistant Commissioner Ress recommended that the starting dates for the tournament series in baseball and softball for 2001 be moved to start one week earlier than in 2000. These proposed dates would coincide with the dates on which these tournaments have traditionally started. Only in the last two years as the tournament format has changed from a four-week to a three-week tournament has the season been extended a week.

A motion to approve the proposal to start the baseball and softball tournaments one week earlier, effective in 2001, was made by Michael Powell; seconded by Priscilla Dillow; motion passed 11-0.

Benton Central High School has requested permission to play an additional boys basketball game each year in memory of Caleb Dimmich, a former athlete who tragically lost his life during the summer of 1999. The proceeds from these games would go toward a scholarship fund for Benton Central students. While Caleb was an outstanding person, in all likelihood every school in the state would have a former athlete it would like to play an extra contest in memory of. This proposal died for lack of a motion.

Assistant Commissioner Ress reported on transfers that have been ruled upon during the 1999-2000 school year. This report included the following actions as of April 26, 2000.

Full eligibility -- 2,382.

Limited eligibility – 239.

Ineligible – 39.

Total – 2,660.

Assistant Commissioner Wynns reported on the unsportsmanlike conduct reports that have been received this year. Contest officials have reported a total of 998 incidents of unsportsmanlike conduct. At least one incident of unsportsmanlike behavior has been reported in 11 of the 16 sports where licensed officials are used.

Commissioner Gardner presented the monthly financial report of the Association.

Attorney Robert Baker updated the Executive Committee on the current status of pending litigation against the Association.

The following penalties were assessed for various violations of the IHSAA By-Laws:

Commissioner Gardner reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 9-13:

1. The Centerville High School softball program is issued a warning.
2. Coach Brad Ream is reprimanded for his role in causing this violation to occur.
3. The administration is commended for its prompt reporting and handling of this matter.

Commissioner Gardner reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 15-1:

1. The Indianapolis Cathedral High School girls’ basketball program is issued a warning.
2. The student athlete that was involved in this violation shall be suspended for the first three contests of the 2000-01 season.
3. The coaching staff and administration is commended for its prompt reporting and handling of this matter.

A motion to adjourn the May meeting of the IHSAA Executive Committee was made by Dale Crafton; seconded by Dan Cunningham; motion passed 11-0. The next meeting of the Executive Committee will be at IHSAA headquarters on Friday, June 16, 2000.