Chairman Phillip Gardner, Vice Chairman Priscilla Dillow, Mike Blackburn, Dale Crafton, Dan Cunningham, Sue Keenan, Al Logsdon, Michael Powell, Janis Qualizza, Steve Riordan, Cassel White, Directors Dennis Eller, Cecil Raymond, Joseph Trimboli, Associate Commissioner Ray Craft, Assistant Commissioners Blake Ress, Sandy Searcy, Theresia Wynns, Sports Information Director Jim Russell and Attorney Robert Baker.

Minutes of the Aug. 10, 1999 and Aug. 18, 1999 meetings were presented for approval. A motion for approval was made by Dale Crafton; seconded by Priscilla Dillow; motion passed 11-0.

Associate Commissioner Craft presented a list of cross country starters to be approved for the Cross Country Tournament Series. A motion to approve those starters who have applied to work the cross country tournament was made by Michael Powell; seconded by Mike Blackburn; motion passed 11-0.

Assistant Commissioner Ress provided a list of football crews from which tournament officials will be chosen; approval to use said crews was requested. A motion to approve the football officiating crews was made by Mike Blackburn; seconded by Michael Powell; motion passed 11-0.

Assistant Commissioner Searcy submitted, for approval, the names of volleyball officials who have applied to work the volleyball tournament series. A motion to approve the volleyball officials was made by Janis Qualizza; seconded by Cassel White; motion passed 11-0.

Assistant Commissioner Wynns presented a list of soccer officials/crews to be approved for the soccer tournament series. A motion to approve the soccer officials was made by Priscilla Dillow; seconded by Mike Blackburn; motion passed 11-0.

Assistant Commissioner Wynns presented a list of tennis chair officials to be approved for possible use in the boys tennis tournament series. A motion to approve the tennis officials was made by Michael Powell; seconded by Dale Crafton; motion passed 11-0.

The dialogue that was initiated at the August meeting regarding the format for the 1999-2000 Basketball Tournament Series continued. Most of the deliberations focused on the date and locations at the regional level. Following discussion, a motion to table this issue until the October meeting of the Executive Committee was made by Steve Riordan; seconded by Dale Crafton; motion passed 11-0.

Associate Commissioner Craft recommended that, effective in 2000-2001, the tournament ball for boys and girls basketball be the Wilson Jet Evolution Wide Channel (B0516 for boys; B0586 for girls). Currently the Wilson Jet Evolution Narrow Channel is the official basketball. A motion to approve the recommended change in the official tournament basketball in 2000-2001 was made by Mike Blackburn; seconded by Steve Riordan; motion passed 11-0. Note: This change is not effective for 1999-2000 basketball tournaments.

Associate Commissioner Craft recommended that the 1999-2000 state championships in boys and girls basketball to be played at the following sites: Girls Basketball – Hinkle Fieldhouse; Boys Basketball – Conseco Fieldhouse. A motion to approve the sites for the 1999-2000 basketball championships was made by Al Logsdon; seconded by Michael Powell; motion passed 11-0. The girls basketball state finals, which will celebrate its 25^th year in 2000, will return to Hinkle Fieldhouse for the first time since 1979. The boys basketball state finals will move to the soon-to-be completed Conseco Fieldhouse. Conseco Fieldhouse was unavailable for the girls state finals due to the Women’s Big Ten Basketball Tournament being played there during the same weekend.

Associate Commissioner Craft recommended that the 1999-2000 Individual Wrestling State Championships be moved to the Conseco Fieldhouse. A motion to approve the recommended site for the Individual Wrestling State Finals was made by Priscilla Dillow; seconded by Al Logsdon; motion passed 11-0.

Attorney Robert Baker proposed that the Executive Committee adopt changes in Rule 17-8.1 and 18-5 that would become effective immediately and remain in effect until the Board of Directors could take official action on these matters at their next meeting. The Executive Committee has the authority to take such action under Article IV, Section 4, Item n of the IHSAA By-Laws.

If adopted, Rule 17-8.1 would read: "Except with respect to Rules 4, 12 and 18, the Commissioner or his designee or the Committee shall have the authority to set aside the effect of any Rule when, in the opinion of the Commissioner or his designee or the Committee, all of the following conditions are met:

1. Strict enforcement of the Rule in the particular case will not serve to accomplish the purpose of the Rule;
2. The spirit of the Rule has not been violated; and
3. There exists in the particular case circumstances showing an undue hardship which would result from the strict enforcement of the Rule."

A motion to approve the proposed change in Rule 17-8.1 was made by Michael Powell; seconded by Mike Blackburn; motion passed 11-0.

Rule 18-5 currently reads: "An incomplete or conditional at the end of a grading period or semester counts as a failure until deficiency has been removed, providing such is removed before the end of the following grading period or summer, whichever comes first." The recommendation if for that portion of the above rule that is in Italics to be deleted. A motion to approve the proposed change in Rule 18-5 was made by Steve Riordan; seconded by Dale Crafton; motion passed 11-0.

The Executive Committee went into executive session to conduct the following hearings on the eligibility of students.

Marcus Christlieb, a student at Carroll (Fort Wayne) High School, had been declared ineligible on the basis of Rule 19-4. A hearing was requested in order to appeal the ruling and request full eligibility. Following the hearing, the Executive Committee upheld the decision of the Commissioner.

Jeffrey Scott Gilham, a student at Union (Dugger) High School, had been declared to have limited eligibility on the basis of Rule 19-6.2. A hearing was requested in order to appeal the ruling and request full eligibility. Following the hearing, the Executive Committee upheld the decision of the Commissioner.

Jessah Martin, a student at Fort Wayne Luers High School, had been declared to have limited eligibility on the basis of Rule 19-6.2. A hearing was requested in order to appeal the ruling and request full eligibility. Following the hearing, the Executive Committee upheld the decision of the Commissioner.

Katie Bastin, a student at Tecumseh High School, had been declared to have limited eligibility on the basis of Rule 19-6.2. A hearing was requested in order to appeal the ruling and request full eligibility. Following the hearing, the Executive Committee upheld the decision of the Commissioner.

Keenan Darby, a student at North Central (Indpls.) High School, had been declared to have limited eligibility on the basis of Rule 19-6.2. A hearing was requested in order to appeal the ruling and request full eligibility. Following the hearing, the Executive Committee upheld the decision of the Commissioner.

Bernard L. Durham, a student at North Central (Indpls.) High School, had been declared to have limited eligibility on the basis of Rule 19-6.2. A hearing was requested in order to appeal the ruling and request full eligibility. Following the hearing, legal counsel for the student and for the IHSAA were requested to submit findings of fact to the Executive Committee. Following the opportunity to study the findings of fact by IHSAA counsel and counsel for the student, a meeting was conducted by conference call Sept. 15. At that time, Michael Powell made a motion to uphold the decision of the Commissioner; seconded by Janis Qualizza; motion passed 9-0. Logsdon was not present for the vote.

In accordance with Rule 17-5 of the IHSAA By-Laws, Associate Commissioner Craft appealed to the Executive Committee for relief from their ruling of Aug. 18, 1999, which reversed the determination of the Commissioner in the case of Jason Carter, a student at Gary Mann High School. The alleged existence of potential fraud or misrepresentation perpetrated upon the Association was the basis of the appeal. Two questions were before the Executive Committee: 1) Should the Jason Carter case be reopened; 2) Should the decision of Aug. 18 be rescinded. Legal counsel for each side presented evidence and was offered the opportunity to submit findings of fact to the Executive Committee. Subsequent to the Aug. 10, 1999 hearing regarding the eligibility of Jason Carter, new information became known that was in direct conflict with evidence that had been presented during the original hearing. Legal counsel for both sides was afforded the opportunity to present evidence. Having studied all of the available information, the Executive Committee met Sept. 15 via teleconference. Steve Riordan made a motion to reopen the Carter case; seconded by Mike Blackburn; motion passed 9-0. Logsdon was not present for the vote. Following discussion, Mike Blackburn made a motion that the decision of Aug. 18, 1999 be rescinded and Jason Carter be declared ineligible; Steve Riordan seconded the motion; motion passed 9-1 with Logsdon dissenting.

Michael Powell, chairman of the Mental Attitude Award Committee, recommended modifications in the process for selecting mental attitude award winners. While there were minor alterations proposed for the nomination form, the major changes included:

• The value given to categories considered when determining a winner shall be: Mental Attitude – 30%; Athletic Ability – 30%; Scholarship – 20%; Leadership – 20%.
• In order to receive serious consideration eligible nominees must meet one of the following criteria: (a) have a minimum SAT score of 1000; (b) have a minimum ACT score of 21; or (c) rank in the top 25% of their senior class.
• The Executive Committee retains the right not to present a mental attitude award if, in its opinion, no candidate meets the qualifications.

A motion to accept the recommendations of the Mental Attitude Award Committee was made by Steve Riordan; seconded by Janis Qualizza; motion passed 10-0.

Mike Blackburn, chairman of the Participation Committee, updated the Executive Committee on their efforts regarding the continuing evolution of the participation rules. The Participation Committee is submitting the following proposals for input and feedback:

1. The coach may offer instruction and work directly with a maximum of two athletes at a time during open facilities.
2. The coach may communicate with participants and offer correction during an open facility setting. This is not intended to resemble a practice situation and may not include drills or stopping play to give instruction.
3. During school sponsored camps, three contests may be played between Indiana schools during the school’s established camp week. No tournaments will be conducted, no admission charged and no awards given for such contests.
4. Continue the moratorium week.
5. Delete from the Open Facility Program (Rules 15-2.6 & 15-3.6) that a coach may not play with or against the students.

These issues will be discussed at the Fall Area Principal Meetings.

Associate Commissioner Craft reported on transfers that have been ruled on for the 1999-2000 school year. This report included the following actions as of Sept. 2:

Full eligibility -- 965

Limited eligibility -- 114

Ineligible --12

Total -- 1,091

Assistant Commissioner Ress reported that 850 non-teaching coaches had been approved as of Sept. 8, 1999. The majority of these individuals are coaching football (235), soccer (183), volleyball (168) or cross country (103).

Assistant Commissioner Wynns recounted the unsportsmanlike conduct reports that have been received. There have been 117 incidents reported including the following break down by sports: Boys’ Soccer – 71; Football – 39; Volleyball – 4; Girls’ Soccer – 3.

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

Sports Information Director Russell reported that Dean Pantazi, Sports Director for WPTA-TV in Fort Wayne and co-host "Sports Talk" on WOWO Radio, had been selected as the IHSAA Distinguished Media Service Award Recipient for 1999-2000 in District II. Pantazi, a graduate of Lane Technical High School in Chicago and Southern Illinois University, has been a fixture in Fort Wayne since 1974. Dean and his wife, Becky, are the parents of Melanie, a student at Purdue University, and Nick, a student at Homestead High School. Mr. Pantazi was honored Sept. 3 during pre-game ceremonies of the Fort Wayne Northrop-Fort Wayne Snider football game.

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

Bloomington North High School

Commissioner Gardner reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 15-3.4a(12).

1. The Bloomington North High School boys soccer program is issued a warning.
2. The three student athletes involved in this violation shall be suspended for two contests.
3. The administration is commended for its prompt reporting and handling of this matter.

Bloomington North High School

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

1. The Bloomington North High School boys tennis program is issued a warning.
2. The student athlete involved in this violation shall be suspended for two matches.
3. The administration is commended for its prompt reporting and handling of this matter.

Covington High School

Commissioner Gardner reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 15-3.2.

1. The Covington High School soccer program is issued a warning.
2. The 12 student athletes involved in this violation shall be suspended for two contests.
3. Coach Mike Smith is reprimanded for his role in permitting this violation to occur.
4. The administration is commended for its prompt reporting and handling of this matter.

Culver Community High School

Commissioner Gardner reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 106-3.

1. The Culver Community High School football program is issued a warning.
2. Coach Neil Wagner is reprimanded for permitting this violation to occur.
3. The administration is commended for its prompt reporting and handling of this matter.

Edgewood High School

Commissioner Gardner reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 106-3.

1. The Edgewood High School boys’ soccer program is issued a warning.
2. The former reserve boys’ soccer coach is issued a reprimand for permitting this violation to occur.
3. The administration is commended for its prompt reporting and handling of this matter.

Greencastle High School

Commissioner Gardner reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 106-3.

1. The Greencastle High School girls soccer program is issued a warning.
2. Greencastle High School is directed to forfeit its contest with Tri-West Hendricks High School as a result of using an ineligible player.
3. Coach Jeff Sigworth is reprimanded for permitting this violation to occur.
4. The administration is commended for its prompt reporting and handling of this matter.

Hammond High School

Commissioner Gardner reported the following action as a result of a violation of the football scrimmage policy.

1. The Hammond High School football program is issued a warning.
2. Coach Tim Zasada and the assistant coaches that were involved are reprimanded for their roles in causing this violation to occur.
3. The administration is commended for its prompt reporting and handling of this matter.

Munster High School

Commissioner Gardner reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 15-3.7.

1. The Munster High School girls cross country program is issued a warning.
2. Coach Darlene Shike is reprimanded for her role in causing this violation to occur.
3. The administration is commended for its prompt reporting and handling of this matter.

Richmond High School

Commissioner Gardner reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 9-16.

1. The Richmond High School boys soccer program is issued a warning.
2. The junior varsity boys’ soccer coach is reprimanded for causing this violation to occur.
3. The administration is commended for its prompt reporting and handling of this matter.

1. Letter from Dennis Kas, president, Indiana Baseball Coaches Association.
2. Letter from Nelson L. Prall, Bedford, Ind.
3. Letter from Kelly Simpson, principal, and Keith Oppel, athletic director, North Harrison High School.
4. Letter from Paul Sinders, principal, Clay City High School.
5. Letter from Don Zipp, athletic director, Providence High School.

A motion to adjourn the September meeting of the Executive Committee was made by Mike Blackburn; seconded by Michael Powell; motion passed 10-0. The next meeting of the Executive Committee will be at IHSAA headquarters at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 1999.

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