IHSAA Executive Committee

Minutes from the March 26, 2004 meeting in Indianapolis

 

PRESENT

Chairperson Cassel White, William Amerson, Randy Barrett, Dennis Bunda, Phillip Gardner, Phil Hoskins, Lee Lonzo, Patrick Mapes, Geoff Penrod, Janis Qualizza, Roy Simpson, Debb Stevens, Roger Weaver, Director Elect Nancy Alspaugh,  Commissioner Blake Ress, Associate Commissioner Ray Craft, Assistant Commissioners Bobby Cox, Sandy Searcy, Theresia Wynns, Sports Information Director Jerry Baker and Attorney Robert Baker.

 

MINUTES

The minutes of the February 20, 2004 meeting were recommended for approval.  A motion for approval was made by Janis Qualizza; seconded by Phil Hoskins; motion passed 13-0.

 

APPROVE THE VOLLEYBALL PROPOSALS

The Executive Committee took the following actions in response to proposals presented by the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association Volleyball Committee during the February meeting:

1.   On an experimental basis, schools should be allowed to use Libero (designated defensive player).

2.   The current warm-up formats for Varsity, JV, and Freshman matches should be retained.

3.   The format for regular season tournaments should be standardized.

4.   Non-deciding match games should consist of 25 points.

5.   Teams should be allowed to practice at sectional and regional sites.

 

The Executive Staff acknowledged that items two and four did not require action as the requested formats will be in place in 2004-05.  Proposal one, three, and five were not recommended for approval.  A motion to approve the volleyball coaches recommendations was made by Phil Hoskins; seconded by Randy Barrett; motion failed 0-13.

 

REPORT FROM THE INDIANA BASKETBALLCOACHES ASSOCIATION

Steve Witty, IBCA president and Jerry Bomholt, Shawe Memorial High School appeared before the Executive Committee to discuss pertinent issues relative to basketball.  The IBCA representatives asked the IHSAA to encourage member schools to utilize three person crews during the regular season.  Basketball coaches would also like the ability to coach players in an open facility setting during IHSAA Week 4, for the purpose of showcasing talent to college scouts.  Having an open facility session during Week 4 would require a change in the by-laws.  Since the agenda for the annual Board of Directors meeting has been finalized, the request was denied.   

 

REPORT FROM THE INDIANA COACHES OF GIRLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION

Cindy Lester, Western High School, appeared before the Executive Committee to discuss items that were a concern of the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports basketball committee.  The overlap of the girls state finals and the boys sectional was the main topic of concern.

 

TRANSFERS

Associate Commissioner Craft reported on transfers that have been ruled upon during the 2003-04 school year.  This report included the following actions as of March 26, 2004:

Full eligibility               2,468

Limited eligibility             173

Ineligible                          54

Total transfers              2,685

 

SPORTSMANSHIP

Assistant Commissioner Wynns reviewed the unsportsmanlike conduct reports that have been received by the Association.  Thus far, the total number of reports for the winter season have declined from last year.  Assistant Commissioner Wynns also reported on the progress of the NCAA Ambassadors Program.  Training sessions have begun, and are being held at nine member schools across the state. 

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

Commissioner Ress presented a financial report of the Association.

 

LTITGATION

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

 

PENALTIES ASSESSED

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

 

Blackford High School

Commissioner Ress reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 15-1.2 (Boy’s basketball player participated in YMCA game during season).

1.       The Blackford High School boys’ basketball program is issued a warning. 

2.       The student athlete involved in this rule violation shall be suspended for three games at the start of the 2004-05 basketball season.

3.       The administration of Blackford High School is commended for its reporting and handling of this matter.

 

Brown County High School

Commissioner Ress reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 15-2.2a (Four boys basketball players participated on the same non-school team).

1.       The Brown County High School boys’ basketball program is issued a warning.  

2.       The four student athletes involved in this violation shall be suspended for three basketball games.  If necessary, some of these suspensions may be carried forward into the 2004-05 season.

3.       The administration of Brown County High School is commended for its reporting and handling of this matter.

 

Carmel High School

Commissioner Ress reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 5 (Boys track athlete received remuneration from booster for athletic related activities).

1.       The Carmel High School track & field and cross-country programs are issued a warning. 

2.       The actions taken by Carmel Clay Schools to eliminate contact between the individual causing these violations and the student athletes at Carmel High School are accepted and supported as an appropriate response to these violations.

3.       The three student athletes who were given cash in violation of Rule 5 are, hereby, declared ineligible.  Should the student athletes make full restitution, they may request that their amateur status be reinstated.  Carmel High School must document to the IHSAA that full restitution has been made either to the school or directly to the individual who provided the remuneration in violation of Rule 5-2. 

4.       The administration of Carmel High School is to be commended for the prompt and thorough manner in which allegations were investigated and for the proactive steps that have been taken to prevent future, similar incidents from occurring.

 

Elkhart Baptist Christian High School

Commissioner Ress reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 15-2.2a (Baseball player missed school and solicited funds to play in Puerto Rico).

1.       The Elkhart Baptist Christian High School baseball program is issued a warning.  

2.       The student athlete was suspended for 15% of the 2003-04 baseball season.

3.       The administration of Elkhart Baptist Christian High School is instructed to conduct staff development sessions for the entire coaching staff to ensure there is a thorough understanding of the IHSAA By-Laws with an emphasis on upholding the by-laws.  Particular focus should be placed on Rule 15 (Participation).

 

Portage High School

Commissioner Ress reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 15-2.2b (Non-school volleyball team coached by assistant coach with current players).

1.     The Portage High School volleyball program is issued a warning

2.     Coach Chris Dixon and Assistant Coach Ed Dixon are reprimanded for causing this violation to occur. 

3.     The IHSAA accepts the removal of Ed Dixon as an assistant volleyball coach at Portage High School as appropriate.  In the event Ed Dixon returned to the coaching staff, the student athletes involved in this incident shall be suspended. 

4.     The administration of Portage High School is commended for its reporting and handling of this matter.

 

Wawasee High School

Commissioner Ress reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 9-13 (Assistant girls track coach transported athletes to non-school Sunday event).

1.       The Wawasee High School girls’ track & field program is issued a warning. 

2.       Assistant Coach Grace Stichter is reprimanded for causing this violation to occur. 

3.       The administration of Wawasee High School is commended for its prompt reporting and handling of this matter.

 

West Vigo High School

Commissioner Ress reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 9-4 (Baseball practice conducted that included a post graduate).

1.       The West Vigo High School baseball program is issued a warning. 

2.       Coach Steve DeGroote is reprimanded for causing this violation to occur.

3.       Due to the illegal practice involving a post-graduate, the West Vigo High School baseball team shall be limited to 27 games during the 2004 baseball season.

4.       The administration of West Vigo High School is commended for its prompt reporting and handling of this matter.

 

Whitko High School

Commissioner Ress reported the following action as a result of a violation of Rule 100 (Girls tennis team conducted a practice prior to Monday of Week 36).

1.   The Whitko High School girls’ tennis program is issued a warning. 

2.   Coach Larry Schuh is reprimanded for causing this violation to occur. 

3.   The determination by the school administration to not allow another practice until March 9th is appropriate and supported by the IHSAA.

4.   The administration of Whitko High School is commended for its reporting and handling of this matter.

 

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

1.       IHSAA Centennial Scholarships

Commissioner Ress presented a timetable for selection & presentation of the first annual Centennial Scholarships.  The announcement of the 10 winners will be made in May 2004.

 

2.       Meeting with the Presidents of Coaching Associations

Commissioner Ress will meet with coaches association presidents and secretaries on April 26, 2004.  Various topics concerning specific sports will be discussed.

 

3.       Discussion of possible dates for Board of Directors In-Service

 

4.       Communications:

a.       Congratulations to Geoff Penrod on being selected as IIAAA Athletic Director of the Year

b.       Correspondence with Blessed Theodore Guerin High School

c.       Letter from Philip Apple, Principal; John Spinks, Athletic Director; and Rick Ashmore, Volleyball Coach; Twin Lakes HS

d.       Letter from David Land, Executive Director, Indiana Football Coaches Association

e.       Letter from Kay Schluessler, Edwardsport, IN

f.         Thank you from Erin Sparks, Carmel HS, Mental Attitude Award Winner in Girls’ Swimming

 

5.       For the Good of the Order

 

A motion to adjourn the March meeting of the IHSAA Executive Committee was made by Randy Barrett; seconded by Dennis Bunda; motion passed 13-0.  The next meeting of the Executive Committee will be at IHSAA headquarters on May 3, 2004 (also annual meeting of Board of Directors).