IHSAA Executive Committee

Minutes from the August 5, 2004 meeting in Indianapolis

 

PRESENT

Chairperson Lee Lonzo, Nancy Alspaugh, Bill Amerson, Randy Barrett, Dennis Bunda, Jim Feist, Phillip Gardner, Patrick Mapes, Paul Neidig, Pam Noble, Geoff Penrod, Michael Powell, Janis Qualizza, Debb Stevens, Roger Weaver, 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

Minutes of the June 25, 2004 meeting were recommended for approval.  A motion to approve the minutes was made by Janis Qualizza; seconded by Pam Noble; motion passed 15-0.

 

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

Commissioner Ress presented a Conflict of Interest Statement to be signed by the IHSAA Executive Committee members. 

 

APPROVE RETAINING PETERS, BROWNING, & CO. TO AUDIT FINANCIAL RECORDS

Commissioner Ress recommended retaining Peters, Browning, & Co. to audit the financial records of the IHSAA.  After some discussion, a motion to approve the recommendation was made by Phillip Gardner; seconded by Randy Barrett; motion passed 15-0.

 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AGENDAS

Commissioner Ress presented the probable agendas for the 2004-05 monthly Executive Committee meetings. A motion to approve the agendas was made by Randy Barrett; seconded by Debb Stevens; motion passed 15-0.

 

ASSIGNMENTS FOR AWARDS PRESENTATIONS

Chairperson Lee Lonzo distributed the 2004-05 state tournament assignments to the Executive Committee members.

 

APPROVE 2004-05 COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS

Chairperson Lee Lonzo distributed the 2004-05 committee appointments to Executive Committee members:

1.   Technology Committee – Chairperson Nancy Alspaugh, Bill Amerson, Geoff Penrod, Debb Stevens.

2.   Personnel Committee – Chairperson Phillip Gardner, Jim Feist, Lee Lonzo, Pat Mapes, Michael Powell, Janis Qualizza.

3.   Student Advisory Committee – Chairperson Lee Lonzo, Phil Hoskins, Patrick Mapes, Paul Neidig, Pam Noble.

4.   Investment Committee – Chairperson Ray Craft, Blake Ress, Randy Barrett, Dennis Bunda, Roy Simpson, Roger Weaver.

A motion to approve the committee appointments was made by Jim Feist; seconded by Geoff Penrod; motion passed 15-0.

 

ACCEPT PROPOSAL FOR CATASTROPHIC, GENERAL LIABILITY & EXCESS LIABILITY INSURANCE

Assistant Commissioner Cox presented a proposal for the 2004-05 Catastrophic, General Liability & Excess Liability insurance coverage.  Assistant Commissioner Cox reported that the Association will absorb a 20% increase.  The premium for the Catastrophic Liability Insurance has increased by over $150,000 in the past two years.  A motion for approval was made by Dennis Bunda; seconded by Bill Amerson; motion passed 15-0.

 

APPROVE TOURNAMENT FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK FOR 2004-05

Commissioner Ress presented a plan to adjust reimbursements to member schools participating in the regional and semi-state levels of the basketball and football state tournament series, in order to help offset the Association’s growing insurance liability.  The proposed reimbursement plan is as follows:

 

                                                            Regional                                  Semi-State

Approved Reimbursement

Distribution of Balance                            Up to $600 per team                   Up to $700 per team      

Transportation                                        $6.00 per mile round trip             $6.00 per mile round trip

Meals                                                   None                                         None    

 

After a lengthy discussion, a motion for approval was made by Roger Weaver; seconded by Nancy Alspaugh; motion passed 15-0.

 

APPROVE NEW APPLICATIONS FOR IHSAA MEMBERSHIP

Commissioner Ress presented new IHSAA membership applications from Blessed Theodore Guerin High School, Noblesville; Greenwood Christian Academy, Greenwood; Seton Catholic High School, Richmond.  Following discussion, a motion to approve the applications was made by Randy Barrett; seconded by Jim Feist; motion approved 15-0.

 

ATTENDANCE AT CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS

Commissioner Ress requested permission to have representatives attend conferences and workshops outlined below:

1.   The Mid-West Officials Summit to be held in Brooklyn Center, MN on September 19-21, 2004.  Assistant Commissioner Wynns will be an active participant in this event.

2.   The National Federation Section IV meeting will be held in Stevens Point, WI, on September 23-24, 2004.  Permission is requested for Commissioner Ress to attend.

3.   The Mid-West States Seminar is scheduled for December 6-7, 2004, at Rosemont, Illinois.  Permission is requested for Commissioner Ress and Chairperson Lee Lonzo to attend.

4.   The National Federation’s Winter Meeting will be held at Hilton Head, SC, on January 7-9, 2005.  Permission is requested for staff members involved in agenda items to attend.      

A motion to approve the recommended participation in these workshops was made by Patrick Mapes; seconded by Janis Qualizza; motion approved 15-0.

 

APPROVE EMERGENCY BY-LAW AMMENDMENT

Commissioner Ress presented an emergency By-Law amendment for consideration.  This change would allow students pursuing a “certificate of completion” to participate even though they do not receive credit so long as they meet all other conditions for eligibility.  A motion to change this proposal to an action item was made by Randy Barrett; seconded by Nancy Alspaugh; motion approved 15-0. 

Amendment

Rule 18, Section 8                                            Page 59

 

New:  A student who (a) is receiving special education and related services pursuant to an individual education program, (b) is not earning credits toward a diploma, (c) is working toward a certificate of completion, certificate of attendance, or the equivalent, and (d) the student’s individual education plan (IEP) precludes satisfaction of the IHSAA academic standards contained in Rule 18-1, may meet such academic requirements, provided the student is making satisfactory progress toward the goals, objectives and benchmarks contained in the student’s IEP, as determined by the student’s progress reports and case conference committee, and certified by the building principal.

 

After considerable discussion, a motion to adopt the proposal was made by Randy Barrett; seconded by Geoff Penrod; motion approved 15-0.

 

DISTRIBUTE POLICY HANDBOOKS

Assistant Commissioner Searcy distributed the 2004-05 Policy Handbooks.

 

POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Commissioner Ress reviewed those sections of the IHSAA By-laws dealing with the powers and duties of the Executive Committee.

 

REPORT FROM ASSOCIATED SPORTS PRODUCTIONS, INC.

Mark Higdon of Associated Sports productions, Inc., appeared before the Executive Committee to present the annual report on revenues generated by television and broadcasting rights during 2003-04.  As part of a new initiative, Mr. Higdon reported that the IHSAA will sponsor a weekly radio program that will be broadcast on the IHSAA Radio Network.  Thus far, twenty five radio stations have signed on to carry the program.  Mr. Higdon also reported that the number of stations that are participating in the IHSAA Radio Network continues to increase.

 

NFHS STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE REPORT

Assistant Commissioner Searcy reported on the first annual NFHS Student Leadership Conference, conducted on July 26 at Carmel High School.  More than 400 student athletes and 50 adult and college facilitators attended the conference.  The conference included a curriculum designed to foster leadership and sportsmanship.  Student teams were challenged to create a sportsmanship action plan to be utilized in their school in the coming year.

 

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

Technology Director Tom Perkins demonstrated the functionality of the changes made on the IHSAA web site for members.

 

SPRING FINANCIAL REPORTS

The following reports were presented regarding the financial status of sports conducted during the spring season:

1.   The softball balance sheet showed a 23% decrease in total revenue, which was due in part to adding a fourth class and inclement weather during the sectionals. 

2.   Baseball showed a revenue increase of approximately $50,000.  Increased attendance at all levels of the tournament was responsible for the net improvement.

3.   The Girls Track and Field tournament series recorded a negative net balance of 10,000, which is reflective of the weather conditions during sectional competition.

4.   Girls tennis is a deficit sport that generates little income.  The cost of the girls tennis tournament series in 2004 was approximately $15,000.  This figure reflects a decrease in expenditures of 15%.

5.   Boys golf is also a sport that does not generate income through gate receipts.  The golf tournament series posted a $62,000 price tag, which is consistent over previous years’ figures.

 

TRANSFERS

Associate Commissioner Craft reported on transfers that have been ruled on since June 2004.  This report included the following actions as of August 2004:

Full Eligibility.................. 90

Limited Eligibility............. 13

Ineligible........................... 1

Total............................. 104

 

LITIGATION

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

 

NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTORS WORKSHOP

Assistant Commissioner Cox reported that the IHSAA and the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (IIAAA) again co-sponsored a workshop for new athletic directors at the IHSAA Offices on July 28 and 29.  Twenty six athletic administrators participated in the two day workshop.

 

PENALTIES ASSESSED

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

 

Columbus North High School – Commissioner Ress reported the following action resulting from a violation of Rule 15-3.4 (swimming coach working with swimmers during moratorium week).

1.   The Columbus North High School swimming program is issued a warning. 

2.   Coach Jim Sheridan is reprimanded for causing this violation to occur. 

3.   The IHSAA accepts the school’s recommendation that the penalty for this violation be assessed to the coach rather than the student athletes.  Coach Sheridan shall be suspended from the first two swimming meets of the 2004-05 high school swimming season.

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

 

Goshen High School – Commissioner Ress reported the following action resulting from a violation of Rule 15-3.2h (boys soccer player participating in camps after the deadline).

1.       The Goshen High School boys’ soccer program is issued a warning. 

2.       The student athlete involved in this violation shall be suspended for the first two soccer matches of the 2004-05 season.

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

 

Zionsville High School – Commissioner Ress reported the following action resulting from a violation of Rule 15-3.4 (girls golf coach arranging matches and providing instruction during moratorium week).

1.   The Zionsville High School girls’ golf program is issued a warning.  This warning is official notice that an illegal act has occurred, is a matter of record, and shall not be repeated.

2.   Coach Gary Raab is reprimanded for causing this violation to occur. 

3.   The IHSAA accepts the school’s recommendation that the penalty for this violation be assessed to the coach rather than the student athletes.  Coach Raab shall be suspended from the first two golf meets of the 2004-05 girls’ golf season.

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

 

INDIANA BUSINESS RESEARCH CENTER SUMMARY REPORT

Commissioner Ress presented the results of a survey conducted by the Indiana Business Research Center.  It is very disappointing that only 21% of member schools participated in the project.  The low response rate limits the value of the entire project.

 

OFFICIALS RATINGS

Randy Barrett presented proposals to change the official’s rating system in all sports.  No changes should be made in the official’s ratings system without input from the official’s association.  Discussion with various official’s groups will occur this fall.

 

WEATHER RELATED PROBLEMS IN CONDUCTING TOURNAMENTS

Commissioner Ress discussed issues relative to Saturday tournaments and inclement weather.

 

FALL AREA PRINCIPAL MEETING AGENDA

Commissioner Ress presented, for discussion, a tentative agenda for the fall area principal’s meeting.

 

2004-05 MEDIA AWARDS

Sports Information Director Jerry Baker requested nominees for the IHSAA Distinguished Media Service Awards.  This award is presented annually in each of the three IHSAA Districts.  Executive Committee members were requested to give some serious consideration to identifying potential candidates in their district so that honorees can be selected in a timely fashion.

 

COMMUNICATIONS

1.   Thank you from Kyle Johnson, Jimtown High School (2004 Arthur Trester Award Winner)

2.   Thank you form Chuck Leonard, Carmel, IN (2004 Outstanding Baseball Umpire)

 

A motion to adjourn the August meeting of the Executive Committee was made by Michael Powell; seconded by Jim Feist; motion passed 14-0.  The next meeting of the Executive Committee will be at the IHSAA headquarters at 8:00am on Thursday, September 2, 2004.