Basketball Advisory Committee

Minutes
March 6, 2007 • 10 a.m.
Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building
Gainesville, Florida


I. Purpose and Introductions
The meeting was called to order at 10:11 a.m. by Gary Pigott. Mr. Pigott noted the purpose and general duties of the meeting and those in attendance proceeded with a brief introduction of themselves. In attendance were members: Bob Horodyski (Buchholz FACA- Boys), Lorenzo Hands (Palm Beach Lakes), Jason Montgomery (Nature Coast Technical), Mark Butler (Cavalry Christian Academy), Mike Ruszkowski (Keystone Heights FACA-Girls), Johnnie Green (West Nassau). Staff members in attendance: John Stewart (Commissioner), Gary Pigott (Associate Director of Athletics), Shanell Young (Associate Director of Athletics), Adam Smoller (FHSAA Intern), Denarvise Thornton (Senior Director of Athletics), Jack Watford (Director of Communications).

II. The Committee completed their travel expense vouchers
III. The Committee selected Bob Horodyski as the chairperson
Motion: Ruszkowski, 2nd Hands (Vote 6-0)

IV. The Committee reviewed and adopted the minutes from the previous meeting

• Discussion about the process of selecting officials for regional playoffs, and the chance of giving the coaches the opportunity to rank and give comments on recommended officials.
a. The agenda was adopted
Motion: Butler, 2nd Ruszkowski (Vote 6-0)

V. Action
a. Review
1. 2007 FHSAA Basketball Finals.
Gary Pigott introduced Jack Watford (Director of Communications)
• 3-Point Showdown: Jack Watford gave an overview and future of the first 3-point Showdown. He expressed that he received positive feedback from the athletes that participated, and there will be a recommendation to the Board of Directors to continue the competition in the future without any rules changes.
• Each district will be given the chance to vote at their planning meeting on if they will participate in the 3-point competition, and which format they will use; round by round or all on Saturday night in conjunction with the district championship game.
• Attendance for both the girls & boys FHSAA Basketball Finals was increased from last season.
• The Lakeland Center is contracted to host the FHSAA Basketball Finals for the next two years.

2. FHSAA Basketball Regulations Manual

b. BKAC Recommendations (effective 2007-08, if passed)
There were no recommendations.

c. BKAC Recommendations (effective 2008-09)
Recommedation #1
Half of a school's schedule must be played against FHSAA member schools.
Add new policy to read: 50% of the contests played during the regular season, including invitational tournaments requiring FHSAA/NFHS sanction, must be against FHSAA member schools for a school to be represented in the FHSAA state series.
1st BkAC Rdg. (6-0) Approved - March 6, 2007
Motion to Approve: Butler, 2nd Hands

Recommendation #2
Allow student-athletes to play six (6) quarters in one day regardless of level. Amending 103. “Season and Contest Limitations” to read:
Players are permitted to play six (6) quarters a day, 18 quarters a week, and a total of 150 quarters a season. Seniors are not permitted to play on sub-varsity teams.
Rationale: To provide more opportunity to develop young players, the chance for less experienced athletes to play more, and allows teams with fewer players to field both sub-varsity and varsity teams that provides more playing time for student-athletes. Girls’ basketball helps with gender equity.
1st BkAC Rdg. (5-0) Approved - March 6, 2007
Motion to Approve: Montgomery, 2nd Ruszkowski

d. FACA Recommendations
There were no recommendations

VI. Discussion

1. Tournament of Champions
Dr. Stewart discussed the idea of establishing a Tournament of Champions (2007-08), in which all of the twelve (12) class champions (6 boys and 6 girls) would have a tournament to crown one overall FHSAA Girls & Boys Basketball State Champion. It was stated by the committee, that spring sport coaches might have an issue with the overlap into their seasons. The committee agreed that this tournament would give an additional opportunity for the basketball players of Florida to be showcased for college coaches. The committee also suggested that a seeding committee (coaches/media) to bracket the six class champions would be best. This topic will be added to the district planning agenda for suggestions and input.
The Committee Motion to support the Tournament of Champions: Unanimous

2. Modification of rule 4.42, art. 5
An e-mail from basketball official Jeffrey Page was reviewed and discussed. No action was taken.

VII. Mr. Horodyski adjourned the meeting at 1:03 p.m.