Golf Advisory Committee

Minutes
November 28, 2001 • 2 p.m.
FHSAA Headquarters
Gainesville, Florida


The Golf Advisory Committee met on November 28, 2001 at 2 p.m. The following members were present: Larry Dillard, Gerald Smith, Steve Allen, Dave Scott, Tony Harbeck, Phyllis Wissner and Dave Frantz. FHSAA staff members present: Cecelia S. Jackson and Denarvise Thornton and Ronald Allen.

Following a welcome by FHSAA staff, introductions were made and travel vouchers completed. An overview of the responsibilities of an advisory committee and a brief review of the agenda were provided by Ms. Jackson. The agenda was adopted and Phyllis Wissner was selected as chairman.

Inclement Weather- FHSAA Policy 31 in FHSAA Golf Manual: Include policy in the golf manual since most coaches may not have access to the FHSAA Handbook. Also add the reference from the USGA on Weather Lightning Safety. Adjust language for golf.

Discussion of Regions: Region hosts should make information available during the district planning meetings when possible. In FHSAA Manual add to Item 18.038, issue a rules sheet.
Also, include an additional information sheet (fax numbers/e-mail addresses) in the district planning meeting packet.

Discussion of the State Tournaments: Committee commended the state tournament hosts/schools for an excellent job again this year in hosting the state golf tournaments in Fort Pierce/Vero Beach. General discussion about the tournaments and possible site(s) for 2002.

Discussion of FHSAA Manual 6.011-Penalty for Misconduct: Add to 6.011. Editorial: Equipment refers to ball, club, towels, etc. belonging to the player as defined in the USGA Rules of Golf. Coaches are required to monitor play during matches.

DIscussion of FHSAA Manual 18.037-Ties: Clarification on conducting tie- break when teams are tied for first or second place. Editorial: All five team members shall participate in the play-off to break the tie.

Recommendation #1: Allow More Classifications for Golf: Change golf to four classes (4A, 3A, 2A, A) with eight districts in each class starting with the fall of 2002. Divide the schools into to equal numbers for each district when possible. District to region qualifying remains the same.

Rationale: Bring the sport of golf in line with other sports when competition is based on school enrollment. District with a lesser number of teams will be easier to manage, will allow flexibility in scheduling and may encourage more schools to host district and regions.

GAC: Vote 6-0
Second Vote: Recommendation withdrawn. A new proposal to be submitted in 2002.
ADAC: Vote: Tabled until after the February 5, 2001 Board Meeting

Recommendation #2: Qualifying from Region to State: The first and second place teams and the next individual with the lowest score (player that is not on the first and second place teams) to advance to the state tournament. The total number that could qualify for each class would be 16 teams (5 players each) and 8 individuals equaling 88 qualifiers.

Rationale: Allow the state tournament to better reflect the quality of golf in the state, on an individual level. Deserving individual players will be allowed to advance to state competition through regional qualifying.

GAC: Vote 6-0
Second Vote: 7-0
ADAC: Vote 8-1 Approval

Recommendation #3: Golf Season: Add one week to the golf season so that it has an approximately the same number of weeks for regular season as other sports. First day of practice - Week 6. First week of competition - Week 8. Regular season: Week 9-Week 17. District (M-T) – Week 18. Region (M-T) -Week 19. State Championships(T-W) – Week 20.

Rationale: Addition of extra week would allow for flexibility of scheduling. It would also allow the fall season to have at least ten weeks of play and re-scheduling of matches because of weather.

GAC: Vote 6-0
Second Vote: 7-0
ADAC: 9-0 Disapproved

Recommendation #4: FHSAA Golf Manual - Delete Item 6.006: Eliminate use of caddies from all divisions of play. The history for allowing the teammates as caddies was discussed.

Rationale: Extra players may still be in attendance at matches to gain experience and learn golf etiquette during matches. Eliminates teammates and coaches violating the advice rule.

GAC: Vote 4-3
Second Vote: 7-0
ADAC: 9-0 Disapproved.

Recommendation #5: Eliminate Pull Carts in 6.007and rewrite: Eliminate the use of pull carts. The use of motorized carts, pull carts or use of other vehicles by players is prohibited. EXCEPTION: Teams that have a golfer with a special need request must be approved in advance by the FHSAA Commissioner prior to competition. Schools should notify the host school in advance of the competition with regards to the special request approved.

Rationale: Use of pull carts is time consuming along with cart restrictions required by courses. They become safety hazards when the shuttling of golfers is required on most golf courses today.

GAC: 6-0
Second Vote: 7-0
ADAC:


Recommendation #1 for 2003: Change the golf season back to the spring from Boyd Gruhn: The committee looked at the information submitted with this recommendation in regards to the weather impact on the fall season and changing the season back to the spring and or fall/spring split seasons. Committee voted not to approve the recommendation.

GAC: Vote 6-1 Disapproved.

Recommendation #2 for 2003: State Finals-Change the parings for the second day based on first round scores. Current problem with inequity in time when teams tee-off.

Rationale: No penalty for teams going early both days, and or late both days, the change allows for greater competition and spectator interest. Allows teams in contention to play together the second day.

GAC: Vote 7-0

Recommendation #3 for 2003: Eliminate Jury of Appeals at State Tournaments Only: Jury of appeals serves little purpose, difficult to get volunteers and are not often around when needed.

Rationale: Allow FSGA to handles rules of golf infractions and FHSAA to handles code of conduct infractions.

GAC: Vote 7-0

Recommendation #4 for 2003: Player Disqualification at state tournaments: Change the current rule to allow a player disqualified for a rule infraction the first day to continue to play on the second day. Players disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct shall not be eligible for the second day of play, as is the current rule.

Rational: This rule change would allow players disqualified for a rule infraction the first day (played the wrong ball/wrong score, signing scorecard with incorrect score) to play the second day. Disqualified player’s score does not count.

GAC: Vote 7-0

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.

We wish to thank all members for taking time away from their busy school schedules to serve the students of this Association.