Golf Advisory Committee

Minutes
November 28, 2006 • 10 a.m.
Conference Call
Gainesville, Florida


Committee members who participated in the conference call were Pablo Gomez Jr., Varela HS (Miami); Steve Callahan, Providence (Jacksonville); Duke Neff, Oak Hall (Gainesville); Mike Knowles, Manatee HS (Bradenton); and Jamie Watkins, Associate Director of Athletics, FHSAA.

The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. After taking roll, Ms. Watkins notified the committee that a quorum had not been met and the recommendations listed on the agenda would be for discussion only and no action would be taken.

The committee did not have any questions and/or comments regarding the agenda, 2005 Golf Advisory Committee Minutes or the existing 2006 Golf Manual. We reviewed the 2006 Golf State Championships and Ms. Watkins noted the great job that St. Lucie County Schools did hosting the tournament as well as the Treasure Coast Sports Commission and the Florida State Golf Association.

Ms. Watkins reviewed last year’s recommendations and the action that was taken on those items by the Athletic Directors Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors. New recommendations were discussed as follows:

Recommendation #1 (Discussion): Change sport season to late spring. The committee felt that this would be beneficial due to the storms and bad weather, which poses danger to the student-athletes and hinders the current sport season by multiple rainouts each year. The late spring start would be feasible for securing courses, but it was also noted that many baseball and softball players are golfers. Ms. Watkins made the committee aware that the FSGA and many FSGA Officials would not be available to assist in the state-series due to FSGA events that are being prepared for and/or hosted at that time of year.

Recommendation #2 (Discussion): Number of matches stipulated during the post season for teams and individuals. This would cause schools to be accountable for securing and participating in eight (8) matches per team and four (4) matches per individual. The committee also discussed that the FHSAA should not waive this policy due to the number of schools that form “tournament teams” when they have not met the stipulated number of matches.

Recommendation #3 (Discussion): Prohibit shotgun starts for boys and girls participating on the same course during state series tournaments. The committee feels that this would help to create a more organized tournament and help with time constraints. In most cases, boys and girls district and regional tournaments that are held on the same day have the boy’s tee off at around 8:00 a.m. and the girls at 11:00 a.m. or noon. This is a very appropriate and feasible schedule for state series tournaments.

Recommendation #4 (Discussion): Allow Sunday practice for pre-district and pre-regional play. This would allow the participants traveling long distances to at least see the course and practice on it prior to the tournament. In most cases, tournaments are held on Monday so that Tuesday can be used as a rain date. Since this is the case, many schools do not get to even see the course prior to playing.

Recommendation #5 (Discussion): Create stricter policies for control of spectators during post-season play. Many parents and spectators are disruptive with cell phones and talking during the event. Ms. Watkins notified the committee that the tournament host has the authority to remove disruptive individuals at any match and should do so if individuals are not in compliance with FHSAA and/or local policy.

Recommendation #6 (Discussion): Allow female golfers to use pull-carts if desired. In many cases, young girls have a hard time carrying their bags due to physical inabilities, illness or simply stature. This would help to speed up play and prevent damage to the course.

Recommendation #7 (Discussion): Initiate a coordinated middle school golf program for girls. The committee discussed the benefits this would have on golf as a sport. The earlier kids can get involved and learn about the sport, the more interest is thought to be gained. Committee members are going to work with the FACA Golf Chairperson, Mike Knowles and initiate a plan.

Recommendation #8 (Discussion): Change the number of state qualifiers from regional to state to include the top two individuals NOT included on the qualifying teams. This would be more consistent with the qualifying from districts to regionals and help to have a more level playing field at the state final. The committee also discussed the benefit of a minimum score for an individual to advance to state, which would assist in a more even competition at the state level if this recommendation were approved.

Ms. Watkins notified the committee that the state final host contract was up with Treasure Coast Sports Commission and an RFP would be created for parties interested in hosting the tournament. The committee did not have any suggestions for items to be included within the RFP that will be posted on the FHSAA website at a later date.

It was reported to the committee that the unsportsmanlike conduct reports were up this year from the years past with boys in particular. The committee was reminded of the importance of good sportsmanship. Committee members felt that the number of ejections could be related to the number of non-faculty golf coaches and felt that a coaches education program would be beneficial. Ms. Watkins informed the committee that the FHSAA was looking to implement coach’s education in the near future and the committee was very receptive to the idea.

During the round table discussion, committee members noted the importance of filling the vacant seats on the Golf Advisory Committee. Currently, there are four vacant seats on the committee.

Ms. Watkins thanked the committee members for participating in the conference call and the call ended at 11:45 a.m.