Softball Advisory Committee

Minutes
August 22, 2006 • 10 a.m.
Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building
Gainesville, Florida


The Softball Advisory Committee met on Aug. 22, 2006 at 10 a.m. The following members were present: Michael Davis, Escambia HS (Pensacola); Natalia Gonzalez, Mandarin HS (Jacksonville); Gary Ward, Mount Dora HS; Gary Greer, Belleview HS; Kerry Kelly, Cooper City HS; Mark Schusterman, Gulliver Prep (Miami)/FACA; George Coffey, Osceola HS/FACA. FHSAA Staff present: Jamie Watkins, Associate Director of Athletics; Denarvise Thornton, Senior Director of Athletics and Officials; and Justin Johns, FHSAA Intern.

Agenda

The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. Advisory Committee members were asked to complete their travel vouchers and then introductions were made.

Jamie Watkins welcomed the committee and gave a brief statement as to the responsibilities of the committee and the procedures that were to be followed. Ms. Watkins also informed the committee that the next FHSAA Board of Directors Meeting would be held on Oct. 1-2, 2006 at the Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building in Gainesville, Fla.

Prior to the selection of a Chairperson, the committee inquired about the status of the recommendation by the FACA regarding the revision of 103.02. The recommendation was to include in the 25 playing dates, a maximum of 3 doubleheaders with tournaments counting as 2 games, and add pre-season classic tournaments as part of the regular season. The original recommendation was for the sports of Baseball and Softball and was tabled by the FHSAA Board of Directors in September 2005. Although Softball was included on the original recommendation, it was left off when presented to the FHSAA Board of Directors. The specific concern expressed by the committee is that when the recommendation makes it’s second passage to the board for action, that Softball is included as they were assured it would be by Mr. Sonny Hester at the 2005 Softball Advisory Committee Meeting.

The committee selected George Coffey to serve as Chairperson by unanimous vote. [Motion: Schusterman, Second: Ward] Mr. Coffey presented the minutes from the 2005 FHSAA Softball Advisory Committee Meeting and the minutes were approved unanimously. [Motion: Schusterman, Second: Greer]

The existing FHSAA Softball Manual was discussed as well as the 2006 FHSAA Softball Finals. Within discussion regarding the manual, the committee was advised of the new ball contract with Spalding, which all athletic directors and coaches have been previously made aware of and a possible change in the State Final time schedule. It was reiterated that as of this year, in all State Series games, the Dudley Thunder Heat, WT12FP, Item No. 43-147 (Yellow) must be used.

The majority of all comments regarding the manual and 2006 State Finals were very positive. One committee member did comment that a coach expressed his/her dissatisfaction with the walk to and from the practice fields at the State Final facility. Overall, the general consensus of the committee was that the 2006 FHSAA Softball Finals were a great success and those who were in attendance enjoyed the experience. Members of the committee commended the FHSAA and made very positive statements regarding the format of the tournament and the appropriateness of the facility.

Members of the committee reviewed the 2006-2007 NFHS Rules Changes and primarily discussed the effects of the change in Rule 3-6-17. Due to the change in the rule, a subsequent offender will now be ejected from the game, as the FHSAA does not “restrict to the dugout”.

The Chairman of the committee proceeded to Old Business and there were no agenda items to address nor did the committee raise any questions.

The first New Business item addressed was that of the 43 Feet Pitching Distance Experiment. The committee reviewed the 2006 survey results from the coaches, athletic directors and officials. The survey results showed an overwhelming response to keep the pitching distance at 43’. Overall, the discussion by the committee was positive and a unanimous vote to apply for a second experiment with the NFHS was carried. [Motion: Schusterman, Second: Greer]

The committee then reviewed the recommendation by the Basketball Advisory Committee to alter the terminology with regard to the division of regional tournaments. The endorsement of this recommendation failed due to the lack of a motion.

Recommendation #1 – 2006 – Move Softball Forward Two (2) Weeks: The recommendation to move the softball season forward by two weeks failed due to the lack of a motion. The committee discussed the possible calendar changes and was informed that the FHSAA has created a committee of staff members to review the calendar with regard to all FHSAA sports and the new “start date” for Florida schools.

Nominations are currently being accepted from State High School Associations for State, Sectional and National coaches awards and a National Contributor Award. Each state can nominate one individual per sport for the awards. The Softball Advisory Committee Members were asked for nominations and as a group, they selected three (3) well deserving individuals.
The three individuals are Randy Jackson from Palm Beach Gardens High School, Don Semento from Umatilla High School and George Coffey from Osceola High School. The committee was notified that the FHSAA Staff would review all three nominations and select one individual who will be submitted to the NFHS for possible recognition.

The FACA Representative thanked the committee for its unrelenting support and professionalism. The committee was urged to continue to strive for the betterment of high school softball in order to hinder outside clubs from undermining the student-athlete experience with the FHSAA.

Senior Director of Athletics, Denarvise Thornton, gave a Sportsmanship update and commended the committee for such a small amount of ejections within the 2006 Softball Season. Mr. Thornton did caution the committee since the majority of ejections were a result of coaches unsporting behavior. The committee was advised that the FHSAA is exploring the idea of Coaches Education programs to improve poor sportsmanship among high school coaches as well as many other beneficial aspects. These programs will be geared towards high school sports being an extension of the classroom.

In general discussion the committee expressed its concern regarding the possible sport season for Girls Lacrosse. The committee feels that having girls lacrosse in the spring will greatly decrease the number of student-athletes involved in softball. The committee feels that this would be detrimental to the sport. Also discussed was the elimination of the district runner-up advancing to the regional tournament. The overall thought by the committee is that it would be a travesty to the sport. The committee suggested the FHSAA calculate in years past how much money would actually be saved and feels that the student-athlete experience is well worth the small amount of money that is actually spent. Another point raised was that in many cases, coaches have to fundraise to support their own programs and they are willing to continue to do so in order for the runner-up to advance.

There being no more business, a motion was made for the meeting to be adjourned at 12:05 p.m. and the vote carried unanimously. [Motion: Greer, Second: Davis]