Swimming & Diving Advisory Committee

Minutes
December 2, 2003 • 10 a.m.
FHSAA Headquarters
Gainesville, Florida


I. Purpose and Introductions
The meeting was called to order at 10:25 a.m. by Tamara Wilsey. Ms. Wilsey noted the purpose of the meeting and those in attendance proceeded with a brief introduction of themselves. In attendance were: Mike Curley, Lake Highland Prep; Tom Fagley, Westminster Academy (FACA Representative); Jay Fitzgerald, Pine Crest School; Carl Kolling, Lely High School; and Teresa Walker, George Jenkins High School. FHSAA staff members present were: Dr. John A. Stewart, Associate Commissioner; Cecelia Jackson, Director of Athletics; and Tamara Wilsey, Associate Director of Athletics.

II. Committee members completed their travel expense vouchers.

III. The committee selected Mike Curley as the chairperson.

IV. The minutes from the previous meeting were discussed and the agenda was adopted.

V. Action
A. Review
1. FHSAA Swimming & Diving Regulations Manual
The committee agrees and suggests that the “failure to compete” in a state series competition be clarified and uniform throughout the manual. This clarification will include fines at the district and state finals competition, which make up the state series. Additionally, the clarification of a “failure to compete” for a relay event and the disqualification of the school, not the athletes was also recommended. Staff offered to include warm-up times for Wednesday, before the state finals, if they are available prior to printing of the manual. District hosts need to disseminate information received in their packet to help alleviate problems in the future.
2. 2003 FHSAA Swimming & Diving Finals
Mr. Fitzgerald expressed concerns with the lack of a false start rope, and commended the facility and staff for a great job. Mr. Fagley expressed concerns about the spectator restrooms, the need for the host schools to be more involved, delay of posting diving scores, and higher bleachers are needed around the pool. Mr. Kolling voiced concern about the prices and quality of the food offered at the concession stand. Ms. Walker said that her parents were upset about the no reentry policy, especially the ones who forgot cameras, etc. Mr. Curley claimed that the staff did a great job. He also requested that there be backstroke flags in the warm-up/warm-down area for next year. Mr. Shaffer, via email, expressed concern about the lack of a medal ceremony. The committee agreed that the current system is adequate, especially for the time frame of the meet. Staff assured the committee that all correspondences to the office will be reviewed and discussed for next year with the hosts.

B. Old Business
1. 2002 SDAC Recommendations (Effective 2004-05)
Listed below are the recommendations proposed, active for the 2004-05 season, if passed by the Board of Directors at its January 2004 meeting.

RECOMMENDATION # 1
Number of Participants
Reduce the number of participants in the state finals.
After much discussion on the many ways to reduce the numbers of swimmers, the committee recommended to decrease all events to 32.
Motioned by Fitzgeraldd/ 2nd Walker
1st SDAC Rdg (5-0 Approve) 12/02
1st ADAC Rdg (9-0 Approve) 1/03
2nd SDAC Rdg (5-0 Approved with modification) 12/03
2nd ADACRdg 1/04
BofD Rdg 1/04

RECOMMENDATION # 2
Reduce the number of participants on entry list to count as a team
This recommendation became void due to the change in FHSAA policy.

RECOMMENDATION # 3
NFHS: Backstroke to breaststroke turn in the IM.
Was submitted, but no action from the NFHS.

RECOMMENDATION # 4
NFHS: Add a five (5) minute break after the 500 free and before the 200 free relay
Was submitted, but no action from NFHS.

C. New Business
1. 2003 SDAC Recommendations (Effective 2005-06)
Listed below are this year’s recommendations that will go through the two-year legislative process.

RECOMMENDATION # 1
Length of Season
Reinstate two weeks to the swimming and diving season.
Motioned by Fitzgerald/ 2nd by Kolling
1st SDAC Rdg (5-0 Approve) 12/03
1st ADAC Rdg 1/04

RECOMMENDATION # 2
Diving Degree of Difficulty
Reinstate the minimum degree of difficulty in diving.
No action taken.

RECOMMENDATION # 3
Uniform district seeding form
Approve the use of a general uniform district seeding form that would be available online.
The staff can make this available now with no further action needed.

RECOMMENDATION # 4
State series finalists
Utilize the NFHS Rule 5.4.5 for a “full compliment of finalists” in the state series.
Motioned by Fitzgerald/ 2nd Fagley
1st SDAC Rdg (5-0 Approve) 12/03
1st ADAC Rdg 1/04

RECOMMENDATION # 5
NFHS: No recall false start.
Due to the inefficiency of the recall rope and sounding devices, join several other governing bodies in allowing the swimmer to complete the race and disqualify the swimmer in question at the end of the race.
Motioned by Fitzgerald/ 2nd Walker
1st SDAC Rdg (5-0 Approve) 12/03
1st ADAC Rdg 1/04
Submit as both a rule change and state adoption.

RECOMMENDATION # 6
NFHS: During the IM swimmer must complete the stroke by the finish rule.
NFHS is the only governing body that does not utilize this rule. Allows for easier transition and teaching of swimmers.
Motioned by Fitzgerald/ 2nd Walker
1st SDAC Rdg (4-0 Approve) 12/03
1st ADAC Rdg 1/04
Submit as both a rule change and state adoption.

VI. Sportsmanship Update
Staff commended coaches for a job well done this season. There is some concern at districts and the state meet with theft.

VII. Discussion
Mr. Fitzgerald opened the discussion about switching of the swimming & diving and water polo seasons to be aligned with the NCAA and to allow for proper progression in both sports and to increase the number of participants in both. Ms. Jackson reviewed the history of the original change and consideration from the late 1980s. The committee requested Mr. Fagley to create a survey on the topic to be disseminated to FACA members for a better feel of today’s swimming climate.

The committee agreed that the first week of competition is also the first week for required dives, etc. If a school does not participate in a meet until the second week of competition, then they must start with week 2 dives. A clarification will be added to the manual next year.

The committee also agreed that it was common sense and should be part of the district host’s responsibility to keep the records for a period of one year after the district meet is completed. A simple CD can hold the Hy-tek results. Schools will be reminded to post results at the district meet.

Mr. Fagley commended the committee for a fine meeting and the cordial matter in which they conducted themselves. He noted that it was a pleasure to serve this year. He reported that the FACA is also looking for a female public school coach to speak at the June meeting if anyone knows someone who could fill the spot.

Mr. Curley adjourned the meeting at 1:30 p.m.