Swimming & Diving Advisory Committee

Minutes
November 13, 2006 • 10 a.m.
Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building
Gainesville, Florida

1. Introductions, purpose, e-mail addresses
The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. by Tamara Forrester. Mrs. Forrester 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 (Orlando) (FACA Representative); Gil Gonzalez, Plant HS (Tampa); Carl Kolling, Lely HS (Naples); Amy Monahan, DeLand HS; Dale Porter, St. Johns Country Day (Orange Park); and Leah Tincher, Providence (Jacksonville). FHSAA staff members present were Tamara Forrester, Associate Director of Athletics, and Alex Bouldrick, Intern.

2. Committee members completed their travel expense vouchers.

3. The committee selected Mike Curley as the Chairperson.

4. The minutes from the previous meeting and the agenda were reviewed and adopted.

5. Review of the 2006-07 FHSAA Swimming & Diving Manual included clarifications for the following:
1. The 2007-08 Manual will contain more verbiage about advancement to consolation and championship finals and state series entries.
Review items for the 2007 Online Video Rules Presentation:
1. Emphasis on proper uniforms and enforcement of competitors found in violation of uniform rule 3-3-1.
2. Explanation of the number of events that each individual swimmer may participate.
3. Remind coaches of Hy-tek codes to be used and where to find them in their FHSAA Manual.

6. Review of the 2006 State Meet in Fort Lauderdale including the following discussion items:
1. After a few years of format changes and weather issues, these Finals were pleasant.
2. The awards presentation was a positive addition for both the athletes and parents. The additional breaks for the athletes were welcomed. The breaks did create a longer Finals event and interrupted the flow of the meet, but overall committee recommends keeping the presentations.
3. Thursday’s meet had rain. Saturday’s meet had sustained winds and diving had to be moved to Pine Crest to a more sheltered area. These are both reasons why the committee would like to see the Finals moved to an indoor pool if possible in the next selection cycle.
4. There has been a noticeable difference in illegal attire at state series meets. Many teams are not similarly dressed, and illegal caps and suits are more revealing than allowed by NFHS Rule. This will be a point of emphasis next year.
5. The online coaches meeting prior to the FHSAA Finals was completed by 238 of 251 schools on time. The online meeting was a great tool to get the needed information out to the coaches and they were able to watch at anytime. The coaches no longer have to leave school early to attend, have others watch their athletes while at the meeting, and could actually hear and read everything that was being discussed. It has been recommended to keep this as procedure and possibly create one for athletes and parents in the future.

7. Old Business—There were no items for discussion.

8. New Business

2006 SDAC Recommendations (Effective 2008-09)
Recommendation #1
Include the Hy-tek school code next to each school within the state series assignments.
The committee acknowledged that this information was Appendix E in the 2006-07 FHSAA Swimming & Diving Manual available to each coach from the FHSAA and online for download.
NO ACTION

Recommendation #2
Comply with the NFHS rule regarding the use of alternates in finals in FHSAA State Series events.
To ensure that there are no undue delays due to last minute lane vacancies make the following policy effective for the use of alternates.
The next two fastest qualifiers will be named as alternates to finals. When there is a vacant lane in the finals, an alternate will be called to fill the vacant lane. If the first alternate is not available the second alternate will be called to fill the vacant lane. If the second alternate is not available, the lane will remain vacant for finals.
In order to be considered to fill last minute vacancies, the designated alternates must be in uniform and in the designated location prior to the commencement of the consolation finals.
Motion to Accept as Modified by Monahan/ 2nd Porter (6-0 Approve)
Motion to FAST TRACK by Porter/ 2nd Tincher (6-0 Approve)

Recommendation #3
Recommendation of minimal hosting requirements for state series contests. Include with the district meeting information packet an Application to Host Sheet (similar to regions) and require pools to be approved by the FHSAA.
Motion to Accept as Modified by Gonzalez/ 2nd Kolling (6-0 Approve)
Motion to FAST TRACK by Monahan/ 2nd Tincher(6-0 Approve)

9. Sportsmanship Update
Staff commended coaches for a job well done during the regular season. There was a noted increase in Unsportsmanlike Conduct Reports at the district, region and state levels. The correlation to having registered officials working state series events and a large percentage of schools not utilizing registered officials during the regular season might be the difference. Coaches are encouraged to follow NFHS and FHSAA rules at all times to avoid unnecessary disqualifications due to poor practice or lack of rules information.

10. Roundtable/Discussion
a. Review emergency protocols-Committee members feel that the “Emergency Protocols” that the FHSAA had in place for severe and inclement weather are appropriate. These procedures are recommended to be followed in the future.
b. Review advancement concern-Committee members feel that the current advancement procedures are inline with the FHSAA’s philosophy.
c. 2006 Numbers-A copy of the participation numbers was distributed to the group for information purposes. There were over 11,300 athletes submitted at the district level, about 4,000 advancing to the regional level, and 1,500 competing at the FHSAA Finals.
d. Survey Results-The results of the Coaches Online Finals Meeting were reviewed.
e. Mr. Kolling informed the committee of a program and coupons that are available from the “Coaches Club” through their local Sports Authority.
f. Mr. Porter thanked the FHSAA staff for being receptive and helping to ensure a positive working relationship.

Mr. Curley adjourned the meeting at 1:15 p.m.