Track & Field Advisory Committee

Minutes
August 23, 2005 • 10 a.m.
Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building
Gainesville


I. Purpose and Introductions
The meeting was called to order at 10 a.m. Mr. Thornton reviewed the purpose of the meeting and the procedures for making recommendations for submission to the FHSAA Board of Directors.

II. Complete expense vouchers

Committee members in attendance were: Gary Droze, Maclay School (Tallahassee); Loretta Smith, Rickards HS (Tallahassee); Jim Lowenstein, DeLand HS; Dana Dodson, Poinciana HS (Kissimmee); Ernest Jones, Lakewood Ranch HS (Bradenton); David Shepherd, St. Thomas Aquinas HS (Fort Lauderdale); and Gary Littlejohn Jr., South Dade HS (Homestead). Shanell Young, Athletics Coordinator; Denarvise Thornton, Associate Director of Athletics; and Sonny Hester, Senior Director of Athletics were also in attendance. Dr. John Stewart, Commissioner also visited with the committee.

III. The committee elected Mr. Shepherd as the chair of the committee.

IV. It was moved by Mr. Jones and seconded by Mr. Dodson to accept the minutes of the last meeting.

A1. Review: FHSAA Track and Field Regulations Manual
The committee reviewed several items in the regulations manual for clarification and input to staff.
1. Uniforms (page 4)
The language regarding uniforms will reflect the legal use of singlets (one-piece uniforms).
2. Coaches Meeting Attendance (page 15)
The manual will reflect the amount of the monetary penalty assessed for not attending the pre-meet coaches’ meeting at the state finals.
3. Hy-Tek Abbreviations (Appendix)
Hy-Tek abbreviations for schools and events will be added to the manual.

A2. Review: FHSAA State Finals
1. Rolling Schedule vs. Timed Schedule
The committee supports the concept of a rolling schedule, but recommends listing a specific timed schedule as presently practiced. Committee members will survey coaches in their respective areas for additional input to address any recommendations for the 2005 meeting.
2. 1st, 2nd, 3rd call for events
The committee feels strongly with regard to continued use of the announcing system.

B. Recommendations (Effective 05-06)
Recommendation #1:
Uniforms
Modify current language in the FHSAA manual to reflect that singlets (one-piece uniforms) are allowed. Uniforms must match by event.
Rationale: Provides clarity in what is allowed in uniforms. Also allows flexibility for field events team members. Motioned by Lowenstein, seconded by Smith to accept.
TkAC 1st Rdg Passed. 7-0 (8/23/05)

Recommendation #2
Participation Limitation
Modify current policy allowing a maximum of 5 events to comply with NFHS rules.
TkAC recommends Maximum 4 events of which 3 may be running
SMAC supports Maximum 4 events of which 3 may be running
Rationale: Safety of athletes. Safeguard for coaches. This is taking the current practice of majority meets running prelims and finals in one day into consideration. Motioned by Lowenstein, seconded by Dodson to accept.
TkAC 1st Rdg Passed. 7-0 (8/23/05)

C. Recommendations (06-07)
Recommendation #1
Officials
Pay regional meet referee (FHSAA registered) $30 plus $.60 per mile one way. (Provision to waive the requirement of contracting a registered track and field official as meet referee by commissioner’s approval remains intact.)
Rationale: Current policy requires meet referees to register as an FHSAA official but is silent relative to the meet referee’s pay. Motioned by Lowenstein, seconded by Droze to accept.
TkAC 1st Rdg. Passed. 7-0 (8/23/05)

Recommendation #2
Awards
Award ribbons to 1st through 8th places. (Increase from 6th place to 8th place)
Rationale: Allows more athletes to be recognized. Motioned by Lowenstein, seconded by Droze to accept.
1st TkAC Rdg. Passed. 7-0 (8/23/05)

Recommendation #3
s.207.05 Failure to compete.
Make no changes to current policy.
(no action necessary)

VI. Discussion
1. National Anthem
The committee reviewed an email requesting the National Anthem be played (or performed) at all state series track and field meets. Establishing the National Anthem as a part of the event does not require a recommendation from the committee, as it is a part of the state series.
2. Field event advancers
Staff reviewed its position regard facilities with nine lanes in regional meets. Because of this, nine runners will advance to the finals of the meet as well as nine will advance to the finals in field events. The committee supports this concept.
3. Online rules meetings
Staff demonstrated the process of viewing a rules meeting online as currently practiced in the fall sports. Online rules meetings will replace the traditional rules meetings conducted in year’s past.
4. Officiating fees
The committee reviewed a pay schedule for track and field officials (submitted by a track and official) and will keep it under advisement.
5. Unsportsmanlike conduct at state finals
The committee expressed grave concern at the display of gross unsportsmanlike conduct in one of the state finals track and field meets. Staff addressed and handled this unfortunate situation as all others are handled.
6. Advancing through state series
The committee discussed the concept creating 12 districts and 2 regions per class. Committee members will survey coaches in their respective areas.

Mr. Shepherd adjourned the meeting at 1:21 p.m.