Track & Field Advisory Committee

Minutes
May 19, 2008 • 10 a.m.
Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building
Gainesville

I. Purpose and Introductions

The meeting was called to order at 10:10 a.m.  Ms. Young reviewed the purpose of the meeting and introductions were made. Committee members in attendance were: Dan Dearing, The Bolles School, Scott Gowan, Chiles High School, Jovennie Fray, Trinity Catholic High School, Lance Lipham, Keswick Christian School, Paul Baur, Westminster Academy, Shanell Young, Director of Athletics, M. Denarvise Thornton, Associate Executive Director of Athletics. 

II. Mr. Gowan was voted Chairman. Motion: Dearing, Second: Lipham (6-0)

III. Minutes were read over and approved. Motion: Norris Second: Baur (6-0)

IV. Review: FHSAA Track and Field Regulations Manual

V. Review: FHSAA State Finals

1. Once again, the committee congratulated Winter Park for hosting the 07-08 Finals. The committee enjoyed both the event and the facility.  They would like to see packet pick up a little earlier on both Thursday and Friday of each week.  It would allow the coaches to spend more time with their athletes.

VI. Action Items: TKAC Recommendations

Recommendations (Effective 2008-09)
a. Rule 207.03 (2) a. Regional Advancement form prelims to finals
Change current rule from: Top four (4) from each heat advance to: Advancement from prelims to finals: Three (3) from each heat and then the next two (2) fastest times.
Rationale: This would help to properly place athletes in the correct lanes when hand times are used in district competition.

Alternative(s) - Motioned: Dearing, Second: Lipham
TkAC 1st Rdg. Passed. 7-0 (8/27/07)
ADAC 1st  Rdg. Endorsed. (9/5/07)

Motioned: Dearing, Second: Lipham
TkAC 2nd Rdg.  Passed. 6-0 (5/19/08)

VII. 2007-08 Recommendations (Effective 2008-09)

A. Recommendation(s):
To amend all classes track regular season to extend one (1) week through that classifications district competition.
Rationale: Provides student-athletes from member smaller schools class 1A & 2A the same opportunities that are given to student-athletes who attend larger 3A & 4A schools.

Alternative(s) - Motioned: Dearing, Second: Norris
Modify and Accept
TkAC 1st Rdg. Passed. 6-0 (5/19/08) FAST TRACK
Motioned: Dearing, Second: Norris
TkAC 1st Rdg. Passed. 6-0 (5/19/08)

B. Recommendation(s):
To reverse the order of seeds to state:
Preliminaries consisting of two flights each will be conducted in the Long Jump, Triple Jump, Discus Throw and Shot Put. Contestants in these events will be seeded 1 through 16 according to their performances in their respective district meet finals, and will be assigned to flights as follows: seeds 9 through 16 will be assigned to the first flight and seeds 1-8 will be assigned to the second flight. The No. 16 seed will jump or throw first, followed by the No. 15 seed and continuing in numerical order through the No. 1 seed.
Rationale: The better seeds are more prepared and warmer for the finals. Gives the better athletes the opportunity to see all their competition before they compete, which relives additional pressure before they compete. NFHS and College competitions follows the worst to best rule for these events.
Alternative(s) - Motioned: Dearing, Second: Lipham
Modify and Accept
TkAC 1st Rdg. Passed. 5-1 (5/19/08)

C. Recommendation(s): 
Move the start date of Track & Field to an earlier date for 2008-2009 and beyond.
Allow training to start Jan. 12th (1A/2A)/ Jan. 19th (3A/4A) and competition Feb. 9th (1A/2A) / Feb. 16th (3A/4A) with the state meet staying the same as currently scheduled.
Rationale: FCAT testing currently takes time away from training and competing, plus the fact that spring break interrupts many programs. With the proper opportunities to compete, we would not see many of the mistakes (both physical & mental) made by young athletes at the state meet. Probably the most important factor is that by participation numbers, track is one of the largest sports and it is a fact that track & field offers the greatest opportunity for females at the collegiate level. It will also bring consistency to all spring sports.
Alternative(s) - Motioned: Dearing, Second: Baur
Modify and Accept
TkAC 1st Rdg. Passed. 6-0 (5/19/08)

VIII. Discussion
1. Advancement to State Finals
Top 3 and the next 4 best marks.

2. Four (4) event rule
Allow 3 races per day for 2-day events.

3. Uniform numbers
Not needed.

4. Two (2) logos per item
i.e. Nike and Under Armor items.

5. Two (2) day combined meet
Might not be feasible due to budget constraints.

IX. Adjournment
The meeting was concluded at 1:30 p.m.