FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2009


Representative Assembly adopts comprehensive bylaw rewrite

GAINESVILLE – The 12th FHSAA Representative Assembly on Tuesday adopted 10 proposals to rewrite the bylaws of the Association. The Assembly approved a new format for the bylaws, clarifying the Association's rules.

"The revision makes the handbook more readable, reduces redundancy, and makes the wording clearer," said Michael Colby, Associate Director of Eligibility, staff liaison to the Handbook Revision Task Force.

To see the complete proposal as it was passed, click here. The vote on each proposal was unanimous, except for Article 7, which had one dissenting vote.

A comprehensive overhaul of the policy section is the next step in revising the handbook. The policy revision process will take place over the next few months.

The task force began the revision in September 2006, when the FHSAA Board of Directors endorsed a comprehensive bylaw revision. Its members are comprised of school representatives, Board members, county athletic personnel, and staff members. The bylaw rewrite proposal was co-sponsored by the Board of Directors.

In other action, a proposal to change the maximum age limit in middle school sports from 15 years 9 months to 15 years failed by a vote of 20-33.

About the FHSAA
The Florida High School Athletic Association is the governing body for interscholastic athletic competition in Florida. It has a membership of more than 750 middle and senior public and private high schools. The Representative Assembly is the legislative authority of the Association. It meets annually to consider proposals to amend the Association's bylaws.

Contacts:
Cristina Alvarez
Director of Media Relations & Marketing, FHSAA
(352) 372-9551 ext. 190
calvarez@fhsaa.org