SHSAA EXECUTIVE MEETING
April 12 & 13, 2002
SHSAA Boardroom
Regina

Meeting Called To Order
President Bob Coffin called the meeting to order at 9:00am. In attendance were Mary Linnell, Wade Weseen, Lisa Schwann, Kelly Bowers, Lorne Ulven, Greg Johnson, Kevin Vollet, Bill Crossman, Ralph Eliasson, Dan McDougall, Bryan Matheson, Larry Lafrentz, Kim Platt.

1. Adoption of the January 24, 25 & 26, 2002 Minutes

MOTION by Eliasson/Johnson to adopt minutes from the January 24, 25 & 26, 2002 executive meeting. CARRIED

1.1 Business Arising from the January Minutes
No business arising from the January minutes.

1.2 Review of the Action List
A review of the action list for office staff and executive from the previous meeting updated everyone on completed and pending tasks. Pending tasks will be added to the meeting action list.

2. Adoption of Financial Reports
The financial statements for the months of January, February and March were circulated and reviewed.

MOTION by Bowers/McDougall to adopt the January, February and March financial statements. CARRIED

3. Decisions/Directions
3.1 Team Withdrawals - St. Louis, Naicam, Bengough
St. Louis School faxed the Regional Basketball host site on Friday, March 8, 2002 withdrawing their school from the tournament. The SHSAA sent a letter to St. Louis School stating the SHSAA Bylaw regarding withdrawal from a play-off competition. The school responded with their reason for not competing. Other letters of concern were received form teams at the Regional St. Louis was scheduled to attend.

MOTION by Crossman/Schwann to apply the $200.00 withdrawal fee as set out in the Bylaws and place St. Louis School on probation for 1-year for withdrawing from playoffs leading to a provincial championship. CARRIED

Naicam School contacted the SHSAA office by phone the week of the Regional Basketball withdrawing their school from the tournament. The SHSAA sent a letter to Naicam School stating the SHSAA Bylaw regarding withdrawal from a play-off competition. The school responded with their reason for not competing. Balcarres School was able to fill their spot at the Regional Tournament.

MOTION by Elliason/Crossman to apply the $200.00 withdrawal fee as set out in the Bylaws and place Naicam School on probation for 1-year for withdrawing from playoffs leading to a provincial championship. CARRIED

Bengough School sent a letter to the SHSAA office on February 18, 2002 withdrawing from basketball. The office sent a letter to the school in support of their disciplinary actions.

MOTION by Weseen/Vollet to waive the $200.00 withdrawal fee for withdrawing from playoffs leading to a provincial championship. CARRIED

3.2 Student Eligibility Decisions and Appeals
Watson High School appealed the Executive decision regarding eligibility for Ashley McCoshen. A Board of Review met with the Watson High School Principal and the parents of Ashley McCoshen. The Board of Review denied the request for Ashley McCoshen to be eligible to participate in high school athletics in Watson School in the second semester.

LeBoldus High School appealed the office decision regarding eligibility for Ben DeCiman. Howard Schweitzer, Athletic Director, represented LeBoldus High School on behalf of Ben DeCiman to appeal this decision. Ben transferred from Miller High School to LeBoldus High School in January 2002. The SHSAA contacted Miller High School and it was noted that Ben was not eligible to participate in extra curricular activities at Miller High School due to his marks and his attendance. Miller High School did not have a senior basketball team this year.

In the appeal it was noted that the student's marks have improved significantly in the first reporting period since his transfer. In addition the DeCiman family has since moved and now reside in the LeBoldus zone.

MOTION by Schwann/Johnson to declare Ben DeCiman eligible to participate in interschool athletics effective the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year as he will have fulfilled a 90-school day ineligibility period as called for in the new transfer policy. CARRIED

In the discussions it was noted that the student was dressed for the final league game of the year. The student warmed up with the team but did not play.

MOTION by Eliasson/Schwann that a letter of reprimand be sent to LeBoldus High School regarding an ineligible student dressing in uniform and warming-up for a basketball game. CARRIED

3.3 Team Conduct
The SHSAA received a report from Saskatchewan Association of Basketball Officials regarding the conduct of fans from Wynyard Composite School and LeBoldus High School at HOOPLA. A report was also received from Thom Collegiate about the conduct of a coach at HOOPLA. The SHSAA has sent letters to each of these schools with regards to the concerns and requesting responses where necessary.

The Executive Director was instructed to continue gather information regarding the conduct of the coach at Hoopla. A complete report will be forwarded to the Executive as soon as it is complete and will be discussed at the May meeting.

3.4 Wheelchair Athletes
The SHSAA received a Website feedback response from a parent regarding wheelchair athletes. The individual was wondering why the SHSAA banner on the website does not include any pictures of wheelchair athletes. The SHSAA office was asked to investigate the feasibility and cost of the change and to look at a possibility of this change during its next website update.

3.5 Track & Field
Wheel Chair Addition Request The Saskatchewan Wheelchair Sports Association requested the addition of a 1500 metre wheelchair race to the Track & Field Provincial Championship. The SHSAA currently offers 100m and 400m wheelchair races. At the 2001 Provincial Track & Field Championship there were three wheelchair athletes that competed. The SHSAA office was directed to respond indicating that the activity will not be added at this time and to indicate that it would be considered when participation in wheelchair competition increases.

3.6 Merit Award Nomination
The Regina High School Athletic Association has requested that the SHSAA consider a service group for a Merit Award Nomination. This award has only been presented to individuals in the past. The request was discussed and the SHSAA Executive determined the policy for the Merit Award should continue. The request from the RHSAA was forwarded to the Awards Committee to consider the organization for a special recognition award and make a recommendation to the executive at their next meeting.

3.7 Moose Jaw Golf Tournament
A request for financial support for a spring golf tournament was received from the Moose Jaw Directorate. The SHSAA has previously sent a letter to districts encouraging the promotion of events in SHSAA activities that do not presently have many interschool competitions. It was determined this request fit into this proposal and should be supported. A more detailed policy will be prepared for the executive.

MOTION by Crossman/McDougall that the SHSAA provide funds through a MAP Grant, to a maximum of $500, to support the effort by Moose Jaw to instigate an interschool golf tournament. A budget and financial statement will be required from the host prior to any funds being forwarded. CARRIED

4. Committee Reports
4.1 Symposium
Information for the 2002 Coaches Symposium will be sent out with the May bulletin.

4.2 Classification
The Classification Committee recommended the following changes:
A. Change the handbook to better delineate the criteria for ineligibility. Graduation or 3 years eligibility.
B. In the event that cited ineligible students result in the school being in a lower classification the principal will be required to forward a list of ineligible students.
C. Add a classification for Volleyball and revise the population for the 5 classifications.
D. Reduce the basketball classifications and revise the existing classification numbers.
E. The Provincial office will determine the number for 6-man Football based on the population figures from the previous year. The grade 9-11 students registered in the school population figures will determine the numbers.

MOTION by Crossman/Eliasson to accept recommendations from the classification committee. CARRIED

4.3 Wrestling
The Wrestling Committee recommended the following changes:
A. Reduce the number of weight classifications from 18 to 15.
B. Weight classes may be determined on the basis of age and experience provided that the weight categories are kept within the following percentages: less than 59kg a 6 to 8% range, 59 to 82kg a 8 to10% range and over 82kg a 10 to 15% range.
C. On-site medical personal conduct all skin inspections if possible.
D. Weigh-in scales be available ½ hour prior to weigh-in.

MOTION by Johnson/Vollet to accept the recommendations from the wrestling committee. CARRIED

4.4 Volleyball
No recommendations. Endorsed the 12-team provincial championship format currently in place.

4.5 Awards

The Awards Committee recommended that the SHSAA recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals in the coaching field. The award will honour a male and a female coach in each district.

MOTION by Vollet/Schwann to accept the recommendation from the awards committee. CARRIED

4.6 Annual General Meeting

MOTION by Crossman/Bowers to change Tournament Requirements 1.b) …not exceeding a value of $20.00 to … not exceeding a value of $50.00. CARRIED

MOTION by Crossman/Vollet that schools may charge a tournament entry fee up to $125.00. CARRIED

MOTION by Linnell/Schwann to add the scratch policy for Track & Field to Cross Country. CARRIED

MOTION by Linnell/Ulven that the structure for the Provincial Championship for 4A Volleyball change to 2 Regina, 2 Saskatoon, 3 North and 3 South teams. The North and South teams will be determined at a North Regional tournament and a South Regional tournament. DEFEATED

MOTION by Crossman/Bowers to incorporate the ten-minute quarters that are in the FIBA rules. CARRIED

5. Discussion

5.1 Executive Reports
Girls Curling - Estevan hosted the Provincial Girls Curling Championship. The school used this as an opportunity to demonstrate their active school. Food services, band, cheerleading, administration and staff were involved. The local radio and newspaper covered this event. The draw only requires 4-sheets but all 6-sheets in Estevan were used. Two sheets were scraped while not in play and at times the out of play sheets were used so draws could be kept on time. The SHSAA is going to investigate having time clocks at the Provincial Championships. The on-ice observers did an excellent job but the value of the on-ice observer was questioned. The on-ice observer was a requirement but will be changed to a recommendation in the host guidebook. Maryfield won the championship and they were also awarded the Sportsmanship Award.

Boys Curling - Hudson Bay hosted the Provincial Boys Curling Championship. This was a tremendous event with lots of cooperation from the school and community. There was a tour of the lumber industry on Thursday, which included a trip to the forest and a tour of the new OSB 2000 Manufacturing Plant. The local FM radio channel had play-by-play action and there was a daily newspaper published by the school for the curlers and spectators. Marcie Gudereit was the guest speaker at the banquet (Marcie is a graduate of Hudson Bay Composite). Crane Valley won the championship and Fox Valley was awarded the Sportsmanship Award.

Mixed Curling - Whitewood hosted the Provincial Mixed Curling Championships. This was a well-organized event with total school involvement. There was a lot of fan support at this championship. There were six teams out of sixteen with female skips and the championship team, O'Neill, had a female skip. Lafleche was the Sportsmanship winner.

MOTION by Vollet/Schwann to change requirement of on ice officials to a recommendation. CARRIED

Regional Wrestling - Swift Current hosted the Regional Wrestling Championship. Many of the staff members were involved and their efforts showed from opening ceremonies to medical care, concessions, closing ceremonies, etc. There were 116 male and 70 female competitors. This is up slightly from last year. LaLoche won the boys competition and Swift Current won the girls competition.

Provincial Wrestling - Prince Albert hosted the Provincial Wrestling Championship. The facility with 6 mats in play was very crowded and seating was at a premium. The size of the facility has to be a factor for this championship. The SHSAA needs to either find a suitable facility or reduce the number of the competitors. There were 179 male and 106 female competitors. Saskatoon Mount Royal won the boys championship and Regina Johnson won the girls championship.

Regional Basketball - Assigning host sites in advance creates a huge problem in seeding teams accurately. The office suggests that seeding should be done first then the host sites selected. Host sites could be selected from the top 8 teams and spread among the districts. The 1A and 1AA classifications tend to be a problem. It is difficult to find enough teams to run four regional tournaments in each of the 1A categories.

HOOPLA - The Regina District hosted HOOPLA at Miller, O'Neill and Thom schools. Based upon the crowd sizes these gyms were good facilities. There were many student volunteers for scoring, running the clock, announcing, gate admission, reporting on the website and many other volunteer jobs. Students from all three schools volunteered to act as junior journalists so that all venues and games could be covered on the website. These stories were posted on the website immediately after the games. Dealing with discipline and security of fans (students, parents, etc.) is a bit of a concern. Security will be further investigated for the larger SHSAA Championships. This year ID tags were issued to all team members for admittance into the venues. The process was very slow but will be continued with improvements.

Sportsmanship Awards - The Sportsmanship Award Presentations went well. The awards were presented to: Girls Curling - Maryfield, Boys Curling - Fox Valley, Mixed Curling - Lafleche, Girls Basketball - Hepburn, Boys Basketball - Shaunavon (it was noted that in basketball both the boys and girls teams from both schools were at Hoopla and both teams shared in earning the banners for their schools).

Montana Tour - Larry Lafrentz, Assistant Executive Director and Regina Commissioner of Athletics, Mike O'Donnell, travelled to Billings, Montana and area to observe high school athletics contests and to explore the differences in organization and program delivery. The tour involved contests in Billings and Lodgegrass, Montana. It was noted that each school involved in basketball plays in a conference (League) and are limited to an 18-game season (NO tournaments). Classification is based on geography and population as some schools with a larger population are placed in a lower classification. They believe the high interest in their program by athletes and school supporters is due to the limited games and that half of the games are played at home. This interest peeks in the State regional and final tournaments. Other issues discussed with Athletic Directors, Coaches and Superintendents included: Non-teacher coaches, game ejections, tournaments, transfer policy, eligibility rules, event management, and school athletic policy.

District Meeting Reports
SE - nothing to report
SC - nothing to report
C - development of officials in rural Sask. Is a problem, trying to get physical education programs to include some official training
NC - nothing to report
WC - nothing to report
NW - the district had a couple of wrestling concerns that were addressed
QV - three school divisions are amalgamating and this is causing difficulty for the district in determining representation at the district level.
R - trying to rejuvenate the Track & Field programs
S - financial situation not very good

Other Meeting Reports
SPEA - SPEA conference will take place on May 1, 2 & 3 in Saskatoon. The Alberta HPEC conference is in Banff the following weekend.

5.2 Basketball Seeding - Letters of Concern
The SHSAA received one letter of concern and a couple of phone calls regarding basketball seeding. The concerns included the seeding of some teams and the problem pre assigning host sites causes in this regard. In addition the 1A and 1AA classifications are not determined until after the eligibility deadline date and this is a concern to some schools. A resolution has been put forward to set the numbers for the 1A classification.

5.3 Web Site and Message Board
A number of website feedback forms and phone calls have been received. The Executive discussed a number of the issues raised about the message board. It was noted that the office has changed the format for message board and now all messages are previewed before being posted. The office will edit or delete messages that are very negative in nature. We will not necessarily delete messages because they do not agree with Association policies or mandate. Most people thought the Message Board was good and created interest and discussion but the negative comments were thought to be unnecessary and detrimental. It was noted that in all cases the negative comments brought forward excellent commentary on the true spirit of interscholastic sport.

5.4 Strategic Planning Document
The Strategic Planning Committee created a draft document that was circulated to those in attendance at the December Strategic Planning Session. The executive reviewed the document and made some minor changes. This will be presented at a forward planning session at the AGM.

5.7 AGM Resolution Review
Motions from previous executive meetings and committee reports were reviewed and endorsed by the executive.

5.8 AGM Agenda
The AGM Agenda was reviewed. The straw vote sessions have been removed and the District Meetings are moved from Wednesday night to Thursday afternoon. The revised agenda will be published in the April bulletin.

MOTION by Crossman/Vollet to have Lisa Schwann find a speaker for a women's session at the AGM General Session #2 and allow $500 for expenses. CARRIED

6. Information

6.1 Student Discipline - Dalmeny
A report from officials at a District playoff game led to the suspension of a student at the Regional playoffs. The office staff was at Provincial Curling sites so not everyone was contacted at the school. The school principal contacted the office staff and was apprised of the situation. A letter was received from Dalmeny High School regarding the circumstances of the ejection and expressed concern about inconsistencies amongst the officials.

6.2 Credit Union Memo
There are currently 97 Credit Unions that have agreed to contribute to the SHSAA sponsorship program, 14 that have said no and a few more are still to be heard from. The coordinator of the program is very pleased with the support he is receiving from the Credit Unions in the province.

6.4 Track & Field - Pole Vault and Helmets
A newspaper article regarding pole-vaulters wearing helmets was circulated. There have been three deaths in pole-vaulting accidents this year in the United States. There were 15 fatal pole-vaulting accidents that occurred at American high schools from 1983 to 2000. The office will investigate what is happening at the National Federation and with Saskatchewan Athletics. A report will be presented at the next meeting.

6.5 Sask Sport Coaches Symposium
Sask Sport is holding a Symposium on April 27 & 28 in Regina. Guest speaker is Daniele Sauvageau, Head Coach of the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team.

7. Next Meeting
May 5 & 6, 2000

8. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned by Ralph Eliasson at 12:00pm.

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