Weekly Update - January 19, 2010

January 19, 2010

VHSL Weekly Update, January 19, 2010

 

 

“The problem with people today is they talk about their rights and privileges instead of their duties and obligations.”

 

- Lou Holtz

 

ATTENTION: Principals, athletic/activities directors, superintendents, guidance counselors, newspapers, magazine and yearbook advisors, wrestling coaches, gymnastics coaches

Weekly Update, distributed at the beginning of each week, contains current League news and information on website updates (www.vhsl.org), with links that will provide you with immediate access.  Please forward this message to each of the coaches or activity advisers to whom this information pertains.

  

Redistricting and Reclassification (R&R) modification request deadline

 

Today, Tuesday, January 19, is the deadline by which the VHSL office must receive written requests from schools seeking modifications to the 2011-12 and 2012-13 Initial R&R Plan.  The R&R Committee will meet on Tuesday, January 26, to consider these modifications.  No presentations or public comments will be made at this meeting.  However, if you plan to attend as an observer please email Lora Bickley (lbickley@vhsl.org) no later than the end of the day on Thursday, January 21

 

February Executive Committee agenda items and legislation due February 3

 

The deadline to submit agenda items for the February 24 Executive Committee meeting is February 3.  Schools are reminded that this is the last meeting to submit legislation to be acted on in February as first-vote legislation, and, if the legislation receives a favorable recommendation, in May for second-vote.  Legislation submitted after the February meeting will be considered as Emergency Legislation items.  Agenda and legislation items should be forwarded to Lora Bickley (lbickley@vhsl.org) no later than February 3.

 

House Bill 1001

 

Attached is a new bill introduced on homeschool participation as introduced by Delegate David Nutter.  This bill has the exact same wording as House Bill 70 that was sent to the membership and superintendents on January 14.   We appreciate your continued efforts in contacting your representatives to express your thoughts regarding this proposed legislation.

 

Spring rules clinics underway

 

Spring coaches must attend a rules clinic in their sport if one is offered.  VHSL offers rules clinics in baseball, boys lacrosse, soccer, softball and track and field.  Check “Events” on the landing page for each sport for a complete list of this year’s rules clinics in that sport.  Schools that do not have a representative at one of the offered clinics must pay a $50.00 fine and the school’s head coach must take the NFHS online rules exam.  Schools offering both girls and boys soccer must be represented by a coach from each program.  Coaches and officials should check the VHSL website prior to leaving for their clinic to make sure there have been no changes. In cases of inclement weather, contact the host school.

 

VHSL wrestling weight control program clarifications and expectations

 

W-1 Required

W-1 form must be completed for all matches. Violations must be reported to the VHSL within five days of infraction.

Complete W-1 forms are required at district tournaments.  Tournament Directors should make sure they have appropriate staffing to complete the W-1 form process quickly.

 

Electronic BPG Verification Program takes the guess work out of allowable weigh-in weight

Electronic BPG Verification Program calculates lowest allowable weigh in weight for a match.  Conflicts will yield to the results shown using the Electronic BPG Verification Program.  http://www.fcps.edu/supt/activities/atp/WCP/w_one_calc.htm.  Member schools are encouraged to use this calculator to avoid weighing in wrestlers at illegal weights.

 

Clarifications for wrestlers weighing in below allowable weight

If a wrestler weighs in up to .5 pounds below the lowest weight allowed using the Electronic BPG Verification Program, they shall be allowed to leave the scale and consume water or fluid replacement drink (Gatorade, Powerade) and return to the scale one time to make weight.  No other form or method of adding weight shall be acceptable.  A wrestler weighing in greater than .5 pounds lower than the lowest weight allowed by the Electronic BPG Verification Program shall be disqualified from the present event.

 

If a wrestler is presented to weigh in for a weight class that is ineligible based on the COTR (lower than the lowest weight class allowed, or not eligible for the weight class that week), the coach shall receive an unsportsmanlike conduct violation, the athlete shall be disqualified from that match plus the next scheduled event.  If the ineligible status is determined after the athlete wrestles, it will be considered “wrestling an ineligible” resulting in disqualification of that match he wrestled plus disqualification of the next two scheduled events and a fine.

 

Weight Loss Clarification

Any weigh-ins (including two within the same week) showing greater than the allowable weight loss per week (including buffer) shall be considered an unsportsmanlike conduct violation resulting in disqualification and further penalty.

 

Weigh-in protocol for Double Dual Events

In the event of Double Dual matches, one weigh in and completion of one W-1 form is acceptable for each team.  All potential wrestlers for the event must weigh in with their team.

 

W-1 BPG Verification Program (Weight Calculator)

 

The W-1 form must have all columns completed for each match this year. To help determine the eligibility of an athlete based on the allowable weight loss per week and weigh-in weight from last match, a new program has been created. Try the new W-1 BPG Verification Program and be sure the athlete will be eligible to compete.   This program can also assist coaches when advising athlete’s in their weight loss process.  Inputting the athlete's weight class, pounds per week allowance (from the COTR), and the weight and date from the last official weigh in (from a previous W-1 form), the program will provide you the weight range the athlete can weigh-in for the next match.

 

2010-11 National High School Policy Debate Topic selected

 

Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially reduce its military and/or police presence in one or more of the following: South Korea, Japan, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq, Turkey.

The United States global military presence has expanded dramatically in the last 50 years. Despite the breadth of its global deployment, most troops and police forces are concentrated in South Korea, Japan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait and Turkey. These deployments are urgent issues, with stories appearing in newspapers world-wide every single day. This resolution offers affirmatives not only an opportunity to engage the debate about military deployments but to engage these issues in a unique direction – by reducing U.S. military deployments. Most resolutions ask affirmatives to increase U.S. involvement in the world in some ways. Central issues on the topic include U.S. leadership, anti-Americanism, U.S. readiness, imperial decline and global weapons proliferation. Affirmatives can focus on reducing substantial numbers of troops, reducing nuclear weapons deployments in Turkey and South Korea, reducing missile defense systems and reducing military participation in the war on drugs in these countries. Negative arguments include countries developing nuclear weapons in response to reductions in U.S. security commitments, the harms of reducing U.S. global leadership and aggression of rogue states.

 

Gymnastics rosters and team photos needed

 

Gymnastics teams qualifying for Regional competition need to send their team photo and rosters (name and year in school) to Mike McCall (mmccall@vhsl.org) as soon as possible, and no later than 12 noon on Monday, February 8 to ensure that they are included in the VHSL State Gymnastics Tournament souvenir program.  It would be appreciated if rosters and team photos be sent before the deadline.

 

Gymnastics varsity basketball games may not be shortened

 

The VHSL office has received a number of questions regarding a “point rule” (often referred to as a “mercy” rule) in varsity basketball games.  Currently, no such rule is in place.  A running clock may not be used at the varsity level regardless of the score differential between the two teams.  Four eight-minute quarters and four-minute overtime periods (as needed) are required.  A “30-point rule” has been PROPOSED for the 2010-11 season.  It is described in the December Executive Committee agenda under “Legislation.”  Go to BoardDocs and enter the “Public” site for more information.  If you would like to see the 30-point rule (or some variation thereof) adopted for implementation next year, please discuss this with your AD/DSA and/or Principal.

Lopsided scores are going to happen.  Some teams are that much better than others.  In such situations, while coaches have an obligation to their team to insist that they play hard and continue to prepare for later games, coaches are also encouraged to remember the concept of sportsmanship and that your players will learn from how you handle these situations.  There is nothing positive about “running up the score.”

 

Basketball - NO CENTER CIRCLE

 

This is a reminder to school administrators, basketball coaches and basketball officials that teams are NOT permitted to huddle in the center circle at any time before, during or after the game.  This includes all pre-game stretching or other warm-up activities as well as player introductions, and applies to both the home and visiting teams.  This policy was covered in depth as a point of emphasis at all preseason basketball rules meetings.  It was emphasized that failure to abide by this policy would be considered unsportsmanlike and would result in a DIRECT technical foul assessed to the head coach of the offending team when the offense is committed before or during the game.  A direct technical foul results in 2 free throws and a throw-in for the opposing team, and the offending head coach loses the privilege of standing within the coaching box (he/she must remain seated on the bench for the entire game).

If a team huddles in the center circle AFTER the game, officials will NOT assess a technical foul, but WILL report the incident as a violation of the VHSL Sportsmanship Rule to the League office.  Schools also have a responsibility to “self-report” the violation to Tom Zimorski at the League office.

The policy has been put in place to address taunting and unsportsmanlike behavior that has occurred during warm-ups and team introductions.  During team introductions, teammates may huddle in the free throw circle directly in front of their team bench.  Questions concerning this policy should be directed to Joyce Sisson at the VHSL office.

 

Spring rules clinics ongoing

 

Spring coaches must attend a rules clinic in their sport if one is offered.  VHSL offers rules clinics in baseball, boys lacrosse, soccer, softball and track and field.  Check “Events” on the landing page for each sport for a complete list of this year’s rules clinics in that sport.  Schools that do not have a representative at one of the offered clinics must pay a $50.00 fine and the school’s head coach must take the NFHS online rules exam.  Schools offering both girls and boys soccer must be represented by a coach from each program.  Coaches and officials should check the VHSL website prior to leaving for their clinic to make sure there have been no changes. In cases of inclement weather, contact the host school.

 

Gymnastics Online exams for spring sports officials begin February 8

 

The testing period for spring sports officials will begin February 8, 2010.  Links to the exam are located on each sport’s landing page on the website.  Officials have until February 28 to complete the exam at no cost.  After the 28^th, late fees will apply.  Coaches who miss the rules clinic must also take the exam.

 

Register now for 2010 University of Phoenix/VHSL Student Leaders Conference

 

There are only two weeks left to take advantage of early bird discounted registration fees, so don’t delay!  Register NOW!

 

This educational, motivational, inspirational, and flat-out sensational event is a must for your student leaders!  The best and brightest athletes and academic activities participants from member schools across the Commonwealth are brought together for two days of fellowship, service and networking. Guest speakers, workshops and idea-sharing sessions are all designed to enhance each participant's understanding of leadership, sportsmanship, and citizenship. STUDENT and ADULT participants will return to their schools with the energy, enthusiasm and resources needed to become more effective leaders. Mark your calendars for April 16-17, 2010 and plan to be at Dominion High School with a delegation from your school.

Scheduled to Appear:  comedian/magician Stephen Bargatze, "SpiritWorks" presenter David Rhodes, "Leadershop" presenter Keith Nord and motivational speaker Larry Bell.

For Information and registration go online at http://www.vhsl.org/about_vhsl/student_leaders_conference.

 

Applications sought for VHSL Student Action Team vacancies

 

Sophomore students representing Regions D, I, III, IV, Central and Northwest are invited to submit an application to serve on the VHSL Student Action Team during their 2010-11 and 2011-12 school years.  The VHSL Student Action Team is composed of 12 members, one representing each VHSL region, and members are selected to ensure a balance of athletics and activities, male and female students, urban and rural populations, and racial and ethnic diversity.

 

The VHSL Student Action Team was created as a result of the League’s strategic plan to build greater student awareness of the VHSL and the importance of participation in activities.  While serving on the Student Action Team, students are linked to the governance and administration of their athletic and activities association and have an opportunity to serve in both an advisory and active capacity, promoting participation, sportsmanship, community building, service, positive values, teamwork and healthy lifestyles.  Some of the contributions of the current Team have been planning of the 2010 Student Leaders Conference, assisting at numerous state championships, serving as ambassadors to the VHSL Foundation Board and creating public service announcements and sportsmanship messages. 

 

Applications will be accepted through May 1 and are available online at http://www.vhsl.org/files/sat-application-packet.pdf.  Questions may be directed to Lisa Giles (lgiles@vhsl.org).  

 

Basketball feature writing contest entries due February 5

 

Attention sports writers!  The deadline for VHSL’s Basketball Feature Writing Contest (http://www.vhsl.org/files/featurewriting-entry.pdf) is February 5.   Basketball is Virginia’s most popular high school sport with over 98% of the state’s schools and over 17,000 boys and girls participating.  There are hundreds of players, teams, coaches and schools that have human interest stories worthy of being shared.  Or perhaps it’s your school’s winning streak, losing streak or the history of your team’s pre-game rituals that are more compelling?  Either way, we want to hear funny stories, sad stories… poignant stories of triumph and tribulation.  So what’s your story?

 

Contest is open to all VHSL students enrolled in a publication (newspaper, yearbook, literary magazine) or creative writing program. Entries should include 1) a WORD version of the story including a headline and byline, 2) a high quality jpg, gif, bmp or tif photo in addition to 3) your official entry form.  Please submit materials via e-mail to Lisa Giles (lgiles@vhsl.org). 

 

2010 National High School Spirit of Sport Award nominations due Feb. 1

 

In 2008, the NFHS developed its “National High School Spirit of Sport Award,” which is conferred to eight section winners as well as one national winner. 

 

We need your nominations for this year’s award.  The recipient could be a coach, athletic administrator, trainer, student-athlete or any others associated with your school or your school’s athletic program.  The award seeks to recognize those individuals who exemplify the ideals of the positive spirit of sport that represent the core mission of education-based athletics.  The award may be given in recognition of a specific act or for an activity of longer duration.

 

Please complete the attached Spirit of Sport Award Nomination Form and return it to the VHSL electronically at mmccall@vhsl.org. The deadline for returning the completed nomination is February 1, 2010. 

 

Applications sought for VHSL scholarships 

 

As the new year begins, it is time for school administrators, counselors and activities directors to consider outstanding young people to be recognized as the best the school has to offer as candidates for 17 VHSL scholarships.

 

VHSL and The Allstate Foundation awards 10 VHSL/Allstate Foundation Achievement Award Scholarships to the:  outstanding male athlete, outstanding female athlete, outstanding academic activities participant in each enrollment group, plus a Courageous Achievement Award to a student who has overcome significant challenges or adversity and has become successful in student activities.  Each school is urged to nominate one student in each of the four categories, but it is important to remember that the awards are based on outstanding achievement in VHSL sports and activities, not primarily on performance in the classroom.   The postmark deadline is March 13; information and nomination forms are available at http://www.vhsl.org/about_vhsl/awards_and_recognition under Resources.

 

VHSL and Wachovia recognize six outstanding individuals, a boy and a girl in each enrollment group, with the Wachovia Citizenship Scholarship for outstanding commitment to serving others.  Each school is urged to nominate one boy and one girl for this award.  The postmark deadline is March 13; information and nomination forms are available at http://www.vhsl.org/about_vhsl/awards_and_recognition under Resources.

 

Questions may be directed to Sharon Condoulis at scondoulis@vhsl.org or Mike McCall at mmccall@vhsl.org.

 

VIAAA scholarships

 

The VIAAA is proud to offer five (5) $1,500 scholarships this year.  There are three (3) scholarships in honor of John Youngblood, one (1) in honor of Claudia Dodson and one (1) VIAAA Past-Presidents scholarship.  Applications must be postmarked by Saturday, January 16, 2010.  We welcome applications from all schools.  Criteria for each award may be found within the attached scholarship application forms. If you have any questions please contact Steve Heon at 434.823.8705 or sheon@k12albemarle.org.

 

VIAAA state conference

 

Athletic Directors are reminded that the VIAAA State Conference will be held March 23-27, at the Norfolk Marriott Waterside.  Hotel information can be located on the VIAAA website (www.viaaa.org).  Those interested are encouraged to register and make hotel arrangements by February 21, 2010 in order to secure the special group rate.  

 

Championship host sites needed

 

The VHSL is requesting proposals to host tournaments for the five school years from the fall of 2010 through the spring of 2013.  Please go to Resources on the Athletic Administrators page on the VHSL web site for more information, or click on Request to Host VHSL Championships (RFP) http://www.vhsl.org/files/vhsl-rfp-revised-20091014.pdf.

 

Athletic Administrators – check out the website

 

Several modifications have been made to the “Athletics Administrators” area of the VHSL website in the hopes that pertinent information will be more readily available.  Several new categories of information are now directly accessible from the Athletics Administrators landing page – Financial Reporting, VHSL Handbook, VHSL Forms, Athletics Sanctioning, Student Leaders Conference, and the VHSL Directory are the major subcategories located in the shaded area to the right under the heading “In Athletics Administrators.”  By clicking on “VHSL Forms,” administrators have access to forms by category (Administrative Forms, Brackets, Ejection Forms, Entry Forms [by sport], Financial Forms [by category – Contracts, Financial Reports, Payment Forms and Other], Order Forms, and Team/Spirit Group Admittance Forms).  A few forms are still in need of revision and will be uploaded as soon as those revisions are complete.  Suggestions for improvement are welcome.  VHSL Staff Contact – Joyce Sisson

 

VHSL winter teams encouraged to “Play for a Cure”

 

February 1-13 has been designated as the time period for “VHSL Play for a Cure” events.  All VHSL winter teams are encouraged to host or participate in a VHSL “Play for a Cure” event to raise awareness and educate about breast cancer.  During the designated two-week period, wrestling, swim and dive, gymnastics, track and basketball officials will enforce only those uniform requirements that are either safety based, or necessary to being able to distinguish between opponents and identify individual players.  In basketball, numbers are still required on the front and back of the jersey.  Home teams may wear a color other than white.  Headbands, wristbands, etc. may be pink and do not have to match.  There is a “Play for a Cure” Toolkit on the VHSL website under “Resources” on our Home page.  This toolkit will help you prepare for your event and provides some ideas to help advertise and make your event one that could potentially be lifesaving for someone in your community.  Please register your event with VHSL so that we can include information on our website.  Use the “VHSL Play for a Cure” Event Registration Form on our website.

 

Schools can generate revenue and protect souvenir items

 

Principals and athletic directors have received several notices about a new program through the VHSL designed to generate revenue for participating member schools and add safeguards for commercial marketing of school logo/souvenir items.  About 15% of member schools have opted to participate in the LRG (Licensing Resource Group) program to date, and more are signing up each week.  The initiative is set to launch in January, and tagged items will start appearing in stores statewide.  Take advantage of this great opportunity, and submit your agreement as soon as possible.  If you have questions or need more information, contact Ken Tilley at ktilley@vhsl.org.

 

Follow us on Twitter

 

The VHSL is now using Twitter, a free micro-blogging service, to communicate timely, short messages to its constituents.  Follow us at: 

 

General:  www.twitter.com/vhsl

Athletics:  www.twitter.com/vhsl_athletics

Activities:  www.twitter.com/vhsl_activities

 

Team and individual photos from VHSL fall championship teams requested

 

All schools with a fall team champion and individual champion please send your team photo and your individual champion photo to Mike McCall at mmccall@vhsl.org for inclusion in the 2008-09 edition of “The Leaguer.”

 

Record Book updates needed

 

The VHSL Book of Records, 14th Edition (2009-10) is now seeking submissions from the 2009-10 fall season for inclusion in the record book.  To access the record book, go to http://www.vhsl.org/files/pub-vhsl-recordbook-jan08.pdf .  The record book is updated twice a year, at the conclusion of the fall season in December and at the conclusion of the spring season in June.  Schools may submit applications for recognition with corresponding documentation at any time.  This application may be found on the last two pages of the record book.  Any questions may be directed to Mike McCall at 434-977-8475.