Weekly Update - February 2, 2010

February 02, 2010

VHSL Weekly Update, February 2, 2010

 

 

“To escape criticism - do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.”

 

- Elbert Hubbard

 

ATTENTION: Principals, athletic/activities directors, superintendents, guidance counselors, newspapers, magazine and yearbook advisors, forensics coaches, theatre coaches, debate coaches, wrestling coaches, basketball coaches, gymnastics coaches, cheerleader 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.

  

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.

 

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.

 

Student Leaders Conference registration deadline!

 

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.  Registration is $80 on and after February 2.

 

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.

 

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). 

 

Stay in the Game Awards

 

Attention Athletic Directors – At the Membership Meeting last October, Stay in the Game Award winners were recognized.  A number of school representatives failed to pick up their award.  If you have yet to receive your award, please email Deputy Director, Tom Zimorski tzimorski@vhsl.org or Linda Taylor ltaylor@vhsl.org.  We will then ship the awards soon thereafter.  Thank you.

 

Save the date for the VHSL/VASDDC Conference

 

The 2010 VHSL/VASDDC Conference will be Friday, October 1 and Saturday, October 2 at the English Inn in Charlottesville. Plan now to attend this annual event especially for coaches of forensics, theatre and debate. This year promises to be extra special, as we expect very special guest presenters (TBA) courtesy of the National Federation of State High School Associations. Don't miss it!

 

State Forensics accommodations

 

The official hotels for our tournament are Hampton Inn University (85 University Boulevard, 540-432-1111) at $94/night, Sleep Inn & Suites (1891 Evelyn Byrd Avenue, 540-433-7100) at $84/night and Hampton Inn South (43 Covenant Drive, 540-437-0090) at $89/night.  All hotels offer a complimentary breakfast bar, and all but the Sleep Inn offer free, high-speed internet access.  Hampton Inn South also boasts an indoor pool.  Please make your reservations no later than April 2 and ask for the VHSL Forensics room rate.

 

Keep your cheerleaders safe!  Limit your liability!  Follow NFHS Spirit Rules!

 

All sideline and competition cheer squads must follow the rules in the NFHS Spirit Rules Book.  Those rules prohibit basket tosses and other stunts where fliers lose contact with the bases unless there is appropriate matting under the stunt.  Cheer squads who perform these stunts without mats are in violation of VHSL and NFHS spirit rules, but more importantly, they are putting students at unnecessary risk, and creating a tremendous liability exposure for your school.  NFHS Spirit Rules also prohibit cheerleaders from wearing any type of jewelry.  If you permit your cheerleaders to wear jewelry while serving in a support role for your winter teams, you are in violation of the rules.  The NFHS Spirit Rules are almost completely about cheerleader safety and must be followed.  Please do not expose your cheerleaders or your school to unnecessary risk by setting aside NFHS Spirit Rules.  Also worth note is that knowingly violating NFHS Spirit Rules is a violation of the VHSL Sportsmanship Rule.  Each school received a copy of the spirit rules book – know what’s in it, and follow the rules.

 

NFHS coaching education

 

The NFHS Coaches Education Program is accepted by the VHSL as satisfying the new Coaches Education requirement.  Please take this opportunity to review the following materials provided from the NFHS office (Get Certified; Certification Brochure; Fundamentals of Coaching Information).  Visit the NFHS web site http://www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id=3494 for more information.

 

VHSL Proposed Calendars for 2011 through 2016

 

Attached to Weekly Update is a file that contains the proposed calendars from 2011 through 2016.  The Calendar Committee voted to use the same format as the National Federation calendar.  Therefore, the NFHS Calendar is also attached.  Please review both of these documents carefully.  The Executive Committee will vote on the calendars at the May meeting.

 

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 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.

 

Weight class surveys due Feb. 10

 

On Jan. 5, a weight class survey and weight class change options notice was sent to all schools.  Please fill out the survey and return to Tom Dolan (see attachments) by February 10, 2010.

 

Attention wrestling district tournament directors

 

All directors for District tournaments should carefully check all W-1 forms for the district meets to assure eligibility for post season play.

 

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.

 

Junior golf opportunities

 

Spring and summer opportunities available for Junior Golfers may be accessed using the following site:

www.Independencegolfclub.com.

 

Basketball rosters, media information and photographs needed

 

All schools participating in the district basketball tournaments are asked to submit a VHSL Basketball Tournament Entry Form (http://www.vhsl.org/files/bkb-disregstate-entry.dot), a VHSL Basketball Tournament Media Fact Sheet http://www.vhsl.org/files/bkb-form-media-fact-sheet.doc) and a team photograph to the VHSL office by Friday, February 19.  Completed forms and photos should be emailed to Mike McCall (mmccall@vhsl.org) at the League Office.  Faxed and/or mailed forms will not be accepted.

 

District/Region tournament brackets and game results needed

 

League staff receives numerous phone calls and emails each day from media, parents, players, coaches and other interested individuals requesting information on district and region tournaments.  District and region tournament directors are asked to please send tournament brackets to the VHSL office as soon as possible.  Please use the bracket templates provided on the VHSL website and update the bracket as teams qualify and games/matches have been completed.  We need daily results in order to keep information on our website current.  Please send updated brackets and results to Mike McCall (mmccall@vhsl.org) and Joyce Sisson (jsisson@vhsl.org). Please help us keep everyone informed as teams advance through the playoff process. 

 

Online exams for spring sports officials begin February 8, 2010

 

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.

 

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).  

 

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/scholarships.

 

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/scholarships.

 

VHSL presents the Charles Savedge Scholarship to the League’s Student Journalist of the Year.  Each school is urged to nominate one student who may come from the newspaper, yearbook and/or magazine staffs or who has been active in community or professional journalism.  The postmark deadline is March 2; information and nomination forms are available at http://www.vhsl.org/about_vhsl/scholarships.

 

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

 

Call for nominations for Regional Award of Merit, Lifetime Achievement and Torch of Honor awards

 

Schools are reminded to nominate deserving individuals for their Regional Award of Merit, and regions should designate these people at their next region meeting.  Nomination forms for the Regional Award of Merit may be found at http://www.vhsl.org/files/adm-regionalmerit-award.dot. For the Torch of Honor and Lifetime Achievement, go to http://www.vhsl.org/files/awd-life-torch-nom-form.pdf.   Selected award designees should be forwarded to Mike McCall at mmccall@vhsl.org. Deadline for each is April 15.   

 

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.  

 

***NOTE***- LTC 700 & 701 will not be offered. LTC 705 & 790 will be offered instead.

LTC 705 (Character Based Coach-to-Coach Mentoring) Tuesday @ 5pm;
LTC 790 (Leadership Training Instructional Methods &Techniques) Saturday @ 8am.

When registering for these courses, please make the change on your Conference Registration Form.

 

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.

 

On Feb 2 and 3, Madison County boys and girls basketball teams will host a "Mountaineers Play For a Cure" game in their home contests against George Mason. The Athletic Department will recognize all breast Cancer survivors attending the game before the varsity games on Feb 2nd and 3rd.  All proceeds from the T-Shirt sales, 50/50 raffle and Half Court Shootout will be donated to Breast Cancer Research.

 

The Chatham girls basketball team will be hosting a PINK OUT on Feb. 9 against the Gretna Lady Hawks.

 

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.”