Weekly Update - October 20, 2009

October 20, 2009

VHSL Weekly Update, October 20, 2009

 

“Success is the good fortune that comes from aspiration, desperation, perspiration and inspiration.”

- Evan Esar

ATTENTION: Principals, athletic/activities directors, superintendents, guidance counselors, newspapers, magazine and yearbook advisors, forensics coaches, debate coaches, theatre coaches, scholastic bowl coaches, cheer coaches, volleyball coaches, wrestling coaches; winter season 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.

  

Low registrations prompt cancellation of CJW

 

What was to be the 39^th VHSL Championship Journalism Workshop held on October 31-November 1 in Richmond on the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University has been cancelled due to drastically low registration numbers.  Results of the 2008-09 Writing/Photo/Design Contest will be released electronically and honorable mention to First Place finisher certificates will be mailed this week, while results of the 2008-09 Publications Evaluations will be released electronically and returned by mail on Monday, November 2.

 

Tilley’s Take

 

Great things are happening at VHSL member schools on a regular basis and VHSL Executive Director Ken Tilley will be spotlighting examples in Weekly Update that he has personally observed or that are brought to his attention.  Please read this week’s spotlight featured at the end of Weekly Update, and please submit your own tradition or program to Ken (ktilley@vhsl.org) to be highlighted in Weekly Update.

 

Football Ratings released today

 

Due to the postponement of 21 football games this weekend, the ratings have been released today.

 

December Executive Committee Items Due

 

The deadline to submit agenda items for the December 2 Executive Committee meeting is Wednesday, November 11.  Agenda and legislation items should be forwarded to Lora Bickley (lbickley@vhsl.org) no later than November 11.

 

Certificates of Insurance

 

If you are hosting a district or region event that is being held at a municipal facility, college/university, etc. and that facility requires a Certificate of Insurance, please contact Lora Bickley (lbickley@vhsl.org) several weeks prior to the event with the following information:  (1) District and activity; (2) Name of facility; (3) Address of facility; (4) Date of event; (5) Contact individual (AD, etc.).

 

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. 

 

Cheer rosters and team photos needed

 

Cheer teams qualifying for Regional competition need to send their team photo and rosters to Mike McCall (mmccall@vhsl.org) and as soon as possible and no later than 12 noon on Monday, November 2 to ensure that they are included in the VHSL State Volleyball Tournament souvenir program.  It would be appreciated if rosters and team photos be sent before the deadline.

 

Volleyball rosters and team photos needed

 

Volleyball teams in playoff contention need to send their team photo and rosters to Mike McCall (mmccall@vhsl.org) as soon as possible and no later than 12 noon on Monday, November 9 to ensure that they are included in the VHSL State Volleyball Tournament souvenir program.  It would be appreciated if rosters, team photos and final regular season results be sent before the deadline.

 

VHSL schools play for a cure -- Dan River High School “turns pink”

 

The VHSL have encouraged all schools and all athletic activity teams to take part in an event to raise breast cancer awareness in their communities.  To maximize the impact of these events across the Commonwealth, the VHSL has designated a two-week season (fall, winter and spring) for these special events.

 

On Tuesday October 13, 2009, Dan River High School turned "Pink" for its first ever "Spiking For A Cure" volleyball game to help raise funds to fight breast cancer.  As a Service Learning Project, the Dan River High JROTC department found sponsorships to purchase pink jerseys and pink & white volleyballs for the matches that evening against district and county rival Gretna High School.  In addition to the pink jersey for the players, students, faculty and community supporters purchased pink "Spiking For A Cure" t-shirts to wear to the match.  If anyone bought a t-shirt, they were admitted to the game free of charge.  Players, coaches, teachers, administrators, and team fans arrived decked out in pink.  After recognizing the sponsors, a check was presented to the Roanoke affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for $3,000.

 

The following is a list of schools that have registered a “Play for a Cure” event with the VHSL office:

 

Abingdon vs. Patrick Henry-Glade Spring (girls volleyball)

Marion vs. Graham (girls volleyball)

Stonewall Jackson-Quicksburg vs. Buffalo Gap (girls volleyball)

William Byrd (cheer invitational-12 schools)

Jamestown vs. Menchville (field hockey)

Riverheads vs. Buffalo Gap (girls volleyball)

Midlothian vs. Clover Hill (girls volleyball)

Twin Springs vs. Castlewood (girls volleyball)

Monacan vs. Midlothian (girls volleyball)

Strasburg vs. George Mason (girls volleyball)

Floyd County vs. Radford (football)

 

2009-10 Theatre Manual now available

 

The 2009-10 VHSL Theatre Manual is now available for viewing/printing at http://www.vhsl.org/files/the-manual-2009.pdf.  Please discontinue use of any previously-published manual.

 

2009-10 Scholastic Bowl Rules Clinic Survey now available

 

The 2009-10 Scholastic Bowl Rules Clinic Survey is now available.  This survey replaces the paper survey given each fall at rules clinics.  While voluntary, your participation will help gauge sentiment on current issues.  Coaches’ sentiment is strongly taken into consideration when rules changes are proposed; however, outstanding support does not guarantee action.  Responses are confidential, and the survey is available until 10/30/09 at 5 p.m.  Please respond prior to that date and time.  To take the survey, go to:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=K_2fKiNQHjgcV5BFY6GAiV_2fg_3d_3d.   

 

2009-10 Scholastic Bowl Manual now available

 

The 2009-10 VHSL Scholastic Bowl Manual is now available for viewing/printing at http://www.vhsl.org/files/schb-manual.pdf.  Please discontinue use of any previously-published manual.

 

2009-10 Theatre Rules Clinic Survey now available

 

The 2009-10 Theatre Rules Clinic Survey is now available.  This survey replaces the paper survey given each fall at rules clinics.  While voluntary, your participation will help gauge sentiment on current issues.  Directors’ sentiment is strongly taken into consideration when rules changes are proposed; however, outstanding support does not guarantee action.  Responses are confidential, and the survey is available until 10/29/09 at 5 p.m.  Please respond prior to that date and time.  To take the survey, go to:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=j_2b6U9Nt_2f7K8IxfwU0EmYZA_3d_3d.

 

Travel much?

 

Consider joining the NFHS Speech, Debate and Theatre Association and receive $1 million in excess general liability insurance coverage for just $20/year.  Membership also gives you:  access to NFHS speech and debate publications, access to The Forensic Educator online, a subscription to High School Today, access to low-cost resources, professional development opportunities and discount privileges on car rentals.  For more information, visit www.bollingernfhs.com or see attached. 

 

Attention:  principals, athletic directors, wrestling coaches

 

Wrestling practice will begin on November 16.  VHSL’s weight control program mandates that all wrestlers have their body fat measurements done from Nov. 9 through Dec. 1, 2009.   As a reminder, ONLY a VHSL certified measurer may perform the official testing of wrestlers.  He/she must be a degreed medical professional (MD, DO, ATC, RN, NP, PA, etc.) who has completed the appropriate VHSL training workshop(s), completed the documentation of experience and credentials forms, and passed an examination.  For new certified measurer’s, there will be NATA BOC CEU’s offered to attend the workshop.

 

We are offering training sessions for new certified measurers in various geographic locations over the next few weeks.  Any medical professionals interested in attending a VHSL Certified Measurer for 2009-10 should check the website for workshop dates and locations:  http://www.fcps.edu/supt/activities/atp/WCP/wcpscheduleworkshop.htm.  Each school should confirm that the VHSL WCP Certified Measurer they plan to use is eligible to perform the measurements for your team at this time.

 

Guidelines for winter sports preseason activities

 

As the winter season approaches, please keep in mind the following guidelines for preseason activities (scrimmages, jamborees and benefit games):

 

Scrimmages:

 

·         Scrimmages are practices between two or three teams.

·         No advertising of the event is permitted.

·         Admissions may not be charged.

·         Schools are limited to the equivalent of 1 ½ times the normal length of a contest.

·         Must not be played under game conditions.

·         All League Rules apply.

 

Jamborees:

 

·         Must be sanctioned by the VHSL and sponsored by a member school.

·         Played under game conditions.

·         Jamborees occur between more than three and as many as eight teams.

·         Teams are limited to the equivalent of 1 ½ times the normal length of a contest.

·         Expenses and Proceeds are computed/dispersed as per the Jamboree Sanction Form and Handbook Section 54-6-4-1-e.

 

Benefit Games

 

·         Only one Benefit Game is permitted per revenue sport.

·         They do not count against the sport season limits.

·         Must be revenue producing.

·         May be played anytime prior to the end of the regular season.

·         Must be approved in advance on the specific VHSL form.

 

All information regarding these pre-season activities may be reviewed in Handbook Sections 54-6-3, 54-6-4 and 54-8-3.

 

Plan ahead to avoid SAT conflicts

 

Help SAT-taking juniors and seniors plan now to avoid SAT conflicts.  This year’s SAT dates are:  October 10, November 7, December 5, January 23, March 13, May 1 and June 5.  If you are directing/hosting a district/regional tournament, remember that those tournaments may be scheduled prior to, but not after established deadline.

 

Pursuing Victory with Honor – Play Fair

 

(The VHSL Executive Committee formally endorsed the Pursuing Victory with Honor and Character Counts program.  It gives good suggestions that supplement our VHSL guidelines and expectations.) 

 

Good coaching is more than having a winning season. The biggest legacy a coach can leave is the life lessons he or she imparts. Pursuing Victory with Honor and CHARACTER COUNTS! can give you proven, sustainable strategies that will change the way you think about sports and sportsmanship. And The Pursuing Victory with Honor program one-day, in-service workshop can come right to your school.

You’ll learn how to build staff buy-in, combat hazing and bullying, and encourage healthy decision-making. The change begins with you. Learn more here or call the Josephson Institute for details.

 

Does your Volleyball team have a positive message that it would like to share at the VHSL Volleyball Championships?

 

The VHSL is looking for sportsmanship messages from every volleyball team in the state.

 

As part of a new initiative to promote good sportsmanship, the VHSL will run positive sportsmanship videos during the VHSL Volleyball Championships, November 19-21.  The videos, produced by individual schools, will run on the matrix board in the Siegel Center during the tournament.  Teams do not need to be part of tournament play to submit a video.  All teams are encouraged to participate.

 

Your team may create their own message and submit it for approval or you may use a message scripted by the newly formed VHSL Student Advisory Team (SAT).   If your team would like to write its own message, please submit the language to Mike McCall mmccall@vhsl.org for approval prior to filming.  The videos may be up to 15 seconds in length.

 

Videos should be submitted in DVD format to Mike McCall at the VHSL office.  Deadline for submission of videos is November 11.

 

Horatio Alger Association offering $20,000 college scholarship

 

The $20,000 Horatio Alger Association scholarship is an outstanding opportunity for high school seniors who have overcome adversity, who have demonstrated financial need, who have integrity, and who have made a commitment to making a contribution to society by continuing their education.

 

The on-line application for seniors is available through October 30, 2009.  Visit the website at www.horatioalger.org for all the essential details. 

 

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

 

VHSL activities now have Facebook Groups

 

In an effort to network and build community among the VHSL activities populations the VHSL has created Facebook groups.  These groups are open to coaches, students, judges and others who are linked to the activities community and are intended to be a constructive, supportive environment where coaches/students may ask questions, share coaching tips and resources, solicit VHSL tournament officials/staff, etc. within the VHSL community.  Official groups are: 

 

• VHSL Forensics
• VHSL Theatre
• VHSL Debate
• VHSL Scholastic Bowl
• VHSL Publications
• VHSL Creative Writing

 

The VHSL reserves the right to remove any post or user from any group.  The following are guidelines for group use:

 

• Obscene, abusive, insulting, hateful, racist or sexually explicit language is prohibited as are defamatory comments or personal attacks.  Posts that may be construed as threatening may be deleted and made available to the proper law enforcement officials.
• Commercial solicitations and/or advertisements are prohibited. 
• All posts must be in English.

 

Allstate for Cash for Quotes: Opportunity for VHSL schools to earn up to $10,000

 

Through December 1, 2009, or until funds are exhausted, VHSL corporate partner Allstate will donate $5 per auto quote back to your school (up to $10,000 total for VHSL Schools). The donation is made on a first-submit, first-donate basis.   Pass this link along to your parents, faculty and fans and they can easily submit their information on-line.  Click here to earn cash for your school.  (Or paste http://magnumwerks.com/virginia to your web browser)

 

Nominations for Hall of Fame

 

There are many outstanding individuals who have been inducted into the Virginia High School Hall of Fame.  There are also many outstanding individuals who have NOT been inducted into the Hall of Fame.  Why?  Because deserving candidates haven’t been nominated.  If you know of someone who would make a good candidate for the Hall of Fame, please take a few moments to submit their nomination packet.  The nomination packet is posted on the VHSL website under Forms on the home page (http://www.vhsl.org/files/awd-hof-application.pdf).   Nominations are due by Oct. 31 for consideration for the next year’s class.  If you have any questions, please contact Mike McCall, mmccall@vhsl.org or Sharon Condoulis, scondoulis@vhsl.org, 434-977-8475.

 

Record Book updates needed

 

The VHSL Book of Records, 14th Edition has been updated to include 2008-09 champions and independent submissions.  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.

 

VHSL program inserts sent to schools

 

In an effort to build greater awareness of the Virginia High School League and VHSL programs, we e-mailed each school inserts to use in your game programs and other school publications. 

 

To fulfill this awareness initiative as part of our overall strategic plan, we’re asking for your cooperation.  Attached are two camera ready inserts:

 

• VHSL insert.
• VHSL Foundation insert.

 

In addition, you may use your own photo.  If you choose to use your own photo, please e-mail a vertical jpg to Mike McCall (mmccall@vhsl.org).  Your photo will be inserted and a PDF will be sent back to you for use in your game program and/or other school publications.

 

If you do use the insert(s), please send a copy of the program and/or publication to the VHSL office.

 

Tilley’s Take

 

Last week we shared with Weekly Update readers the outstanding ways that Louisa County High School engages its entire community in a positive experience centered around its home football games.  Now we recognize Grafton High School, which has instituted a highly successful Faculty Spirit Award.  At home football games three football players are chosen for the prior week’s performance, whether in practice or at the game, and they get to give their jersey to a special teacher or staff member and invite that person to the game.  The faculty/staff member gets to wear the jersey to school on Friday.  At the game that night, he/she is formally introduced by the P.A. announcer, has a place of honor on the sideline, and throws t-shirts to the students in the stands.  This has been a great motivator to get teachers to the game, and it has been quite a competition as well.  The football players feel special, as does the teacher (staff member) chosen to be honored.