IHSA BOARD MEETING JUNE 13
IHSA
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ACTION ITEMS
1. The Board approved a recommendation to rescind action that was taken in February regarding the seeding of the football playoffs in Class 1A-6A. The Board elected to change the seeding in Class 1A-6A in February to 1-32, but reversed that decision today based on current economic factors. As a result, the IHSA Football Playoff seeding in Class 1A-6A will revert back to being split into two 1-16 brackets in each class.
Rockridge High School Principal and Board President Katy Hasson:
“In February, I was a proponent of the change in the seeding process for the IHSA Class 1A-6A Football Playoffs. When taking into account the current fuel prices, and the fact that this change will create more travel for schools and fans, myself and several other Board members were no longer comfortable implementing the change at this time. I do expect that when fuel prices return to a more manageable price level the Board will revisit this topic.”
2. The Board approved a recommendation on the IHSA budget for the 2022-23 school year.
3. The Board approved a recommendation to extend the Girls Bowling State Final hosting contract at The Cherry Bowl in Rockford for five years, running from 2023-2027.
4. The Board approved a recommendation to extend the Boys Bowling State Final hosting contract at St. Clair Bowl in O’Fallon for five years, running from 2023-2027.
IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson:
“We look forward to returning to The Cherry Bowl and St. Clair Bowl for state girls and boys bowling, respectively, for another five years. Both feel like ‘home’ for these events, thanks in part to the passionate staff members at each bowling house. We appreciate the continued support that the bowling houses and surrounding communities provide the IHSA and the welcoming atmosphere they create for our student-athletes.”
5. The Board approved a recommendation to allow IHSA administrators to determine if their annual sport and activity advisory committee meetings will be held in-person or virtually, taking into account factors such as the number of agenda items and if any significant state or national issues are being discussed when choosing the format.
6. The Board approved a recommendation to update three questions on the IHSA Transfer Eligibility Form to provide greater clarity to responders on each question.
7. The Board approved a recommendation to update the by-laws of the Illinois High School Association Foundation (IHSAF).
ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
Minutes from all Advisory Committees can be viewed by clicking here.
1. The Board approved the consent items from the Advisory Committees in the following sports & activities: Basketball, Bowling, Cheerleading, Chess, Dance, Gymnastics, Journalism, Music, Officials, Scholastic Bowl, Soccer, Speech, Sportsmanship, Sports Medicine, Student Advisory Committee, Swimming & Diving, and Wrestling.
Consent items are recommendations that received approval from the sport/activity advisory committee, the Athletic Administrators Advisory Committee and the IHSA staff. Consent items can be viewed by clicking here.
Non-consent items are recommendations from sport or activity committees that did not receive a majority vote from the Athletic Advisory Committee or IHSA staff.
No non-consent items were approved.
APPEALS & ELIGIBILITY RULINGS
1. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Heyworth High School. The student was ruled ineligible for non-compliance with By-laws 3.022 and 3.040 and its sub-sections.
2. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Mundelein High School. The student was ruled ineligible for non-compliance with IHSA By-law 3.040 and its sub-sections.
3. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student from Father McGivney High Schoil. The student was ruled ineligible for non-compliance with IHSA By-law 3.030 and its sub-section.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
At each meeting of the Board of Directors, there are certain items the Board discusses, but upon which no action is taken. The following is a report of those items from the June 13, 2022, agenda:
1. The Board held further discussion on creating an IHSA Football Playoff for eight-player football. The Board has directed the IHSA staff to gather more information on the topic for further review at a future meeting.
2. The Board reviewed and discussed all IHSA sports and activities that are currently below the Policy participation threshold, including Boys Gymnastics, Debate, and Drama-Group Interpretation.
3. The Board heard a report on the new by-laws and changes to existing by-laws that will be in place for the 2022-23 school year beginning on July 1. During the IHSA’s annual legislation process in November and December, IHSA schools proposed and voted on seven by-law changes. Read more on the by-law changes by clicking here.
4. The Board heard a report from the Executive Director on a letter received from the Native American Guardian’s Association, which seeks to preserve the use of Native American mascots by high schools, while providing further education on the issue. The Board previously received a letter that was discussed at their meeting in April of 2022 from another group seeking IHSA rules to prevent schools from continuing to use Native American mascots. The Board is following the progress of ongoing state legislation on this topic and will continue to review at future meetings.
5. The Board heard a report on the IHSA’s Town Hall meeting schedule for the 2022-23 school year, which will include a mix of in-person and virtual meeting options around the state.
6. The Board heard a report on the upcoming NFHS Summer Meeting, which will be held in San Antonio, Texas from June 28-July 2.