Basketball Advisory Committee Minutes

May 3, 2006

Meeting was called to order by Chairperson Bob Sweeney, Atlantic. Other members present: Mark Tiby, Urbandale; Jeff Tank, Muscatine; Eric Hjelle, Underwood; Doug Sheriff, Rockwell-Swaledale; Kim Vaughn, Fort Dodge; and Robert Smith, Waterloo. Attending from the State Office: Mike Dick, Lisa Brinkmeyer, Jason Eslinger, and Hannah Packard (intern).

New member Kim Vaughn was introduced and a short explanation of Advisory Committee’s purpose was given.

Motion by Tiby, Smith second to approve May 4, 2005 Basketball Advisory Committee minutes as filed. Motion carried unanimously.

Under review of the regular season, Sweeney asked about schools warming up prior to the scheduled warm-up time. Hjelle suggested if there are two gyms, as long as it’s available to both schools, teams be allowed to warm-up prior to their warm-up. This is not an issue with several Committee members as gyms are utilized prior to the varsity girls’ game. Management stated regular season warm-up is determined by the host school/conference.

Smith questioned if there was past history of difficulties between schools, should athletic directors inform officials of such prior to the game. Management stated at times it would be helpful for officials to be aware, however, Sweeney wondered if officials would subconsciously form a mindset which might further complicate matters.

Tiby stated some coaches question the reasoning behind the head coaches being required to attend the pre-game conference. Some feel the conference isn’t beneficial as the same sportsmanship details are discussed from game to game. Tiby suggested instead of a conference regarding sportsmanship, the ten starters shake hands prior to the jump ball. Management indicated a decrease in ejections and technical fouls since sportsmanship has been addressed and head coaches required to attend the pre-game conference. Smith feels a conference is important as it reinforces the number one priority – sportsmanship. Smith also feels some officials might not be doing an adequate job presenting sportsmanship during their meeting. Tank agrees that sportsmanship has improved in his area and feels the delivery from the official is very important.

Vaughn questioned about a coach failing to appear for the pre-game conference. Management explained that the current protocol would be to go ahead and conduct the pre-game meeting and then notify the State Office who would then contact the athletic director to correct the situation. Sanction would occur if the offense were repeated. The importance of attending the pre-game conference will be stressed at rules meetings and in memorandums. Smith questioned if a penalty should be assessed for failure to appear, what should the ramifications be? Motion by Smith to clarify the protocol and consequences should a coach not attend the pre-game conference. Second by Vaughn, unanimously approved.

Sheriff inquired for clarification of the jump ball ruling and positioning of non-jumpers during the toss. This will be an agenda item at the rules meetings.

The use of a “cross-over step” was discussed and will be covered at the rules meetings.

The shot clock was briefly discussed. Management stated there is little or no support for this action. Management also stated cost could be a factor to schools.

Under tournament discussion, Tank questioned the reasoning behind Class 3A and Class 4A playing Thursday, Saturday, Friday/Saturday. Some feel it is difficult to play two games so close together. Dick stated dates are limited because of the boys’ playing dates and because of the lack of officials, especially with the utilization of 3-man crews starting next season.

Vaughn questioned the reasoning behind playing some tournaments at locations which have 94’ courts. Management indicated they are utilizing the best facilities available.

Tank feels during post-season play, it would be beneficial to assign officials from the area who have officiated the same classes. Dick stated attempts to do this but doesn’t always know what size schools all officials work during the regular season.

Committee questioned the timeliness of establishing pairings. Some would like to see the pairings established at a later date. Management stated a lot of time is needed after pairings are established to assign officials, mail contracts and secure officials. Sweeney complimented Management in this area and feels the way in which pairings are established is satisfactory.

Concerns regarding the state tournament were discussed. Management was very satisfied with the new tournament venue. A few problems were discussed including passgate situations with schools allowing students younger than high school age in their traveling party, even though state information given to participating schools clearly stated no one under high school age would be allowed on the lower level. Hjelle stated he has difficulty securing high school students to serve as managers and gets junior high kids who are willing to be managers. Vaughn stated it would be difficult not to allow younger managers to travel with the party when they had worked for them all year. Therefore, motion by Hjelle to allow students younger than high school age be a part of the traveling party during post-season play. Second by Smith and unanimously carried.

The lack of a coaches room at Wells Fargo Arena was discussed. Management explained there was no area available this year, but it appeared there might possibly be for next year. The Basketball Coaches Association could be a likely sponsor.

Dispersing of state tickets was discussed. Presently all first round tickets are mailed to the schools prior to the state tournament. Some feel it would be easier to have the second round also sent to the schools as it would be easier for community/student body sales. Management will investigate.

Coaches attire at the state level was discussed. It is agreed this is of local control, but coaches should realize they are a representative of their school. A reminder could be stated in the state tournament information letter.

Crowd control was briefly discussed. Management stated administrators were allowed on the lower level to patrol their crowd, but found it was more beneficial to use the first row of seats.

The National Federation rule changes were recently received by the State Office. Changes were briefly discussed.

A listing of coaches/players who were ejected during the 2005-06 season was presented.

Reminder was given 3-person officiating crews will be utilized during post-season play in the 2006-07 season. It is the local school’s prerogative to use 3-person crews during the regular season. Officials must attend a 3-person clinic prior to working post-season play.

Correspondence was received and reviewed from the following:

Ottumwa – Requiring straps for glasses – discussed with no action taken.

Maharishi – Feel some teams’ uniforms are too short. This is a local issue and concerns should be directed to the offending school.

Parent call – State Tournament non-starters introductions – discussed with no action taken.

DeJong, Ankeny –Playing out of state during the winter holiday -- DeJong feels schools should be allowed to do this. Sweeney feels it is important for administrators, coaches and kids to have time off. No action taken.

Tiby – Concern regarding officials’ recommendations for state tournament play. Currently, up to six officials can be recommended by each varsity coach who they feel are qualified to officiate post-season games. With 3-person crews, Tiby questioned if the number should be expanded.

Tiby questioned splitting up crews to work regional games. Dick explained that crews will be kept together when feasible but may be split, especially later in the Regional rounds. Smith feels most officials do not have a problem with changing partners. Smith stressed the importance of officials working every level of play, from 1A through 4A.

Vaughn questioned when some coaches do not update their stats on Stats N Go, or coaches who take their stats off prior to post-season play. Coaches feel this is unfair to those who update theirs regularly, as this is sometimes their best way to scout teams. Management’s position is it is not a requirement for schools to enter individual stats, with the exception of scores and records. Eslinger stated when selecting all-district and all-state teams, coaches can hurt their own players by not inputting their stats as this is where state leaders are gathered from when compiling the state leaders. It is important for Advisory members to reiterate to coaches that using Stats N Go is important to their players and coaches are doing a disservice to their own athletes by not utilizing it.

Next meeting will be held Wednesday, May 2, 2007. There being no further business, motion to adjourn by Sheriff, Tank second and unanimously carried.

Heidi Reed

Recorder