September 26, 2002
Meeting was called to order by Chairman Greg Guinn. Members present: Robin Madole, Paul Lynch, Steve Smith, Monte Tilgner and Linda Bloom. Attending from the State Office: Troy Dannen and Bob Smiley.
Motion by Smith to approve minutes of September 13, 2001 meeting, second by Madole and unanimously approved by all members present.
Members were introduced and a review of advisory committee purpose and procedures was given.
Under review of the past season, members stated they have heard many positive comments regarding changes enacted by the Board of Directors, including increasing the number of medalists advancing from each level. A brief review of the 2002 rule changes was held.
Committee wishes to recognize Steve Smith and Dick Lane for their work in hosting the 2002 State Golf Meet. All agreed the meet was well organized. Committee is appreciative of the work Smith does in organizing the State Meet, including securing scorekeepers. Committee reminded Smith members are willing to offer additional help in acquiring scorekeepers.
Committee discussed at length medalist qualification procedure. There has been significant confusion in determining medalist qualifiers with the increase in number combined with home course advancement exceptions. It was noted there are many 1A schools sharing courses, adding to the confusion.
The Committee was reminded the purpose of advancing "next-best" finishers if players advance from their home course was to insure that quality players were not being left behind at the district level due to the local knowledge of home course players. The rule was introduced when just two medalists advanced to regional play. Currently, that number has been expanded to four.
After discussing various ways to correct problems caused by this confusion, motion by Guinn, Tilgner second, to advance the top five medalist players from district to regional play, regardless of home course finishes. Motion unanimously approved. The motion will not impact regional to state qualification.
Question was raised on procedure for hosting district and regional tournaments. Management informed Committee many schools and/or courses are unable or uninterested in hosting district/regional golf. Additionally, some coaches indicated they would like to host, but their administration does not submit proper site availability and thus the school is not considered. It is recommended coaches remind athletic directors to send in their school's availability form if they wish to be considered as a host for tournament play.
Participation numbers were briefly discussed. It is noted that Iowa ranks second nationally in number of participants competing in girls' high school golf. Dannen informed Committee the USGA's publication, Golf Journal, ran a story regarding high school participation, and emphasized the state of Iowa.
The State Co-Ed Golf Tournament was discussed. Management informed Committee numbers were down. Committee feels this is because of a major golf tournament held on the same day. The conflict will not exist next year.
Correspondence was reviewed from Jim Turvold, Cresco, regarding changing the golf season from spring to fall. Turvold's concern is inclement weather at the start of the current season. The Committee indicated a move to the fall for weather reasons put the same weather concerns at the end of the season, when players are preparing for State Tournament competition. Committee feels the participation numbers would decrease in the fall because of more high school activities, including fall sports, marching band, cheerleading and drill teams. There was no support for such a change.
Motion by Tilgner to allow practice at the state meet site Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding the State Tournament in 2003 and 2004, as it does not fall on Memorial Day Weekend. Smith second motion and unanimously approved.
Guinn discussed his responsibilities as golf chairperson for the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association. All district nominations for coaches and players were very low this past year. Guinn asked Committee for ideas of how to receive a better response to these ballots. Committee suggested re-wording "all district" to "all area" as that might help alleviate any confusion with who is eligible to be nominated. Committee also suggested sending copies of the ballot to each district tournament manager to pass on to each golf coach and have ballots returned that day. Committee vowed to assist Guinn in any way.
Committee suggested Management issue guidelines to all district/regional tournament managers for golf coaches and scorekeepers. Also included will be a sample scorecard and any other specific details.
Management informed Committee of a USGA rules meeting for coaches only on Saturday, March 29 with a site to be determined. Committee is excited for this opportunity.
Under miscellaneous items, Guinn suggested restructuring the State Tournament. It is recognized restructuring could not be accommodated at the current site due to the number of players, and two different sites would have to be utilized. Committee would like management to explore expanding the tournament to multiple sites in future years, with more schools qualifying their teams.
There being no further business, motion to adjourn by Guinn, Smith second, and unanimously approved.
Heidi Reed
Recording Secretary