Policy Concerning Submission of Individual and Team Statistics by

IGHSAU Member Schools

The Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union has long compiled weekly statistics in basketball and track and field, and season cumulative statistics in volleyball and softball. Two years ago, the Athletic Union in cooperation with the Iowa High School Sports Network developed an on-line statistic reporting service (www.quikstatsiowa.com). To date, filing of statistics has been optional.

The objective of statistics reporting includes record keeping at the state level, promotion of the game and individual achievement and for the use of media covering competitions of our membership. In addition, many organizations use these statistics when determining post-season recognition such as all-conference, all-district and all-state. Further, the IGHSAU uses this information when assessing potential Hall of Fame candidates. Additionally, statistics are reviewed administratively when attempting to determine team strength during the pairing process.

Participation of our membership in the use of QuikStats in track and field is near 100 percent, as only posted performances can be used for proof of performance and seed times for the regional competition. Basketball participation is around 75 percent, while participation in softball and volleyball hovers around 50%.

We have heard significant frustrations from coaches, parents and even some media members this year concerning the schools that do not participate in the filing of on-line statistics. There has been a steady call to require statistic reporting going forward.

At its January 16 meeting, the Athletic Union Board of Directors discussed the potential of requiring statistic reporting by our membership. Of great concern to the Board of Directors is the fact many coaches do not file their statistics for the sole reason of not giving other coaches an opportunity to use this information for competitive purposes. Meanwhile, those same coaches are willing to view the statistics of its opponents as a part of their scouting routine. Given the objectives of statistic reporting noted above, as the time has now come that coaches choose to restrict this information for the purpose of a supposed “competitive advantage,” the time may be upon us to mandate consistent and universal use of statistic reporting.

The Basketball Coaches Advisory Committee will be asked to discuss this at the end of the season, and the Iowa Girls’ Coaches Association will be asked for input from its various committees. Later this spring, the Board will assess statistic reporting further.

In all likelihood, should these statistic reports become mandated the head coach of any school failing to file its statistics would be suspended from coaching during the IGHSAU tournament series.

The Board of Directors and our staff would certainly welcome and encourage your thoughts on this subject. You can direct any thoughts or opinions to me either by phone (515-288-9741) or by email (troy@ighsau.org) or to Assistant Director Jason Eslinger (jasoneslinger@ighsau.org), who oversees statistic reporting.

Troy Dannen

Executive Director