IHSA Announcements

October 25, 2002

Text of Amendment Proposals Announced

                        

Proposal No. 1

                        2002-03

Amend Article 1.310 of the Constitution

Submitted by Emmett Aubry, Principal, Geneseo (Darnall), on behalf of the Public/Private Action Team

Article 1.310 currently reads:

1.310     ADMINISTRATION

The administrative authority of this Association shall be vested in a Board of Directors of nine (9) members elected, each for a term of three years, as hereinafter provided.

The office of the Association shall be the office of the Board of Directors.

Revise Article 1.310 to read:

1.310                   ADMINISTRATION

1.310            ADMINISTRATION

The administrative authority of this Association shall be vested in a Board of Directors of ten (10) members elected, each for a term of three years, as hereinafter provided.

The office of the Association shall be the office of the Board of Directors.

Rationale of Submitter

Approximately 25% of the Association's membership is comprised of private/non-public schools.  There has never been a private school principal elected to the IHSA Board of Directors.  While the Association has appointed a private/non-public liaison to the Board, the Action Team feels that private/non-public schools should be represented on the Board of Directors.

 

                        Proposal No. 2

                        2002-03

Amend Article 1.320 of the Constitution

Submitted by Emmett Aubry, Principal, Geneseo (Darnall), on behalf of the Public/Private Action Team

Article 1.320 currently reads:

1.320            ELECTION DIVISIONS

For the purpose of electing the members of the Board of Directors and providing equal representation for all parts of the state, the state shall be divided into seven (7) Divisions.  Each of these Divisions shall be formed by combining three of the twenty-one (21) Districts of the state established for the purpose of electing the members of the Legislative Commission, these Districts being defined in Section 1.330 of this Constitution.  In addition, two (2) members shall be elected from the membership at-large.  One at-large member must be a racial minority and one must be a member of the under represented gender.  Both must be principals of member schools.  At-large members elected to the Board of Directors may not be from the same Board Division.

Revise Article 1.320 to read:

1.320            ELECTION DIVISIONS

For the purpose of electing the members of the Board of Directors and providing equal representation for all parts of the state, the state shall be divided into seven (7) Divisions.  Each of these Divisions shall be formed by combining three of the twenty-one (21) Districts of the state established for the purpose of electing the members of the Legislative Commission, these Districts being defined in Section 1.330 of this Constitution.  In addition, three (3) members shall be elected from the membership at-large.  One at-large member must be a racial minority, one must be a member of the under represented gender and one must be a member of a private/non-public school.  All must be principals of member schools.  At-large members elected to the Board of Directors may not be from the same Board Division.

Rationale of Submitter

Approximately 25% of the Association's membership is comprised of private/non-public schools.  There has never been a private school principal elected to the IHSA Board of Directors.  While the Association has appointed a private/non-public liaison to the Board, the Action Team feels that private/non-public schools should be represented on the Board of Directors.

 

                        Proposal No. 3

                        2002-03

Amend Articles 1.340, 1.350, 1.723, 1.724 and 1.730

Submitted by Pat Sullivan, Principal, Roxana, on behalf of the IHSA Board of Directors

Article 1.340 currently reads:

1.340     NOMINATIONS

No later than September 1 each year, the Board of Directors shall cause to be mailed to the principal of each member school in each division in which a member of the Board of Directors is to be elected, and to the membership in the event one or more at-large members of the Board of Directors is to be elected, a letter identifying the positions for which elections are to be held along with a primary ballot requesting nominations for the appropriate Board member positions.

Principals may nominate one principal from a member school in their Division as a candidate and/or one principal from any member school in the state as a candidate for an at-large position.  These nominations must be in the office of the Association by September 15.  The Board of Directors shall appoint a committee of tellers who shall count the votes.  The two principals from each Division, or from the state at-large, as pertinent to the positions for which nominations are sought, receiving the highest number of nominating votes shall be declared the nominees and they shall be notified immediately of their nomination by mail.  In case of a tie vote in any Division, the tellers shall determine the winner by lot.

Article 1.340 currently reads:

1.340     ELECTION

Not later than September 20, the Board of Directors shall cause to be mailed to the principal of each member school in each Division or in the membership at-large in which an election is to be held, a ballot on which are the names of the two nominees.  Principals shall mark their ballots in the regular manner, voting for only one of the nominees.  Each ballot shall be returned to the office of the Association by October 1 in a special envelope provided for that purpose.  The Board of Directors shall appoint a committee of tellers who shall meet not later than October 4, receive the envelopes unopened and count the ballots.  They shall then certify to the Board of Directors the results of the balloting.  Within thirty days after the election, the Board shall meet, canvass the vote and declare the candidate(s) in each Division receiving the higher number of votes for each position to have been elected.  In case of a tie vote in any Division, the tellers shall determine the winner by lot.

Article 1.723 currently reads:

1.723                   NOMINATIONS

Not later than September 1 each year, the Board of Directors shall cause to be mailed to the principal of each member school in each District/Division and athletic administrator of each member school in each Division in which a member of the Legislative Commission is to be elected, a letter giving the boundaries of the District/Division and a primary ballot requesting a nomination for a member of the Legislative Commission.

Principals may nominate one principal, not a member of the Board of Directors, from a member school in their District as a candidate.  Athletic administrators may nominate one athletic administrator from a member school in their District as a candidate.  In addition, principals may nominate one at-large Commission member from their Division.  These nominations must be in the office of the Association by September 15.  The Board of Directors shall appoint a committee of tellers who shall count the votes.  The two principals from each District and the two athletic administrators from each Division receiving the highest number of nominating votes shall be declared the nominees and they shall be notified immediately of their nomination by mail.  In case of a tie vote in any District/Division, the tellers shall determine the winner of the tie by lot.

An athletic administrator or activities director may not be considered for nomination if the principal at his/her school is a current member of the legislative commission and whose term has not expired.  A principal may not be considered for nomination if the athletic administrator or activities director at his/her school is already a member of the legislative commission and whose term has not expired.

If a principal, athletic administrator or activities director from the same school are both nominated for the legislative commission, and the tellers determine they qualify as official nominees, the official representative of the principal's, athletic administrator's or activities director's school shall be contacted in order for the school to indicate which nomination will go forward on the ballot.  The nominee not going forward will be replaced by the respective nominee with the next highest number of votes.

Article 1.724 currently reads:

1.724                   ELECTION

Not later than September 20, the Board of Directors shall cause to be mailed to the principal of each member school in each District/Division and athletic administrator in each Division in which an election is to be held a ballot on which are the names of the two nominees.  Principals and athletic administrators shall mark their ballots in regular manner, each principal voting for only one of the respective nominees.  Each ballot shall be returned to the office of the Association by October 1 in a special envelope provided for that purpose.  The Board of Directors shall appoint a committee of tellers who shall meet not later than October 4, receive the envelopes unopened and count the ballots.  They shall then certify to the Legislative Commission the results of the balloting.  At the next regular meeting of the Legislative Commission following the election, the Commission shall canvass the vote and declare the candidate(s) in each District/Division receiving the highest number of votes for each position to have been elected.  In case of a tie in any District, the tellers shall determine the winner by lot.

Revise Article 1.340 to read:

1.340     NOMINATIONS

No later than September 1 each year, the Board of Directors shall cause to be electronically mailed to the principal of each member school in each division in which a member of the Board of Directors is to be elected, and to the membership in the event one or more at-large members of the Board of Directors is to be elected, a letter identifying the positions for which elections are to be held along with a primary ballot requesting nominations for the appropriate Board member positions.

Principals may nominate one principal from a member school in their Division as a candidate and/or one principal from any member school in the state as a candidate for an at-large position.  These nominations must be completed online by September 15.  The Board of Directors shall appoint a teller to verify the vote count.  The two principals from each Division, or from the state at-large, as pertinent to the positions for which nominations are sought, receiving the highest number of nominating votes shall be declared the nominees and they shall be notified immediately of their nomination by mail.  In case of a tie vote in any Division, the teller shall determine the winner by lot.

Revise Article 1.350 to read:

1.350     ELECTION

Not later than September 20, the Board of Directors shall cause to be electronically mailed to the principal of each member school in each Division or in the membership at-large in which an election is to be held, a ballot on which are the names of the two nominees.  Principals shall mark their electronic ballots in the regular manner, voting for only one of the nominees.  Each electronic ballot shall be submitted electronically to the Association by October 1.  The Board of Directors shall appoint a teller who shall meet not later than October 4, to verify the vote count.  The teller shall then certify to the Board of Directors the results of the balloting.  Within thirty days after the election, the Board shall meet, canvass the vote and declare the candidate(s) in each Division receiving the higher number of votes for each position to have been elected.  In case of a tie vote in any Division, the tellers shall determine the winner by lot.

Revise Article 1.723 to read:

1.723                   NOMINATIONS

Not later than September 1 each year, the Board of Directors shall cause to be electronically mailed to the principal of each member school in each District/Division and athletic administrator of each member school in each Division in which a member of the Legislative Commission is to be elected, a letter giving the boundaries of the District/Division and a primary ballot requesting a nomination for a member of the Legislative Commission.

Principals may nominate one principal, not a member of the Board of Directors, from a member school in their District as a candidate electronically.  Athletic administrators may nominate one athletic administrator from a member school in their District as a candidate electronically.  In addition, principals may nominate one at-large Commission member from their Division electronically.  These nominations must be submitted electronically to the Association by September 15.  The Board of Directors shall appoint a of teller to verify the vote count.  The two principals from each District and the two athletic administrators from each Division receiving the highest number of nominating votes shall be declared the nominees and they shall be notified immediately of their nomination by mail.  In case of a tie vote in any District/Division, the teller shall determine the winner of the tie by lot.

An athletic administrator or activities director may not be considered for nomination if the principal at his/her school is a current member of the legislative commission and whose term has not expired.  A principal may not be considered for nomination if the athletic administrator or activities director at his/her school is already a member of the legislative commission and whose term has not expired.

If a principal, athletic administrator or activities director from the same school are both nominated for the legislative commission, and the tellers determine they qualify as official nominees, the official representative of the principal's, athletic administrator's or activities director's school shall be contacted in order for the school to indicate which nomination will go forward on the electronic ballot.  The nominee not going forward will be replaced by the respective nominee with the next highest number of votes.

Revise Article 1.724 to read:

1.724                   ELECTION

Not later than September 20, the Board of Directors shall cause to be electronically mailed to the principal of each member school in each District/Division and athletic administrator in each Division in which an election is to be held a electronic ballot on which are the names of the two nominees.  Principals and athletic administrators shall mark their ballots in regular manner, each principal voting for only one of the respective nominees.  Each ballot shall be electronically submitted to the office of the Association by October 1.  The Board of Directors shall appoint a teller who shall meet not later than October 4, to verify the vote count.  The teller shall then certify to the Legislative Commission the results of the balloting.  At the next regular meeting of the Legislative Commission following the election, the Commission shall canvass the vote and declare the candidate(s) in each District/Division receiving the highest number of votes for each position to have been elected.  In case of a tie in any District, the tellers shall determine the winner by lot.

Rationale of Submitter

These proposals would allow the nominations and voting to be conducted via electronic forms.  There would be fewer spoiled ballots from ballots being returned in the wrong envelopes, nominations for people from the wrong district, etc.  The electronic balloting process would be easily accessible to the appropriate people who are authorized to vote using their passwords and would be set up so only one vote for each school would be allowed for the appropriate nominations and elections.  Schools would be sent a reminder notice regarding the deadline dates and how to nominate or vote in the elections.



                        Proposal No. 4

                        2002-03

Add By-law 2.031

Submitted by Rev. Steve Bartczyszyn, CR, Principal, River Grove (Holy Cross)

Add By-law 2.031 to read:

2.031      Cooperative Team Sponsorship (Competitive Cheerleading)

The Board of Directors shall have the authority to approve the formation of cooperative athletic teams or activity programs by two or more non-public high schools under the following conditions:

(a)           The schools are located in the same geographical area;

(b)                 All schools participating in the cooperative have students of only one sex and may be allowed to enter into agreements with more than one cooperative school;

(c)                 The cooperative team is for Competitive Cheerleading;

(d)                 The combined enrollments of all schools involved in the cooperative team, calculated according to the IHSA Classification System, is utilized to determine the classification for the cooperative team;

(e)                 The cooperative sponsorship agreement is established for a period of two consecutive school years;

(f)                  The governing boards of all schools participating in the cooperative team agreement jointly make the application to the IHSA Board of Directors for approval of the cooperative team agreement;

(g)           The joint application includes:

                (1) A statement signed by the principals of all cooperative schools designating the name under which the cooperative team will compete;

                (2) A report of the number of students from each of the cooperative schools expected to participate on the cooperative team;

                (3) A report of the number of students, if any, from each of the cooperating schools who have been participating in the sport involved, in programs offered on a non-cooperative basis by their own schools;

                (4) A statement expressing the reasons for the formation of a cooperative team;

                (5) Written assurance that the cooperative team will not limit participation opportunities for students in any of the cooperating schools.

When a cooperative team completes two years of approved operation and the boards of education involved wish to renew the agreement for another two-year period, the IHSA shall be notified no later than the deadline for approval of cooperative teams for the season in which the team intends to participate.  The cooperative team shall then be allowed to participate without any other documentation, provided the cooperative team continues in its original format for an additional two-year period.  In the event there are any alterations to the original cooperative agreement, complete reapplication, accompanied by all documentation required in items (a)-(f) of this section, shall be required.

Rationale of Submitter

All-boys private schools have traditionally drawn their cheerleaders from one or more associated all-girls schools.  This by-law allows these schools to continue their relationship in the interscholastic sport of competitive cheerleading.

 

                        Proposal No. 5

                        2002-03

Add New By-law 2.130 and Renumber Subsequent By-laws

Submitted by Emmett Aubry, Principal, Geneseo (Darnall), on behalf of the Public/Private Action Team

Add By-law 2.130 to read:

2.130            PRINCIPALS' ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS

Each member school principal or his/her designee shall be in attendance at an annual principals rules meeting/town meeting.  Failure to comply with this requirement may be penalized by the Board of Directors.

Rationale of Submitter

IHSA By-law 2.020 specifies that member school principals shall be responsible to the Association for matters pertaining to interscholastic competition.   Topics include new rules, interpretations of existing rules and possible upcoming changes.  The principal is the person who is directly responsible to the Association and should be knowledgeable regarding IHSA by-laws and policies.

 

                        Proposal No. 6

                        2002-03

Amend By-law 2.140

Submitted by John Martin, Official Representative, Lincolnshire (Stevenson)

By-law 2.140 currently reads:

2.140     PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

A school shall have on file for each student who participates (including practice) in interscholastic athletics a certificate of physical fitness issued by a licensed physician as set forth in the Illinois School Code not more than 365 days preceding any date of participation in any such practice, contest or activity.

Revise By-law 2.140 to read:

2.140                   PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

A school shall have on file for each student who participates (including practice) in interscholastic athletics a certificate of physical fitness issued by a licensed physician, physician's assistant or nurse practitioner as set forth in the Illinois State Statutes not more than 365 days preceding any date of participation in any such practice, contest or activity.

Rationale of Submitter

On July 19, 2002, Governor George Ryan signed into law Public Act 92-0703, granting signature authority to physician's assistants and nurse practitioners for school physicals (“Physicians licensed to practice medicine in all of its branches, advanced practice nurses who have a written collaborative agreement with a collaborating physician which authorizes them to perform health examinations, or physician assistants who have been delegated the performance of health examinations by their supervising physician shall be responsible for the performance of the health examinations…”).  As a result, when schools sought verification of physical examinations based on By-law 2.140 and its accompanying Illustration #72, they were met with resistance and refusal.  This By-law revisions will allow schools to utilize all valid school physical examinations under this new law.

This By-law would become effective thirty days after passage.

 

                        Proposal No. 7

                        2002-03

Add By-law 2.150

Submitted by David Marshall, Principal, Meredosia (M.-Chambersburg)

Add By-law 2.150 to read:

2.150                   Administrative Pass Cards

Pass cards will be issued each year to all IHSA member schools who have paid their annual dues, if assessed, and are listed in good standing.  One pass card will be issued to the current Principal and one pass card will be issued to the current Athletic Director or Activities Director.

Additional cards can be requested by schools according to their needs.  The IHSA and the school requesting the additional cards will together determine the appropriate number of extra cards to be allocated.  That allocation will be based on the number of administrative positions within the said school.

These pass cards will not cover in-season tournaments or post-season events.  These cards only cover scheduled regular season contests.

Rationale of Submitter

This would allow principals and athletic directors/activity directors to attend high school events at other venues without a fee.

 

                        Proposal No. 8

                        2002-03

Amend By-laws 3.011 and 4.011

Submitted by Joseph Bantz, Official Representative, Galena (Tri-State)

By-law 3.011 currently reads:

3.011          

A student must attend a member school and may only represent in interscholastic competition the member school the student attends.  For purposes of this by-law, the term “attend” shall mean that the student is enrolled at the member school, and is taking at, or under arrangements approved by the member school, a minimum of twenty (20) credit hours of work for which credit toward high school graduation will be granted by the member school upon the student's completing and passing the courses.  The school which enrolls the student shall be exclusively responsible to verify the student's compliance with all of the eligibility requirements of all IHSA by-laws.

The Board of Directors shall have the discretion to waive the requirement of this by-law for the Illinois schools for the deaf or blind.  In unit systems having a 6-3-3 or 6-4-2 type of organization, ninth grade students may participate on senior high school athletic teams at the member high school in the district designated by the Board of Education, provided:

(a)       such participation is approved by the district's superintendent of schools;

(b)       the senior high school principal shall certify that the ninth grade students:

(1)            are eligible under the requirements of these By-laws,

            (2)            are students at a junior high school located in the district which supports the senior high school, and

            (3)            are not members of a grade or junior high school team in the same sport; and,

(c)        the senior high school principal assumes full responsibility for the conduct of these students during all athletic contests in which they represent the senior high school.

By-law 4.011 currently reads:

4.011          

A student must attend a member school and may only represent in interscholastic competition the member school the student attends.  For purposes of this by-law, the term “attend” shall mean that the student is enrolled at the member school, and is taking at, or under arrangements approved by the member school, a minimum of twenty (20) credit hours of work for which credit toward high school graduation will be granted by the member school upon the student's completing and passing the courses.  The school which enrolls the student shall be exclusively responsible to verify the student's compliance with all of the eligibility requirements of all IHSA by-laws.

The Board of Directors shall have the discretion to waive the requirement of this by-law for the Illinois schools for the deaf or blind.  In unit systems having a 6-3-3 or 6-4-2 type of organization, ninth grade students may participate on senior high school athletic teams at the member high school in the district designated by the Board of Education, provided:

(a)       such participation is approved by the district's superintendent of schools;

(b)       the senior high school principal shall certify that the ninth grade students:

(1)            are eligible under the requirements of these By-laws,

            (2)            are students at a junior high school located in the district which supports the senior high school, and

            (3)            are not members of a grade or junior high school team in the same sport; and,

(c)        the senior high school principal assumes full responsibility for the conduct of these students during all athletic contests in which they represent the senior high school.

Revise By-law 3.011 to read:

3.011          

A student must attend a member school and may only represent in interscholastic competition the member school the student attends.  If a student attends a private high school which does not offer a particular interscholastic activity that is offered by the public high school in the school district in which the student resides, then the private school student shall be permitted to represent the public high school in his or her home district in that activity provided:

a)                   The private school student meets the residency requirements of 3.031, and

b)                  The private school is an approved, associate or full member of the IHSA, and

c)                   The private school student meets all eligibility requirements of both the IHSA and the public school, and

d)                  Both schools involved are in compliance with By-law 3.070 concerning recruitment of student athletes, and

e)                   The public school is willing to permit private school students to participate on the same basis as any public school student.

For purposes of this by-law, the term “attend” shall mean that the student is enrolled at the member school, and is taking at, or under arrangements approved by the member school, a minimum of twenty (20) credit hours of work for which credit toward high school graduation will be granted by the member school upon the student's completing and passing the courses.  The school which enrolls the student shall be exclusively responsible to verify the student's compliance with all of the eligibility requirements of all IHSA by-laws.

The Board of Directors shall have the discretion to waive the requirement of this by-law for the Illinois schools for the deaf or blind.  In unit systems having a 6-3-3 or 6-4-2 type of organization, ninth grade students may participate on senior high school athletic teams at the member high school in the district designated by the Board of Education, provided:

(a)       such participation is approved by the district's superintendent of schools;

(b)       the senior high school principal shall certify that the ninth grade students:

(1)            are eligible under the requirements of these By-laws,

            (2)            are students at a junior high school located in the district which supports the senior high school, and

            (3)            are not members of a grade or junior high school team in the same sport; and,

(c)        the senior high school principal assumes full responsibility for the conduct of these students during all athletic contests in which they represent the senior high school.

Revise By-law 4.011 to read:

4.011          

A student must attend a member school and may only represent in interscholastic competition the member school the student attends.  If a student attends a private high school which does not offer a particular interscholastic activity that is offered by the public high school in the school district in which the student resides, then the private school student shall be permitted to represent the public high school in his or her home district in that activity provided:

a)                   The private school student meets the residency requirements of 3.031, and

b)                  The private school is an approved, associate or full member of the IHSA, and

c)                   The private school student meets all eligibility requirements of both the IHSA and the public school, and

d)                  Both schools involved are in compliance with By-law 3.070 concerning recruitment of student athletes, and

e)                   The public school is willing to permit private school students to participate on the same basis as any public school student.

For purposes of this by-law, the term “attend” shall mean that the student is enrolled at the member school, and is taking at, or under arrangements approved by the member school, a minimum of twenty (20) credit hours of work for which credit toward high school graduation will be granted by the member school upon the student's completing and passing the courses.  The school which enrolls the student shall be exclusively responsible to verify the student's compliance with all of the eligibility requirements of all IHSA by-laws.

The Board of Directors shall have the discretion to waive the requirement of this by-law for the Illinois schools for the deaf or blind.  In unit systems having a 6-3-3 or 6-4-2 type of organization, ninth grade students may participate on senior high school athletic teams at the member high school in the district designated by the Board of Education, provided:

(a)       such participation is approved by the district's superintendent of schools;

(b)       the senior high school principal shall certify that the ninth grade students:

(1)            are eligible under the requirements of these By-laws,

            (2)            are students at a junior high school located in the district which supports the senior high school, and

            (3)            are not members of a grade or junior high school team in the same sport; and,

(c)        the senior high school principal assumes full responsibility for the conduct of these students during all athletic contests in which they represent the senior high school.

Rationale of Submitter

This amendment permits private school students to participate in co-curricular activities in their home public school district but only when a particular activity is not offered by the private school.  For example, consider Jane Smith, a resident of Anytown, Illinois, and a student at County Private School.  If Jane was a talented drummer and County Private School did not offer Marching Band, then Jane could march with Anytown High School Marching Band.  Similarly, she could run on the Anytown High School track team in the spring, if County Private School did not offer Track and Field as an interscholastic activity.

Ultimately, this amendment provides equal opportunity for all students to participate in co-curricular activities that are of interest to each individual student.  This opportunity ONLY exists, however, within the Illinois Public School District in which the student resides, thereby eliminating the possibility of any school gaining undue advantage by this amendment.

This amendment does not force any public or private school to change current policy.  It only provides the option for cooperation when the mutual desire exists.

 

                        Proposal No. 9

                        2002-03

Amend By-law 3.011

Submitted by Jill Dillard, Principal, Jacksonville (Illinois School for the Visually Impaired)

By-law 3.011 currently reads:

3.011         

A student must attend a member school and may only represent in interscholastic competition the member school the student attends.  For purposes of this by-law, the term “attend” shall mean that the student is enrolled at the member school, and is taking at, or under arrangements approved by the member school, a minimum of twenty (20) credit hours of work for which credit toward high school graduation will be granted by the member school upon the student's completing and passing the courses.  The school which enrolls the student shall be exclusively responsible to verify the student's compliance with all of the eligibility requirements of all IHSA by-laws.

The Board of Directors shall have the discretion to waive the requirement of this by-law for the Illinois schools for the deaf or blind.  In unit systems having a 6-3-3 or 6-4-2 type of organization, ninth grade students may participate on senior high school athletic teams at the member high school in the district designated by the Board of Education, provided:

 (a)       such participation is approved by the district's superintendent of schools;

 (b)       the senior high school principal shall certify that the ninth grade students:

(1)            are eligible under the requirements of these By-laws,

            (2)            are students at a junior high school located in the district which supports the senior high school, and

            (3)            are not members of a grade or junior high school team in the same sport; and,

(c)        the senior high school principal assumes full responsibility for the conduct of these students during all athletic contests in which they represent the senior high school.

Revise By-law 3.011 to read:

3.011         

A student must attend a member school and may only represent in interscholastic competition the member school the student attends.  For purposes of this by-law, the term “attend” shall mean that the student is enrolled at the member school, and is taking at, or under arrangements approved by the member school, a minimum of twenty (20) credit hours of work for which credit toward high school graduation will be granted by the member school upon the student's completing and passing the courses.  The school which enrolls the student shall be exclusively responsible to verify the student's compliance with all of the eligibility requirements of all IHSA by-laws.

The Board of Directors shall have the discretion to waive the requirement of this by-law for the Illinois schools for the deaf or blind.  In unit systems having a 6-3-3 or 6-4-2 type of organization, ninth grade students may participate on senior high school athletic teams at the member high school in the district designated by the Board of Education, provided:

 (a)       such participation is approved by the district's superintendent of schools;

 (b)       the senior high school principal shall certify that the ninth grade students:

(1)            are eligible under the requirements of these By-laws,

            (2)            are students at a junior high school located in the district which supports the senior high school, and

            (3)            are not members of a grade or junior high school team in the same sport; and,

(c)        the senior high school principal assumes full responsibility for the conduct of these students during all athletic contests in which they represent the senior high school.

The IHSA Executive Director, under the guidance of the Board of Directors, may grant permission for athletes from the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) and the Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) to participate in practice sessions with teams from their home public school districts when the ISVI and/or ISD are on extended home breaks from school.

Rationale of Submitter

The ISD and ISVI are residential schools that send their students home for periodic breaks.  These breaks occur throughout the various sports seasons.  It would be self-defeating and cost prohibitive to keep the students on campus on home breaks to practice.  A typical school year would include the following type of breaks:  about 5 days around Thanksgiving, 10-15 days around Christmas and 10 days for Spring break.

This proposal could help eliminate potential litigation if practices in both the home school district and the ISD or ISVI were written into the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

This proposal is not intended as a mandate for athletes to practice with their home school district.  The practices in question would have to be arranged by the coaches of the schools involved and with the permission of the administrators of the schools involved.

This proposal also furthers the interaction of sighted and hearing peers with individuals who have visual and/or hearing impairments.

 

                        Proposal No. 10

                        2002-03

Amend By-law 3.032.3

Submitted by Emmett Aubry, Principal, Geneseo (Darnall), on behalf of the Public/Private Action Team

By-law 3.032.3 currently reads:

3.032.3

They reside full time with their parents, custodial parent or guardian appointed by a judge of a court having proper jurisdiction, and attend the private member school attended by one or both of their parents or the current spouse of one of their parents; or

Revise By-law 3.032.3 to read:

3.032.3      

They reside full time with their parents or custodial parent or guardian appointed by a judge of a court having proper jurisdiction, and attend the private member school attended by one or both of their parents; or

Rationale of Submitter

The committee feels that the legacy provision should be limited to the biological parents of the student. 

 

                        Proposal No. 11

                        2002-03

Add New By-law 3.043.6

Submitted by Emmett Aubry, Principal, Geneseo (Darnall), on behalf of the Public/Private Action Team

Add New By-law 3.043.6 to read:

3.043.6  

The student changes attendance from a public school to a private school which is located within a 30 mile radius of his or her residence; the student resides full time with his or her parents, custodial parent, surviving parent, or guardian; the student is changing high school attendance for the first time; and the principals of both the high schools involved accept the transfer, concurring that there is no evidence of a) any violation or avoidance of, or noncompliance with, any by-law, or b) any recruiting in connection with the transfer.

Rationale of Submitter

There are numerous situations where students may transfer from a public high school to a private high school that are not related to interscholastic competition.  In the event a principal believes there are either recruiting issues or that the transfer is related to interscholastic participation, either principal may withhold concurrence as outlined in IHSA By-law 3.041.

 

                        Proposal No. 12

                        2002-03

Add By-law 3.108

Submitted by Jill Dillard, Principal, Jacksonville (Illinois School for the Visually Impaired)

Add By-law 3.108 to read:

3.108         

The Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI), may with the permission of the IHSA Executive Director, under the guidance of the Board of Directors, conduct cooperative practices with another team in the immediately geographic area of Jacksonville, Illinois.

Rationale of Submitter

Due to the extremely small enrollment of the ISVI (around 40) and the need to have appropriate sized partners in a sport such as wrestling, it is quite often impossible to conduct a proper practice.  The ISVI feels strongly about maintaining their identity which we feel would be lost if the ISVI formed a coop team.  All the teams in the 2001 PORTA Regional and numerous coaches at the state tournament were polled concerning this issue and the results were all the same; no objections to the ISVI having coop practices.  Additionally, the interaction among sighted peers would be an educational benefit to all individuals/teams involved.

 

                        Proposal No. 13

                        2002-03

Amend By-law 3.155 to read

Submitted by John Gregg, Principal, Streator (Twp.)

By-law 3.155 currently reads:

3.155

Schools may conduct coaching schools, camps or clinics during the summer, provided:

a)         The event is conducted between the close of school in the spring and Saturday of Week 4 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar;

b)         The event is open to any high school student and is not restricted to students who have been or expect to be high school athletes; and,

c)         The event provides common instruction and activities for all participants.

Revise By-law 3.155 to read:

3.155         

Schools may conduct coaching schools, camps or clinics during the summer, provided:

a)         The event is conducted between the close of school in the spring and Saturday of Week 4 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar;

b)         The event is open to any high school student or incoming freshman residing within the district boundaries of that school and is not restricted to students who have been or expect to be high school athletes; or, in the event of a private school, the student has met the local requirements for registration at the school and paid the applicable school fees and/or deposits; and,

c)         The event provides common instruction and activities for all participants.

Rationale of Submitter

Summer camps should be restricted to students who live within the school district boundaries or, in the case of a private school student, that the student has met the requirements for registration at the school.

 

                        Proposal No. 14

                        2002-03

Amend By-laws 5.021 and 5.241

Submitted by Dr. Jerry Crabtree, Principal, Normal (Community West)

By-law 5.021 currently reads:

5.021      Season Limitations

a.             No school belonging to this Association shall organize its Boys Spring Baseball teams, practice or participate in interscholastic contests earlier than Monday of Week 35 or later than Saturday of Week 49 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

b.             A member school may conduct its first interscholastic contest in Boys Spring Baseball no earlier than Monday of Week 37 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

By-law 5.241 currently reads:

5.241      Season Limitation

a.             No school belonging to this Association shall organize its Girls Spring Softball teams, practice or participate in interscholastic contests earlier than Monday of Week 35 or later than Saturday of Week 49 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

b.             A member school may conduct its first interscholastic contest in Girls Spring Softball no earlier than Monday of Week 37 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

Revise By-law 5.021 to read:

5.021      Season Limitations

a.             No school belonging to this Association shall organize its Boys Spring Baseball teams, practice or participate in interscholastic contests earlier than Monday of Week 39 or later than Saturday of Week 50 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

b.             A member school may conduct its first interscholastic contest in Boys Spring Baseball no earlier than Monday of Week 41 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

Revise By-law 5.241 to read:

5.241      Season Limitation

a.             No school belonging to this Association shall organize its Girls Spring Softball teams, practice or participate in interscholastic contests earlier than Monday of Week 39 or later than Saturday of Week 50 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

b.             A member school may conduct its first interscholastic contest in Girls Spring Softball no earlier than Monday of Week 41 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

Rationale

This amendment is proposed in the best interests of high school students.  It is designed to make their softball/baseball experience more enjoyable with less risk of injury.  It is not bound by summer preference/commitments of coaches or student travel team preference/commitments.  It is solely designed for the high school softball/baseball player.  Moving the start of the season back one month will significantly diminish the negative effects of inclement weather on spring baseball and softball.  It will still allow for a full slate of both conference and non-conference games.  Schools would have a seven (7) week season to complete their schedules.

 

                        Proposal No. 15

                        2002-03

Amend By-laws 5.011 and 5.231

Submitted by James Antos, Principal, Chicago (Brother Rice)

By-law 5.011 currently reads:

5.011            Season Limitation

a.         No school belonging to this Association shall organize its Boys Fall Baseball teams, practice or participate in interscholastic contests earlier than Monday of Week 7 or later than Saturday of Week 16 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

b.         A member school may conduct its first interscholastic contest in Boys Fall Baseball no earlier than Monday of Week 8 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

By-law 5.231 currently reads:

5.231            Season Limitation

a.         No school belonging to this Association shall organize its Girls Fall Softball teams, practice or participate in interscholastic contests earlier than Monday of Week 7 or later than Saturday of Week 16 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

b.         A member school may conduct its first interscholastic contest in Girls Fall Softball no earlier than Monday of Week 9 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

Revise By-law 5.011 to read:

5.011            Season Limitation

a.         No school belonging to this Association shall organize its Boys Fall Baseball teams, practice or participate in interscholastic contests earlier than Monday of Week 7 or later than Saturday of Week 16 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

b.         A member school may conduct its first interscholastic contest in Boys Fall Baseball no earlier than Monday of Week 8 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

Member schools may conduct a tryout for baseball during the fall-sanctioned season, if they wish.  This tryout would be allowable in the selection process for teams that a school fields for fall, spring and summer competitions in that particular school year.  Schools could opt in the fall to have just a tryout or to have tryouts and field a competition squad in the fall.

Revise By-law 5.231 to read:

5.231            Season Limitation

a.         No school belonging to this Association shall organize its Girls Fall Softball teams, practice or participate in interscholastic contests earlier than Monday of Week 7 or later than Saturday of Week 16 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

b.         A member school may conduct its first interscholastic contest in Girls Fall Softball no earlier than Monday of Week 9 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

Member schools may conduct a tryout for softball during the fall-sanctioned season, if they wish.  This tryout would be allowable in the selection process for teams that a school fields for fall, spring and summer competitions in that particular school year.  Schools could opt in the fall to have just a tryout or to have tryouts and field a competition squad in the fall.

Rationale of Submitter

Most years, spring tryouts occur in late February or early March and must be conducted indoors due to weather.  A fall tryout period would be more conducive outdoors.

With fall tryouts, coaches would be able to conduct a more realistic tryout and not have to rely on factors that technically should not be considered - for example: previous performances such as summer baseball.

Orders for custom uniforms (embroidered names on jersey backs, etc.) and other specialized/sized equipment (spikes, hats, etc.) for spring teams would now be technically legal.

 

                        Proposal No. 16

                        2002-03

Amend By-laws 5.162

Submitted by Jill Dillard, Principal, Jacksonville (Illinois School for the Visually Impaired)

By-law 5.162 currently reads

5.162     TEAM LIMITATIONS

No Boys Wrestling team representing a member school shall, in any one season, participate in more than:

a.            eighteen (18) dates and no (0) tournaments exclusive of the IHSA series; or

b.            seventeen (17) dates and one (1) tournament exclusive of the IHSA series; or

c.         sixteen (16) dates and two (2) tournaments exclusive of the IHSA series; or

d.         fifteen (15) dates and three (3) tournaments exclusive of the IHSA series; or

e.         fourteen (14) dates and four (4) tournaments exclusive of the IHSA series.

Revise By-law 5.162 to read:

5.162     TEAM LIMITATIONS

No Boys Wrestling team representing a member school shall, in any one season, participate in more than:

a.            eighteen (18) dates and no (0) tournaments exclusive of the IHSA series; or

b.            seventeen (17) dates and one (1) tournament exclusive of the IHSA series; or

c.         sixteen (16) dates and two (2) tournaments exclusive of the IHSA series; or

d.         fifteen (15) dates and three (3) tournaments exclusive of the IHSA series; or

e.         fourteen (14) dates and four (4) tournaments exclusive of the IHSA series or

f.                    thirteen (13) dates and five (5) tournaments exclusive of the IHSA series; or

g.                  twelve (12) dates and six (6) tournaments exclusive of the IHSA series; or

h.                  eleven (11) dates and seven (7) tournaments exclusive of the IHSA series.

Rationale of Submitter

This proposal applies to schools that have extremely small squads and or/are located in regions where only a few wrestling teams exist within a geographical area and for wrestlers who represent their schools as independent individuals.

It is very hard for small squads to find meets to compete in.  Some competing schools would see this as wasting one of their “dates and/or duals.”  This is even more difficult for independent/individual wrestlers. 

In areas where wrestling is sparse, travel time becomes greater and the number of forfeits are great.  Traveling far to receive a forfeit(s) helps no one.

 

                        Proposal No. 17

                        2002-03

Add By-laws 5.660, 5.661 and 5.662

Submitted by Dr. Craig Zeck, Principal, Downers Grove (South)

Add By-law 5.660 to read:

5.660     COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING

Add By-law 5.661 to read:

5.661                   SEASON LIMITATION

(a)        No school belonging to this Association shall allow its Competitive Cheerleading squad to practice or participate in interscholastic contests earlier than Wednesday of Week 18 or later than Saturday of Week 39 in the Standardized Calendar.

(b)       A member school may conduct its first interscholastic contest in Competitive Cheerleading no earlier than Monday of Week 20 in the IHSA Standardized Calendar.

(c)        A member school may conduct tryouts and organize its Competitive Cheerleading squad for the next school term between Monday of Week 40 and Saturday of Week 44 in the Standardized Calendar.

Add By-law 5.662 to read:

5.662                   CONTEST LIMITATION

No Competitive Cheerleading team representing a member school shall, in any one season, participate in more than five (5) meets exclusive of the IHSA state series.

RATIONALE

 Competitive cheerleading is a growing form of interscholastic competition that provides participation opportunities for both girls and boys.  Because several of the events conflict with school time and involve inordinate travel and expense, there is a need to regulate competition and standardize the period during which competition may take place.  This regulation will conform with the IHSA objective that interscholastic programs “shall not unduly interfere with nor abridge the regular program of teachers and students in the performances of their regular day-to-day school duties.”