The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors on Tuesday (Apr. 25) appointed Ross Cucio of Oak Lawn (Richards) High School to fill the unexpired term of outgoing Board member John McGraw, effective July 1, 2006. Mr. Cucio currently serves on the IHSA Legislative Commission as the District 8 principal’s representative. His appointment to the Board will expire at the end of the 2006-07 school term. Dr. McGraw is retiring at the end of the current school term from the principalship at Tinley Park High School and will no longer be eligible to serve on the Board of Directors.
Election Tellers: The Board appointed the following principals to serve as tellers for the elections in the 2006-07 school year: Rick Baker, Lexington (Board and Legislative Commission nominations), Jeff Hinman, Tremont (Board and Legislative Commission elections); Jeff Asmus, Heyworth (by-law proposals).
Iowa Coaching Authorization: The Board approved the Iowa Coaching Authorization program as a method of certifying non-faculty coaches. The scope and content of the curriculum matches or exceeds the requirements of coaches to become certified in Illinois under the ASEP program.
Awards Policy Changes: The Board approved the addition of a medallion for one Certified Athletic Trainer or medical professional in all sports where a team trophy is awarded, beginning with the 2006-07 school term. In addition, in all sports and activities, enough medallions will be allotted to cover the maximum state tournament roster of players plus two coaches.
Coop Deadline Change: The Board authorized a change in Illustration #20 involving the formation of cooperative teams. The change moves the deadline for completing the paperwork necessary to host a fall coop team from July 1 to August 1.
Scholarship Fund Contribution: The Board authorized a contribution to the Ola Bundy Scholarship Fund. The fund honors Ola Bundy, an IHSA assistant executive director for 31 years, who passed away in February.
Reemployment of Executive Staff: The Board extended the contract of Executive Director Marty Hickman through the 2010-11 school term and authorized the reemployment of the assistant executive directors.
At each meeting of the Board of Directors, there are certain agenda items that the Board discusses, but upon which it takes no action. Following is a report of those items on this month’s agenda:
Classification: The Board heard a report from Executive Director Marty Hickman about the results of a survey of other state associations regarding “playing up” in classification. Of 38 states responding, 29 allow schools to opt to play in a higher classification in at least some sports or activities. The parameters of such a move vary widely from state to state.
100th Anniversary of Boys Basketball: The Board received an update from Assistant Executive Directors Anthony Holman, Kurt Gibson, and Scott Johnson on the status of events being planned to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the boys basketball tournament in 2007. Included in the report was a summary of events involving the recently announced team of 100 Legends.
Competitive Cheerleading Update: The Board heard a report from Assistant Executive Director Susie Knoblauch on the inaugural competitive cheerleading competition held last month. The presentation also included a videotape compilation of the event.
Foreign Exchange Program: The Board heard from Assistant Executive Director Kurt Gibson on the status of several foreign exchange programs for next school year.
Partnership with Girl Scouts: The Board heard from Assistant Executive Director Sue Hinrichsen on the possibility of a partnership with the Girl Scouts intended to spur interest in members who wish to become coaches, officials, sports journalists, and sports administrators.