January 10, 2007
The Illinois High School Association’s Board of Directors approved on Wednesday (Jan. 10) a five-year contract that will make O’Fallon High School the host of the Boys Bowling State Finals through the 2011-12 school term. O’Fallon has hosted the competition since its inception in 2003. The finals are held at a local bowling center.
“We are pleased the boys bowling event has found a home in O’Fallon,” said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman. “It takes a tremendous commitment for a high school to run a first-class state final, and O’Fallon’s staff has shown they have the initiative and skill to make it happen. The IHSA boys bowling program is growing by leaps and bounds, due in large part to O’Fallon’s success.”
List of Banned Substances: The Board approved a list of banned substances that will be used in conjunction with two new by-laws that prohibit coaches, administrators, school employees, and booster club members from selling, distributing, or promoting the use of anabolic steroids or performance-enhancing dietary supplements to students.
New Sponsors: The Board heard a report regarding an agreement with Walgreen’s to become the presenting sponsor for the “Do What’s Right” banner program. The Board also heard that Dick’s Sporting Goods has renewed its sponsorship with a two-year agreement.
Officials Fees: The Board approved a surcharge of $5 for officials who choose not to renew their licenses through the online payment process. The annual renewal process begins in May.
Badminton Seeding: The Board approved a clarification in the girls badminton terms and conditions that provides that at the sectional complex meeting, all individual entrants will be entered in Sectional A (one of the four sectionals in the complex).
Report of the Auditor: The Board approved an audit prepared by Clifton Gunderson, Certified Public Accountants, of the Association's financial records for the 2005-06 fiscal year. The audit states in part that "in all material respects, the financial position of the Illinois High School Association as of June 30, 2006, and 2005, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the years then ended, are in conformity with accounting principals generally accepted in the United States of America." The audit will be sent electronically to all member schools.
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 on the January, 2007, agenda:
Lacrosse State Series: The Board heard a presentation from Jim Bloch, athletic director at Winnetka (New Trier), and other members of the Illinois High School Lacrosse Association who are interested in the IHSA initiating state series in both boys and girls lacrosse. According to the group, 49 schools now field teams in boys lacrosse and 37 in girls lacrosse. After the presentation, the Board authorized an ad hoc committee to further study the issue.
Track and Field State Series: The Board heard from representatives of the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association who voiced concerns regarding the three-class format that will be used in the 2007-08 school term. After the discussion, the Board authorized the IHSA staff to study the issue during the upcoming track and field season and present a report at the June Board meeting.
Suspended Schools: The Board heard a report from the Executive Director that identified three schools that are suspended for one year for failing to attend an IHSA Principals Rules Meeting for the past two years. The schools are Chicago (Bowen), Chicago (Gage Park), and Chicago (Hirsch).
Eight States Meeting: The Board heard a report from the Executive Director concerning the recent Eight States Meeting attended by several state association executive directors on December 18 and 19 in Chicago, Illinois.
Amendment Proposals: The Board received an update on the recent By-law Amendment process. All six proposals that were forwarded by the Legislative Commission to the member schools passed. A total of 438 of 764 member schools (57.3%) participated in the amendment vote.