IHSA Announcement

September 10, 2007

Drug Testing Proposal Presented to Board of Directors;
October 14-20 Set as Activities Week

The Illinois High School Association’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee presented its drug testing proposal to the IHSA’s Board of Directors at the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting Monday.  The proposal comes a year after the IHSA Board of Directors requested that the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee draft a plan that could be implemented in Illinois.

No action was taken on the proposal, which would randomly test student-athletes who participate in IHSA athletic state-series competitions.  The Board will review the proposal with the membership at Principals’ Rules Meetings this fall, and it is expected that action on the proposal will occur early in 2008.

“We appreciate the efforts of our Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, not only in drafting this proposal, but also in their efforts over the past two years to increase awareness on this issue.  Their efforts in making available educational resources has proven valuable to our membership, and regardless of what ultimately happens with this proposal, their work has benefited students across Illinois,” said IHSA Executive Director Dr. Marty Hickman.

For a complete list of the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee’s initiatives, interested individuals can access those at IHSA Sports Medicine Advisory Committee Special Topics on the IHSA website.

Additionally, the Board announced that Activities Week has been set for October 14-20. Activities Week annually highlights the importance of participation in school interscholastic programs and recognizes individuals for their efforts in helping young people learn the requisite skills to become productive citizens.  Each day of the week highlights a different group or topic.  The breakdown for this year’s celebration follows:

“Activities Week is always a special time for schools to recognize the important aspects and contributors to their interscholastic programs,” said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman.  “The scope and reach of interscholastic programs extend far beyond wins and losses, and this week affords schools the opportunity to say thanks to all those in their schools, communities, and elsewhere who help contribute in their own way to development of students in Illinois.”

As a part of the promotion this year, current and former IHSA participants will write a daily article on the highlighted group or topic.  Schools will be sent information regarding Activities Week and possible school-wide activities for each day later this week.  Individuals requesting additional information can contact Anthony Holman at the IHSA Office.

Other Action

1. The Board approved a recommendation from the Executive Director to conduct Residence and Transfer Eligibility Workshops during the 2007-08 school term.  Once all details are finalized, member schools will be notified of the dates and locations of the workshops.  The workshops will be conducted in a manner that will allow attendees to receive professional development credits from the State Board of Education.

Discussion Items

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:

1. The Board heard a report from the Executive Director that reviewed the by-law amendment proposals submitted by member schools at this time.  Member schools have until October 16, 2007, to submit proposals for review this year by the Legislative Commission.
2. The Board heard a report from the Executive Director that Chicago (Waldorf) has been reinstated to IHSA membership following the school’s submission of its required financial aid information.
   
3. The Board heard a report from the Executive Director concerning up coming efforts to continue strategic planning for the association later this spring.
4. The Board heard a report from the Executive Director concerning the NFHS Section 4 meeting that will be held later this month in Michigan.  The Executive Directors of the five states in Section 4 will meet with NFHS representatives on matters concerning the federation.
   
5. The Board heard a report from the Executive Director concerning the Midwest Officials Summit that will be held in South Dakota next week.  Assistant Executive Director Dave Gannaway will represent the association at the summit, at which a significant portion of the conference will be dedicated to the work of the Officials Education Consortium.
   
6. The Board heard a report from the Executive Director regarding a conference that the IHSA staff will host on December 2-4.  The conference is entitled “Team Up”, and IHSA staff will share information with other state association staff members on sportsmanship, marketing activities, and technology.
7. The Board heard a report from Assistant Executive Director Anthony Holman on the history of the IHSA’s television coverage of state final events and the current agreement the association has with KOST broadcasting.
   
8. The Board heard a report from Assistant Executive Director Anthony Holman regarding marketing and promotions initiatives the association is currently involved with.  One project of interest in particular for member schools is a partnership the association has with FOX Chicago to promote student-produced video coverage of high school events.  Developed by FOX Interactive Media, FoxHiLites.com showcases game highlights, winning plays, amazing shots, talented athletes, bloopers, dramatic or musical performances, and academic competitions.  Read the full release on this exciting new program.  At the end of the school year FOX Chicago will award $12,000 in scholarships for the year’s best video submissions.
   
9. The Board heard an update from Chicago Public Schools Sports Administration Director Calvin Davis on the status of interscholastic programs within Chicago Public Schools.
   
10. The Board held a discussion on summer participation guidelines and pre season practice requirements in football.  While no formal action was taken, the Board did request that the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee examine whether or not additional guidelines should be proposed to the membership in regards to by-law 3.150.

Eligibility Rulings

1. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling of a student at Libertyville High School.  The student is a junior transfer student from Vernon Hills High School who transferred to Libertyville High School during the 2006-07 school term.  The student was ruled ineligible in regard to his transfer until November 4, 2007.
2. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student at Aurora (Rosary) High School.  The student is a sophomore transfer student from Yorkville High School who transferred to Rosary in January of 2007.  She was ruled ineligible in regard to her transfer until October 28, 2007.
3. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student at Woodstock (H.S.).  The student is an eighth semester senior transfer from Australia.  He was ruled eligible for the first semester of the 2007-08 school term only in regard to his transfer. 
4. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student at Chicago (Marist) High School.  The student is a sophomore transfer student from Lincoln-Way (East) High School who transferred to Marist at the start of the 2007-08 school term.  She was ruled ineligible in regard to her transfer until March 16, 2008.
   
5. The Board sustained the Executive Director’s ruling on a student of Carrollton High School.  The student is a senior transfer from Collinsville High School who transferred to Carrollton at the start of the current school year.  The student was ruled ineligible in regard to his transfer for the 2007-08 school term.