FHSAA.org: Softball Advisory Committee

Competitive Cheerleading Advisory Panel

Minutes
May 19, 2009 • 10 a.m.
Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building
Gainesville, Florida

I. Introduction and Purpose
Mrs. Jamie Rohrer called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. In attendance were Dianne Sanzari (Coral Springs High School), Mary Singletary (Dillard High School), Rose Gleichowski (P.K. Yonge High School), Lanness Robinson (Hillsborough County), Michael Blosser (UCA/Varsity Brands), Gina Davis (Bay High School), Kathy Brannon (Orange Park High School), Carolyn Shoemaker (Sebring High School, FACA Representative), Kathy Tyree (Lincoln High School) and Mary Ann Nollinger (Port St. Lucie High School). FHSAA Staff Members present were Jamie Rohrer, Shanell Young and Rachel Dinnerman (intern). Mrs. Rohrer explained that the purpose of the meeting would be to guide the FHSAA towards the betterment of FHSAA Competitive Cheerleading for our student-athletes and member schools. All recommendations submitted by the committee members would be acted upon and past and future events would be discussed.

II. Review Procedures, Agenda and Expense Vouchers
The Panel briefly discussed expense vouchers, reimbursement for tolls and policies regarding their travel.

III. Selection of Chairperson
The Panel unanimously voted 9-0 on Rose Gleichowski as the Panel Chairperson. Motion: Davis, Second: Singletary.

IV. Review and Approval for Sept. 9, 2008, minutes
Minutes were approved by unanimous vote 9-0. Motion: Robinson, Second: Sanzari.

V. Old Business
a. 2009 State Championship: Huge success; great event. Thanks to all that were involved – Tallahassee Sports Council, Leon County Civic Center and Leon County School District. Tallahassee proved to be an outstanding host city and venue, and look forward to having us back in 2011.

VI. New Business
a. 2010 State Championship: Originally scheduled for 3/11-3/13, however dates must be reconsidered due to FCAT Testing. FCAT Testing begins the first week of the originally scheduled State Final Dates and the FHSAA is hesitant to contend with FCAT testing.
b. FCAT Testing Dates: Dates interfere with the first week of FCAT testing which begin the week of Monday 3/8 and last through Friday 3/19. New dates to be considered: Thurs, Fri and Sat 2/4-6/2010. Three facilities are in consideration for one year only. A commitment has been made to Tallahassee for the 2011 competition. Facilities being considered include: UCF arena, Oceola Heritage Park, and the Lakeland Center.
c. Length of Competitive Cheer Season: There is consideration surrounding altering the cheer season to end either the last weekend of January or first weekend in February for future years. The purpose for this change is to prevent teams from dropping at the last minute. Currently, the season seems to be too long and a large portion of teams drop as soon as Basketball is over.
d. Regional/Section Qualifiers
     Recommendation to host Regional Events to qualify for the State Championship - Gleichowski: Ms. Gleichowski suggested hosting several regionals thoughout the state to eliminate random preliminary rounds, thus making for a more efficient state championship. This would also eliminate the amount of teams driving so far for such a brief cameo appearance on stage.
The recommendation was amended as follows: FHSAA to host Region/Section Competitions as qualifiers for the State Championships. The FHSAA Staff is to determine the regions/sections following the same guidelines as it uses for all other FHSAA sports, based on geographic area and number of teams competing. The target date for this recommendation would be effective for the 2010-11 school year so the recommendation could be read an acted upon by the Athletic Directors Advisory Committee as well as the FHSAA Board of Directors at least once. This amended recommendation is to be fast-tracked.
The Panel unanimously voted to approve the recommendation 9-0. Motion: Robinson, Second: Sanzari.
         a) Number of qualifiers: The panel left this up to the FHSAA Staff. FHSAA would make assignments based on geographic location and will accept any ideas or comments regarding this topic via e-mail from Advisory Panel Members (jrohrer@fhsaa.org).
         b) Number of advancing teams from region/section to state semis and semis to state championships: The panel left this up to the FHSAA Staff. Ideally, there would be approximately 20-24 teams advancing from regions to state in each division.
e. Divisions: Divisions are currently divided by the size of the squad, which is quite controversial. Competitive Cheer is the only sport that does not classify based on school enrollment. Larger schools are at an extreme advantage due to the size of their student body. This is causing many small schools to be discouraged and to possibly not compete.

     Recommendation to base divisions upon school enrollment - Gleichowski. This would level the playing field for all schools. Smaller schools would compete against schools of similar size and likewise with the larger schools. This recommendation would also streamline Competitive Cheerleading with all other FHSAA sports.
The recommendation was amended as follows: FHSAA to create divisions based on school enrollment. However, the school will have the option to compete as tumbling squad, a non-tumbling squad or a co-ed squad. Therefore, there would be a maximum of 5 divisions, which are as follows: 1A Non-Tumbling (All Girl – Max 26 female squad members), 2A Non-Tumbling (All Girl – Max 26 female squad members), 1A Tumbling (All Girl – Max 26 female squad members), 2A Tumbling (All Girl – Max 26 female squad members) and Co-Ed (1 or more boys on a squad, max 26 squad members). The FHSAA Staff is to determine the 1A and 2A Classifications following the same guidelines it uses for all other FHSAA sports, based on school enrollment and number of teams competing. The target date for this recommendation would be effective for the 2010-11 school year so the recommendation could be read an acted upon by the Athletic Directors Advisory Committee as well as the FHSAA Board of Directors at least once. This amended recommendation is to be fast-tracked.
The Panel voted to approve the recommendation 5-0-4 (, Motion: Sanzari, Second: Robinson. 4 panel members abstained from voting.

     Recommendation to base divisions upon school size/school classification - Davis: Recommendation removed from agenda because, it was covered by the previous recommendation.

f. Administrative change to score sheets: There have been issues arising due to teams’ lack of knowledge regarding their penalties. Suggestion to add a penalty sheet in folders with score sheets to explain penalties. This will be an administrative change.
g. Judge Panels-multiple panels for a given division: Mr. Blosser and Mrs. Rohrer will work on keeping panels consistent across a given division and will try and alternate divisions at the finals in the years to come.
h. Audio Preview prior to team taking stage: Make sure to do a run through of ALL music prior to competition and will try and allow for a short audio preview prior to teams taking the stage.

VII. Schedule next meeting: Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 10 a.m.

VIII. Open agenda: Members all felt that the 2009 State Championship was a huge success. Thanks to all who participated and helped the event run smoothly. Tallahassee proved to be an outstanding venue and welcome the finals back for 2011.

IX. Unanmious vote to adjourn - 1:15pm.