Tennis Advisory Committee

Minutes
May 18, 2009 • 10 a.m.
Robert W. Hughes FHSAA Building
Gainesville, Florida

The meeting was called to order by Gary Pigott, FHSAA Tennis Administrator, at 10 a.m. The following committee members were in attendance: Corbin Graves (Maclay School, Tallahassee), Kathy Barnard (DeLand H.S.), Steve Kessler (Edgewater H.S., Orlando), Joe Curtis (Jesuit H.S., Tampa), Jerry Stultz (Astronaut H.S., Titusville), and John Danise (Sebastian River H.S. & FACA Chairperson). Committee members Bill Beard (Pace H.S.) and Michael Kypriss (Dr. Krop H.S., Miami) were unable to attend due to student-athletes awards banquets.

AGENDA ITEMS

Mr. Pigott reviewed the procedure for completing the expense vouchers and e-mail addresses were confirmed. Everyone in attendance introduced themselves.

Mr. Pigott welcomed the committee to the FHSAA Office, reviewed the agenda and gave the committee an overview of their purpose and objective as an advisory committee. The process for advisory committee recommendations was reviewed.

The committee selected Corbin Graves, Maclay School, as chairperson.

Discussion - Review of 2008 Tennis Advisory Committee Minutes: The Committee reviewed the results of the two (2) recommendations from the previous year.

District & Region Format Modification (2008-09): It was moved by Mr. Stultz, seconded by Mr. Graves and carried, Vote: Unanimous (8-0), to change the day for the region final playoff match and permit the district to determine which 2 (or 3) days are used during the week of the district tournament.
Amended Format:
Districts: 2 days (or possible 3 days if large district) during Week 41 (April 13-17, 2009)
Region Semifinal: The following Tuesday, regional dual match at 3 p.m. District winner vs. neighboring runner-up. District winner hosts the match.
Regional Final: Thursday, regional dual match at 3 p.m. Two winners from Tuesday regional semifinal play (possible district winner/runner-up rematch).
Rationale: Permits more flexibility for districts and planning time for state tournament travel for region winners.

ATHLETIC DIRECTORS: Endorsed for 2009 tennis season.
Board of Directors: Approved for the 2009 tennis season.

Discussion – Substitution Rule (2008-09): The committee reviewed both the regulations from the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) and correspondence from Celebration H.S. concerning “stacking” the line-up.
(2008-09) Fast-Track: It was moved by Mr. Danise, seconded by Mr. Stultz and carried, Vote: Unanimous (8-0), to adopt the following ITA regulations for FHSAA tennis. “Players must play in order of ability. The line-up must always be based on order of ability. “Matching up” is prohibited. In singles, players must compete in order of ability with the best player on the team playing at the No. 1 position, the second best at No. 2 and so on through all positions. In case of injury, sickness or absence, all players must move up. This rule will also apply to doubles play with the strongest doubles team at No. 1, etc.” It was moved by Mr. Stultz, seconded by Mr. Beard and carried, Vote: Unanimous (8-0), to fast-track this item.
Rationale: Provide more guidance to the appropriate listing of players in the line-up during the regular season and during the state series.

ATHLETIC DIRECTORS: Endorsed for 2009 tennis season.
Board of Directors: Approved for the 2009 tennis season.

Discussion - FACA Recommendations: Mr. Danise (FACA Tennis Chairperson) had no items.

Discussion - State Tournament Sites/Hosts: The following arrangements have been made for the FHSAA Tennis Finals for the upcoming season.
Class 4A: Site-Sanlando Park & Lake Brantley High School; Dates: April 26-28, 2010
Host: Edgewater High School, Orlando
Class 3A: Site-Sanlando Park & Lake Brantley High School; Dates: April 28-30, 2010
Host: Edgewater High School, Orlando
Class 2A: Site-Red Bug Lake Park & Sylvan Lake Park; Dates: April 26-28, 2010
Host: Central Florida Sports Commission, Orlando
Class 1A: Site–Red Bug Lake Park & Sylvan Lake Park; April 28-30, 2010
Host: Central Florida Sports Commission, Orlando

Discussion – Classification & Districting: The committee reviewed a recommendation from Olympia coach Karen Fay concerning the impact of tennis districts with 9 or more teams. Mr. Pigott reviewed the process for classification and districting. No changes were recommended.

Discussion – Tennis Season Starting Date: Mr. Danise submitted this item on behalf of the tennis coaches that attended the FACA Conference in Daytona Beach. The committee believes the tennis season should begin 2 weeks earlier in January, similar to the start of baseball & softball seasons (other spring team sports). Tennis season ends before playoffs begin for baseball and softball.
Recommendation (2009-10): It was moved by Mr. Danise, seconded by Mr. Graves and carried, Vote: Unanimous (8-0), to begin tennis practice 1 week earlier. Tennis season would begin the same week as baseball and 1 week later than softball (other team spring sports). Baseball & softball currently have 4 weeks of practice before the season begins. This will allow tennis to have 3 weeks of practice before the season begins.
Rationale: Due to FCAT dates and holidays, it is difficult to schedule all matches within the season window. Rained out matches and rescheduling become an issue. Tennis season ends just as baseball and softball playoffs are beginning. Tryouts, selection of team, determining seeding and challenge matches all take time before the season begins.

Athletic Directors: Motion by Sparkman, seconded by Seybold (9-1) to not endorse. Concerned with the “domino effect” by other sports. Teams should use all available days (weekends and holidays) to schedule matches.
2nd Reading TNAC: Motion by Stultz, Second by Curtis; Vote (6-0)
2nd Reading ADAC: September 9, 2009
Board of Directors: September 27-28, 2009

Discussion - Tennis Regulations: The existing FHSAA Tennis Manual was reviewed.

Discussion – Doubles Before Singles: The committee reviewed the pros and cons for playing doubles matches before singles matches at dual team matches. Currently, upon mutual agreement, doubles may be played before singles. Reviewed correspondence from West Shore coach Jim Rossi to not mandate.
Recommendation (2009-10): It was moved by Mr. Beard, seconded by Mr. Graves and carried, Vote: Unanimous (8-0), to play 2 doubles matches before the 5 singles matches at dual team matches. Doubles matches can play a match tie-break if sets are split or an eight-game pro-set prior to singles.
Rationale: More efficient use of courts and time with more emphasis placed on doubles. Possible to play #5 singles match while 2 doubles teams are playing if both #5 division players are not playing doubles.

Athletic Directors: Motion by Siegfriedt, seconded by Sparkman (10-0) to not endorse. Endorse action to add “mutually agree” language to the tennis manual.
2nd Reading TNAC: No action was taken. Addition of “mutually agree” to the manual is sufficient.
2nd Reading ADAC:
Roundtable Discussion:
None.

The meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.