IHSAA Board Completes Annual Review of By-Laws

IHSAA_LOGO The Board of Directors of the Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc. approved 54 proposals, defeated one and tabled another for further discussion during its annual review of the Association’s by-laws on Monday. All approved measures are effective immediately.

The most significant items from today’s meeting are highlighted below:

In order to secure a greater commitment of meeting minimum membership standards, a more stringent requirement was unanimously approved (18-0) which now requires a four-year waiting period before a new school will be allowed to participate in a state tournament series. The current waiting period is two years. Also, a $2,000 initiation fee must accompany the new school’s application for membership. Existing member schools that consolidate or divide into multiple schools are excluded from both requirements.

An amendment to Rule 19-6.1l, was approved (16-2) which allows the potential for full eligibility to a student who is transferring to a member boarding school. That is provided that the transfer is determined to be in the best interest of the student, that no athletic-related motives surround the transfer, and that the principals of both sending and receiving schools have affirmed such in writing.

Approved (18-0) clarifications for the rules on scrimmages and jamborees in various sports in that schools may conduct one or the other but not both, that only student-athletes with full eligibility may participate and that these events cannot be scouted.

Approved (18-0) a change in the annual start date of physical examinations from May 1 to April 1. The additional month will provide flexibility for parents, students and family practitioners in meeting the requirement for participation.

After extended discussion by the Board, a by-law proposal involving Rule 18-8 which would eliminate the requirement that a student completes 50% of his or her coursework at the member school was tabled for further study.

A proposal that essentially would remove the limited eligibility provision of the by-laws and allow students immediate full eligibility when enrollment is approved by the school corporation for students not residing in their district was unanimously defeated (0-18).

The elections for next year’s leadership of the Board and Executive Committee also were held. John Marks, Principal at Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran was voted Board President for 2011-12 and Connersville Athletic Director Pam Noble was selected as Vice-President. Nathan Dean, Jimtown Principal, was named Chairman of the 2011-12 Executive Committee and Tim Grove, North Knox Principal, was confirmed as Vice-Chairman.

About the Board of Directors The IHSAA is governed by its legislative body, the Board of Directors. Composed of 19 individuals elected by member school principals from three legislative districts, they serve staggered three-year terms. Twelve board seats are filled by any qualified individual (open seats), and seven board seats are filled by two qualified female representatives, two qualified minority representatives, two qualified urban school representatives and one qualified private school representative. The Board of Directors meets annually with the responsibility of establishing the Association’s By-Laws and regulations.