putting the screws to small town ND...the NDHSAA way

This a long post. So I apologize before. Reading NDpreps.com you constantly see chatter about moving the B boys bb tourney to Bismarck and the BEST place for xyz tourneys. But hidden in some recent NDHSAA mintues is where the NDHSAA and it's members are they ones putting the screws to small towns. Check out the bold type in #2. Moving the semi-finals out of small town ND. What a travesty. Take the revenue from the semi-finals and dump it into Fargo, Bismarck and Grand Forks.

And the decision makers wonder why we question the motives.

Football Advisory
November 20, 2007
Randy Vigen, Brad Sandy, Rick Philion & Bret Sorensen

9-Man
1. Reviewed the 2008 play-off brackets
2. Request that the semi-finals be played in the Alerus Center, Bismarck Bowl and the Fargo Dome

A Division

1. Request to play the first round of play-offs inter-region
1. This year there were four “back-to-back” match ups

1. Harvey versus New Rockford 40 – 0 & 10 – 0
2. North Prairie versus Velva 27 – 6 & 20 – 10
3. Langdon versus May-Port 38 -13 & 23 - 3

2. Recommend to retain four divisions of football

AA Division

1. Recommend that all AA football games have 5-person crews
2. Recommend that something beyond 7-10 male enrollments be utilized to determine placements in the football plan. Perhaps an appeal process to address:
1. Medium size schools that lose numbers to x-country
2. Schools that aren’t “traditional football schools” as they regularly have small roster numbers

AAA Division

1. Request the NDHSAA to stock some participation awards so schools can purchase and have in time for the year-end banquets.

All:

1. Delete the regulation that restricts the number of players dressed for the Dakota Bowl
1. The schools do not have to be paid for the extra players

Administrative:

1. Request an opportunity to recommend play-off officials
1. Recommend 5 Referees “white hats”
2. Send requests to the Coaches’ Advisory members for disbursement
2. Continue the head coaches’ and captains’ sportsmanship meeting and tossing coin at the 10-minute mark on the pre-game warm-up clock
1. Game administration shall set clocks to have introductions and the anthem at “zero” on the clock. *An example for a 7 PM start; at 6:30 put twenty-five minutes on the game clock and when the clock indicates 0:00 begin the anthem & introductions. If more than five minutes are required set the clock to run out at 6:52, or whatever time is necessary to have the game begin on time.
3. Officials; the coaches appreciated your renewed efforts to provide “Crew Cards” for each game and that the practice be continued.

Discussion items:

1. What can be done to improve stat information and reporting to the web? The technology department at the NDHSAA office will be consulted.
2. A two week black out period during the summer regarding out-of-season coaches’ contact with players.
3. The order of play for the Dakota Bowl and whether the games should be played on one day or two.
1. The order of played and times are affected by maximizing attendance, television and venue availability.
4. AAA weighed the possibility of playing the first round of play-off inter-region.
5. The “home field”; how is a schools’ home field determined for hosting play-offs?
6. Encourage fellow coaches to join the NDHSCA as there are many professional opportunities provided through said membership.
7. The Legion Baseball tournaments conflicting with the football season. The dates do not conflict next year.
8. There is a need for presenters at the NDHSCA Convention. If you are concerned about presenting by yourself for a full session, you can utilize your staff or other knowledgeable people. Please step forward and offer your or someone else’s, expertise by contacting Gelaine Orvik at gorvik@cableone.net.
9. The challenges involved in the upcoming football plan including; how many levels of competition (three or four), geography, the possibility of an appeal process so there is “something” in addition to the 7-10 male enrollment.