Complete fall 2013 bulletin by Howard Voigt

Volume 83, Issue 1

Fall 2013

THE BULLETIN Official Publication of the Minnesota State High School League 2100 Freeway Boulevard Brooklyn Center, MN 55430-1735 763-560-2262 http://www.MSHSL.org Information within this Bulletin may be reprinted only with the permission of the MSHSL.

Volume 83, Issue 1 Fall 2013 Editorial Staff Editor: Howard W. Voigt Assistant Editor: Ellen Rajkowski Contributing Editors: David Stead Kevin Merkle Lisa Lissimore Craig Perry Jody Redman John Millea Rich Matter Chris Franson Board of Directors Regions 1-2A Scott McCready, St. Charles Regions 3-4A Bob Grey, Montevideo Regions 5-6A Emmett Keenan, St. Cloud Cathedral Regions 7-8A Mike Kolness, Ada-Borup Regions 1-2AA Tom Graupmann, Northfield Regions 3-4AA Mike Manning, Rosemount Regions 5-6AA Dan Johnson, Hopkins Regions 7-8AA Mike Olson, Little Falls State School Boards Assn. Roz Peterson, Lakeville Deborah Pauly, Jordan MN Assn. of Secondary Principals John Hamann, Underwood Erich Martens, Sauk Rapids-Rice Boys Sports Mark Solberg, Cambridge-Isanti Girls Sports Shelly Hotzler, Jackson County Central MN Music Educators Assn. Lane Powell, Fillmore Central Speech Assn. of MN Chris McDonald, Eagan Governor's Appointees Lea B. Olsen, Minneapolis Steven Beals, Montevideo Laurie Esau, Orono Steve Eklund, Braham

Printed by Carlson Print Group 7490 Golden Triangle Drive Eden Prairie, MN 55344 The MSHSL Bulletin is published in Fall, Winter and Spring and is designed to meet the needs of the 525 member Schools.

League Office Personnel The Minnesota State High School League Office has been established to provide special services to the member schools. Listed below are the office personnel: Extension / Voice Mailbox Executive Director - David Stead ........................ 480 Executive Assistant - Lynne Johnson ........... 490 Associate Director - Jody Redman ..................... 481 Administrative Assistant - Amie Ince ............. 491 Associate Director - Kevin Merkle ...................... 484 Administrative Assistant - Amanda Johnson 494 Officials Coordinator- Katie Schulte .............. 496 Associate Director - Craig Perry ......................... 482 Administrative Assistant - Susi Hollenbeck ... 492 Associate Director - Lisa Lissimore .................... 483 Administrative Assistant - Sheila Robinson .. 493 Director of Information - Howard W. Voigt .......... 485 Assistant - Ellen Rajkowski ........................... 542 Assistant Director - Richard Matter ..................... 497 Accounting Assistant - Sharon Bahma ......... 541 Ticketing Assistant - Nancy Myers ................ 487 Assistant Director - Chris Franson ...................... 488 Web Site Coordinator - Nancy Etter .............. 551 Graphic Designer - Tracie Bressler ............... 552 Media Specialist - John Millea ............................ 554 Program Specialist - Amy Doherty ..................... 495 Office Manager - Kristi Vesall ............................. 489 Administrative Assistant - Yvonne Walsh ..... 486 Receptionist - Ann Bailey .............................. 540

When calling the League Office (763-560-2262), direct your requests to staff persons as designated: Accounts Payable .............................................................. Sharon Bahma Accounts Receivable ......................................................... Yvonne Walsh Activity / Late Registrations ................................................ Chris Franson Activity Section Assignments ............................................. Chris Franson Administrative Regions ........................................................... Dave Stead Anyone Can Save A Life .................................................... Jody Redman Archive Information ........................................................ Howard W. Voigt Athletic / Activity Director Advisory Committee ................... Kevin Merkle Board of Directors Information ............................................... Dave Stead Camps and Clinics .................................................................. Craig Perry Charter Officials Associations .............................................. Kevin Merkle Chemical Rule Interpretations ................................................ Craig Perry Cooperative Sponsorship ................................................. Lynne Johnson Debate, Speech, One Act Play & Music Judges ............... Chris Franson Registration of Debate, Speech, One Act Play & Music Judges ........... Nancy Etter ExCEL Program ................................................................. Lisa Lissimore Fine Arts Rules Interp. (Debate, Speech & Music) ........... Chris Franson Fine Arts Rules Interp. (One Act & Visual Arts) ................ Chris Franson Gender Equity ......................................................................... Dave Stead General Information on MSHSL ............................................. Dave Stead Hall of Fame ....................................................................... Lisa Lissimore Insurance ................................................................................. Rich Matter Interstate Sanctions ................................................................ Dave Stead League Publications ...................................................... Howard W. Voigt Marketing and Promotions ................................................. Lisa Lissimore Membership Information ................................................... Lynne Johnson News Media Services .................................................... Howard W. Voigt Non-School Competition ......................................................... Craig Perry Office Management ................................................................. Kristi Vesall Officials Program .................................................................. Kevin Merkle PSAs and TV Visuals ..................................................... Howard W. Voigt Registration of Officials ....................................................... Katie Schulte Results and Records ..................................................... Howard W. Voigt Rulebooks, Supplies, Awards ............................................ Yvonne Walsh Rules Interpretation Meetings ............................................. Katie Schulte School Eligibility ...................................................................... Craig Perry Sports Medicine Advisory Committee .................................... Craig Perry Spotlight on Scholarship Program ..................................... Lisa Lissimore Student Ejections ..................................................................... Ann Bailey Student Eligibility .................................................................... Craig Perry Supplemental Allowances ...................................................... Kristi Vesall TEAM UP Program ............................................................. Jody Redman Ticket Assistant ..................................................................... Nancy Myers Triple “A” Award .................................................................. Jody Redman Web Site Development ....................................................... Chris Franson Web Site Assistance ............................................................... Nancy Etter

Activity Rule Interpretations, Coach Incidents Reports, and Activity Advisory Committees

The MSHSL Logo is a registered mark of the organization and use in any manner is prohibited unless prior approval is obtained from the League.

Schedule of Board of Directors Meetings October 3 ................................. MSHSL Office Brooklyn Center December 5 ............................. MSHSL Office Brooklyn Center January 23 ............................... MSHSL Office Brooklyn Center April 3 ....................................... MSHSL Office Brooklyn Center June 2 ...................................... MSHSL Office Brooklyn Center Representative Assembly Meeting TBD ................ Edinburgh USA, Brooklyn Park

Adapted Athletics (Bowling, Floor Hockey, Soccer, Softball) ... Rich Matter Alpine Skiing / Boys’ & Girls’ .................................................. Rich Matter Badminton / Girls’ .............................................................. Lisa Lissimore Baseball ................................................................................. Kevin Merkle Basketball / Boys’ ................................................................. Kevin Merkle Basketball / Girls’ ............................................................... Lisa Lissimore Cheerleaders ....................................................................... Jody Redman Clay Target Shooting .......................................................................... TBD Cross Country Running / Boys’ & Girls’ ............................ Lisa Lissimore Dance Team / Girls’ .............................................................. Kevin Merkle Debate ................................................................................. Chris Franson Football .................................................................................. Kevin Merkle Golf / Boys’ & Girls’ ................................................................. Dave Stead Gymnastics / Girls’ .............................................................. Jody Redman Ice Hockey / Boys’ & Girls’ ..................................................... Craig Perry Lacrosse / Boys' & Girls’ ......................................................... Rich Matter Music ................................................................................... Chris Franson Nordic Ski Racing / Boys’ & Girls’ .......................................... Rich Matter One Act Play ....................................................................... Chris Franson Robotics ................................................................................ Amy Doherty Soccer / Boys’ & Girls’ ........................................................ Jody Redman Softball / Girls’ .................................................................... Lisa Lissimore Speech ................................................................................ Chris Franson Swimming and Diving / Boys’ & Girls’ ............................... Lisa Lissimore Synchronized Swimming / Girls’ ........................................ Lisa Lissimore Tennis / Boys’ & Girls’ ............................................................ Craig Perry Track & Field / Boys’ & Girls’ ............................................. Jody Redman Visual Arts ........................................................................... Chris Franson Volleyball / Girls’ ................................................................. Jody Redman Wrestling ................................................................................. Craig Perry

Dave’s Dialogue

Thank you, thank you, thank you.....................................................................................2

News and F eatures Features

Creating a place of belonging .........................................................................................3

Inside This Issue

Hundreds of coaches seek answers to ‘Why We Play’

6Wayzata, The Blake School, Bethlehem Academy earn Challenge Cups

Schools reimbursed $712,000+ for tournament expenses ...................................... 7 Decades of support for services, programs that change lives every day ......................8 Barbara K. Seng: The passing of a legend ......................................................................9 Student participation shows nearly 2.5 percent increase ............................................10 This committee’s advice helps keep athletes safe ........................ 14

Fans and teams make Orange Out a huge success!

Athletic Activities

Policy revised governing transfer eligibility appeals, hearings.................... 16

18 Are your

athletes getting enough sleep?

Officials

Mental preparation also critical for officials ..................................................................20 2012-2013 service awards presented ...........................................................................22

Also

Board of Directors meeting minutes .............................................................................26 Fall 2013 calendars of meetings and state events........................................................28 www.MSHSL.org

Fall 2013 Bulletin

Thank you, thank you, thank you … Dave’s Dialogue

I don’t take what you do for granted. I’ve been in your shoes, and I admire the role you enthusiastically embrace in our ever-changing school environment.

By David V. Stead Executive Director

t seems that I reflect more on the blessings in my life as each school year begins more than at any other time of year. I’m not sure if it’s because a new beginning awaits me or if it’s because each new year builds on the past successes we’ve had as an organization. In any event, I’ve taken pause for a time of reflection, and you came immediately to my mind. Sometimes I forget about the complexity of what you do because the job gets done so efficiently and effectively. I have every confidence that all of our activity programs will be successful. I know that the team buses will show up on time. I know the officials have been hired; that the workers at a school event are in place; that the fans and student body who support your teams will accurately reflect the values of your school community; and that the educational athletic and fine arts opportunities you provide in your extended classrooms, regardless of the team “record,” will positively impact those whom we all serve. However, I catch myself forgetting to say “thank you” for the way you’ve faithfully served your school and your community. I don’t take what you do for granted. I’ve been in your shoes, and I admire the role you enthusiastically embrace in our ever-

changing school environment. Please forgive me for not affirming your work more often and, as we near the completion of our fall season and move into the next cycle of our school year, let me offer each of you a sincere and heartfelt Thank You. Thank You from every student-athlete and fine arts participant for whom you planted the seeds of teamwork, leadership, camaraderie and selflessness and who are stronger because you chose to nurture them in each of their high school activities. Thank You for dealing with parents who both praise and vilify your role in leading the educational activities which are such an integral part of your school community. Thank You for the time you give, often with little thought about remuneration, to officiate, counsel, attend rules meetings, teach and grow in your profession, and for your willingness to give back a portion of what you gained through your own participation in athletic and fine arts programs. Thank You from the thousands of school board members and administrators who have entrusted you with the most visible of all programs in your school. Thank You for making all of our state tournaments a celebration of champions . . . especially when your teams have been eliminated and you choose to volunteer so that others can

enjoy the experience. And … Thank You from your High School League. Without mutual respect and a positive working relationship, the success of our athletic and fine arts activities would be severely hamstrung. As the executive director of the League, I’ve been surrounded by professionals in Minnesota who know that we build better together than we do separately. You make a difference in the lives of thousands of people every day, and you seem to do so effortlessly. You learn from your peers, and you teach your peers. You mentor in an affirming and supportive way. You are exceptionally gifted, dedicated, and willing to share your time and talent in support of kids. Nothing is more important, nor do I believe there is a higher calling. I honor each of you for choosing your profession. Lastly, let me share the words from two verses of a song titled, Find Us Faithful. It speaks volumes about all of us and the opportunity we have, every day, to improve tomorrow.

Fall 2013 Bulletin

“After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone And our children sift through all we’ve left behind. May the clues that they discover, and the memories they uncover Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find. May all who come behind us find us faithful May the fire of our devotion light their way. May the footprints that we leave, lead them to believe And the lives we live inspire them to obey. Oh, may all who come behind us, find us faithful.” Thank You for your faithfulness. Your life’s work on behalf of your school, your

school community, and the students you serve will be richly blessed.

www.MSHSL.org

Creating a place of belonging By Jody Redman Associate Director

t the end of the eight-hour school day, students walk through the doors and gates of our gyms, rinks, pools, courts and fields to be a part of the high school sports experience. They show up with a backpack of “stuff” they have acquired throughout their day: stuff that includes friends, popularity, comparison, teachers, being in, being out, academic content, who’s who, success, failure, clichés, boyfriends, girlfriends, acceptance and rejection, just to name a few. The reality for students is that much of their day includes uncertainty, where they stand in shifting sand, where a firm footing is almost impossible to find. Many students are looking for a place where they will be accepted. They are looking for a place where they don’t have to pretend and they can show up as their authentic selves. They want a place where they don’t have to try to fit in. They want a safe place where they belong. Dr. Brené Brown, author of Daring Greatly, states: “Belonging is the innate human desire to be part of something larger than us. Because this yearning is so primal, we often try to acquire it by fitting in and by seeking approval, which are not only hollow substitutes for

www.MSHSL.org

belonging, but often barriers to it. Fitting in and belonging are not the same thing. Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be in order to be accepted. Belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.” When students are connected to an experience and they have a relationship with an adult who really cares about them, one who allows them to show up as themselves, belonging and a sense of security follows. Think about your own playing experiences. Can you recall a coach to whom you were connected — one who accepted you for you and created a safe place where you belonged? If this was your experience, it didn’t happen accidentally. It happened because your coach understood his or her role and intentionally created that space. It happens today for students when we as coaches choose to be aware of our students’ deeper needs and intentionally create a place of belonging. When a coach is aware of their purpose and creates this place of belonging and connection, it is called TEAM. When TEAM is intentionally created, students can walk through the practice door at the end of the school day and instead of clutching their backpacks, they can put them down.

News and Features

When this happens the conditions are right for students to experience more than what is on the surface - the game. When we intentionally create this place, the conditions are right for deeper, lifechanging experiences where work can be done collectively to reach a common goal; where everyone has a role; where students can be themselves and are also aware that they are part of something greater than themselves; and where learning, growth and connection are the purpose. There has to be more. We have to provide students with more. We have to give them something that will live beyond the span of their three or four years in high school. We have to get below the surface and get to their deeper needs where greater opportunities for growth and development exist. We must intentionally give students experiences that are about more than just the game and instead are relevant to real life; real life skills that are necessary to work through

problems, resolve conflict, be responsible, strive for excellence, find value in mistakes and failure, help others succeed, be a contributing member of a group, and see life through the lens of possibility. In order to get below the surface where the learning of these necessary life lessons takes place, we have to be aware of our role in creating a space where students feel they can show up and be themselves. We have to understand what the word “coach” really means. The very first use of the word “coach” occurred in the 1500s to refer to a particular kind of covered carriage that moved people of importance safely from where they were to where they needed to be. Our role as a coach in 2013 needs to be understood in the same way. We need to create a TEAM—a “place” of safety and belonging so we can move people of importance — our students — from where they are to where they need to be. Every coach has the responsibility to create a safe place

Fall 2013 Bulletin

where learning opportunities can occur. When we create a climate of belonging, we create a culture of possibility where there are unlimited opportunities and potential for growth. So, at the end of the school day, when students come to practice with their backpacks on we must remember the words of Dr. Brené Brown and be cognizant of our coaching purpose: to provide every student with a safe place to belong, one that doesn’t require students to change who they are; but only requires them to be who they are. If we provide this place, students will not waiver in shifting sand; instead they will have firm footing with a sense of belonging where it will be safe for them to not only learn a game, but more importantly to learn the lessons necessary to assist them as they navigate their way through life.

“Fitting in and belonging are not the same thing. Fitting in is about assessing a situation and becoming who you need to be in order to be accepted. Belonging doesn’t require us to change who we are; it requires us to be who we are.”

This article is the final installment of a four part series that has explored the League’s Why We Play program.

News and Features

Hundreds of coaches seek answers to ‘Why We Play?’

A “Coaches have limitless opportunities to provide students with meaningful, life-changing experiences.”

conference for coaches that delved deeply into the reasons why students play and how those reasons translate into a coaching purpose and practical strategies has drawn extreme interest. The conference, sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League, the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association and the Minnesota Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, had 683 coaches registered. The conference was presented twice on Aug. 1, 8:15 a.m.2:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.-9:15 p.m., at Bethel University in St. Paul. A third session at Grand Rapids High School was held Aug. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. There were 571 coaches registered for the two Bethel University sessions and 112 coaches registered for the Grand Rapids conference. “Coaches have limitless opportunities to provide students with meaningful, lifechanging experiences,” explained Jody Redman, associate director at the League and coordinator of the conference. “This can only happen if coaches establish a clear coaching purpose and are intentional about providing students with more than physical skill development. They need to be aware

that positive responses to student-athletes mistakes have a decided impact, they need to define their success by more than the outcome on the scoreboard, and they must become fully aware of the reasons why they coach the way they do.” The format of the conferences included guest speakers and small break-out sessions to explore ways to become purposeful coaches. Speakers included: Dr. Jeff Duke, the foremost expert regarding the cultural influence on the coaching profession in our society. He has developed and authored the “3Dimensional Pyramid of Coaching Success” concept that has revolutionized the sport coaching landscape. He is a professor in the College of Education and Human

Dr. Jeff Duke of the University of Central Florida spoke to the subject “Success as Coached Through the Lens of Joy.”

See Coaches on Page 5 Tom Cody (left) and Willow Sweeney (above), co-founders of St. Paul-based Top 20 Training, conducted sessions that addressed “The Line: How Our Inner Life Determines Our Experience” and “Learning from Mistakes: Moving Outside Our Comfort Zone.”

Nearly 700 coaches attended the three sessions of the Why We Play Conference. Fall 2013 Bulletin

www.MSHSL.org

Coaches ........................................................... continued from Page 4 Performance at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He spoke at the two Bethel University conferences and focused on “Success as Coached Through the Lens of Joy.” Mark Hull, the Wisconsin state director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes and presenter for the FCA Coaches Academy and Three Dimensional Coaching, spoke at the Grand Rapids conference. He opened that conference with “Success: From Great to Good.” The co-founders of St. Paul-based Top 20 Training, Tom Cody and Willow Sweeney, conducted multiple sessions at all three conferences. Since 2000, Top 20 Training has been empowering youth and adults to make a positive difference in the quality of their lives, relationships and experiences, according to its mission statement. They have trained more than 200,000 teachers and coaches nationwide. The organization’s website —

top20training.com — also includes this caveat: “WARNING! Application of the principles on this website could result in you making a positive difference in your life and the lives of others!” Cody and Sweeney addressed “The Line: How Our Inner Life Determines Our Experience” and “Learning from Mistakes: Moving Outside Our Comfort Zone.” Faculty members of the League’s Head Coaches Course who are athletics and activities directors of League member schools throughout the state also facilitated small group breakout sessions. “These conferences were a tremendous opportunity for the League and our cosponsors to reach a very important audience — coaches — with some exciting and innovative information that has the potential to change lives — their own and that of their student-athletes,” stated Redman. Plans are already

News and Features

Tim Hermann, activities director at White Bear Lake Area High School and a faculty member who teaches the league’s Head Coaches Course, facilitated a small group breakout session that briefly explored portions of Joe Ehrmann’s book InSideOut Coaching. Every person who attended the conference received a copy of the book. Following are a few comments made on the conference evaluation form and in e-mail to Associate Director Jody Redman: “Very informative and meaningful. Speakers were dynamic, funny, engaging and delivered a good message.” “I am fired up to start school. … I will leave with a lot to think about.” “Awesome. I am very excited to apply this to everything.” “Even for a veteran coach like myself, the seminar was not only thought-provoking in a positive way, but also quite practical for all coaches in my opinion. I walked away with lots of information, and a wonderful reminder of the power a head coach has, and how important it is to teach the right lessons. Thanks for empowering me, Jody!”

in the works to repeat the conferences during the summer of 2014,

according to Redman. Attendance at the conferences enabled some of the coaches

to fulfill some of the requirements to be certified as varsity head coaches.

“These conferences were a tremendous opportunity for the League and our co-sponsors to reach a very important audience — coaches — with some exciting and innovative information that has the potential to change lives — their own and that of their student-athletes.”

One coach’s perspective following conference By Jordan Osterman Ten Northfield High School athletic coaches attended the “Why We Play” conference at Bethel University in St. Paul on Aug. 1. Along with hundreds of other coaches, the Raiders went through more than six hours of training with speakers and discussions. Among the NHS coaches in attendence was girls swimming and diving coach Deb Seitz, who wrote the following recap of her experience at the conference:

he Northfield Girls’ Swim and Dive team had a very successful 2012 season. We have a lot of really cool hardware to show for it. We had a 7-1 dual meet record, and were Section 1A Champions, Section 1A True Team Champions, Missota

www.MSHSL.org

Conference Runner ups, Class A State True Team Runner ups, and the Class A State Champions. When the girls return in a few days, our pool will be sporting two new championship banners, and the individual/relay state championship board

will list five new names, as will the All-American board. In addition, seven of the 13 varsity school records were broken, as were seven gradelevel records. Definitely successful! However, there are more important characteristics of a successful team.

Commitment, dedication, teamwork, enthusiasm, sportsmanship, mutual support, sacrifice, energy, excitement and FUN! These things most importantly define who we are as a team. Take away the titles, the hardware,

Fall 2013 Bulletin

and the media attention ... we still had a wildly successful season! This is my eighth year on the coaching staff at Northfield High School. During this time (and I’m sure before I joined) See Seitz on Page 7 5

Wayzata, The Blake School, Bethlehem Academy earn Challenge Cups

Wayzata wins for second time, first since 2007; Blake wins second year in a row, fifth time overall; Bethlehem Academy wins for first time

News and Features

Points are awarded to schools based on their success in section and state fine arts and athletic tournaments. The school earning the most points at the end of the year in each classification — Class A, Class AA and Class AAA receives the traveling Challenge Cup. The award is sponsored by Wells Fargo, the League’s premier corporate partner.

By Lisa Lissimore Associate Director

or the fifth time in 10 years, The Blake School has won the Minnesota State High School League Challenge Cup, again in Class AA. The Blake School is one of three schools to earn top honors during the 2012-2013 Challenge Cup competition. Wayzata and Bethlehem Academy of Faribault are also 2012-2013 Challenge Cup winners. Now in its 10th year, the Challenge Cup is a statewide, year-long competition among Minnesota high schools. Points are awarded to schools based on their

success in section and state fine arts and athletic tournaments. The school earning the most points at the end of the year in each classification — Class A, Class AA and Class AAA receives the traveling Challenge Cup. The award is sponsored by Wells Fargo, the League’s premier corporate partner. With 183 points, Bethlehem Academy earned its first Challenge Cup in the Class A small school competition. The Cardinals competed in seven state tournaments and won the Class A State Girls’ Volleyball Tournament for the sixth time. They also were runners-up in the Class A football

playoffs, third in girls’ basketball, and fifth in girls’ dance team. Other Challenge Cup points came from participants in girls’ gymnastics and boys’ and girls’ swimming and diving. The remaining top five Class A schools were Minneota (122 points), KerkhovenMurdock-Sunburg (82 points), New York Mills (76 points) and Mahnomen (75 points). Repeat Challenge Cup winner The Blake School participated in 18 state tournaments and racked up 667 points to win the Class AA award. The Bears won state championships in girls’ lacrosse, girls’ hockey, boys’ Alpine

skiing, and girls’ and boys’ tennis. They also had individual champions in girls’ cross country running, debate, boys’ swimming and diving (200-yard medley relay and 200-yard individual medley), boys’ track and field (pole vault), boys’ tennis (singles and doubles), and girls’ track and field (pole vault, 1600meter run, and 3200meter run). The Bears won the Challenge Cup previously in 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2012. They were runners-up in 2008. KassonMantorville (276 points), Perham (259 points), Rochester Lourdes (233 points) and St. Cloud Cathedral (224 points) are the remaining top five Class AA schools. In the Class AAA competition, Wayzata scored 763 points to end the five-year run by Eden Prairie, which finished second with 731 points. Wayzata participated in 22 different post-season team and individual tournaments. The Trojans won championships in girls’ Nordic ski racing, girls’ soccer, boys’ tennis, and girls’ cross country running. They also had first-place finishers in girls’ golf, boys’ track and field (4x200-meter relay, 4x400-meter relay), and boys’ tennis (doubles). Other points came from the school’s

adapted sports teams, its dance team, and the girls’ gymnastics, boys’ hockey, football, boys cross country, wrestling, girls’ track and field, baseball, boys’ golf, and girls’ and boys’ swimming and diving teams. Members of the debate team also contributed to the school’s success. Behind Eden Prairie, Edina (576 points), Minnetonka (573 points) and Lakeville North (497 points) rounded out the top five. The Challenge Cup champions will be recognized at ceremonies this fall. The three schools will be presented with a traveling crystal Challenge Cup, which moves each year to the winning school. Previous Challenge Cup winners include St. Cloud Cathedral— 2004 and 2006; Eden Prairie—2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012; Lakeville—2004 and 2005; The Blake School—2005, 2007, 2009 and 2012; Wayzata—2007; Perham—2008; Breck—2010 and 2011; Minneota— 2011; and DawsonBoyd—2012. For a complete list of all the schools that earned Challenge Cup points for the 2012-13 school year, visit the League website— www.MSHSL.org— and click on the Recognition tab.

Anne Graybeal, principal of The Blake School, toured the student section with the Challenge Cup following its presentation at halftime of the school’s football game on Sept. 27. 6

Fall 2013 Bulletin

www.MSHSL.org

Schools reimbursed $712,000+ for tournament expenses By Rich Matter Assistant Director

or the fiscal year ending July 31, 2013, the League Board of Directors approved more than $712,000

in school expense reimbursements to member schools. This amount is greater than the 10year average reimbursed to member schools. The Board has set

an annual goal of $500,000 for school expense reimbursements. For the 2012-2013 school year that goal was exceeded by 42 percent. Continued support from

corporate sponsors, a long-term television contract, and strong tournament tickets sales account for the excess reimbursement. More than 74 percent of

the League’s member’s schools shared in the reimbursement. The average reimbursement per

News and Features

See Reimbursed on Page 9

Seitz.................................................................. continued from Page 5 the focus of the athletic program has been on “educational athletics.” The purpose of the athletic offerings (as well as other activities) goes beyond the sports themselves. There are important life lessons that arguably can be best taught through participation in extra-curricular offerings. This doesn’t happen by chance; coaches must deliberately create a culture in which the student athletes can learn these important lessons. Last Thursday, several Northfield coaches attended the “Why We Play” conference sponsored by the Minnesota State High School League. It was an amazing day, with several speakers that challenged us to consider why we do what we do — and to continually work to move from a culture of “winning is everything” to one where our kids are able to benefit from being a part of an experience that will help shape them into successful adults. Dr. Jeff Duke from the University of Central Florida shared the concept of “3-Dimensional Coaching.” The first dimension includes the fundamentals — conditioning, technique, strength, endurance, speed, game strategy, etc. www.MSHSL.org

These things are obviously important to any team. The second dimension is that of psychology — motivation, confidence, focus, handling emotions, team cohesion, and the like. Again, obviously important for success. The final dimension, one that we often miss, is that of the heart — helping children learn those important life lessons, the internal transformation that occurs as an athlete grows from the experiences (pleasant and otherwise) afforded by participation in sport. Dr. Duke’s challenge to us was to be deliberate in addressing the dimension of the heart. According to him, we have replaced the joy of sport with work. We need to create a “culture of joy” on our teams. Small group sessions were led by members of the MSHSL Head Coaches Course faculty. Using the work of Joe Ehrmann’s “Inside Out Coaching,” coaches were led through a series of journaling exercises in which we explored where we are on the “Coach as King” vs. the “Coach as Mentor” spectrum. What are our top values? What words

Deb Seitz was all smiles in May as she received the KYMN Coach of the Year award. (Jordan Osterman/Northfield News) describe us at our best? At our worst? Why do we do what we do? Every participant developed a personal statement of our purpose as a coach. Willow Sweeney and Tom Cody from Top 20 Training led two sessions. The first addressed the question “How does it feel to be coached by me?” We were challenged to recognize how our inner lives affect our own experiences as well as those of our athletes. How do we deal with the “invitations” we get from others to lose our cool? How do we keep our actions and reactions positive in the face of others we encounter who are being unreasonable or disrespectful? It’s not easy, but kids watch what we do … and how we handle these difficult interactions teaches them as much or more than our best planned pep talks!

Their second session was “Learning from Mistakes: Moving Outside Our Comfort Zone.” We all make mistakes. All of us. When we respond to mistakes by denying, blaming, justifying, or dwelling, we miss the lesson offered from that mistake. We need to own our mistakes and learn from them. If we don’t, our athletes won’t. I believe one of the most powerful things we can say to our students or athletes after we’ve messed up is, “I’m sorry, I didn’t handle that very well.” When we model this, we allow our athletes to do the same. We learn when we come out of our comfort zones. When we leave our comfort zone, mistakes are inevitable. Denial, blame, justifying and dwelling send us right back to our comfort zones and we miss the “Big

Fall 2013 Bulletin

Lesson” offered if we had instead owned the flub. Students need to learn to own their mistakes, and they need to feel the discomfort as they do so. An important message for all parents is “Let me let your child fail — then let me help them through it.” Such a hard thing to do … but our athletes will learn from their mistakes if we help them acknowledge them and then explore together what we can do differently next time. As educational coaches, we have the privilege of impacting the lives of more kids in more profound ways than just about any other vocation. This won’t happen by accident. We must deliberately shape the culture of our teams to enhance the growth of our athletes. This conference provided knowledge, tools and motivation to make our upcoming seasons powerful learning experiences for our kids. And by the way, I can guarantee the Gator Girls will have another successful season!

As educational coaches, we have the privilege of impacting the lives of more kids in more profound ways than just about any other vocation. This won’t happen by accident. We must deliberately shape the culture of our teams to enhance the growth of our athletes.

Jordan Osterman is the sports editor at the Northfield News. Reprinted with permission. Posted online Aug. 7, 2013, at www.southernminn.com.

Decades of support for services, programs that change lives every day News and Features

At a time of rising costs and shrinking budgets, our team of sponsors has helped us to maintain and expand existing services and activity programs. Together with our corporate partners we have created student recognition programs, an emergency response program for after-school practices and events, a high school hall of fame, discount ticket promotions, and a championship ring program for team and individual state champions.

By Lisa Lissimore Associate Director

decade is a long time. But that’s how long, and in some cases longer, that our corporate partners have supported the League and the 535 schools that belong to the 97-year old organization. At a time of rising costs and shrinking budgets, our team of sponsors has helped us to maintain and expand existing services and activity programs. Together with our corporate partners we have created student recognition programs, an emergency response program for afterschool practices and events, a high school hall of fame, discount ticket promotions, and a championship ring program for team and individual state champions. In addition to all this, we continue to offer a wide range of championship level activities to meet the needs of our membership. This could not happen without the support of our partners. Corporate sponsorship of high school activity associations was pioneered in California in 1978 when the soft drink Dr. Pepper was secured by the California Interscholastic Federation as an underwriter for an academic awards program. Shortly thereafter, Utah and Oregon teamed up with banks in their communities. And the state of Washington quickly followed their leads. Today, nearly every state high school association is

involved in some form of sponsorship marketing. When the planning for the League’s corporate partnership program began in 1988, the Board of Directors envisioned a program that included one major corporate sponsor and several supporting sponsors. The Board crafted a policy that outlined what a sponsor could and could not do, and following a year-long search the League signed its first corporate partner in 1989. The League currently has partnerships with five companies — Wells Fargo, Fairview Health Services, Jostens, AAA Minneapolis, and Sports Authority. The League also has multi-year agreements with six sports manufacturing companies — Wilson, Spalding, STX, Nike, Baden, and Bauer — that supply balls, pucks, and apparel for 11 state tournaments. These companies are entitled to communicate their supplier status in advertising and sales collateral and other promotional programs approved by the League. Here’s a look at the League’s team of partners and the programs they sponsor. Wells Fargo is the League’s premier partner. The bank has served in this capacity since 2003. Wells Fargo sponsors the Hall of Fame, the Challenge Cup, the All-Tournament Team Awards and the Spotlight on the Arts Award for students involved the fine arts. This year Wells Fargo will pilot a

financial education curriculum at 12 Minnesota high schools in an effort to provide students with the right tools and information to be financially successful. Teachers who are interested in Wells Fargo’s financial learning materials should go online at www.handsonbanking. com to view the Hands on Banking program which is a commercial free, fun and engaging financial program that can help students build financial skills they can use for life. The program is free. Jostens is the official supplier of the Minnesota State High School League championship ring. This Minnesotabased company has been a partner of the League since 1995. The championship ring program gives team and individual state champions in all League-sponsored tournaments the time-honored tradition of owning a championship ring. The ring features the League logo and students have countless design customization options. Jostens is also the awards supplier for the League’s Hall of Fame and the company provide customized rings for

Fall 2013 Bulletin

outgoing Board of Directors members. Fairview Health Services has been the official sports medicine provider for the League since 2002. Fairview and its family of orthopedic services — the Institute for Athletic Medicine and Fairview Sports and Orthopedic Care — provide doctors and trainers for all League-sponsored tournaments. The trio also provides dollars to support the Triple A recognition program, which honors high school seniors who have a 3.0 GPA and who participate in League-sponsored athletics and fine arts activities. Our partnership with Fairview Health Services runs through 2015. Sports Authority has been Sporting Goods Retail Partner of the League for the past three years. The Coloradobased company is one of the nation’s largest full-line sporting goods retailers offering a comprehensive highquality assortment of brand name sporting apparel and equipment. Through its partnership with the League, Sports Authority provides event tickets at no cost to League member schools that are within 10-miles

of their store service areas. They also provide the League with tickets (300,000) for some of it events. These tickets are all branded with a Sports Authority discount offer. AAA Minneapolis is the co-sponsor of the Triple A student recognition program. The League’s partnership with AAA Minneapolis goes back to 1990 when the auto club was the sole sponsor of the Triple A program. As a leading advocate for traffic safety, AAA Minneapolis uses its partnership with the League to promote a distracted driving campaign to education teens on the dangers of texting while driving. Later this year it will rollout a scholarship program for high school students who want to attend the AAA Minneapolis Driving School. Here are the Official sports equipment providers for the following League activities. Baseball: Wilson A1010 BHS1-SST Basketball: Spalding TF-1000 Legacy (wide channel) Football: Spalding TF SB1 See Support on Page 11

www.MSHSL.org

Barbara K. Seng The passing of a legend By Chris Franson Assistant Director

he League family was deeply saddened to hear that Barbara Seng, former speech, one act play and debate consultant, passed away in July. Capturing in print even an incomplete list of impressions of Barb’s years with the Minnesota State High School League is incredibly challenging. Summarizing what Barb meant to all who knew her is impossible. Every time coaches and directors, tournament managers, and students who worked with her get together,

the reminiscences multiply. And that is as it should be. Remembering Barb is rather like viewing into a kaleidoscope. As the thoughts of Barb reconfigure and come into focus, different bits of memories of her combine to create endlessly new shapes and colors. Such were the rich experiences she brought to all who knew her. My own memories include these short, pleasant bits of Barb’s distinctive look, personality, and approach to each of us who worked with her: ● Barbara K. Seng embodied the League’s history of speech, debate and

theater because she served as the first speech representative to the League Board of Directors in 1974 and became the League’s consultant after her term on the Board ended in 1976, a position she fulfilled with excellence and grace until 2010. ● She taught, coached, and directed for 43 years at Henry Sibley and White Bear Lake Area high schools and, after her retirement, kept working with League activities for another 13 years, believing there was always one more teacher, student, or See Seng on Page 11

News and Features

Assistant Director Chris Franson, who oversees the fine arts activities, posed with Barb Seng at the conclusion of the 2010 State Speech Tournament, her last event prior to retiring after 34 years of service as a consultant to the League.

Reimbursed ...................................................... continued from Page 7 school was approximately $1,910. This reimbursement helps tournament teams offset expenses related to

transportation, hotel accommodations, and meal-related costs. An expense reimbursement formula determines the amounts each school receives. The

formula takes into consideration the number of days a school participates in the tournament, the number of participants on the official squad, and

the number of miles from the tournament site. The school expense reimbursement plan has been in place for the past 21 years. For a more detailed

description of the school expense reimbursement policy, see the Rules and Policy Manual on the League Web site — www.MSHSL.org. At left is a 10-Year Comparison of School Expense Reimbursements for Tournament Participation:

Remembering Barb is rather like viewing into a kaleidoscope. As the thoughts of Barb reconfigure and come into focus, different bits of memories of her combine to create endlessly new shapes and colors. Such were the rich experiences she brought to all who knew her.

Annual audit to begin soon The Office of the State Auditor will soon be conducting the League’s annual financial audit. An Annual Financial Report for the Year Ended July 31, 2013, will be distributed to each member school upon completion of the audit. If you have questions or need additional financial information, contact me at 763-560-2262 or e-mail: rmatter@mshsl.org. www.MSHSL.org

Fall 2013 Bulletin

Student participation shows nearly 2.5 percent increase News and Features

he total number of student competitive athletics participations reported for the 2012-2013 school year increased slightly compared to the 2011-2012 school year. However, it is very important to note that the Leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation figures are always best â&#x20AC;&#x153;guess-timates.â&#x20AC;?

COMPETITIVE ATHLETIC ACTIVITY Adapted Bowling Â˛ CI (Co-ed) Adapted Bowling Â˛ PI (Co-ed) Adapted Floor Hockey - CI (Co-ed) Adapted Floor Hockey - PI (Co-ed) Adapted Soccer - CI (Co-ed) Adapted Soccer - PI (Co-ed) Adapted Softball - CI (Co-ed) Adapted Softball - PI (Co-ed) %DGPLQWRQ *LUOVÂˇ Baseball %DVNHWEDOO %R\VÂˇ %DVNHWEDOO *LUOVÂˇ &URVV &RXQWU\ 5XQQLQJ %R\VÂˇ &URVV &RXQWU\ 5XQQLQJ *LUOVÂˇ Dance TeaP *LUOVÂˇ Â˛ Jazz 'DQFH 7HDP *LUOVÂˇ Â˛ High Kick Football - 11-Man Football - 9-Man Football - Total *ROI %R\VÂˇ *ROI *LUOVÂˇ *\PQDVWLFV *LUOVÂˇ +RFNH\ %R\VÂˇ +RFNH\ *LUOVÂˇ /DFURVVH %R\VÂˇ /DFURVVH *LUOVÂˇ 6NLLQJ %R\VÂˇ $OSLQH 6NLLQJ *LUOVÂˇ $OSLQH 6NL 5DFLQJ %R\VÂˇ 1RUGLF 6NL 5DFLQJ *LUOVÂˇ 1RUGLF 6RFFHU %R\VÂˇ 6RFFHU *LUOVÂˇ 6RIWEDOO *LUOVÂˇ )DVW-Pitch 6ZLPPLQJ DQG 'LYLQJ %R\VÂˇ 6ZLPPLQJ DQG 'LYLQJ *LUOVÂˇ 6\QFKURQL]HG 6ZLPPLQJ *LUOVÂˇ 7HQQLV %R\VÂˇ 7HQQLV *LUOVÂˇ 7UDFN DQG )LHOG %R\VÂˇ 7UDFN DQG )LHOG *LUOVÂˇ 9ROOH\EDOO *LUOVÂˇ Wrestling TOTAL PARTICIPATIONS

Schools 39 33 53 60 67 48 65 51 18 431 469 454 352 350 168 181 350 83 440 379 362 186 277 246 76 83 116 117 111 113 242 225 415 151 195 21 196 226 434 435 453 342

Best â&#x20AC;&#x153;guess-timatesâ&#x20AC;? are formulated based on the number of schools that reported participation figures (only 65 to 70 percent) compared to the number of schools that reported nothing. The total number of participations (duplicated participants) for 2012-2013 was 229,932, an increase of slightly less than 2.5 percent, compared to 224,254 participations for 2011-2012. Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; participations Teams 32 28 17 13 20 11 18 11 18 377 426 419 302 300 157 169 309 68 377 342 327 142 156 122 63 68 87 89 96 98 190 187 371 124 152 14 170 201 356 357 417 250

2012-2013 Boys 131 35 138 91 113 71 154 84

increased by 5,466 while boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; participations increased by 212. Football remains the activity involving the most boysâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; 26,563. The total number of football teams increased by one 11-man teams and declined by six 9-man teams, from 382 total teams to 377. The next highest participation sports for boys are track and field (15,988), basketball (13,503), and baseball (13,164). Track and field is

8,020

15,589 15,124 19

Total 209 58 236 151 193 114 269 153 529 13,169 13,503 11,601 6,680 8,179 3,987 4,785 24,578 1,985 26,563 5,702 4,035 2,534 5,801 3,812 3,207 3,354 1,020 805 1,855 2,287 8,892 8,346 12,056 3,704 5,516 435 4,935 6,517 15,988 15,589 15,124 8,039

119,851

110,081

229,932

13,164 13,503

Girls 78 23 98 60 80 43 115 69 529 5 11,601

6,680 8,179 3,987 4,785 24,578 1,985 26,563 5,702 4,035 2,534 5,801 3,812 3,207 3,354 1,020 805 1,855 2,287 8,892 8,346 12,056 3,704 5,516 435 4,935 6,517 15,988

Fall 2013 Bulletin

Schools 37 28 51 59 65 48 64 48 19 426 467 456 339 339 162 172 340 93 433 381 363 182 274 240 71 78 114 115 111 113 241 221 415 148 194 21 192 226 432 434 452 343

the sport involving the greatest number of girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;15,589 in 2012-2013 on 357 teams. The next highest participation sports for girls are volleyball (15,124), fast-pitch softball (12,056), and basketball (11,601). League member schools are asked to submit their participation numbers to the League office at the end of each season, but some schools do not comply. League staff then includes best â&#x20AC;&#x153;guess-timatesâ&#x20AC;? Teams 33 27 17 13 19 11 18 10 19 372 427 421 293 292 150 159 308 74 382 342 326 142 156 122 57 63 84 86 96 99 192 185 369 123 151 14 169 200 355 358 415 250

2011-2012 Boys 168 58 172 98 162 75 205 85

for those schools that did not submit their participation numbers based on their enrollment and/ or previous participation figures. The accuracy of the Leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual participation survey is dependent upon all member schools supplying accurate numbers to the League office. Howard W. Voigt, League director of information, coordinates See Increase on Page 13

8,137

15,408 14,805 26

Total 302 92 287 166 273 124 339 144 654 13,322 13,481 11,630 6,878 5,421 3,863 4,495 23,823 2,045 25,868 5,879 4,096 2,381 5,589 3,658 3,021 3,108 981 772 1,795 2,246 8,830 8,090 11,215 3,811 5,404 417 5,018 6,308 16,120 15,408 14,805 8,163

119,639

104,615

224,254

13,215 13,481

Girls 134 34 115 68 111 49 134 59 654 7 11,630

6,878

23,816 2,045 25,861 5,879

5,421 3,863 4,495 7 7 4,096 2,381

5,589 3,658 3,021 3,108 981 772 1,795 2,246 8,830 8,090 11,215 3,811 5,404 417 5,018 6,308 16,120

www.MSHSL.org

National participation increases for 24th consecutive year

articipation in high school sports increased for the 24th consecutive year in 2012-13 and passed the 7.7 million mark for the first time, according to the annual High School Athletics Participation Survey conducted by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Based on figures from the 51 NFHSmember state high school associations, which includes the District of Columbia, sports participation for the 2012-13 school year reached an all-time high of 7,713,577 participants — an increase of 21,057 from the previous year.

An additional 15,190 girls participated in high school sports last year, moving the

girls’ all-time record to 3,222,723 and marking the 24th consecutive year for an increase in the

number of female participants. After its first decrease in 20 years last year, boys’ participation started

on the upswing again with an additional See National on Page 13

News and Features

0RVW 3RSXODU %R\V· 3URJUDPV Schools Participants 1. Basketball .............................. 17,856 1.Football ² 11-Player ............... 1,086,627 2. Track and Field ² Outdoor..... 16,001 2. Track and Field ² Outdoor ....... 580,672 3. Baseball ................................. 15,632 3.Basketball .................................. 538,676 4. Cross Country Running ......... 14,148 4. Baseball .................................... 474,791 5. Football ² 11-Player ............... 14,048 5. Soccer ...................................... 410,982 6. Golf ........................................ 13,415 6. Wrestling .................................. 270,163 7. Soccer.................................... 11,626 7. Cross Country Running............ 249,200 8. Wrestling ............................... 10,488 8. Tennis ....................................... 157,247 9. Tennis ...................................... 9,730 9. Golf ........................................... 152,584 10. Swimming & Diving................. 7,001 10. Swimming & Diving ................ 138,177

0RVW 3RSXODU *LUOV· 3URJUDPV Schools Participants 1. Basketball .............................. 17,493 1. Track and Field ² Outdoor ....... 472,939 2. Track and Field ² Outdoor..... 15,962 2. Basketball ................................. 433,120 3. Volleyball ............................... 15,962 3. Volleyball .................................. 420,208 4. Softball ² Fast Pitch ............... 15,067 4. Soccer ...................................... 371,532 5. Cross Country Running ......... 13,918 5. Softball ² Fast Pitch.................. 362,488 6. Soccer.................................... 11,351 6. Cross Country Running............ 214,369 7. Tennis .................................... 10,005 7. Tennis ....................................... 181,116 8. Golf .......................................... 9,568 8. Swimming & Diving ................. 163,992 9. Swimming & Diving................. 7,249 9. Competitive Spirit Squads ....... 116,508 10. Competitive Spirit Squads ...... 4,847 10. Lacrosse .................................... 77,258

“Playing sports within the school setting continues to be the desire of more than 55 percent of students enrolled in our nation’s high schools.”

Support............................................................. continued from Page 9 Softball: Dudley SB12L (NFHS) Tennis: Wilson US Open Extra Duty Volleyball: Baden VX5EC-220

Perfection 15-0, Blue/White/Grey Soccer: Nike Catalyst SC2273-176 Hockey: Bauer donates pucks and

other sports accessories for the state hockey tournaments. Lacrosse: STX, a Baltimore-based

company, supplies balls for the state lacrosse tournaments. Golf: Nike provides a sleeve of

golf balls for every tournament participant.

Seng ................................................................. continued from Page 9 school she could help. ● Barb had both a statewide and a national reputation for excellence. She was chosen for the League’s Hall of Fame in 1995, and in 2008 became only the fifth fine arts leader inducted into the National Federation of State High School Association’s Hall of Fame. ● Though she was on e-mail — speechlady413@aol), Barb was traditional and preferred to pick up the phone and talk, conveying not only information, but also encouragement and support. www.MSHSL.org

● She was classy. She always dressed and acted as if the students who performed in every round she judged deserved the very best. ● When there was disagreement about a rule or an interpretation, she would tell you her thoughts and move on. She didn’t hold grudges and wanted to be each person’s partner in improvement. ● Barb was always interested in your show, your team, or your family, and she delighted in travel, attending events, and visiting or lunching casually.

● She was easily recognized in her trademark floral glasses and her car that proudly displayed a High School League hat in the back window; and … ● Barbara K. Seng’s legacy to the fine arts community is unprecedented and will never be equaled. Truly, each of us who knew Barb could describe bright and beautiful, but richly varied peeks into our own kaleidoscopes of memories. For 35 years, Barb was the go-to person for new coaches who wanted to learn about speech, debate and

theater activities; for veteran coaches to get answers, better understand the rules, and continuously improve their service to students; and for numerous League staff members who have had responsibility for the one act play festival, debate and speech tournaments. I was lucky enough to work very closely with Barb during the last 10 years, and we had a special friendship. Although technically I was her boss, she led by example with incredible integrity, fairness, and respect. We talked very regularly, and every

Fall 2013 Bulletin

call turned into a 30minute catch-up on life, even if we had talked just two days before. The past few months have been tough not being able to pick up the phone to ask a question, seek advice, or just catch-up on life. It is as one of her friends observed: “It’s hard to imagine, much less face, a world without Barb Seng. We are all comforted in knowing that the legacy she has left in her years of touching teachers’ and students’ lives means that, even in her well-deserved rest, she continues to work for and inspire us in perpetuity.” 11

“With Ashby coming over and helping contribute, from the area businesses giving donations and prizes to give away, to people just stepping up and giving their time, I think we made a difference tonight.”

By Dave Bedore

n entire night dedicated to helping Jordan Nohre and her family in her fight against Leukimia turned out the best in everyone who attended. The event was centered around a volleyball match between BrandonEvansville and Ashby. And while the match did take place, it was secondary to the coming together of two communities for a common goal. Donations and contests at the event resulted in over $2,500 being raised. “Tonight was a big night for Charger volleyball. For no other reason other than we had the Orange Out for Jordan Nohre. I want to thank first all the people in the area for coming out and helping support this young woman and her family. This game helped raise about $2,600 dollars. I have no words for what this is like,” said Brandon-Evansville Coach Kelly Olson. The coach said he was given a lesson in what sports are about and what they are not about. “As I was

preparing for the match, I walked upstairs and I saw my team and their team together, talking and getting ready together, almost as one. The true spirit of why we play sports and are involved in them was at the top of those stairs and everything that happened tonight will live on in my memory, and everyone else’s, for as long as we are here,” Olson said. The night was not about the usually intense rivalry between the two teams. The evening involved selling ribbons, a 50-50 drawing and serving contests for prizes. “With Ashby coming over and helping contribute, from the area businesses giving donations and prizes to give away, to people just stepping up and giving their time, I think we made a difference tonight. Each Ashby team member gave Jordan an orange balloon. They gave her hugs and high fives, but most of all they gave thought to what they did,” the coach added. As the team

Photos by Dave Bedore

News and Features

Fans and teams make Orange Out a huge success!

Above: Jordan Nohre was in the middle of the huddle as the Chargers and Arrows team members gathered before the match began. Below: Ashby’s Amber Sundal took her turn delivering an orange balloon to Jordan. As each Ashby team member was introduced, the player ran from the other side of the court to deliver a balloon. Posters on the gym wall read “Fight for Jordan” and “Courage and Hope.”

entered the court Jordan was at the front of the line. ”We are inspired by Jordan’s fight. Jordan led us out on the court, and I think she was with us on the court in spirit

when we played,” said Olson. In all-too-rare moments in our lives we are given the gift of a lesson that teaches what is truly important, what truly matters.

This entire night was one of those moments. Dave Bedore is the publisher of The West Douglas County Record. Reprinted with permission.

Contest invites students to relate what MLK’s ‘Dream’ means to them

s part of Human Rights Week, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) is sponsoring a video contest to hear from youth across the state about their take on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Dream” and what its ideals mean 12

to them in their lives today. Finalists will be honored the first week of December during Human Rights Week in Minnesota and their videos will be showcased by MDHR on YouTube. Commissioner Lindsey will recognize the finalists at their school and discuss

diversity and Dr. King’s “Dream” with the student’s class. On Aug. 28, 1963, more than 200,000 Americans gathered in Washington D.C., for a rally known as the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom to shed light on the political and social challenges faced by African-

Fall 2013 Bulletin

Americans across the country. The march culminated in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech where he expressed, among other issues: “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their

skin, but by the content of their character.” Student videos should creatively show how you view race, diversity and the ideals of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream today in your life, your school and See Dream on Page 13 www.MSHSL.org

Increase ........................................................... continued from Page 11 collection of the data and works closely with League Assistant Director Chris Franson in devising best “guesstimate” formulas to attempt to arrive at reasonable participation numbers for those member schools that do not provide the data. “Just is in past years, the annual increases and decreases are probably more a matter of how we tweaked the data we did get to come up with our ‘guesstimate’ formulas from year to year,” Voigt explained.

SPIRIT SQUADS Cheerleading (Non-Competitive)

2012-2013 Schools Total 223 3,496

2011-2012 Schools Total 235 3,395

3,496

3,395

TOTAL PARTICIPATIONS FINE ARTS Speaking: Debate One Act Play Speech Total Speaking Arts: Visual Arts

Schools 69 297 318

2012-2013 Teams 69 293 304

202

TOTAL PARTICIPATIONS MUSIC Bands Orchestra Vocal

Total 543 3,246 5,096 8,885 3,308

Schools 65 295 329

2011-2012 Teams 65 292 314

202

12,193

Total 681 3,010 5,784 9,475 3,168 12,643

2012-2013 Schools Total 420 31,245 215 3,841 420 31,578

2011-2012 Schools Total 419 32,004 218 4,058 428 33,542

66,664

69,604

TOTAL PARTICIPATIONS

News and Features

National ........................................................... continued from Page 11 5,867 participants. The boys’ total of 4,490,854 is second all-time to the 4,494,406 in 201011. “While we recognize that many schools are experiencing challenges with funding high school sports programs, we are encouraged that schools are responding to the challenges and that more and more students are involved in high school sports,” said Bob Gardner, NFHS executive director. “Playing sports within the school setting continues to be the desire of more than 55 percent of students enrolled in our nation’s high schools.” Eight of the top

10 girls’ sports registered increases in participation in 2012-13, led by competitive spirit squads (8,201), outdoor track and field (4,172), and swimming and diving (3,536). Lacrosse, cross country running, volleyball, soccer and tennis also had additional female participants, while basketball and fast-pitch softball had minor declines. Five of the top 10 boys’ sports showed increases in participation, led by outdoor track and field (5,044), swimming and diving (4,354), and basketball (3,387). Cross country running and baseball also registered gains among top 10 sports. Eleven-player

football remains the top sport for boys with 1,086,627 participants in 201213, although the number of players has decreased slightly each of the past four years, including a drop of 9,366 from 2011-12 to 2012-13. In terms of combined participation, track and field, and swimming and diving registered the best overall gains. Track and field had an increase of more than 9,100 participants when combining girls and boys, while swimming and diving was up almost 8,000 participants. Girls’ sports outside the top 10 that recorded increases in

participants and could be emerging sports for females are bowling (25,450), ice hockey (9,447), wrestling (8,727) and flag football (7,019). A sizeable increase in adapted sports participation also contributed to the rise in 2012-13 figures. With seven states offering these programs for students with disabilities in 14 sports, the number of participants rose almost 3,000 to 8,747 (girls and boys combined). The top 10 states by participants remained in the same order as last year, with Texas and California topping the list with 798,333 and 777,545, respectively. The remainder of the top

10: New York (389,475), Illinois (339,944), Ohio (327,919), Pennsylvania (315,492), Michigan (304,438), New Jersey (270,423), Florida (243,397) and Minnesota (230,421). Although only one of the top 10 states registered an increase in participation (New Jersey), overall, 30 states reported higher figures from the previous year. The participation survey has been compiled since 1971 by the NFHS through numbers it receives from its member associations. The complete 2012-13 High School Athletics Participation Survey is available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org.

Dream ............................................................. continued from Page 12 your community. Youth in grades 4-12 and adults ages 1825 are eligible. The length of videos should be 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Upload videos to You Tube, Vimeo, www.MSHSL.org

Dailymotion or any other video hosting site. An inspiring view of the contest challenge can be viewed at youtube.com/ mnyouthvideo. Rules and an

entry form are available at mn.gov/ mdhr/public_affairs/ hrweek_2013_ videocontest.html. Mail completed entry forms to Attn: Youth Video Contest, Minnesota

Department of Human Rights, 625 Robert Street North, St. Paul MN 55155. Deadline is Nov. 16, 2013. E-mail questions to info.MDHR@state.mn.us.

Fall 2013 Bulletin

This committee’s advice helps keep athletes safe News and Features

You may not know how fortunate the kids are who participate in our athletic activities to have this distinguished group of sports medicine professionals available as advisors.

By Howard W. Voigt Director of Information

h, to be a fly on the wall. Or, as one former Board member succinctly stated not too long ago, to be a potted plant in the corner of the room. I recently assumed that role during a meeting of the League’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. The experience is worth recounting because it is about kids and keeping them safe. You may not know how fortunate the

kids are who participate in our athletic activities to have this distinguished group of sports medicine professionals available as advisors. Their knowledge, experience and concern for the physical and mental welfare of Minnesota high school studentathletes are beyond comparison. These are the members of that committee (and a brief synopsis of their background and current profession): Dr. William O. Roberts, Chair —

managing skin outbreaks. Dr. David Bacharach — professor of Exercise Physiology at St. Cloud State University, currently researching the prevention of knee injuries in young female athletes among other interests, expert on physical activity limits, exercise recovery, biomechanics, and heat exposure. He is widely published in the area of Nordic See Safe on Page 15

Accommodations for Post-Concussion Effects Affecting School Post-Concussion Effect

Functional School Problem

Neuropsychological Deficits Short focus on lecture, Attention/Concentration classwork, homework

Accommodation/Management Strategy Shorter assignments, break down tasks, lighter work load

´:RUNLQJµ 0HPRU\

Holding instructions in mind, Repetition, written instructions, use of calculator, reading comprehension, math short reading passages calculation, writing

Memory Consolidation/Retrieval

Retaining new information, accessing learned info when needed

Processing Speed

Keep pace with work demand, Extended time, slow down verbal info, process verbal information comprehension-checking effectively

Fatigue

Decreased arousal/activation to engage basic attention, working memory

Rest breaks during classes, homework, and exams

Interferes with concentration

Rest breaks

Light/Noise Sensitivity

Symptoms worsen in bright or loud environments

Wear sunglasses, seating away from bright sunlight or other light. Avoid noisy/crowded environments such as lunchroom, assemblies, hallways.

Dizziness/Balance Problems

Unsteadiness when walking

Elevator pass, class transition prior to bell

Sleep Disturbance

Decreased arousal, shifted sleep schedule

Later start time, shortened day

Anxiety

Can interfere with concentration; Student may push through symptoms to prevent falling behind

Reassurance from teachers and team about accommodations; Workload reduction, alternate forms of testing

Depression/Withdrawal

Withdrawal from school or friends due to stigma or activity restrictions

Time built in for socialization

Cognitive Symptoms

Concentrating, learning

See specific cognitive accommodations above

Symptom Sensitivity

Reduce cognitive or physical demands below Symptoms worsen with oversymptom threshold; provide rest breaks; complete activity, resulting in any of the work in small increments until symptom threshold above problems increases

Symptoms Headaches

Family Practice physician, family medicine and sports medicine professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, medical director for the Twin Cities Marathon, editor in chief of Current Sports Medicine Reports,

past president of the American College of Sports Medicine, foremost international authority on preparticipation physical exams. He has published several articles on ice hockey injury, running injury, and heat stroke. Dr. B.J. Anderson — Family Practice physician, team physician for Augsburg College wrestling team, foremost authority on skin infections in sport. He has published several articles on wrestling skin infections and

Fall 2013 Bulletin

Smaller chunks to learn, recognition cues

www.MSHSL.org

Safe ................................................................. continued from Page 14 skiing. Dr. Michael J. Stuart — Orthopedic Surgeon at Mayo Clinic, chief medical officer for USA Hockey, team physician for the USA Men’s Olympic Team, lead physician for the annual Mayo Clinic Concussion Summit, has attended all the international consensus work groups on concussion. He has published many articles on ice hockey injury and safety. Dr. Craig Couillard — doctor of chiropractic, served on several USA Olympic team medical staffs, teaches at Northwestern Health Sciences University, Normandale Community College, and Minnesota School of Business. Sheila Davies — Registered Nurse, school nurse at Champlin Park High School. Lori Glover — certified athletic trainer, rehabilitation director for Institute for Athletic Medicine, coordinator of

medical services for League state tournaments/meets. Doug Nelson — certified athletic trainer, Eastview High School athletic trainer, former assistant athletic trainer for Minnesota Twins. Jim Olson — certified physical therapist, president Motioncare, served as lead physical therapist for US sled hockey at several Olympics and international championships, and is a rater for the paralympics. Randy Glasmann — girls’ golf coach at Maple Grove High School. Doug Davis — boys’ swimming and diving coach at Northfield High School. That’s a blue ribbon lineup of individuals who are watching out for the health and safety of Minnesota’s high school studentathletes, don’t you agree. At the meeting on Sept. 4, two topics

dominated the agenda — concussions and heat safety. With all of the attention that has been focused on concussions the past few years, one would assume that the topic would have become a back-burner issue. Not for this group. And it should not be for you either, whether you are an athlete, parent, coach, administrator, official or medical professional. Concussions are serious. Concussions cause trauma to the brain. Untreated or treated poorly, concussions can cause permanent damage. Anecdotal information was shared by committee members and League staff that startled me. Such as a football coach who failed to report a concussion while working with a kid during a summer program. Technically, that’s a violation of state law, to say nothing about the ethics of putting a kid

at risk of potential permanent brain damage. Much more is known about concussions and their impact on student-athletes than was known even a few years ago. However, much more needs to be discovered. As a result, numerous medical professionals continue to conduct research while others gather information about the rates of occurrence and the after-effects. To that end, the committee is always looking for injury surveillance data. Dr. Leslie Seymour of the Minnesota Department of Health attended the meeting and reported about a pilot study done in connection with Fairview Health Services. Partnering with Fairview’s certified athletic trainers working at 43 high schools in the Twin Cities metro area, Dr. Seymour said nearly 600 concussions were reported during the

Recommendations for the 14-Day Heat Acclimitization Period Days 1-5 No more than 1 practice per day of no more than 3 hours 1-hour maximum walk-through per day; 3-hour recovery period required between practice and walk-through (or vice versa) For sports requiring helmets or shoulder pads, only helmets permitted for Days 1-2; helmets and shoulder pads only for Days 3-5 For football only, contact with blocking sleds and tackling dummies permitted on Days 3-5

www.MSHSL.org

Days 6-14 All protective equipment may be worn Full contact may begin

Double-practice days must be followed by a single-practice day On single-practice days, 1 walk-through is permitted, separated from the practice by at least 3 hours of continuous rest When a double-practice day is followed by a rest day, another double-practice day is permitted after the rest day On double-practice days, neither practice should exceed 3 hours in duration, with a maximum of 5 total hours of practice; warm-up, stretching, cooldown, walk-through, conditioning, and weight room activities count as practice time; the 2 practices should be separated by a minimum of 3 hours recovery in a cool environment

Fall 2013 Bulletin

2012-13 school year. Members of the committee welcomed her data and noted that similar data collected statewide would be even more valuable. Then the committee brainstormed ideas about how to better monitor the incidences of concussion and collect that data statewide. A consenus was reached that if the committee could receive all of the mandated “return to play” reports that must follow any concussion diagnosis, then the data would be much more statistically useful. Committee members and League staff will be exploring opportunities to obtain those reports. Why is that data important? Because it will serve as both a baseline and subsequent comparative data to discern whether the League’s educational outreach about concussions is having a positive and intended impact. Next school year, 2014-15, all high school coaches will have to complete a continuing education model with updated information about concussions. With the assistance of the committee members, League staff will develop new content to keep the subject front and center for all coaches. While discussing the issue, Ms. Glover noted that member school educators need to keep in mind that accommodations for recuperating concussed studentathletes may need to be implemented. Due to the trauma to the

News and Features

With all of the attention that has been focused on concussions the past few years, one would assume that the topic would have become a back-burner issue. Not for this group. And it should not be for you either, whether you are an athlete, parent, coach, administrator, official or medical professional.

See Safe on Page 17 15

Athletic Activities

Policy revised governing transfer eligibility appeals, hearings By Craig Perry Associate Director

The athletic director is the school representative who will work with League staff on behalf of the student through the entire appeal process. The student and family will work directly with the athletic director.

he Minnesota State High School League provides an opportunity for students who wish to have their transfer eligibility determination reviewed. The Transfer Eligibility Appeal Policy is a student advocacy process available for students who wish to appeal a school administrator’s determination of their transfer eligibility. However, not every transfer is appealable. The appeal process is available for exceptional circumstances that warrant consideration for granting varsity eligibility. The Transfer Eligibility Appeal Policy, revised by the League Board of Directors for the 2013-2014 school year, recognizes six specific situations that can be considered by the athletic director for a transfer eligibility appeal. The athletic director must confirm that the conditions of the transfer meet one of those appeal provisions and confirm that documentation to support the appeal is available. An appeal cannot be submitted if the conditions of the transfer do not fit one of the six appeal provisions. Should that be the case, and if the athletic director believes the student’s situation is exceptional and warrants a review, a letter requesting a hearing before an

independent hearing officer can be submitted to the League office. The athletic director is the school representative who will work with League staff on behalf of the student through the entire appeal process. The student and family will work directly with the athletic director. First, the athletic director at the student’s new or receiving school will determine the student’s transfer eligibility and submit that determination to the League for affirmation. Next, using the electronic appeal form, information from the family, from the current school and from former school will be collected and then electronically submitted to the League office for a review by League staff. Finally, a League response regarding the appeal will be electronically submitted to the athletic director. The response will indicate if the appeal is granted, partially granted or denied. In some instances, additional information is requested before a final decision can be made by League staff. The Transfer Eligibility Appeal Procedures can be found on pages 25-26 in the 2013-2014 Official Handbook. The most current version of the Transfer Eligibility Appeal Procedures is also posted on the League website under Resources >Publications >Official Handbook.

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions from students and family members about the transfer eligibility appeal process and League staff responses. 1) Where can I find information about the transfer eligibility appeal process? All of the information can be found in the Official Handbook on pages 25-26 or on the Web as referenced above. 2) How do I appeal my eligibility determination and how does the appeal process work? The appeal process begins with the athletic director. Once the athletic director informs you of your transfer eligibility, and if you choose to participate at the new or receiving school, you have 10 days to ask the athletic director to appeal the transfer eligibility determination. The athletic director will review the appeal request, focusing on the rationale for the request, and determine if the transfer is exceptional and if it fits one of the six appeal provisions of the Transfer Eligibility Appeal

Fall 2013 Bulletin

Procedures on page 25 of the Official Handbook. If the athletic director agrees to submit the appeal, information will be gathered from the family, the new school administration, and the former school administration before it is forwarded to the League office for review. Documentation in support of the family rationale for the appeal is required. All documents are electronically submitted to the League office for a review by staff. 3) Am I eligible to participate at the varsity level while my appeal is being reviewed? No. Your eligibility status does not change during the appeal or hearing process. You are asking to have your current participation eligibility changed. Only a successful appeal or a decision by the independent hearing officer can change your eligibility. 4) How long does it take for a decision to be made regarding my transfer eligibility appeal? A League staff review of the appeal will be completed within 1014 business days,

once the electronic appeal document and the necessary supporting documents are received by the League. The League staff decision will be electronically submitted to the athletic director at your new school. 5) What do I do if the athletic director denies the appeal request? If the athletic director denies your request for a transfer eligibility appeal, you have 10 days to request, in writing, a League-level hearing before an independent hearing officer. The Transfer Eligibility Appeal Procedures detail the steps. The athletic director will submit a letter on behalf of the student requesting a League-level hearing. The letter must identify the specific rationale for the hearing request and all documents necessary to support the rationale for the hearing request must be submitted to the League. 6) Who decides if a League level hearing will be granted? League staff will review the hearing request and determine if the See Eligibility on Page 19 www.MSHSL.org

Dr. Michael Koester earns NFHS Award of Merit

ichael Koester, M.D., ATC, one of the nation’s leading experts in the area of concussions in sports, was the 2013 recipient of the Award of Merit from the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Koester, a physician on staff at the Slocum Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Eugene, Ore., where he also directs the Slocum Sports Concussion Program, received the prestigious award June 25, 2013, at the NFHS Summer

Meeting in Denver, Colo. A nonsurgical sports medicine specialist, Koester specializes in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. He is trained in both pediatric and adult sports medicine, but has a special interest in the evaluation and care of injuries in young children and adolescents. Koester earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 1992, and his doctorate from the University of

Nevada School of Medicine in Reno in 1996. He did his pediatric residency at the University of Washington School of Medicine and his primary care sports medicine fellowship at Vanderbilt University. A native of Stanfield, Ore., Koester has devoted many hours to the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA) and the NFHS, particularly in the area of concussions in sports. Koester recently completed five years on the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory

Committee (SMAC), including three years as chair. During that time he led the committee’s work with regard to concussions and was the spokesperson for the NFHS at meetings across the country. Among his accomplishments, Koester played a large role in the revised fourth edition of the NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook. He also led the SMAC in adopting a Position Statement on Concussions that was placed in all NFHS rules books beginning with the 2010-11 school year.

In addition, through his direction of the SMAC, the NFHS adopted new rules language regarding the procedures to follow when an athlete is suspected of having a concussion. The guidelines for the management of a student exhibiting signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion were placed in all NFHS rules books beginning with the 2010-11 school year. Koester also played a key role in the development of See Koester on Page 18

Safe ................................................................. continued from Page 15 brain, it is likely impossible for student-athletes to resume their academic rigors as if nothing had happened. The injury cannot be seen like a cast on a broken arm, but nonetheless the brain needs time to recover. (See the complete manuscript that includes the table on Page 14 on the Web at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/ PMC3208828). Refusal to allow one recovering student-athlete to wear sunglasses in class despite his doctor’s recommendation to do so was one example Glover offered as rationale for more education of school personnel about making accommodations for concussed athletes. The committee broadened the discussion to include repetitive trauma to the head that is showing up in studies of former pro athletes. In many www.MSHSL.org

cases, the blows to the head don’t even induce concussions, but the repetitive nature of the contact is apparently taking its toll on the brain and not displaying symptoms until much later in life. Committee members are quick to point out that they are not encouraging kids to disengage from contact sports. Injury rates are still low when you compare them to the number of participants. On the contrary, the committee’s message is to educate everyone about methods to avoid the kind of contact that causes brain trauma, how to recognize the symptons of such injuries, and to exercise caution in the treatment of those injuries and the time needed to return to play. Heat acclimitization. Sometimes hard to say, but it basically is a method of

gradually allowing student-athletes to become accustomed to high heat and humid conditions before they are subjected to significant physical exertion. The process becomes paramount for several fall sports whose seasons begin in mid-August. League staff is continuing to develop useful resources for administrators and coaches to use when working with student-athletes during hot, humid conditions. The committee endorsed the recommendations jointly developed by the Inter-Association Task Force for Preseason Secondary School Athletics and the Nartional Athletic Trainers Association’s Secondary School Athletic Trainers Committee. The recommendations detail the allowed activity during a 14day heat acclimitization period. (See chart on

Page 15.) While some might consider the recommendations restrictive, studies have shown that properly followed, they can actually enhance the performance of athletes. Of course, the primary concern is preventing heat illness caused by too much physical exertion in too hot and too humid conditions. The meeting also included several other issues. For example, Associate Director Jody Redman reported that Version 2.0 of the Anyone Can Save A Life program has been deployed, adding that the Arizona Interscholastic Association has adopted the program and that several other states are considering doing the same. League staff and committee members are also revisiting a proposal from an

Fall 2013 Bulletin

Athletic Activities

outside vendor that would electronically collect and store preparticipation physical exam data, as well as other essential data that athletics/ activitiesdirectors could easily access. It was suggested that the system might also be designed to collect the concussion return to play and other injury data that the committee believes is very important. For years I have marveled at the level of expertise and experience of these medical professsionals. Their knowledge and desire to keep Minnesota kids safe while enjoying the activities they love is extremely evident. Their work may be in the background, but the product of their labor and concern is very much in the foreground when Minnesota high school kids take to the field, the floor, the ice or whatever venue to have fun!

For years I have marveled at the level of expertise and experience of these medical professsionals. Their knowledge and desire to keep Minnesota kids safe while enjoying the activities they love is extremely evident.

Are your athletes getting enough sleep? Athletic Activities

For studentathletes, sleep should be as essential as breakfast and school attendance. The notion that sleep is good for you is not new, but the concept of injury reduction and performance enhancement as a function of sleep is gaining traction.

By William O. Roberts, M.D., M.S.

re your athletes getting enough

sleep? Training and competition performance has focused on training volume, fluid availability and intake, nutrition, environmental conditions, practice length and frequency, and rest between practices. While all of these factors affect performance and injury rates, there has been little emphasis on a simple intervention – sleep. At Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., the football team has been winning — and sleeping more. Schedules and practices have been adjusted to give the players time to sleep. So far this season, the strategy seems to be paying off with

wins and happy players. Sleep is essential to learning, and without sleep the lessons of the day do not get locked into the brain. For student-athletes, sleep should be as essential as breakfast and school attendance. The notion that sleep is good for you is not new, but the concept of injury reduction and performance enhancement as a function of sleep is gaining traction. Although sleep requirements vary from student to student, 8 to 9 hours a night is the usual minimum for high school teenagers. Some of the research has been initiated by college students. A group of basketball players at Stanford University tracked sleep and game performance and found they played better with more sleep. Others

have found that simply adding one hour of sleep a night improves performance. For other athletes, cutting out early morning practices and using the time for sleep had improved performance at the professional level. So, pushing athletes with beforeand after-school practices may do more harm than good for both team and individual performances. An even more interesting concept is

that of sleep related to injury reduction. Work presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics Meeting in 2012 and as yet unpublished suggests that student-athletes who have more than 8 hours of sleep per night are 68 percent less likely to be injured during sports activity compared to those with less than 8 hours of sleep. This certainly speaks to adequate sleep time for athletes. We do know that athletes with more sleep have quicker reaction times, better proprioception sense (knowing where a joint is in space), and better balance than their peers who are getting less sleep. Our high school athletes are in that difficult phase of life when the biological clock and circadian rhythms do not match the school and competition hours we have set for them. Teens tend to be awake until 10 or 11 p.m. and need to

sleep until 8 a.m. to get adequate hours. That makes most tardy for school. Many are also “over programed” and stay up later than their natural sleep time, further compounding the problem. A student-athlete can try to influence the biological clock by dimming the lights for a half-hour before bed and turning on bright lights at the desired wake time. This will work for some but not all. The “other” strategy is to cut back on activities to a level that allows adequate sleep for school and sports performance. While many consider sleep a luxury, it should be elevated to the essential category for optimal studentathlete performance. The battle cry from the nutrition world has been “Eat to Win.” We should add to that “Sleep to Win” (and reduce injury), as is being done at Northwestern and Stanford universities.

Koester ............................................................ continued from Page 17 the NFHS Coach Education Program online course Concussion in Sports – What You Need to Know. He is the host of this online course, which has been taken 18

by about 900,000 individuals since its launch on www.nfhslearn.com in 2010. Koester also authored three articles for High

School Today, the NFHS’ national magazine that is distributed to the superintendent, principal, athletic director and school board president at

Fall 2013 Bulletin

every high school in the United States. His articles were on the topics of H1N1 virus, preparticipation exams, and the academic effects of concussions.

Koester also has served as chair of the OSAA Medical Aspects of Sports Committee, as well as team physician for several high schools in the Eugene area. www.MSHSL.org

Eligibility .......................................................... continued from Page 16 request will be granted. Each hearing request is considered on its individual merits. However, decisions from previous transfer eligibility appeals and decisions from previous League-level hearings may be used in the review process to determine if a League-level hearing will be granted. 7) How long does the hearing process take? The hearing request will be reviewed by League staff within 10-14 business days. If the hearing request is granted, the hearing will be scheduled as quickly as possible. An independent hearing officer will be

secured and then the hearing will be scheduled on a date acceptable to all parties. 8) Should I have legal representation at the hearing? The choice to have legal representation at the League level hearing is a family decision. As a family you will decide what is in your best interests. 9) What happens at the hearing? The hearing officer provides you the opportunity to share all information relevant to your transfer situation. Representatives from both the current and former schools may also be in attendance and they too will be provided the

opportunity to speak about your transfer. If you have legal counsel your counsel will also be provided the opportunity to speak on your behalf. Finally, a League representative will discuss the facts of your transfer, your eligibility determination, and also identify the League bylaws, rules and policies applied in your transfer situation. 10) Who serves as the independent hearing officer? The League contracts retired district judges to serve as independent hearing officers. Their understanding of law, procedures, bylaws and administrative rules ensure the process will be

credible and unbiased. 11) I know that when I transfer between League member schools I can choose to participate at my new/receiving school or remain a participant at my former/sending school for one year. If I appeal my eligibility at the new school and the appeal is denied, can I then choose to participate at my former school for one year? The first decision you make regarding your participation is binding. If you choose to participate at the new school and your appeal is denied your

participation eligibility remains at the new school. You cannot decide to participate at your former school if the appeal is denied. 12) Who should I contact if I have any additional questions? The athletic director at your school is the person to contact whenever you have eligibility questions. The athletic director will answer your questions, provide you with eligibility interpretations and determinations, and also serve as your liaison to the League. Here is the exact language of Bylaw 111 Policy Procedures for Determining Transfer Student Eligibility:

1. Policy. It is the policy of the League to provide, promote, extend, manage and administer competitive activities for Minnesota youth. The League’s member schools have determined that student movement from school to school should be restricted. To accomplish this goal, the League adopted Bylaw 111 to restrict student movement between schools to prevent athletic transfers and ensure competitive equity amongst schools regardless of athletic ability. The League has found that to best achieve this goal, it does not determine whether a transfer was for athletic purposes but rather determines that all Transfer Students are deemed presumptively ineligible for varsity athletics unless they meet one of the exceptions listed in Bylaw 111 or as outlined in these Independent Hearing Procedures. 2. Transfer Eligibility Appeal Procedures. The Application to Appeal a Transfer Eligibility Determination is limited to the following circumstances: A) Documented internal Board of Education policies regarding the movement of students within the school district. B) Adoption, abandonment, or death of a parent. C) A documented substantial negative change in the economic status of the student’s parents which requires the student to withdraw from their current school and enroll in the public school located in the public school district attendance area where the student’s parents reside. D) Intolerable conditions at the Sending School as affirmed in writing by the Sending School. When situations arise that the student or parents believe have created an intolerable condition, the acts complained of must first be reported to the appropriate administrators at the school so they have the opportunity to investigate and take any action they deem necessary to resolve the problem. If the parents believe that actions or situations are occurring that have an adverse impact on the physical or psychological well-being of the student, the student must have been referred to an appropriate medical or psychological professional. That professional must prepare a written report that can be provided, on a confidential basis, to the school, the League office and the independent hearing officer if a hearing is required. If police action has been taken, copies of the reports showing that an investigation was actually conducted and the results of that investigation must be provided. In general, allegations alone are not sufficient. There must be some reasonable and believable substantiation presented to indicate an incident or incidents actually occurred. As well, the perpetrators must be identified. E) Administrative error in addressing a student’s initial eligibility. F) Completion of a licensed program for treatment of alcohol or substance abuse, mental illness or emotional disturbance provided all other eligibility rules are followed. 3. Transfer Eligibility Appeal Process. Transfer eligibility determinations and transfer eligibility appeals can only be submitted to the League after the student has completed the transfer. A transfer is considered complete when the student attends school at the Receiving School or participates in a fall sport practice prior to the first day of school for the school year. A. The school administrator at the Receiving School shall make an initial eligibility determination based upon the factors outlined in Bylaw 111.1.B(i)-(v) and submit the electronic transfer form to the League office for review. The Receiving School administrator shall inform the student and the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) of the eligibility determination. The Receiving School administrator shall also inform the student, parent(s) and/or guardian(s) that the student can choose to participate at the Receiving School at the non-varsity level for one calendar year beginning with the first day of attendance or choose to participate at the Sending School at the varsity level for one calendar year

Athletic Activities

It is the policy of the League to provide, promote, extend, manage and administer competitive activities for Minnesota youth. The League’s member schools have determined that student movement from school to school should be restricted.

See Eligibility on Page 21 www.MSHSL.org

Fall 2013 Bulletin

Mental preparation also critical for officials Officials

By Kevin Merkle Associate Director

Working a full-time job and also working as an official is challenging. All the more important for officials to take at least some time to mentally prepare.

ost coaches and athletes understand the importance of proper mental preparation for competition. The same mental preparation used by athletes can also be beneficial for officials. Officials have to “perform” their skills and make critical mental decisions –similar to athletes. Let’s explore some simple steps that officials can take in their mental preparation to assist them in performing at a high level. Mental preparation for officials begins in the off-season. The study of rules and mechanics must be on-going. Officials can also take advantage of training clinics that occur during the offseason. Just as athletes attend camps and compete in off-season leagues, officials can also attend camps and officiate in the off-season to hone their skills. As the start of the season nears, it is important for officials to prepare for the season both mental and physically – once again similar to what is done by athletes. Some sports, such as basketball, hockey and soccer, require officials to be at a

higher level of physical conditioning than do some of the other sports – but in virtually all sports, it is important for officials to take care of themselves with proper rest, nutrition and exercise, helping them to perform at a high level. During the season, officials should be participating in preevent and post-event discussions with their partners or crew. These discussions should be used to review the intricate details of rules, mechanics and procedures, helping the officials to become more focused for an upcoming event or to learn from what has occurred in the event just completed. This pre- and post-event work will assist officials in their effort to continuosly strive for improvement. Pre-game preparation is especially important when going directly from work to a game. Officials must learn to leave there work and personal issues “in the car” and not allow those issues to affect your performance. For the two to three hours you are officiating an event, your undivided attention must be on that event. Officials must also learn to control their thinking during a contest A critical skill for officials is

the need to focus. Officials may not have to make a critical call, or in some sports, any kind of call for much of the game. But at any time there can be the need to make a call that may determine the outcome of a contest. Officials must stay focused on every “play” from the start of the contest until the “final horn,” and that is a skill that must be developed. One way to do that is to break the game into smaller segments. Officiate one play at a time in football, one possession at a time in basketball, or one batter at a time in baseball. Performing the many required mechanics – proper signals, signals to your partners, observing the clock, the sidelines, the play “away from the ball, puck, etc. – will help the official to stay mentally engaged. This can be even more difficult during an event that may not be close or competitive – all the

Fall 2013 Bulletin

more need to work at staying focused. To perform at their highest level, officials, just as athletes, must maintain their confidence. Many times the reason for the poor performance on the part of athletes is that they have lost confidence. This happens at all levels of play, even at the professional level. This also happens to officials. Especially when they think that they may have missed a call or second-guess themselves. The danger is that when your focus is disrupted, that can lead to additional missed calls. This can then lead to officials being more sensitive to criticism, and in some cases over-reaction which can be directed to players, coaches or fans – many times causing further problems. Officials must be mentally tough to not allow mistakes or other issues to affect their confidence and

their concentration. Officials must have mistake rituals. One such ritual might be to put the mistake in a box, and put the box on the shelf until after that game when you can look in the box and review the mistake. Another method is to mentally “flush” the mistake from your mind and move on. The quicker you can do this and refocus on the game, the better. Officials have a limited amount of time, just like everyone else. Working a full-time job and also working as an official is challenging. All the more important for officials to take at least some time to mentally prepare. Proper preparation will lead to a better performance, a better event for players, coaches and spectators, and a much more positive experience for the official. Mentaly prepare in advance, and learn to control your reactions and your thoughts during the game so that you can be at your best.

www.MSHSL.org

NFHS rules publications now available as E-Books

ules books and case books produced by the National Federation of State High School Associations are now available for purchase online in electronic-book format. The NFHS, which has written and

published playing rules for high school sports throughout most of its 94-year history, is offering its rules publications in e-book format through iTunes for Apple users. In addition, the Kindle version is being sold on Amazon. All 2013-14 rules

books and case books for fall sports are available for purchase through Amazon, and will be followed later in the year by winter and spring sports. The 2013 NFHS Football Rules Book is now

Officials

See E-Books on Page 23

Breaking Barrier Awards to be presented at 2014 National Girls and Women in Sports Day

ark Your Calendars for the 28th Annual National Girls and Women in Sports Day Celebration. The 2014 celebration will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at noon at the State Capitol Rotunda in St. Paul. The goal of

the commemorative day is to call attention to the achievements of female athletes and to recognize individuals and organizations that have broken barriers to provide athletic opportunities for women and girls.

The celebration is free and open to the public and is sponsored by the Minnesota Coalition to Promote Women in Athletic Leadership. Activities planned for the 2014 Celebration will include the presentation of the

Breaking Barrier Awards. These awards give League member schools an opportunity to recognize individuals/ organizations in their community that have had a positive impact on girls’ sports programs.

Nomination materials and additional information about the 2014 National Girls and Women in Sports Day Celebration can be found at www.ngwsdmn.com.

Eligibility .......................................................... continued from Page 19 pursuant to Bylaw 111.1.C. The choice of participation at the Receiving School or Sending School is an “either or” decision and, once made, the student can only participate at that school. For example, the student cannot participate at the sending school for a fall sport and then participate at the receiving school for a winter sport. B. If the student chooses to participate at the varsity level at the Sending School for one year, these procedures are not applicable. C. If the student chooses to participate at the Receiving School, staff at the League office shall review the Receiving School’s initial transfer eligibility form and send an electronic response to the Receiving School administrator agreeing or disagreeing with the Receiving school’s initial eligibility determination. (i) If the student, parent(s) or guardian(s) appeal the initial eligibility determination and is subsequently not granted varsity eligibility at the Receiving School, the student may not then choose to participate at the Former School. The student cannot participate at the Receiving School, appeal eligibility and then if the appeal is not granted, participate at the Sending School. D. The student, parent or guardian may appeal the Receiving School’s initial transfer eligibility determination based upon the factors outlined in Bylaw Policy 111.2(A)-(F). The Receiving School administrator shall be solely responsible for submitting an appeal to the League, in writing, electronically or by hard copy. The appeal shall include the following: (i) The rationale for the appeal and any supporting documentation from the student, parent or guardian; (ii) Information and documentation from the Receiving School; (iii) Information and documentation from the Sending School; E. League staff will review the appeal and take appropriate action, including but not limited to: (i) Granting the appeal; (ii) Denying the appeal; or (iii) Requesting additional documentation or information from the student, parent or guardian, and/or the schools; F. If the appeal is denied, the student, parent or guardian may request an Independent Hearing at the League level. The request for an Independent Hearing shall be submitted by the Receiving School administrator and shall (i) be in writing; (ii) include the specific rationale describing why an Independent Hearing at the League level should be held; and (iii) include documentation supporting the rationale for a League-level Independent Hearing. G. After a review of the request for an Independent Hearing, the League office will either grant or deny the request for an Independent Hearing. (i) If the request for an Independent Hearing is granted, the hearing will be held before an independent hearing officer appointed by the League and at the League’s expense. If all parties agree, the hearing may be conducted by telephone. The student shall have a right to be represented by a person of the student’s choice, which may include legal counsel. The independent hearing officer’s recommendation shall be effective until reviewed by the League Board of Directors at its next regularly scheduled meeting. (ii) If the request for an Independent Hearing is denied, the transfer eligibility determination shall remain effective until reviewed by the League Board of Directors at its next regularly scheduled meeting. (iii) At its next regularly scheduled meeting, the League Board of Directors will accept or deny the recommendations of the independent hearing officer or accept or deny the transfer eligibility determination. The decision of the League Board of Directors shall be final. www.MSHSL.org

Fall 2013 Bulletin

Congratulations â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and thanks for your service Officials

ongratulations to the many officials who have earned years of service awards! Thanks for your service to the student athletes of our members schools. Years of Service Recipients for the 2012-2013 School Year: 60-Year Official Les Novak, St. Louis Park. 50-Year Officials Richard Gosse, Rochester; Duane Mettler, Madison Lake; Darrell Wincek, Crystal. 40-Year Officials David Anderson, Rochester; Loren Benz, Winona; John Blum, Edina; Perry Coonce, South St. Paul; Vicki Davis, Hastings; Rich Decker, Rochester; Clyde Doepner, St. Paul; Nick Drees, Thief River Falls; Thomas Fischer, Anoka; Dale Freese, St. Cloud; Dennis Jacobs, West Concord; Robert Johnson, St. Cloud; John Jundt, Woodbury; Robert Kinzel, Baxter; Gregg (Marty) Martin, Waseca; Jerome Ohme, Luverne; Byron Olson, Buffalo; Fred Rupp, Sartell; Rich Stolp, Mankato; F. Stephen Winfield, Saint Paul. 30-Year Officials Debbie Adamek, Long Prairie; Kenneth Bemboom, Sauk Rapids; Mark Bittner, Chisago City; Robert Brintnall, Cannon Falls; Scott Brolsma, Sherburn; Kenneth Carlson, St. Cloud; Mark Cashman, Owatonna; Jeffrey Coombe, Maple Grove; Roger Cota, St. Hilaire; Kelly Haws, Cold Spring; Robert Hoisington, Shoreview; Jeffrey Johnson, Andover; Barry Langen, Kennedy; Brian Lindberg, Mentor; Douglas Magnus, Glenwood; Jon McLean, Elk River; Jerold Meininger, Grand Rapids; Gene Merriam, Coon Rapids; Tom Mesner, Chandler; Hal Meyer, Lynd; Kevin Morrison, Duluth; Milo Moyano, Moorhead; Kay Oling, Duluth; Rich Pohlmeier, Glencoe; Kelly Reich, Owatonna; Jerry Reker, Mantorville; Dean Rengstorf, Mankato; David Rosga, St. Paul; Pam Runge, St. James; Pat Schumer, Shoreview; Jack Shawn, Elko; Randy Swanberg, Kennedy; Michael Trewick, St. Louis Park; Dave Troland, Mt. Iron; Haakon Vaadeland, Park Rapids; Tom Vucetich, Hibbing; George Weber, E. Grand Forks; Gregory Zaborowski, Winona; Timothy Zupfer, Alexandria. 20-Year Officials Keith Adelman, Graceville; Robert Bain, Champlin; Bill Bardal, Faribault; Gordy Barsaloux, Minneapolis; Steven Bassett, Worthington; Mark Bauer, St. Paul; Sam Bellig, Battle Lake; Cheryl Bolitho, Minneapolis; Cindy Bowe, Austin; Bruce Buntje, Eagan; Paul Conrad, Albany; Pamela Crandall, North Oaks; Jackie Dripps, Morris; Terry Eiter, Detroit Lakes; James Engelking, Jr., St. Paul; Greg Ewing, Hutchinson; Deb Gode, Sanborn; Daniel Grimm, Norwood Young America; Robert Grove, Elbow Lake; Kerry Guerin, Eagan; Joseph Guidarelli, Elk River; Paul Hahn, Hutchinson; James Harding,

Fall 2013 Bulletin

Northfield; John Hartley, Spicer; Graham Hendrickson, Clearwater; Tom Herkenhoff, St. Louis Park; Randy Herrlich, BAXTER; Jerry Hill, Duluth; Scott Hinde, Montevideo; Brian Hoff, Wykoff; Peter Jarnstrom, Mankato; Craig Johnson, Victoria; David Johnson, Storden; Nancy Kissner, Lamberton; Michael Kozlowski, Woodbury; Lyle Kramer, Fulda; Keri Kuboushek, Burnsville; Steven Kudebeh, Minneapolis; Michael Leonard, Newport; Phillip Lind, Duluth; Lyle Lorenson, Cannon Falls; Russ Lundquist, Rosemount; Jim Lynch, St. Cloud; Mark Mackedanz, Paynesville; Gabriel Manrique, Winona; Todd Michaels, La Crescent; Jeffrey Monahan, Silver Lake; Don Morrow, Bloomington; Brian Mort, Perham; Chris Neisen, New Prague; Brian Nelson, Greenbush; Colleen Nichols, Austin; Scott Nielsen, Moorhead; Craig Norland, Cottonwood; Rob Nudell, Frazee; Richard Oftedal, Monticello; Arly Ohm, Breckenridge; John Olson, Frazee; Matthew Olson, Andover; Thomas Opheim, Chanhassen; Daniel Pelletier, St. Paul; Steven Perlman, Minnetonka; John Persoon, Mahtomedi; Jim Perunovich, Side Lake; William Peterson, Woodbury; Gary Pietruszewski, St. Louis Park; Paul Pranghofer, Golden Valley; Marty Radi, Sartell; Cary Radisewitz, Luverne; Gregg Rappe, Farmington; Gary Revenig, Monticello; Dennis Rickert, Oakdale; Daniel Roff, Plymouth; Mark Rogers, Circle Pines; Bradley Rosa, Cottonwood; Randall Rose, Rochester; Paul Schiffler, Albany; Stephen Schmahl, Saint Paul; Joel Schmidt, Mapleton; Michelle Schneider, Brooklyn Park; Scott Schwieger, Willmar; John Simpson, Harris; David Smith, Pillager; Darwin Stadtlander, Buffalo; Jeff Stottlemyer, Shoreview; Jeffrey VanHee, Madelia; Douglas Vedders, Foreston; Heather Wachal, Jackson; Karen Ward-Elser, Maple Grove; Jack Watchorn, Inver Grove Heights; Lee Webskowski, Marshall; Ryan Weinzierl, Dilworth; Helmut Winter, Plymouth; Joe Wischnewski, Esko; Kari Wise, Albertville; Clark Worthington, St. Louis Park; David Zapzalka, St. Stephen; Dan Zrust, Maple Grove; Robert Zuehlke, Jr., Coleraine; Kurt Zuidmulder, Hermantown 10-Year Officials Stacy Abel, St. Peter; Paul Adams, Maplewood; Al Alami, Apple Vallley; Joseph Alexander, Glenwood; Andrew Aller, Chanhassen; Ashley Alm, Woodbury; Erik Anderson, Elk River; Stacy Anderson, Minneapolis; Heather Appel, Byron; Jason Bakke, Lakeville; Andrew Bartczak, Apple Valley; Thomas L. Bauman, Buffalo; Michael T. Beaudry, St. Paul; Thomas Bell, Lakeville; Brian Bellicot, Savage; Bruce Belseth, Sleepy Eye; Nick Berscheid, St. Cloud; Mark Bessler, Bemidji; Dawson Blanck, New Brighton; Bill Bolm, Alexandria; William Borchers, Bloomington; Bill Brink, Deer River; David Broadwater, Preston; John Brueske, New Ulm; Richard Busey, Rochester; Michael Cantone, Eagan; Ben See Service on Page 23

www.MSHSL.org

E-Books ........................................................... continued from Page 21 available through iTunes, and rules books for field hockey, soccer and volleyball will be available soon, as well as case books in football and volleyball. Winter and spring rules publications will also follow later in the year for Apple users on iTunes. “Production of rules publications

has been one of the most important functions of the NFHS throughout its history, so we are excited to be able to offer this material in a way that meets current advancements in technology,” said Bob Gardner, NFHS executive director. “We believe these ebooks will be a great supplement to our

printed publications.” The NFHS writes playing rules for 16 sports for girls and boys competition at the high school level, and annually publishes about 25 rules books, case books, officials manuals and handbooks. More than 1.3 million copies of rulesrelated publications are distributed annually throughout

the world. The NFHS writes playing rules in the sports of baseball, basketball, cross country running, field hockey, football, girls’ gymnastics, ice hockey, boys’ lacrosse, soccer, softball, spirit, swimming and diving, track and field, volleyball, water polo and wrestling.

NFHS playing rules are written specifically for varsity competition among studentathletes of high school age and are intended to maintain the sound traditions of the sport, preserve the balance between offense and defense, encourage sportsmanship, and minimize the inherent risk of injury for participants.

Officials

Service............................................................. continued from Page 22 Carlsen, Thief River Falls; Joseph P Cerisier, Ramsey; Todd Champ, Champlin; Amy Cichosz, Fergus Falls; Alan W. Clark, Becker; Ron Coller, Hugo; Mark Conrath, Elk River; Jeff Cook, Luverne; Ronald Cordes, Bloomington; Robert Crunstedt, Savage; Jessica Dangson, Brooklyn Park; Josh Dascher, Rochester; Tim Davis, Saint Paul; Laura Davison, Forest Lake; Sean Degerstrom, Lake Park; Kevin DeGezelle, Woodbury; Scott Dehn, New Hope; Joel Dierks, Elk River; Mark Dingmann, Sauk Rapids; Terri Dircks, Clearwater; Sandra Doherty, Shakopee; David E. Drenckpohl, Cambridge; Robert J. Dreyer, Andover; Terry Ehlert, Fairmont; Alisa Eytcheson, Wells; Matthew Fitzenberger, St. Paul; Ryan Fitzthum, Sartell; Angela Flatgard, Bloomington; Mark Fleek, Elk River; Crystal Flint, South St. Paul; William Floersheim, Grand Rapids; Dan Freudenburg, Rochester; Mark Fritel, Big Lake; Alfonso Gaines, Apple Valley; Dean Grace, Duluth; Pat Greendahl, Bemidji; Paul S. Gregor, Theif River Falls; Michael Grose, Bigfork; Grant Harding, Morris; Laura Harding, Plymouth; Fred Harris, Chaska; Joshua Hartwell, Rosemount; Lee Hartwell, Apple Valley; Keith Alan Harvell, Elk River; Bruce Haywood, Brooklyn Park; Michael T. Healy, Richfield; Larry Heebl, Brooklyn Park; Jason Herzog, Elk River; Jim Holle, Jordan; Anthony Holthusen, Thief River Falls; Hans Horning, Zimmerman; Jon Hovick, Plymouth; Timothy J. Howard, Duluth; Neil Huewe, Bemidji; Thomas J. Imhof, Saint Paul; Tanya L. Iverson, Inver Grove Heights; Robert Jamieson, Rogers; Dave Janeksela, Ely; Rod Janikula, Watertown; Jeff Jannicke, Andover; John Jenderseck, Sartell; Derrick Jenniges, Walnut Grove; Ted Jewell, Oak Grove; Dianne Johns, Waseca; Mark Johnson, Brooklyn Park; Nick Johnson, Eagan; Steve Jones, Burnsville; Josh Junker, Redwood Falls; Jim Kallestad, Vadnais Heights; Ryan Keller, Rochester; Brian Kemp, Moorhead; Thomas Kern, Champlin; Jim Kovach, Plymouth; Chuck Kroll, Brooklyn Park; Joe Kuhn, Hastings; Damon Laliberte, Burnsville; Gary Larson, Cass Lake; Scott Larson, Blackduck; Steven LaShomb, Stillwater; Greg Lee, Benson; Wayne Lemens, Rochester; Mark Levasseur, Buffalo Lake; Julie Leyk, Sauk Rapids; Paul Lillyblad, Circle Pines; Jeff Lindemood, Saginaw; Joel Lofstrom, Fort Ripley; Mario Lucarelli, Rockford; Brian Luke, Stillwater; Donald P. Magnusson, Warren; Lisa Martini, Pequot Lakes; Saprina Matheny, Knife River; Bill Mattson, Brooklyn

www.MSHSL.org

Park; Nate Meissner, Browerville; Radouane Mellouky, Blaine; James Meyer, Cold Spring; Terry Mikulich, Pine City; Brian Monahan, West St. Paul; Marcos Montes, Hutchinson; Randall Mott, Maplewood; Donna Mundell, Rochester; Scott Murlowski, Maple Grove; David Murphy, St. Cloud; DeWayne Myhre, Detroit Lakes; Tom Nilles, Plymouth; Kevin O’Brien, Rushford; Brad O’Keefe, Le Center; Nate Olson, Brainerd; Greg Opdahl, Rochester; Rae Ann Osland, Erskine; Casey Pack, Maple Lake; Kurt Pariseau, Grand Rapids; Marvin Pate, Richfield; Jon Paulson, Eagan; David Pearson, Minneapolis; Dwaine D. Perry, Stillwater; Doug Polacek, New Hope; Raymond Poulin, Goodview; Kelly S. Powell, Le Sueur; Timothy Prahl, Redwood Falls; Mitch Pribula, Fargo; Aaron Punke, Courtland; Jerry T. Radman, Jr., Rockford; Eric Rain, Chatfield; Rodney Rankin, Woodbury; Scott Reinarts, Sleepy Eye; John Rice, Alexandria; Kerri Ronning, Chanhassen; Dallas Rostad, Fergus Falls; Abdelaziz Sagrasse, coon rapids; Michael Sampson, Minneapolis; Rocky Sandcork, Lewiston; Lenny Schmoll, West Concord; Rachel Schuler, Minneapolis; Dave L. Schultz, Prior Lake; Jesse Scofield, Cook; Scott Seaton, Bemidji; Adam Shadiow, Saginaw; Traver Silbernagel, Fargo; Tina Simonson, Woodbury; Jocelyn Sims, Saint Paul; Jeff Siverhus, Warroad; Douglas Smith, St Francis; Michael R Snow, Brainerd; Stephen Soukup, New Ulm; Ricky Spencer, Brooklyn Park; William S. Steinke, Edina; Rick Stirn, Rochester; Alan Storlie, Hastings; Geoffrey Strack, St. Paul; Steve Styba, Winona; Brandon Swartz, Duluth; Scott Swenson, Rochester; Kelly Ternes, White Bear Lake; Jason C. Thompson, Coon Rapids; Tom Thorkelson, St. Peter; Todd Traen, Loretto; Brett Troje, West Saint Paul; John W. Trolander, Oronoco; Lisa VanDeVere, Jackson; Shaji Varghese, Eagan; Mark Jason Verplaetse, Coon Rapids; Barry Vig, Northfield; Paul Vizina, Faribault; D. Mark Voyce, Brownsdale; Hiep Vu, Burnsville; Michael Wacker, St. Paul; Allan Walters, Mapleton; Donald Walters, Duluth; Ron Walz, Brooklyn Park; Bradley Wangen, Crookston; Roy Warter, Walker; Ron Wendorff, Windom; Jerome Wesson, Champlin; Brent Wherry, Marshall; Josh Wigley, Rosemount; Dwaine Winkels, Albert Lea; Amy Winter, Fergus Falls; Joe Wollan, Edina; Nick Worm, Prior Lake; Charles F. Zwilling, Little Falls; Daniel C. Zych, Fridley; Emily Zylla, Plymouth.

Fall 2013 Bulletin

Officials

Officials Advisory Committee A key contributor to the League’s Officials Program

he Officials Advisory Committee is comprised of a representative from each sport for which there are officials, as well as a representative for female officials, a representative for minority officials, and two athletic directors. The committee meets twice annually to discuss, review and make

recommendations for changes in the officials program. Officials who have questions, concerns or suggestions regarding the officials program are encouraged to share concerns or suggestions with their representative on the committee. Members of the 2013-14 Officials Advisory Committee and who they represent are:

Appreciation for hosting fall sports training clinics

he League thanks the following schools and their athletic administrator for hosting training clinics for officials this past summer: ● Fridley High School – Dan Roff ● Bloomington Kennedy High School – Kristen Krenz ● Brooklyn Center High School – Nate Gautsch ● Richfield High School – Mike Karnas ● Hopkins High School – Dan Johnson ● Esko High School – Chad Stoskoff ● Bemidji High School – Troy Hendricks ● Marshall High School – Bruce Remme ● Brainerd High School – Charlie Campbell ● Robbinsdale Armstrong High School – Patti Weldon Providing the use of their facilities enabled the League to train more than 850 officials prior to the fall sports seasons in soccer, football and girls’ volleyball. Winter sports training clinics will be offered in basketball, girls’ gymnastics, hockey, swimming and diving, and wrestling.

Ellie Berg, Stillwater – Girls’ Gymnastics Michael Bougie, Vadnais Heights – Swimmimg and Diving Steve Cook, Waterville – Soccer Dave Delmonico, Lakeville – Hockey Laurie Dinneen, Coon Rapids – Girls’ Softball Ron Hamann, Apple Valley – Basketball Brenda Holmgren,

Clear Lake – Recruitment of Female Officials Chris Jessen, Richfield – Lacrosse Mark Krug, Owatonna – Track and Field Di Ette Marx, Austin – Girls’ Volleyball Nye McCarty, Elk River – Wrestling Brad O’Donnell, St. Clair – Class A Athletic Director Katie Ohlund, Dundas – Girls’

Dance Team Dan Pelletier, St. Paul – Football Gary Revenig, Monticello – Class AA Athletic Director Pat Rock, Minneapolis – Recruitment of Minority Officials Ken Sargent, Northfield – Baseball Tom Stephen, Jr., Brooklyn Park – Adapted Athletics TBD – Girls’ Synchronized Swimming

Training clinics set for winter sports oficials

every three years. register. Register The schedule for online in the winter sports is Officials’ Corner on below. Additional the League website. information about Clinic attendance is these clinics is also tracked because included in the preofficials will be season mailing to all required to attend officials. training at least once Basketball (Registration at 5 p.m.; Clinic runs 5:30-9 p.m.) ● November 6 at Mounds View High School ● November 13 at Detroit Lakes High School ● November 18 at Minneapolis Roosevelt High School ● November 21 at Rochester Century High School Gymnastics (Registration at 5 p.m.; Clinic runs 5:30-9 p.m.) ● November 11 at St. Cloud Apollo High School ● November 13 at Irondale High School ● November 18 at Mankato West High School Hockey ● October 21 at Apple Valley High School Arena, 6-9 p.m. ● October 23 at Bemidji Community Ice Area, 6-9 p.m. ● October 28 at National Sports Center Super Rink, 6:30-9:30 p.m. ● November 4 at Rochester Graham Arena, 6-9 p.m. Wrestling ● October 26 at Elk River High School (in conjunction with the Wrestling Coaches Clinic; Registration at 7:30 a.m. and Clinic runs 8:30 a.m.-Noon ● November 12 at Belle Plaine High School (Registration at 5 p.m.; Clinic runs 5:30-9 p.m. ● November 18 at Albany High School (Registration at 5 p.m.; Clinic runs 5:30-9 p.m.)

he League continues to provide training clinics for officials throughout the state. All clinics are free, but officials are reminded to pre-

Fall 2013 Bulletin

www.MSHSL.org

After breakdown, rivals shared bus ride home The following note was sent to Media Specialist John Millea. John, I wanted to pass this along to you. My name is Nathan Johnson and I am a teacher/coach and newspaper adviser at Proctor High School. I get the Bulletin from the league and enjoy reading the letters on displays of sportsmanship. I wanted to share an example that happened to the team that I help to coach. Proctor attended the True Team Section Track meet in Chisago Lakes yesterday. The weather was great and the meet was wonderful. On the way down, one of our two buses broke down. We only had one bus to try and take everyone home on. We have five coaches and had taken about 70 athletes to the meet. Needless to say, we weren’t going to fit everyone on one bus for the drive home. I approached the coaches from Hermantown to see if they had any room on their bus. Hermantown and Proctor High School are close (less than 10 miles apart). We have a BIG rivalry with Hermantown. One of the highlights of our school year is the football game where the winning team takes home the “Hammer”. Last year approximently 2,500-3,000 fans showed up for the game and it was televised on local TV. This is a wonderful rivalry that also extends to other sports. However, when I asked if Hermantown had room, they offered to help out in any way. We ended up sending some of our athletes home with them. The Hermantown coaches and bus drivers were awesome. They displayed a great deal of sportsmanship. They also were able to teach BOTH of our teams that rivalries don’t have to always be competitive. We can help each other out as well. I believe that this episode shows why sports and extra-curricula are vital to our students. Hermantown displayed the best of the values we all try to teach our athletes.

Officials

P.S.: Here is the e-mail that I sent to Beth Clark, the AD at Hermantown. I would like to express my thanks to the Hermantown track coaches and bus drivers for your help last night at the True Team track meet in Chisago Lakes. Your willingness to help us out by transporting some of our students home after one of our buses broke down was a great display of sportsmanship. You showed class and were a credit to your school. Your actions were appreciated. The rivalry between our schools is a great one and makes for great competition. However, the display of sportsmanship showed last night helped to teach our kids that a rivalry is not always just about the playing field and competition. It can also be about helping each other out and being a great neighbor. Again, thanks!! And good luck in the rest of your season! Nathan P. Johnson Proctor High School Social Studies/English Teacher, Mallet Adviser, Assistant Football/Track Coach

Sportsmanship ‘best our crew has ever experienced’ The following note was sent to Waseca AD Joseph Hedervare and Fairmont Head Football Coach Mat Mahoney, and was shared with the League. Joe and Mat: We just wanted to let both of you know of the pleasurable experience our crew had last Friday night officiating the football game Friday night between your schools (Fairmont and Waseca). It started from the minute we drove in the parking lot; we were met by our escort who also met us at halftime and at the end of the game. As for the game, well, the sportsmanship on the field was probably the best our crew has ever experienced. Not one time did any player question anything we did, and when there was concerns, the players addressed it in a very polite manner. This behavior obviously started with the coaches, because again, when there were concerns, they were addressed in a very professional manner. Wow, was that nice to see! Please pass this note along to all of your staff, and most importantly share this with your players. Each of you should be very proud of your student-athletes as they have set a standard that I’m sure will be carried on for years to come. Jake Kloeckner Orrin (Butch) Huntley Gregg (Marty) Martin Lee Schuman Larry Wilson Registered Football Officials

www.MSHSL.org

Fall 2013 Bulletin

Summary of the Minutes of the April 11, 2013, Board of Directors Meeting Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

Reflection, Pledge of Allegiance Board Actions 1. Approved the agenda with the following addition: Action Item D – Football Experiment. 2. Approved Minutes of the January 24, 2013, Board of Directors meeting. 3. Received lobbyist’s report including current legislative session update regarding the bullying bill; an amendment to MS 128C.02 regarding conference placement; and a bill prohibiting a school board from declining to renew a coach’s contract based solely on the existence of parent complaints 4. Received legal counsel’s report regarding review of Bylaws in areas where more than one interpretation can be made. 5. Received Executive Directors report including:

● League staff attended and gave presentations at the annual ADs conference in St. Cloud; ● Dave Stead, Roger Aronson, and Patrick Kelly will attend the annual Legal Summit in Indianapolis April 18-20; Minnesota will give an “Anyone can Save Life” presentation; ● A Comparison chart of League sponsored activities for the school years 1982-83 and 2011-12 was reviewed; and ● An AD Summer Institute to be held Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at Minnetonka High School. 6. President Mark Fredericksen provided members with a report from the Executive Committee meeting. The following were discussed: ● A proposed Co-op Policy requiring co-op applications or co-op

10. 11.

dissolutions to be submitted 30-days prior to the start of practice for all activities. ● The Board of Directors Executive Committee goals were reviewed. ● Golf Region Consistency; currently two regions are not sponsoring a two round qualifying section tournament. ● The MSHSL 100 year celebration will be held during the 2015-2016 school year. Approved staff working with 10,000 Lakes Production to develop a centennial DVD. Approved several cooperative sponsorship appeals. Approved staff moving forward with the bid process for the kitchen, bathroom, and front entryway renovations. Approved football reimbursement. Approved the future meeting

dates as presented for the 2013-2014 school year. 12. Approved the future tournament dates as presented. 13. Approved the placement of schools into competitive sections for the 2013-2015 school years. 14. Approved applying to the NFHS to continue the football experiment that addresses the issue of bunch kicking for a third and final year. 15. Approved the April 11, 2013 Eligibility Committee minutes as presented. 16. Approved the January, February, and March 2013 financial statements as presented. Discussion Items A. Review and clarification of language in Bylaw 203 Athletic Camps and Clinics, and Bylaw 208.3-B Summer

Vacation Period (equipment use). B. Football playoff format and possibly reviewing section football. C. Policy regarding provisions for summer practices and participation limits in football; currently no guidelines are in place D. Update on the Independent Contractor Status. At their December 6, 2012 meeting, the Board of Directors approved implementing the independent contractor status to employee status beginning January 1, 2014. Staff has received feedback indicating it would be advantageous to have the start date August 1, 2013 in order to have a process in place with the beginning of the 2013-2014 school year. A See E-Books on Page 23

Pitcher’s apology for hitting batter commendable The following note was sent to Associate Director Kevin Merkle, tournament director for the state baseball tournament. Kevin, There was a noteworthy incident that took place in one of the semifinal Games in the Class A state tournament at Jordan on Friday. Kilar Zimmel, the pitcher for Osakis, threw a wild pitch that struck Adam Patron of New York Mills in the helmet. While the trainer and Adam’s coach came quickly to be certain he was OK, Zimmel came off the mound and stood by, concerned with Adam’s well being. Once the trainer was satisfied there was no concussion or other injury, Kilar came forward, apologizing for his wild pitch and shook hands with Adam. This act of sportsmanship is seldom, if ever, shown at other levels of baseball, but I was impressed that this Osakis player came forward to show his concern. Kilar is to be commended for his action and there is no doubt that his act is a result of his coaching and parental upbringing. Jon Springer Class A State Baseball Tournament Umpire-in-Chief 26

Fall 2013 Bulletin

www.MSHSL.org

Summary of the Minutes of the June 3, 2013, Board of Directors Meeting Reflection, Pledge of Allegiance President Fredericksen welcomed and introduced the new Board members: Emmett Keenan, St. Cloud Cathedral, Region 56A; Tom Graupmann, Northfield High School, Region 12AA; Mike Olson, Little Falls Community High School, Region 78AA, and Deborah Pauly, Jordan, MSBA. The Public Representative has not yet been appointed by the Governor’s office. Board Actions 1. Approved the Agenda. 2. Approved Minutes of the April 11, 2013 Board of Directors meeting. 3. Received lobbyist’s report including an update on the following: fully funded all day kindergarten; coaching termination legislation passed; football scheduling; tax exemption; and bullying initiative died due to the high cost for schools. 4. Received legal counsel’s report including no pending litigation. 5. Received Executive Directors report including:

NFHS Summer Meeting in Denver; · League staff members spoke regarding spring tournaments; · April Legal Seminar held in Indianapolis; · NFHS television network initiative; · Schools looking for placement in conferences; and · Thanks to Board Members for support and help during the State Tournaments. 6. Mark Fredericksen provided members with a report from the Executive Committee meeting including: · Kitchen/ bathrooms/front entry renovation project – funds are included in the budget; · Review of bids for trophies and medals for the 2013-2104 and 2014-2015 school years; · Approved six cooperative sponsorship classification appeals; · Approved Executive Director Dave Stead’s evaluation and contract continuation along with MSHSL staff, Legal Counsel, and Lobbyist/ Special Projects Counsel contracts. 7. Approved

10.

11.

12.

13.

MSHSL Executive Director, staff, Legal Counsel, and Lobbyist/ Special Projects Counsel contracts on file at the League office Approved the following officers for the 2013-2014 school year: President Elect, John Hamann; Vice President, Scott McCready, and Treasurer, Steve Eklund. Approved the change from Independent Contractor Status to Employee Status beginning as soon as August 1, 2013, but not later than January 1, 2014. Approved Co-op Policy beginning with the winter and spring activities for the 2013-2014 school year. The Policy requires that all co-op applications be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the start of the season for which the cooperative sponsorship is requested. Approved the complimentary ticket list for the 2013-2014 school year as presented. Approved the 2013-2014 Speech Season Book and Topic as presented. Approved the

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

2013-2014 budget as presented. Approved the Minnesota Association of Dance Team Coaches recommendation that schools/ teams register for Dance Team as a sport vs. registering separately for High Kick or Jazz beginning with the 20142015 school year. Approved the Music Committee recommendation that the composition of major high school performing groups shall include grades 10-12. Approved the June 3, 2013 Eligibility Committee minutes as presented. Approved the April 2013 financial statements as presented. Approved the MSHSL Charitable Organization Annual Report. Approved the Insurance Premium Summary for YE 2013-2014. Approved the Audit/Finance Committee’s recommendation to grant Region 4A $20,000 to supplement its operating budget.

Discussion Items A. An alternative football scheduling concept. A Board Committee will be identified to review options B. TCF Stadium may be the site for the 2014 Prep Bowl due to the demolition of the Metrodome C. Options for the 2015 Football Playoff format D. Heat Acclimatization and possible recommendations. More discussion will take place in August E. Summer Practice Restrictions F. Individual Player Participation G. Bylaw 203 Athletic Camps and Clinics and Bylaw 2078.3-B regarding equipment use outside of school year H. 2012-2013 Board of Directors Goals I. First Reading of a Proposed Online Education Eligibility Policy J. Items of Interest from Spring Area meetings

Board of Directors Meeting Minutes

The complete, official Minutes may be obtained from the League office by the designated school representative of member schools.

April 11 ............................................................ continued from Page 26 draft Facilities Use Agreement was distributed for discussion purposes only. Legal Counsel will need to www.MSHSL.org

review and approve before it can be utilized E. Minnesota Coaches’ Association

endorsing proposed legislation that would prohibit a school board from non-

renewing a coach’s contract solely on parental complaints.

Fall 2013 Bulletin

The complete, official Minutes may be obtained from the League office by the designated school representative of member schools. 27

Fall 2013 Calendar of State Events Calendars

Oct. 21 .......................................................................................................................................................... Opening date for girls’ competitive dance team Oct. 22-25 ................................................................................... STATE GIRLS’ TENNIS TOURNAMENT – Class AA @ Baseline Tennis Center, U of M; Class A @ Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center, Minneapolis Oct. 23-25, 28-29, 31 ................... STATE SOCCER TOURNAMENT –Quarterfinals @ various sites (23-25); Class A & Class AA Boys’ semifinals (28); Class AA Girls’ semifinals, Class A third-place, Class AA Boys’ third-place (29); Class AA Girls’ third-place, Class A & Class AA finals (31); All third-place & championship games will be played @ Metrodome Oct. 28 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... Opening date for girls’ hockey Nov. 2 ................................................................................................................. STATE CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING MEET – St. Olaf College, Northfield Nov. 5 .............................................................................................................................................................. General Election: No school activities 6-8 p.m Nov. 7-9 ................................................................................... STATE GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT – Xcel Energy Center, RiverCentre, St. Paul Nov. 7-9 ................................................................................................................... STATE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS - Various sites Nov. 11 ................................................................... Opening date for Alpine skiing, Nordic ski racing, girls’ gymnastics, boys’ hockey & boys’ basketball Nov. 14-16 .................................................................................................. STATE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS – Metrodome, Minneapolis Nov. 15-16 ........................................................................................ STATE ADAPTED SOCCER TOURNAMENT – Stillwater Area Senior HighW School Nov. 18 ........................................................................................................................ Opening date for wrestling, adapted floor hockey & girls’ basketball Nov. 18-20 ....................................................................................... STATE GIRLS’ SWIMMING & DIVING MEET – U of M Aquatic Center, Minneapolis Nov. 25 ................................................................................................................................................................. Opening date for boys’ swimming & diving Nov. 29-30 .................................................................................. STATE FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT FINALS / PREP BOWL - Metrodome, Minneapolis; 9-Man, Class AA, Class AAAA & Class AAAAAA (29); Class A, Class AAA & Class AAAAA (30)

Fall 2013 Calendar of Meetings Oct. 14 ................................................................................................................................................... Gymnastics Rules Clinicians, League Office, 9 a.m. Oct. 16 ............................................................................................................................................ Officials Advisory Committee, League Office, 9:30 a.m. Oct. 21 ...................................................................................................................................................... Basketball Rules Clinicians, League Office, 6 p.m. Oct. 22 ............................................................................................................... Basketball Rules Clinicians & Charter Clinicians, League Office, 8:30 a.m. Oct. 23 ............................................................................ Wrestling Rules Clinicians, League Office (9 a.m.) & Charter Clinicians (10 a.m.), League Office Oct. 26 ......................................................................................................................................................... ACT National Test Date, (www.actstudent.org) Oct. 28 .......................................................................................................................................... One Act Play Advisory Committee, League Office, 9 a.m. Oct. 29 ................................................................................................................................................................... Region Secretaries, League Office, 9 a.m. Nov. 2 .......................................................................................................................................................... SAT National Test Date (www.collegeboard.org) Nov. 13 .............................................................................................................................. Minnesota Adapted Athletics Meeting, League Office, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 4 ..................................................................................................................................................... Softball Advisory Committee, League Office, 9 a.m. Dec. 4 ............................................................................................................................................. Dance Team Advisory Committee, League Office, 9 a.m. Dec. 5 .................................................................................................................................................. Board of Directors Meeting, League Office, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 7 .......................................................................................................................................................... SAT National Test Date (www.collegeboard.org) Dec. 9 ............................................................................................................................................... Basketball Advisory Committee, League Office, 9 a.m. Dec. 14 ......................................................................................................................................................... ACT National Test Date, (www.actstudent.org) Jan. 2 .............................................................................................................................. Synchronized Swimming Rules Clinicians, League Office, 10 a.m. Jan. 7 .................................................................................................................................................... Hockey Advisory Committee, League Office, 9 a.m. Jan. 7 .............................................................................................................................................. Herb Brooks Award Committee, League Office, 11 a.m. Jan. 14 ............................................................................................................................................... Wrestling Advisory Committee, League Office, 9 a.m. Jan. 15 ................................................................................................................................................. ExCEL Selection Committee, League Office, 10 a.m. Jan. 22 ............................................................................................................................. Athletic Directors Advisory Committee, League Office, 9:30 a.m. Jan. 23 ................................................................................................................................................ Board of Directors Meeting, League Office, 9:30 a.m. Jan. 25 ........................................................................................................................................................ SAT National Test Date (www.collegeboard.org)

Fall 2013 Bulletin

www.MSHSL.org

Helping your child prepare for ﬁnancial success

It’s never too soon to teach your child the importance of saving, and to show our commitment Wells Fargo has developed a fun online program to make learning about saving easy. Our Hands on Banking ® ﬁnancial education website helps your child take learning to the next level. To learn more, stop by a store to speak with a banker, or visit handsonbanking.org today.

Minnesota State High School League

Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

2100 Freeway Boulevard Brooklyn Center MN 55430-1735 PHONE: 763/560-2262 FAX: 763/569-0499 World Wide Web: www.MSHSL.org

PAID TWIN CITIES MN Permit No. 31890

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Mission Statement The Minnesota State High School League provides educational opportunities for students through interscholastic athletic and fine arts programs and provides leadership and support for member schools.

Beliefs ◆ Participation in school activity programs is a privilege and not a right. ◆ Sportsmanship needs to have a constant presence in all school-based activity programs. ◆ Students should have an equal opportunity to participate in all activities offered by their school. ◆ Ethical behavior, dignity and respect are nonnegotiable. ◆ Student participants who choose to be chemically free must be supported. ◆ Collaborative relationships with parents enhance a school’s opportunity to positively impact student success. ◆ Academic priorities must come before participation in athletic or fine arts activities.

◆ Positive role models and an active involvement in a student’s life by parents and others are critical to student success. ◆ High school activity programs are designed for student participants, and adults must serve in a supportive role. ◆ The success of the team is more important than individual honors. ◆ Compliance with school, community and League rules is essential for all activity participants. ◆ Participation in school-sponsored activities must be inclusive, not exclusive. ◆ Ethical behavior, fairness, and embracing diversity best serve students and school communities.