WHSAA Winter 2013 Board Of Directors Meeting Results

Members of the Wyoming High Activities Association met for their winter 2013 meeting, to discuss policy, rules, etc...

The issues that were discussed were:

Small School Football: The board on first reading passed on a 16-1 vote to adopt a proposal from Sundance and Pine Bluffs, regarding how many teams will be in each class, beginning in 2014. The format will be based on school enrollment numbers, with 10 teams in 4A (unchanged), 12 teams in 3A (unchanged), 14 teams in 2A (down from 16) and 16 in 1A. The remaining schools will play 6-man, however schools will have the option to move up or down one class. If a team moves down, they will be ineligible for post-season play. Under the proposal, Moorcroft and Tongue River would down-grade from 2A to 1A. Wyoming Indian and Saratoga would move back to 1A 11-man, unless either school decides to down-grade back to 6-man again (Both schools will play 6-man in 2013). Cokeville would actually be in the 6-man classification, but it is very likely that the Panthers would elect to play 1A 11-man. Burlington might be in the same boat as well, but that decision is up to the school. A few questions remain as to which teams will move up or move down, will Upton/Sundance continue their merger, and will Rock River have a varsity team in 2014? Then there's the issue of deciding what teams will be in what conference? The intention of the plan is to stabilize the situation involving 1A 11-man and 6-man.

4A Regional Basketball 2013: As part of an experiment this season, the first round loser out games at the regional tournaments, may or may not be played at the designated host site (Gillette in the East, and Green River in the West). In the east, if a first round loser out match up, pits any of the 3 Cheyenne schools or Laramie vs. each other, then instead of playing the game in Gillette, it will be played at the school of the higher seed. If Gillette or Sheridan is involved in one of the first round loser out games, then that game will be played in Gillette.The Regional semi-final, 3rd place and championship games will still be played in Gillette regardless of matchups. In the West, if either Casper school or Riverton has to play each other in a first round loser-out game, then it will be played at the school of the higher seed. If Evanston, Green River or Rock Springs is involved in a first round loser out game, regardless of opponent, that game will be played in Green River. The remaining games will be played in Green River. The intent of this plan is to safe travel for which teams are eliminated and maybe get a little more fan involvement. For example, if a first round loser-out game pits East vs. South, why have both teams travel from Cheyenne to Gillette, knowing that one team will have their season ended and sent back home, if they lose that first round game?

State Championship Locations: A number of contracts for various state championship events are up soon, and the board has decided on future plans.

Wrestling, Basketball, Track and Field, and Volleyball: Staying in Casper through the end of spring 2018.

Football: Staying at the University of Wyoming in Laramie through 2015.

Swimming: Staying in Gillette through fall 2017 (girls) and winter of 2018 (boys).

Tennis: Staying in Gillette through 2017.

Indoor Track: Staying in Gillette through 2018.

4A Golf: Laramie and Rock Springs decided to switch the years that they are hosting due to some construction issues that Laramie will having with their golf course. Rock Springs will now host in 2013 and Laramie in 2014.

3A Golf: It is Cody's turn in the rotation for 2014.

2A Golf: It is Thermopolis' turn in the rotation for 2014.

Nordic Skiing: It is Pinedale turn in the rotation for 2015.

Alpine Skiing: Will stay in Jackson until 2018.

Cross-Country: Awarded to Sheridan for 2013 and 2014.

Soccer Contest Proposal: The board passed on second reading, that teams will be limited to 14 regular season contests. A 1-day 160 minute jamboree shall count as 2 contests and regular matches involving 2 teams shall count as 1. Participation in regular season tournaments shall count as 2 contests. Each member school should be limited to 1 regular season tournament. A player may not participate in more than 3 halves per day, except when 2 contests at the same level are schedule in one day, then 4 halves are permitted, with overtime being considered part of the 2nd half. Entering a contest for 1 live ball period counts as 1 half of participation. If the limit is exceeded, the contest will then be forfeited.

Tennis Practice Proposal: Motion defeated 12-5. The proposal was to change the required practice days prior to first match from 9 to 5.

Tennis Uniform Proposal: Passed on first reading that tennis etiquette will be strictly enforced. Team shirts will be worn that are appropriate as a member of a school team uniform and in doubles, uniform tops must match for both players.

School Transfer Eligibility: If a student transfers to another school within Wyoming, he/she can not participate in varsity level sports from 1 year of date of enrollment at the new school in interscholastic sports, in which the student has participated at any level and/or grade during the 12 calendar months preceding the date of such transfer.