TO:              Superintendents, NSAA Contact Person, President, Governing Board

 

FROM:         Debra Velder, Associate Director

 

SUBJECT:    Proposals Submitted by Each District for Legislative Consideration by either the Representative Assembly or Board of Control

 

DATE:           November 12, 2007

 

Included with this correspondence are the proposals submitted during the first NSAA district meetings for legislative consideration by either the Representative Assembly or the Board of Control.

 

During the second district meeting, all of these proposals should be discussed so your representative to the Legislative Commission will know which proposals the schools in their respective district want placed on the agenda of the Representative Assembly.  In addition, the purpose of the second district meeting is for the election of new officers and alternates to not only include openings for the Board of Control and District Managing Committee but delegates to the Representative Assembly as well.

 

The following procedure is to be followed in handling business at the second district meeting:

1.               Only those items discussed and receiving an affirmative vote in one of the fall district meetings shall be acted upon at the second district meeting.  Even if the proposal did not come from your district, your district should act upon the item.

2.               The wording of the final proposal coming from a district meeting to the Legislative Commission should be, as the rule would appear in the Constitution or Bylaws if passed by the Representative Assembly.  Some of the proposals coming from the first district meeting may need to be rewritten to meet this requirement, but the intent and the spirit of the proposal should not be changed.  Amendments to the proposals are not permitted during the second district meeting.  Amendments may be made at the Representative Assembly.

3.               New business discussed at the second district meeting cannot be placed on the agenda of the Representative Assembly.

4.               The proposed changes in Approved Rulings do not have to go to the Representative Assembly.  The Board of Control has the authority to act on these items.  The district should discuss the vote on these proposals so as to give the Board member an indication of the feelings of the schools.

 

 

January District Meeting Dates

District 1 – January 9, 2008, 12:30 p.m., York Country Club

District 2 – January 9, 2008, 10:00 a.m., Boys Town

District 3 – January 8, 2008, Noon, Norfolk Administration Building

District 4 – January 9, 2008, 1:00 p.m., Kearney Holiday Inn

District 5 – January 9, 2008, 1:00 p.m., Holdrege, The Tassel

District 6 – January 9, 2008, 9:00 a.m., Alliance Country Club

 

I.  Change in Constitution

A.  The proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 1  Section: 1.2.1  Page: 1

Any public or non-public school operating any grade or grades above the sixth and rated Approved or Accredited by the Nebraska State Department of Education may become a member of this association.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  Some costs as determined by the NSAA for entry in each Junior High Activity much like the cost we pay for each High School activity.

Rationale for the proposed change:  Currently, the Department of Education sets all limitations for Junior High Sports. I believe that the NSAA would do a much more thorough and efficient job of setting schedule limits, requiring physical exams, and establishing bylaws so that we can regulate Junior High Activities. Currently, many schools ignore the guidelines set by the Department of Education, and by putting this under the umbrella of the NSAA, there would be enforcement of policy and procedure for all member districts.

Proposal submitted by District I.

 

B.  The proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 1  Section: 1.5.1.2, 1.5.2.2, 1.5.2.3 and 1.6.1.6  Page: 1, 2, 3

1.5.1.2 Proposed changes in the Constitution and Bylaws must be introduced during the first district meeting, and shall be presented by a representative of a member school district located within that respective NSAA district. All legislative proposals are submitted to the NSAA electronically. After the NSAA staff verifies the proposals to confirm the Bylaw or rule reference, the proposals are posted on-line for all schools to view. After the November 1 deadline for submitting proposals, the NSAA will email the respective NSAA district proposals to each member school within that district. An administrator’s signature is not required for submission as access to the proposal form may only be obtained through the secured administrator’s login on the NSAA web site.
1.5.2.2 The Legislative Commission shall consider and screen the proposals for changes in the Constitution and Bylaws passed by the Districts to be submitted to the Representative Assembly.
1.5.2.3 Proposals for changes in the Constitution and Bylaws that receive five or more of the twelve votes of the members of the Legislative Commission or proposals for changes in the Constitution and Bylaws that have been passed by three or more districts shall be placed on the Representative Assembly agenda.
1.6.1.6 Authority.
a. Interpret the Constitution and all legislation enacted by the Representative Assembly.
b. Make all rules necessary for effective control and government of interschool activities consonant with the legislation enacted by the Representative Assembly and with this Constitution, subject to the following process and procedures:
(1) Such rules shall be set forth in the form of an Approved Ruling and Interpretation.
(2) An Approved Ruling and Interpretation may be adopted and made effective at such date and time as deemed appropriate by the Board of Control.
(3) An Approved Ruling and Interpretation is subject to review and comment by member schools at any time.
(4) A request for the amendment or elimination of an Approved Ruling and Interpretation may be introduced on or before November 1 each year for consideration at the first district meeting for such year, and shall be presented by a representative member school district located within that respective district. Such request shall be submitted to the NSAA electronically for review by the NSAA staff to allow for verification by the staff of the Approved Ruling and Interpretation being referenced. Upon verification of the Approved Ruling at issue, the Approved Ruling and Interpretation with the suggested amendments shown shall be posted on-line for all member schools to view. After November 1, the NSAA staff will e-mail all suggested amendments of Approved Rulings and Interpretations to each member school within the district. An administrator’s signature is not required for submission of a request for amendment or elimination of an Approved Ruling and Interpretation as access to the request form may only be obtained through the secured administrator’s log-in on the NSAA website.
(5) Requests for amendment or elimination of an Approved Ruling and Interpretation shall be placed on the agenda for the first district meeting and shall be discussed and acted upon by the members of that district under the same process provided for legislative proposals set forth at Articles 1.5.1.4, 1.5.1.5, and 1.5.1.6.
(6) Requests for amendment or elimination of an Approved Ruling and Interpretation that receive a majority vote in at least one district at the first district meeting shall be placed on the agenda for the second district meeting in all six districts and shall be discussed and acted upon by the members of the district under the same process provided for legislative proposals set forth at Articles 1.5.1.4, 1.5.1.5, and 1.5.1.6.
(7) Those requests for amendment or elimination of an Approved Ruling and Interpretation from the agenda of the second district meeting shall be presented to the Board of Control at its April regular meeting for review and action by the Board of Control.
(8) The Board of Control, in its sole discretion, may (a) accept such request for amendment or elimination of an Approved Ruling and Interpretation, in whole or in part, (b) amend the Approved Ruling and Interpretation in another manner, or (c) determine to make no change in the Approved Ruling and Interpretation.
c. Adopt and promulgate rules of procedure in order to ensure that due process is followed in the disposition of alleged violations of the Constitution, Bylaws, or Approved Rulings and Interpretations of the Association.
d. Adjudicate all controversies between member schools which have been appealed.
e. For violations of provisions of this Constitution, Bylaws, or Approved Rulings and Interpretations thereof, impose such penalties as are authorized by the Bylaws.
f. Serve as members of the Legislative Commission.
g. Waive the effect of any eligibility rule upon an individual student.
h. Grant hardship waivers to schools when the circumstances warrant such a waiver.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  There would be no financial impact with this proposal.

Rationale for the proposed change:  The language incorporated in this proposal represents the current and long-time practice of Bylaws and Constitutional proposals being actively discussed and voted on at the District Meetings, Legislative Commission and the Representative Assembly. Approved Rulings have been the “administrative regulations” that have been at the discretion of the Board of Control to assist in implementation of the Constitution, Bylaws, and day-to-day operation of the Association.
When the Yearbook Review Committee did a major overhaul of the Yearbook in 1996-97, language was changed, presumably inadvertently, that had the net effect of eliminating the Board of Control’s ability to adopt Approved Rulings. However, the practice of the Board of Control solely acting on Approved Rulings has continued, even though the constitutional authority was dropped when the Yearbook was revised. That was presumed to be an oversight, as there is no record of a legislative proposal or membership discussion to change that authority for the Board of Control. As in any organization, the Board of Control has a need to be able to draft and adopt administrative regulations (Approved Rulings and Interpretations) for the effective interpretation of the Constitution and Bylaws and to manage the operational needs of the Association.
The NSAA’s legal counsel has drafted the language incorporated into this legislative proposal. The intent would be to bring the constitutional language back into line with what the long-time practice has been regarding the Board of Control’s authority to promulgate and adopt Approved Rulings.

Proposal submitted by District I, II, III, IV, V, VI.

 

II.  Change in Bylaws for All Activities.

A.  The proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 2  Section: 5.2 and 5.3  Page: 4

Bylaw 2.5.2 Preceding Semester. To be eligible, a student shall have credit on the school records for twenty-five credit hours of school work for the immediate preceding semester.
Approved Ruling 2.5.2 The twenty-five credit hours shall be such as will ordinarily be considered as advancing the student towards graduation.
Bylaw 2.5.3 Opportunity to Fulfill Scholastic Deficiency. A student who does not earn twenty-five credit hours during the spring semester may make up not to exceed ten credit hours during the summer in an accredited program. Such work must be completed and the grades recorded on the school records prior to September 1 or the opening day of school, whichever comes first, in order for that student to be eligible for varsity interscholastic participation the fall semester.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  None

Rationale for the proposed change:  Earning twenty hours per semester will not allow a student to graduate from high school.

Proposal submitted by District VI.

 

III. Change in Athletic Bylaws

A.  The proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 3  Section: 1.1.2  Page: 1

Boys Basketball Monday Week 19
Girls Basketball Monday Week 19
Wrestling Monday Week 19

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  None to the NSAA, this is a school issue.

Rationale for the proposed change:  Several years ago the Winter sports season was shortened a week in part to accommodate those schools who were still playing football and volleyball. Since that time the football season has also been shortened a week in the smaller schools. This has created a potential 3-week/4- weekend gap in student activities in the fall. If we move the start of winter practice back to Monday of Week 19, there will be only 8 schools in each class still participating in a fall activity.

Proposal submitted by District V.

 

B.  This proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 3  Section 1.1.2  Page 1

The following schedule will be followed by Class B Football beginning with the 2008 Season:

          Date of First Practice (Zero Week)         Monday, Week 6

          Date of First Contract (Zero Week)         Thursday, Week 8

          First Round Playoffs – Class B               Friday, Week 17

          Quarterfinals – Class B                          Friday, Week 18

          Semi-Finals – Class B                            Friday, Week 19

          Finals – Class B                                    Friday-Saturday, Week 20

 

Approved Rulings:

  1. No out-state competition will be permitted.
  2. No out-of-class competition will be permitted.
  3. Full 9-game schedule for all teams.
  4. 8 Class B Districts with 4 teams in each district.
  5. The 8 district champions and next 8 teams with the highest wild card points would qualify for the state playoffs.  Seeding would be as stated in the Football Manual.

Cost Analysis:  Should result in financial benefit to NSAA and schools involved in playoffs.

 

 

 

Rationale: 

  1. Less interference with school due to games being held on Friday instead of during the school week.  Travel distance results in students and players missing school or returning late at night causing students and players coming to school late and tired.
  2. More recovery time between games allows for healing of injuries and reduces chances of injuries due to wear and tear on the body.
  3. Allows teams to stay on a regular schedule for practices and games.
  4. Games on Friday should result in larger gate receipts when compared to Monday and Wednesday games.

Proposal submitted by District I, II, IV, V.

 

C.  This proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 3  Section 1.1.2  Page 1

The following schedule will be followed by Class B Football beginning with the 2008 Season:

          Date of First Practice (Zero Week)         Monday, Week 6

          Date of First Contract (Zero Week)         Thursday, Week 8

          First Round Playoffs – Class B               Friday, Week 17

          Quarterfinals – Class B                          Friday, Week 18

          Semi-Finals – Class B                            Friday, Week 19

          Finals – Class B                                    Friday-Saturday, Week 20

 

Approved Rulings:

  1. No out-of-class competition will be permitted.
  2. Full 9-game schedule for all teams.
  3. 8 Class B Districts with 4 teams in each district.
  4. The 8 district champions and next 8 teams with the highest wild card points would qualify for the state playoffs.  Seeding would be as stated in the Football Manual.

Cost Analysis:  Should result in financial benefit to NSAA and schools involved in playoffs.

Rationale: 

  1. Less interference with school due to games being held on Friday instead of during the school week.  Travel distance results in students and players missing school or returning late at night causing students and players coming to school late and tired.
  2. More recovery time between games allows for healing of injuries and reduces chances of injuries due to wear and tear on the body.
  3. Allows teams to stay on a regular schedule for practices and games.
  4. Games on Friday should result in larger gate receipts when compared to Monday and Wednesday games.

Proposal submitted by District VI.

 

D.  The proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 3  Section: 1.1.2  Page: 1
Activities Manual: Football  Page: 2

The following schedule will be followed for Classes B, C1, C2, D1, and D2 Football starting with the 2010 Season

Date of First Practice (Zero Week)                                       Monday, Week 5

Date of First Practice (Non-zero Week)                                 Monday, Week 6

Date of First contest (Zero Week)                                        Thursday, Week 7

Date of First Contest (Non-Zero Week)                                 Thursday, Week 8

First Round Playoffs - C1, C2, D1, D2                                   Friday, Week 16

Second Round Playoffs - C1, C2, D1, D1                              Friday, Week 17

First Round Playoffs - Class B                                              Friday, Week 17

Quarterfinals - Classes B, C1, C2, D1, D2                             Friday, Week 18

Semi-Finals - Classes C1, C2, D1, D2                                   Thursday, Week 19

Semi-finals - Class B                                                            Saturday, Week 19

Finals                                                                                  Thur., Fri.,-Sat., Week 20

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  Should result in financial benefit to NSAA and schools involved in playoffs.

Rationale for the proposed change:
1. Less interference with school due to games being held on Friday instead of during the school week. Travel distance results in students and players missing school or returning late at night causing students and players coming to school late and tired. The elimination of north/south brackets may result in increased travel time over past years.
2. More recovery time between games allows for healing of injuries and reduces chances of injuries due to wear and tear on body.
3. Allows teams to stay on a regular schedule for practices and games.
4. This schedule would not interfere with State Volleyball Finals.
5. Games on Friday should result in larger gate receipts when compared to Monday and Wednesday games.
6. Season will start early for a few schools, but problems caused for a few schools starting early are outweighed by the good this system will do for the majority of schools and is in the best interest of the student athlete.

Proposal submitted by District II.

 

E.  The proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 3  Section: 2.8.8  Page: 5

Summertime Use of School Facilities. Member schools may permit the use of their facilities in accordance with the local school board rental policy.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  None

Rationale for the proposed change:  To provide consistent language and policy with summertime School-Sponsored Camps/Clinics. Local school boards should be provided the opportunity to determine facility rental rates that are in the best interest of the local school district and community.

Proposal submitted by District II.

 

F.  The proposal deals with: Yearbook:  Article 3  Section: 3.7.2  Page: 8

3.3.7.2 The Executive Director is granted the authority to require schools to alter travel plans to arrive the day prior to the scheduled state contest if weather conditions so warrant. If a school chooses not to travel to the contest site the day prior to the scheduled contest, the school shall understand that the games will go on as scheduled and if they are unable to arrive prior to the scheduled game time, a forfeit will be issued.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  Additional reimbursement to schools.

Rationale for the proposed change:  To insure that schools understand the ramifications that the state contest will go on as scheduled and advance preparations need to be made if weather conditions are threatening.

Proposal submitted by District I, II, III, IV, V, VI.

 

G.  The proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 3  Section: 11.1.4.1  Page: 12

3.11.1.4.1 If the weather conditions require a change in state basketball tournament format, the schedule may be changed to permit a school to play multiple state tournament games per day.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  None

Rationale for the proposed change:  Allows the state tournament to be completed.

Proposal submitted by District I, II, III, IV, V, VI.

 

H.  The proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 3  Section: 11.1.4.2  Page: 12

3.11.1.4.2 If weather conditions become a factor during the regular season and if all schools are in agreement, the schools may petition the Executive Director to be allowed to play multiple basketball games in a single day.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  None

Rationale for the proposed change:  Gives schools the opportunity to complete their scheduled games.

Proposal submitted by District I, VI.

 

I.  The proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 3  Section: 3.9  Page: 8

3.3.9 No high school that is a member of the NSAA shall be permitted to engage in any interschool contest on Sunday. When weather conditions and facilities cause a change in a state tournament schedule, Sundays may be used for competition after 12:00 noon local time as determined by the Executive Director.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  Additional tournament costs.

Rationale for the proposed change:  Allows for flexibility to complete the championship when a state contest is faced with circumstances not within their control.

Proposal submitted by District I, II, III, IV, V, VI.

 

J.  The proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 3.11.11.3  Section: 3  Page: 15
Activities Manual: Volleyball  Page: 5

3.11.11.3 No team representing a member school may participate in more than sixteen matches, in addition to the state sponsored series of tournaments from the date of the first permitted contest to the close of the state tournament. A team may not participate in more than five tournaments, which includes the conference tournament. Participation in any volleyball tournament shall count as one match of the sixteen matches permitted.
No team may exceed thirty competition points prior to the district and state tournaments.
Competition points are assigned according to the following chart.
(1) Dual match - 1 Point
(2) Triangular match - 2 Points
(3) Four-team single elimination tournaments - 2 Points
(4) Four-team one-day tournaments, 2 game maximum - 2 Points
(5) One-day tournaments of more than four teams - 3 Points
(6) Two or three-day tournaments - 4 Points
The following school and student limitations apply:
(1) A triangular volleyball match, three schools playing two contests or playing two other schools in one session (night), counts as only one match.
(2) No student shall take part in more than four volleyball matches per day in tournament competition.
(a) In other than tournament competition, no student may participate in more than two matches per day.
(b) No student shall take part in more than six volleyball matches per week, except in tournament competition. The matches-per-week limitation does not apply to postponed contests.
(c) Any participation during a game of any match counts as participation in that match.
(3) A school which violates the team-match limitation may be disqualified from district and state tournament competition.
(4) A school that violates the player limitations shall be assessed a point or side out and the player shall be removed from the game. The match shall then continue.

Cost Analysis of Proposal: None

Rationale for the proposed change:  Schools which border on states with a four-match limitation have a difficult time recruiting teams from bordering states to play in their meets. Schools which border states with a four-match per day limit have little incentive to play in Nebraska tournaments with a three-match limit when they can leave the state and play more matches without penalty. Increasing the per-day-match limit to four would improve the quality and competition available in Nebraska tournaments.

Proposals submitted by District VI.

 

K.  This proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 3  Section 11.12.3  Page 15

3.11.12.3 Team Match Limitation:

(a) No team representing a member school may participate in more than sixteen wrestling meets and
tournaments in addition to the district and state tournaments.
(b) No team may exceed thirty-two competition points prior to the district and state tournaments. Competition
points are assigned according to the following chart.
(1) Dual meets-1 Point
(2) Triangular meets (double-duals)-2 Points
(3) Quadrangular meets (triple-duals)-3 Points
(4) Four-team tournaments-2 Points
(5) One-day tournaments of more than four teams-3 Points
(6) Two- or three-day tournaments-4 Points

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  None

Rationale for the proposed change:  Many schools are changing their one-day tournaments to two-day tournaments. This change would allow schools to stay in those tournaments without disrupting their dual schedules. The single-dual is still very important for developing your programs and creating a fan base.

Proposal submitted by District I, VI.

 

IV.  Change in Speech Bylaws.

A. The proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 6  Section: 6.4  Page: 2
Activities Manual: Speech  Page: 5

Approved Ruling

Class C1 and C2 -- six districts
Class D1 and D2 -- six districts
Bylaw 6.6.4
Classes C1, C2, D1 and D2 six entries will advance to the final round of competition at district. The top three performers in each event from each district qualify for the State Speech Contest.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:
By increasing the number of schools at district contests, entry fees should be less.
Cost of awards will decrease as there will be 8 fewer districts.
It is likely that there will be an increase in the state contest reimbursement to schools.

Rationale for the proposed change:
THIS PROPOSAL DIFFERS FROM THE OTHER SPEECH PROPOSAL SUBMITTED AS IT ADDRESSES THE STATE QUALIFYING FORMAT.
The current 8 district format creates small districts with as few as six schools. As a result, entries do not always warrant preliminary rounds. In addition, schools are reluctant to host small districts and judges are not willing to accept contracts for such small districts.
This proposal standardizes the district tournament format for Classes B, C1, C2, D1 and D2.
This proposal maintains the current number of state qualifiers and balances the preliminary sections at the state contest without necessitating a schedule or format change.

Proposal submitted by District I, II, III, IV, V, VI.

 

 

V.  Change in Music Bylaws.

A.  The proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 7-Music  Section: 7.6.2.1  Page: 2

7.6.2.1 Date Due. The entries to the District Contest must be submitted online via the NSAA Website by midnight Central Time, March 20, prior to the contest. No late entries are permitted.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  None 

Rationale for the proposed change:  This proposed change brings the wording of this Bylaw into agreement with the new procedure for submitting the NSAA District Music Contest entry form electronically on the NSAA Website.

Proposal submitted by District I, II, III, IV, V, VI.

B.  The proposal deals with:  Yearbook:  Article 7- Music  Section: 7.6.2.2  Page: 2
Activities Manual: Music  Page: 6

7.6.2.2 Entry Fees. The District Music Committee shall determine the entry fees for District Music Contests. All fees shall be submitted for the District Music Contest according to each district’s requirements immediately after the March 20 entry deadline. An additional charge may be made for schools from outside the district.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  None

Rationale for the proposed change:  Since NSAA Districts employ different methods of requiring the payment of music contest fees, this proposed change brings the wording of the Bylaw into agreement with the new procedure for submitting the appropriate contest fees to the designated contest host.

Proposal submitted by District I, II, III, IV, V, VI.

VI.  Change in Approved Rulings

A.  The proposal deals with:  Article: Approved Ruling 2  Section 2.13.4  Page 12

Schools in Class C1, C2, D1 and D2 may form cooperatives in football according to the same stipulations adopted for all other activities. Cooperatives will play the level of classification as based on the enrollment figures established by the NSAA.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  Should be of no cost to the NSAA and little cost to the schools involved in the cooperative sponsorship.

Rationale for the proposed change:
1. Schools playing 11-man football should be able to form cooperatives as long as they are willing to play at the Class level established by their combined enrollments.
2. Makes little sense to have Class C1 and C2 schools playing 8-man football, but not allowing these schools to form a cooperative to play football at the classification level of their combined enrollments.
3. Allows schools to continue to play 11-man football during times when participation numbers decline and a cooperative is needed. Allows for easier transition back into 11-man play once schools participation levels increase to the point they can field their own team.
4. Cooperative sponsorship should be an alternative solution provided to schools playing 11-man football.

Proposal submitted by District II.

 

B.  The proposal deals with:  Activities Manual: Basketball  Page: 9  Classification of Schools.
1. Schools shall be divided into six classes for basketball.
2. The classification is based on combined boy and girl enrollment, grades 9-11 from September of the year, which immediately precedes the one-year classification period.
a. The 28 largest schools registered for basketball shall be Class A.
b. The 32 largest schools registered for basketball shall be Class B.
c. The remaining schools registered for basketball are divided into four classes with an equal or near equal number in each Class, C1, C2, D1, D2.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  None

Rationale for the proposed change:  With schools cooping and consolidating, the number of schools in Classes D1 & D2 is getting smaller.  Dividing the four classes evenly will more evenly distribute the schools in each class.

Proposal submitted by District I, II, III, V, VI.

 

C.  The proposal deals with:  Activities Manual: Basketball  Page: 9

Classification of Schools.
1. Schools shall be divided into six classes for basketball.
2. The classification is based on combined boy and girl enrollment, grades 9-11 from September of the year, which immediately precedes the one-year classification period.
a. The 28 largest schools registered for basketball shall be Class A.
b. The 32 largest schools registered for basketball shall be Class B.
c. The remaining schools registered for basketball are divided into four classes with an equal or near equal number in each class with extra schools added to C1 through D1 in order.  (ie C1, C2, D1).

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  None

Rationale for the proposed change:  With schools cooping and consolidating, the number of schools in Classes D1 & D2 is getting smaller.  Dividing the four classes evenly will more evenly distribute the schools in each class.

Proposal submitted by District IV.

 

D.  The proposal deals with:  Activities Manual: Basketball, Volleyball  Page: 10, 9

Class B schools are divided into 3 regions, which will be subdivided into six districts. Those district sites will be determined before the start of the season. The Eastern region will be comprised of three districts of five to six teams. The Central region will be comprised of two districts of five to six teams. The Western region will have one district of six teams, which would include six schools geographically located in the western part of the state, with those schools being assigned to that district at the time of classification. Schools assigned to the Eastern and Central regions would determine their district assignments within two weeks prior to the first district contest using a serpentine method based upon the NSAA wild card point system. The schools in the western district will be seeded by the wild card point system within two weeks prior to the first district.
a. The winning boys’ team and the winning girls’ team in each district will qualify for the State Championship.
b. Two additional boys’ teams and two additional girls’ teams will also qualify for the State Championship on the basis of the wild card selection procedure.

Class B Basketball and Volleyball Region Setup

West

Central Red

Central White

East Red

East White

East Blue

Seed #1

Seed #1

Seed #2

Seed #1

Seed #2

Seed #3

Seed #2

Seed #4

Seed #3

Seed #6

Seed #5

Seed #4

Seed #3

Seed #5

Seed #6

Seed #7

Seed #8

Seed #9

Seed #4

Seed #8

Seed #7

Seed #12

Seed #11

Seed #10

Seed #5

Seed #9

Seed #10

Seed #13

Seed #14

Seed #15

Seed #6

 

 

 

 

Seed #16

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  Little or no cost. There will be the same amount of district games, so there should be no loss of revenue. There may be a slight increase in travel expenses from previous years.

Rationale for the proposed change:
1. It rewards the teams that have done well in a particular season and would be a positive step in providing the best teams for the state tournament.
2. If a school has a particularly strong year or couple of years, they are rewarded in their district seeding instead of possibly being lumped into a traditionally strong district.
3. It gives teams a chance to face new teams in district play while considering the geographic distinctiveness of the state.

Proposal submitted by District II.

 

E.  The proposal deals with:  Activities Manual: Basketball  Page: 11

Classes C1, C2, D1 and D2 schools will be divided equally into 6 geographic pods once classification has been established. The pods will be established starting with schools in western Nebraska and working east. The subdistrict sites will be determined prior to the start of the season. Each pod will hold two subdistrict tournaments which will be seeded at-large based on the wildcard point system on the Wednesday preceeding the start of subdistrict play. The winner of each subdistrict in the geographic pod will move on to the district final against the winner of the other subdistrict in the pod. The winners of the six geographic pods will move on to the state tournament. Two additional teams in each class will also qualify on the basis of the wild card team selection procedure.
10 Team District: Subdistrict A - #8 vs. #9, #4 vs. #5, #1 vs. #8/#9 winner, winner #4 vs. #5 vs #1/#8/#9 winner in subdistrict final
Subdistrict B - #7 vs #10, #3 vs. #6, #2 vs. #7/#10 winner, Winner #3 vs. #6 vs. #2/#7/#10 winner in subdistrict final
District Final - Winner of Subdistrict A vs Winner of Subdistrict B

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  May increase costs to school and NSAA. May impact receipts.

Rationale for the proposed change:
1. Would truly reward teams based on their play during the season.
2. Would help to prevent teams from playing in "loaded" sub-districts.
3. May allow teams to play other opponents from outside their immediate geographical location in district play.
4. Takes into account the size of our state and the almost impossible task of seeding all schools in a class without creating some impossible travel schedules.
5. Improves our present system with little additional adjustments.

Proposal submitted by District II.

 

F.  The proposal deals with:  Activities Manual: Basketball  Page: 16

No basketball team may use more than fourteen boys/girls in any District or State Tournament play. No more than fourteen boys/girls may be suited up for any tournament game.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  48 additional medals. Reimbursement expenses for out of town teams.

Rationale for the proposed change:  This encourages additional participation. Allowing 14 players on the roster but forcing coaches to suit up only 12 causes dissension and hard feelings within the team and community. Coaches can of course choose to suit only 12 throughout the season, however this eliminates the opportunity for two additional players to have a varsity experience.

Proposal submitted by District I.

 

 

 

G.  The proposal deals with:  Activities Manual: Cross Country  Page: 7

A. Class A schools are the 28 largest schools registered for cross country and are assigned to four districts.
B. Class A is assigned to four districts using a left-to-right method based on enrollment. The method of counting the number of schools registered for Class A is determined by counting the 28 largest schools for Class A boys.
C. Omaha Creighton Prep and Omaha Marian are placed in the same district.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  Additional travel may be required.

Rationale for the proposed change:  Consistency with other activities, i.e. Track & Field.

Proposal submitted by District I, II, III, IV, V.

 

H.  The proposal deals with:  Activities Manual: Cross Country, Volleyball, Basketball, Wrestling,  Page: Varies by Manual

Reimbursement for State Competition
2. Lodging. If lodging is used, $20 per participant and one coach will be paid based on the following:

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  NA

Rationale for the proposed change:   Motel costs per night are nearing $100 per room. Four student/athletes per room would help local school districts out with money being tight.

Proposal submitted by District VI.

 

I.  The proposal deals with:  Activities Manual: Football  Page: 13

Step C. If two or more teams have identical point averages and are tied for one or both of the remaining qualifying spots and/or higher seed, the team or teams with the greatest number of wins over first division teams will be selected and/or given the higher seed. If only two teams remain after this step and the two teams tied have played each other, Step A will be used to determine the qualifier for the State Playoffs and/or get the higher seed.
Step D. If a tie still exists, the team or teams with the greatest number of wins over first and second division teams will be selected and/or given the higher seed. If only two teams remain after this step and the two teams tied have played each other, Step A will be used to determine the qualifier for the State Playoffs and/or get the higher seed.
Step E. If two or more teams have identical point averages and are tied for one or both of the remaining qualifying spots and/or higher seed, the team or teams playing the greatest number of first division teams will be selected and/or given the higher seed. If only two teams remain after this step and the two teams tied have played each other, Step A will be used to determine the qualifier for the State Playoffs and/or get the higher seed.
Step F . If a tie still exists, the team's opponents' win and losses will be totaled and the winning percentages calculated. The team whose opponents have the highest percentage based on this calculation will be selected as the qualifier for the State Playoffs and/or get the higher seed.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  None

Rationale for the proposed change: Seeding should be based on performance, if possible, not necessarily on who you play. Just playing more first division teams does not necessarily make you the better team. This tiebreaker rewards performance. Under the present system, one team could play three first division teams and lose 50-0, 50-0, and 50-0 and get the higher seed over a team which played two of the same teams and lost 14-13 in each contest. The fact that one team played three first division teams compare to the other team playing two first division teams should not automatically result in the higher seed.

Proposal submitted by District II.

 

 

 

J.  The proposal deals with:  Activities Manual: Football  Page: 14

1. The 28 schools in Class A are divided into five districts. The district assignments divided the Omaha Metropolitan area into three districts by enrollment going from left to right. The six Lincoln schools, Columbus, Fremont, Grand Island, Kearney, Norfolk and North Platte were placed in two districts by enrollment going left to right. The teams within the district will play a round-robin schedule with the district champion in each district qualifying for the football playoffs. Using the point systems and point system tiebreaker, the next eleven teams with the highest point system rating will qualify for the playoffs, making a total of sixteen teams.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  By having the best 16 teams qualifying, the first round matchups, especially of the top 4 seeded teams with the bottom 4 seeded teams should be more competitive games, with the potential to increase the attendance and gate receipts. This would apply to each successive round of the playoffs.   No additional costs.

Rationale for the proposed change:  While head-to-head competition within the assigned district is of value, the fact that the districts are assigned using enrollment still allows for a district to be made up of several strong teams, vs. some districts not as competitive to-to-bottom. As was the case this season, two 5-4 teams and one 4-5 team with a higher point average from stronger districts, failed to qualify, while teams from weaker districts qualified with losing records. In one district, the second place team had a losing record with its only wins coming within its weak district. If this proposed criteria was used this season, only one team with a winning record would not have qualified, but this team lost a head-to-head matchup with an identical record team in its district that did qualify. Thus, at least their ability to qualify was in their control on the field. Also, with the current wording, a 4th place finishing team, automatically is considered for the 16th slot, while a 5th place finisher, even from a stronger district and with a better won-loss and power rating can not qualify. That occurred this season. By qualifying only one automatic qualifier from each district, a value is still on head-to-head competition and increases the value of playing a strong schedule and compiling a winning record. If the intent of the qualifying play within districts is to determine the best 16 teams to advance to the playoffs, then this proposed change better insures that the best 16 teams, based on their season performance, will advance.

Proposal submitted by District II.

 

K.  The proposal deals with:  Activities Manual: Football  Page: 14

1. Using the point system and point system tiebreaker, the team with the highest regular season point average that did not finish as a 1st, 2nd or 3rd place team in their district, will qualify for the playoffs, making a total of sixteen teams.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  No additional costs.

Rationale for the proposed change:  There is another proposal to only qualify the district champion and next 11 teams with the highest point average. IF we do not want to implement such a significant change from the 3 team qualifying in each district, then this proposal is an alternative. We at least need to change how the 16th team is selected. Each year, we have seen teams with losing records and lower point averages advance, while a team with a winning record and higher point average does not. The current language selects the 16th team on won-loss record, and only if a team finishes 4th in their district. This disqualifies from consideration a 5th place finisher. As was the case this season, a 5th place team from a strong district, did not qualify, in spite of a winning record and higher point average than 4 teams that did qualify. If our intent is to have the 16 best teams qualify for the playoffs, yet maintain a high value on the head to head district competition, we should amend how the 16th team is selected, to place more value on the strength of the district, the overall schedule and the teams performance competing with that schedule. This still does not eliminate the possibility of losing record/low point average teams qualifying from a weak district, but it does increase the potential for a team that played a strong schedule from not being left out.

Proposal submitted by District II.

 

L.  The proposal deals with:  Activities Manual: Football  Page: 15

2. Using a 16-team bracket, the point system and point system tiebreaker will be used to seed the 16 qualifying teams.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:  There may be an increase in travel expenses using this plan. Teams from the east may have to travel to the western part of the state, and teams from the west may travel to the east. Currently, however, teams from towns as far east as Crete and Beatrice regularly qualify in the West bracket, so additional travel, if needed, may only total $250-$300* as Omaha is only about 50-60 miles beyond the Crete exit on the interstate.
(*Based on reimbursement rate of $5.10/mile, one way)

Rationale for the proposed change:  Under the current system, one half of the bracket may have significantly stronger teams than the other half bracket. A 16-team bracket, however, is a true balanced playoff that rewards teams for an outstanding regular season. Additionally, due to the geography of the state, some schools must travel hundreds of miles every year while others are likely to travel less than an hour for most games. This plan would help equalize traveling among all schools. Finally, many schools in each half of the state play each other during the regular season, so a larger variety of opponents could be encountered.

Proposal submitted by District I.

 

M.  The proposal deals with: Activities Manual: Football, Volleyball, Basketball  Page: FB Pg 19, VB, BB Pg 12

Football
Prerecorded music that has been approved by the Host administration may be played during pregame warm ups provided that a high school band is not available to play during that time. Also permitted shall be the National Anthem or as accompaniment for the half-time performance of an authorized student dance or cheer group.
Basketball and Volleyball
The use of recorded music that has been approved by the host administration may be played by a host school for warm-up provided that a band is not available to play at that time during subdistrict and district tournaments. Also permitted shall be the National Anthem or as accompaniment for the half-time performance of an authorized student dance or cheer group

Cost Analysis of Proposal:
There should be no additional cost to the NSAA or member schools.
Schools that wish to do this already have equipment and abilities in place.
It is already being done at the State Championship venues, no additional costs incurred.

Rationale for the proposed change:  Prerecorded music played over a PA system with prior approval is allowed in the following sports – Baseball, Soccer, Cross Country, Swimming, and Softball. IF IT ALLOWED FOR SOME SPORTS, THEN WHY NOT FOR ALL SPORTS THAT WISH TO DO IT?
Most student–athletes appreciate pre-game warm-up music, when a band is not available to play, they like to listen to pre-recorded music. Not all school bands travel to subdistrict or district competition. The use of pre-recorded music by the host school would allow for an enjoyable experience for the athletes.
Although, it is stated that use of recorded music is not permitted in subdistrict and district play. When teams travel to the state tournament, recorded music is played at both Pershing Auditorium and the Sports Center. Many times bands present have to play louder to have the music turned off. IF IT IS ALLOWED AT THE STATE TOURNAMENT THEN WHY NOT AT DISTRICT AND SUBDISTRICT TOURNAMENTS?
In Football, pre-recorded music is not permitted in the play-offs, but, again is played over the PA at Memorial Stadium during the Championship contests. IF IT IS ALLOWED THERE THEN WHY NOT DURING THE PLAYOFFS?

Proposal submitted by District V.

 

N.  The proposal deals with:  Activities Manual: Softball, Soccer Page: 8

District Assignments
All Class A schools in softball are to be placed into seven districts. Those district sites would be determined at the start of the season. Six of the districts would be determined using a serpentine method (not modified), based upon the NSAA wild card point system within two weeks prior to the first district. The seventh district would include four schools geographically located in the western part of the state, with those schools being assigned to that district at the time of classification. North-south travel distances shall be considered in determining the make-up of that western district. The schools in the western district (Columbus,
Grand Island, Kearney and North Platte) will be seeded by the wild card point system within two weeks prior to the first district.
District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7
1 2 3 4 5 6 West
12 11 10 9 8 7 West
13 14 15 16 17 18 West
24 23 22 21 20 19 West
Class B will be divided into two regions – West/Central and Eastern. The twelve most western schools in the state will make up the West/Central region. They will be assigned into two districts using a serpentine method based upon the NSAA wild card point system. The rest of the Class B schools will be in the Eastern region. They will be assigned into four districts using a serpentine method based upon the NSAA wild card point system. Class C district assignments are based on geographic location starting west and moving east with consideration also given to north and south to reduce travel.

Cost Analysis of Proposal: Some additional travel expenses for schools.

Rationale for the proposed change:
1. It rewards the teams that have done well in a particular season and would be a positive step in providing the best teams for the state tournament.
2. If a school has a particularly strong year or couple of years, they are rewarded in their district seeding instead of possibly being lumped into a traditionally strong district based solely on geography.
3. It gives teams a chance to face new teams in district play while considering the geographic distinctiveness of the state.
4. Provides a beginning to look at streamlining future district setup in all classes.

Proposal submitted by District II.

 

O.  The proposal deals with:  Activities Manual: Softball  Page: 11, 17, 18, and 19

The teams play a double-elimination bracket over two days.  The winners of each bracket play a winner-take-all championship game on Friday.  If necessary games to decide the bracket winner will be played at the start of day 3.
Cost Analysis of Proposal:  It could generate more revenue for the state.

Rationale for the proposed change:  This is a proposal to change the format of the state tournament for softball from an eight team, double-elimination format to an eight team, two-bracket format. The proposal would create one winner-take-all championship game in each class.
Rationale:
1. No team plays more than three games in any tournament during the regular season or districts, but does happen in the current format.
2. A winner-take-all championship game is more exciting to watch, rarely does it come into play (Game 11 of the current format usually decides the state champion).
3. This new format would allow softball to play the championship games in succession instead of at the same time (could allow for television coverage).
4. Keeping more teams involved in the second day could generate more revenue.

EXHIBIT A:Proposed change to schedule of games (Three day schedule.pdf)

EXHIBIT B:Class A bracket (Class A bracket.pdf)

EXHIBIT C:Class B bracket (Class B bracket.pdf)

Proposal submitted by District IV.

 

P.  The proposal deals with:  Activities Manual: Soccer  Page: 10

8. In competition with schools one classification above yours, 2 bonus points will be awarded. A maximum of 4 bonus points per season are allowed.

Cost Analysis of Proposal:None-unless creating a different soccer schedule creates more travel mileage).

Rationale for the proposed change:
1. In soccer there are only two classes. Scheduling is very tight because there are 13 games that can be played, and the amount of schools with soccer is limited.
2. Class B teams in the eastern part of the state have a large scheduling advantage because of the number of Class A schools that are in that area. The Class B schools in the western part of the state don't have as many Class A schools to choose from.
3. Some Class B schools have played Class A schools for years as they had soccer when there was only one class. They play 5 to 6 Class A schools a season. Many Class B schools didn't have soccer when there was one class and didn't have the opportunity to schedule Class A schools. That option is available now, but many Class A schedules are full.
4. Teams that fluctuate between Class A and Class B have up to 6 or 7 Class A schools on their schedule. They got these schools on their schedules when they were Class A and now that they are Class B they have kept them on their schedules.
5. Scheduling Class A schools isn't fair for everyone. There are several Class B teams that have tried to schedule Class A schools, but the Class A schedules are full so they don't get the same opportunities for bonus points as the schools that started soccer when there was only one class.
6. Limiting the number of bonus points a Class B school can gain by playing Class A schools may help open up some Class A schedules.

Proposal submitted by District I, V.

 

Q.  The proposal deals with: Activities Manual: Softball/Volleyball/Basketball/Soccer/Baseball &nbs