Soccer Advisory Committee

Soccer Advisory Committee Agenda Florida High School Athletic Association 1801 NW 80 th Blvd., Gainesville, FL. 32606 Monday, February 23, 2015 10:00 a.m. I. Introduction and Purpose II. III. IV. Mr. Ozuna called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. He welcomed committee members and attendees, and then notified members that the purpose of the meeting was to review the rules and regulations of FHSAA Soccer and make recommendations to the Board of Directors as deemed necessary. Meeting attendees were as follows: Rob Simons, Navarre High School; Jim Lieb, The Bolles School (Jacksonville); Dean Oliff, Gateway High School; Scott Waisanen, Oviedo High School; Dustin Dahlquist, Palmetto High School; David Villano, Ransom Everglades High School (Miami); Margo Flack, Cardinal Gibbons High School (Fort Lauderdale), Jeff Watson, Miami Country Day School, FACA Rep.; Don Dodge, High School Soccer Officials of Central Florida, Ex-Officio. FHSAA staff members present were Alex Ozuna, Will Adams, Natalie Strappy and Denarvise Thornton. Review Procedures, Agenda and Expense Vouchers Mr. Ozuna reviewed the procedures of the meeting, explained the process that a recommendation goes through prior to being implemented and gave the members time to complete their expense vouchers. Selection of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson Committee members selected Scott Waisanen as the Chairperson. [Motion: Simon, Second: Dahlquist Vote Unanimous (8-0) to Approve] Committee members selected Jim Lieb as the Vice Chairperson. [Motion: Villano, Second: Watson Vote Unanimous (8-0) to Approve] Review 2014 Minutes The 2014 Soccer Advisory Committee Meeting minutes were reviewed by the committee. [Motion: Lieb; Second: Watson Vote Unanimous 8-0 to Approve the Minutes] V. Review 2015 Soccer State Finals The FHSAA Soccer State Championship Tournament was held at Eastern Florida State College for the second consecutive year. Eastern Florida State College and the Space Coast Sports Promotions did an excellent job in hosting the State Championship Tournament. The facility was great and the staff and volunteers who worked the event did an excellent job. The committee expressed three main concerns they had. First, the committee was concerned with the field size. The committee felt the field was too wide for high school games and the field should be reduce to a width of 70 yards. Secondly, some coaches expressed concerns with the official photographer taking photos during the 20 minute warmup period and not allowing the teams to get the full allotted time on the playing field. Thirdly, the committee expressed concerns with the fans blocking the exit on the north side of the stadium when the players and coaches are attempting to

VI. VII. walk out. The committee stated the will like to see the spectators get rerouted to a different exit so that the exit will not be blocked. Old Business a. Minimum Contest Requirement Recommendation: Expand the minimum contest participation requirement to be eligible for the state series to 50% of the sport season. (Exceptions to be made for verified injury absences). Rationale: Students who are members of a U.S. Soccer Development Academy club teams are not permitted to participate in high school soccer. However, under U.S. Soccer policy, an exception is made for students at private schools who receive financial aid. Such students may join high school soccer programs upon the conclusion of the USSDA club season in December. These policies encourage schools to improperly award financial aid on the basis of athletic ability as a means of seeking this exception; provide an extra benefit to financialaid recipients at private schools that non-financial-aid students and public school students do not enjoy; and encourage late-seasons roster turnover by allowing top players to join teams shortly before post-season play. Discussion: The committee discussed this item at length, and concluded that this is an ethical issue and believe it is unfair that some schools are allowed to us the academy players during the end of their season and the post season, while most other school cannot. The committee will like the FHSAA to open up lines of communication with the academy programs to see if the issue can be resolved. New Business [Motion: Villano; Second: Watson Vote 5-3 to approve the recommendation] a. Season Limitation Reduction Policy 6.1.2(a) Recommendation: To reduce the number of maximum regular season games that can be played during the course of the year from 25 to 15-18 games. Rationale: As it stands currently, FHSAA allows teams to play 25 games over the course of the regular season (Early-Mid October through Early to mid- January depending on gender). Baring in mind that there are as many as threefour weeks within that time frame that teams cannot play games due to Holidays and Exam schedules, that takes 13 available weeks to complete regular season competitions down to 9 or 10. That said, if a team is to play the maximum amount of games (25), they will be playing, on average, 2.5 games per week. Quite frankly, the physical strain placed upon the player is too great. Beyond that, the physical strain and availability of officials is also greatly influenced by the frequency of games. Discussion: After a lengthy discussion, the consensus of the committee was that although most school play a 19 to 20 game schedule, the committee will still like to keep the flexibility to play up to 25 games, if warranted. The committee felt that most coaches gage the athletes on their team on a given year and determined if more or less games in a season is warranted, and if the season game limitation is reduced, coaches will lose that flexibility. [Motion: Simon; Second: Margo Vote 8-0 to deny the recommendation]

b. Denying A Goal Scoring Opportunity Recommendation: A player who violates NFHS Rule 12-8-2 (d) (3) shall be guilty of a committing a foul (non-violent) attempting to deny an obvious goalscoring opportunity, shall be disqualified (ejected) from the contest. The player shall be issued a blue card and shall not be replaced on the field with a substitute. Rationale: The player will still be ejected from the contest for committing the non-violent foul against the opposing player with a clear scoring opportunity. But with the blue card being issued, instead of a straight red, the player will not need to serve the minimum two game suspension as mandated by the straight red card ejection. Discussion: The consensus of the committee was that this change would be a positive for the student-athletes. The committee felt this change will keep the sprite of the game in place, while at the same time not over punishing the student-athlete any further by having them serve a two game suspension in addition to the game ejection. [Motion: Simon; Second: Oliff Vote 8-0 to approve the recommendation] c. Home Uniform Requirements Recommendation: To allow teams to have trim on white uniform shirts and socks Rationale: Currently many schools are finding it difficult to locate all white shirts and socks. Discussion: The consensus of the committee was that is a national rule and being the third year of implementation of the rule most manufactures carry the solid white shirts and socks. The consensus was that the rule should stay as written. [Motion: Watson; Second: Villano Vote 6-2 to deny the recommendation] d. Running Clock Recommendation: When the game reaches an 8-0 score in the first half, the clock should continue to run after goals are scored. Rationale: The game is decided once an 8 goal differential is reached, there is no need to prolong the half. Discussion: The committee felt that if at any point during the first half of a contest the score reaches a differential of eight (8) goals, there is no need to prolong the game by stopping the clock after any additional goals. That being said, the committee felt the clock should still continue to stop during any water break or injuries. Amended Recommendation: When the game reaches an eight (8) goal differential during the first half, the clock shall continue to run after goals are scored. [Motion: Waisanen; Second: Watson Vote 8-0 to amend the recommendation] [Motion: Simon; Second: Waisanen Vote 8-0 to approve the amended recommendation]

e. Student-Athlete in Academies Recommendation: Efforts should be taken to see that students in academy programs are treated similarly statewide. Either no waivers should be granted, or schools should be limited to a certain number of waivers. Rationale: There is considerable inconsistency in the ability of students to receive waivers to play high school soccer if they participate in Developmental Academy programs. Efforts should be taken to see that all students statewide are treated similarly. Since we cannot demand that all students in these programs be allowed to play high school soccer, we should not allow waivers for any students. At the very least, we should limit the number of waivers any given member school can have. Discussion: The committee discussed this item at length, and concluded that this is an ethical issue and believe it is unfair that some schools are allowed to us the academy players during the end of their season and the post season, while most other school cannot. The committee will like the FHSAA to open up lines of communication with the academy programs to see if the issue can be resolved. Item was discussed but no further action was taken by the committee. f. Bracket Rotation During Regional Tournament Recommendation: The starting position for each district in the playoffs should rotate through all four possible positions in 4 years. Rationale: The goal of bracket rotation is to rotate sites of contest in the later rounds of regionals to evenly distribute the opportunities to host the region final. Ideally this results in an even playing field so that no has an advantage over other schools. Presumably all schools would have the opportunity to host contest in each round in some years, and would have to travel in other years. The current system does not achieve this end. When most teams/districts are evenly matched and competitive in any given region, this may not be noticeable because of the many permutations of possible teams and locations. However, when one team dominates a particular district, and its neighboring district, a striking disparity can result. Discussion: Because the current rotation system does not rotate through all permutations, and can result in situations where one school will always be more likely to host the regional final. This gives an unfair advantage to those teams, while producing an unfair disadvantage to the teams that are more likely to play away in the regional final. Committee proposes: 1. Rotate the districts through a four-year sequence, 2. Top teams is always home, but a district champion always host a runner-up, 3. Eliminate the who has played more home game rule, 4.This results in each district starting in all 4 possible starting positions. [Motion: Lieb; Second: Waisanen Vote 7-1 to approve the recommendation]

VIII. IX. g. JV Game Length Recommendation: Shorten the sub varsity level soccer matches to 35 minute halves, with the coaches/referees discretion to further shorten matches to 30 minute halves. Rationale: Shortening the 9th grade & JV matches will reduce the number of injuries sustained as those student-athletes are not as fit as varsity athletes. It will allow more time for varsity teams to warm up on the field if desired. It will lead to shorter times for game nights for the student athletes. Discussion: The committee discussed this item and the overall consensus was that no further action is necessary by the committee as current NFHS rules and FHSAA rules allow coaches to shorten sub-varsity contest if opposing schools are in agreement. Item was discussed but no further action was taken by the committee. h. Field Size at the State Finals Recommendation: That a minimum / maximum field size guideline be put in place for all Final Four/Championship matches/venues. Field size not to be smaller than 110 yds. X 60 yds. Field size not to be any larger than 120 yds. X 70 yds. Rationale: High School teams very rarely (if at all) play on a field as large as the one at Eastern Florida State College these past two seasons. It significantly alters the game for teams at the pinnacle of their season. Field size should be more in line with what the teams have played on during the season. Discussion: The committee discussed the possibility of capping the field size at the state finals to a maximum of 120 yds. X 70 yds. The committee stated that a field 80 yards in width is a game changer, and affects how teams play the game. The committee felt by capping the field size, it will situate a field closer to what most teams use during the season. Item was discussed but no further action was taken by the committee. FACA Recommendations Mr. Watson spoke about items which were discussed during the FACA meeting. Items which include, soccer classifications, and the Double Dual Officiating system. The committee discussed the possibility of expanding the sport of soccer to six (6) classifications. Mr. Ozuna explained to the committee, that every two (2) years each sports classifications are review and expanded accordingly if the sport meets all requirements needed. Mr. Ozuna explained that due to lack of numbers supporting a rural classification and lack of financial feasibility for schools in the sport of soccer, the FHSAA office is looking into keeping five (5) classification for the next commitment cycle. Sportsmanship Update No sportsmanship update was given. X. Compliance and Eligibility Update Mr. Strappy gave the committee an update on current compliance and eligibility issues, including the past Representative Assembly meeting which met in January 2014, the compliance and eligibility webinars which are posted on the FHSAA website, and discussed current state legislations in the works that may affect high school athletics.

XI. Round Table Discussion a. Inter-Regional Play Discussion: The committee discussed this agenda item in depth and concluded that the best teams should advance to the regional final regardless of their district placement. The committee felt that it is unfair for teams which play each other multiple times during the regular season to play during the district finals and have to turn around and possibly see that team again less than one week later during the regional semifinal. The committee also indicated they will like to change add verbiage to the recommendations rationale to include that the regional final should show case the best eight teams in the class regardless of district placement and that the best teams in a class should be advance the regional final. b. Season Dates Discussion: The consensus of the committee was that they will like to see the soccer season dates moved back to start about a week later than the current season dates. The committee felt the current season dates create an overlap with fall sports. The committee expressed that any movement to reduce the current overlap would be appreciated. In addition, the committee also expressed a willingness to conduct the girls soccer season at the same time as the boys soccer season. c. District Scheduling Discussion: In north Florida referee association have stipulated that schools cannot schedule games before 5:30 pm. This poses a significant problem for many district tournaments with six or more teams, requiring three or more rounds. The committee discussed that given the MLK holiday on the Monday of the boys district tournament and the no play date due to girls regional quarterfinal game on the Thursday of the boys district tournament, the FHSAA has granted district the ability to start their district tournament on the Saturday of the prior week. d. School Affiliation Discussion: Referees who are alumni of a certain school, have children who attend a certain school, or have children who are alumni of a certain school should not be allowed to officiate those games involving that school or games contested by other schools in that schools district. Current FHSAA policy states, no FHSAA official may officiate a contest involving a school in all the following stipulations within the last four (4) years: his/her child or immediate relative attends or attended; the official himself/herself and/or a relative works or worked; the official attended, graduated or coached. In addition, no FHSAA official may officiate a varsity district contest in which the official currently serves as a coach at a school in that particular district. e. Warm-Up Procedure Discussion: The warmup schedule currently listed in the FHSAA Handbook is for the Final Four tournament when multiple game are played on the same field. In regional games the field is available to both teams, then both teams should be able to take the field up to one hour prior to kickoff. The committee discussed, that both schools may use the field prior to kickoff for an extended period of time

XII. as long as both schools are in agreement and are spending an equal amount of time on the field. f. Final Four Game Time Discussion: Throughout the high school season, teams are accustomed to playing afternoon or evening games. Having to play a morning match at the pinnacle of their season places an undo change and significantly alters any sense of routine / rhythm for teams participating in those matches. The committee discussed the possibility of altering the schedule to start the games at 12 pm and possibly give all advancing schools a day of rest between games. g. Soccer Officials Evaluation System Discussion: The Michigan High School Athletic Association has a system in place for coaches and/or school administrators to rate officials who work their games. The rating system will provide to individual referees feedback from the schools and will provide to them a way in which to compare themselves with other officials. Mr. Adams and Mr. Ozuna informed the committee members that the FHSAA is currently working on an online officials evaluation system which would allow coaches and school administrators the ability to provide direct feedback regarding the contest officials. In addition, the committee was informed of the new soccer officials evaluation program which was introduced to all soccer officials prior to the 2014-15 sport season, and the new soccer officials ranking system which will be implemented prior to the 2015-16 sport season. h. Three Whistle System Adjournment Discussion: The committee discussed the agenda item at length and concluded that the Diagonal-Officiating system works better than the Double-Dual Officiating system because officials already use it in other leagues and are used to the Diagonal-Officiating system mechanics. In addition, the committee felt the causation of the reduction in ejections is not due to the implantation of the Double-Dual Officiating system, but is due in part to the coaches education of their players in regards to conduct on the field. In addition, Mr. Ozuna informed the committee that per policy this agenda item will not be placed on the next two soccer advisory committee agenda since it has been placed on the agenda every year since 2008 without approval from other committees. In the meantime, Mr. Ozuna suggested to the committee members to start collecting tangible data supporting the change from the Double Dual System to the Diagonal-Officiating System. Meeting adjourned at 2:18.