National Senate

 

Attending: Mark Hoffman (Chair) – Wisconsin, Bill DeVoe – Wisconsin, Rich Hedges – Oregon, Scott Christensen – Minnesota, Tim Baker – Washington, DC/ USATF, Tom Millbrooke – Oregon, Dave Shrock – California, Carylon Flax – Texas, Patrick Pretty – Wisconsin, Barbara Collins – Texas, Derrick Calhoun – Illinios, Barbara Chambers – Nevada / Athletics for the Disabled, Jim Holdren – Virginia, Al Hernandez – California, Kim Disumke – Arizona, Cassandra Cline – Arizona, Fred Finke – Florida, Mike Corn – Louisiana/ USATF / USTFCCCA, Amanda Payne – USATF, Bill Roe – USATF, Duffy Mahoney – USATF, Duane Gosa – Ohio, Rick Rothman – Florida, Becky Oakes – NFSHSA, Tracy Sundlun – NSSF, Fred Baer – US Community Colleges

 

Meeting was called to order by Mark Hoffman (WI - Chair) at 4:00pm HST

 

Attendees introduced themselves and identified the state or organization they were representing.

 

Mark Hoffman outlined the purpose and goals of the Senate: a) Pipeline of information to high school coaches from the elite levels and between states, b) Develop coaches education opportunities for high school coaches, and c) Develop high school track coaches associations.

 

Minutes from the 2006 meeting in Indianapolis, IN were reviewed. Motion to accept the 2006 minutes by Rich Hedges (OR). Second by Mike Corn (LA). Passed unanimously.

 

The 2006 financial statement was reviewed. The Senate account balance is currently at $3846.20. Mark Hoffman started a checking account in October of 2006. The bank deposited $200 in that account resulting in total assets of $4046.20. Wisconsin is still owed $4015.65. This means that $30.55 remain until Wisconsin has recouped its initial investment in the Senate. Motion to accept the financial statement by Rick Rothman (FL). Second by Rich Hedges (OR). Passed unanimously.

 

The Senate members discussed the status of the current $100 annual membership fee. Mike Corn suggested that the Senate continue to collect the annual fee in order to draw from if needed. Scott Christensen suggested that we develop a pool of funds to bring back the USATF Outreach Program. This program provided scholarships to high school coaches to attend the USATF Annual Meeting. Many of those coaches are still highly involved in numerous committees for USATF. Consensus was to continue funding as is and to look at targeting the money toward a similar outreach program.

 

Tim Baker (USATF) discussed the junior program related to the funding by the USOC. The USOC’s funding is contingent on track and field’s ability to win medals. The results of the Pan Am and Youth International indicate a high level of medal production.  Tim emphasized the importance of high school coaches and club coaches in working together to identify potential elite athletes as well as being aware of qualifying standards for elite level meets. It is also important to educate coaches and athletes about the entry and declaration process in all USATF meets. There seems to be a breakdown in communication as coaches enter athletes, but fail to make event declarations in a timely fashion. Athletes and coaches must also be aware that they must have passport documentation prior to arriving at the national championship meet in order to be considered for the Junior World team. 

 

Amanda Payne (USATF) discussed the need to educate coaches and athletes on banned substances. Athletes can apply for medical exceptions by using the Therapeutic Usage Exemption form. Athletes and coaches can consult USADA.org for a variety of information on banned substances and testing procedures. This link will be placed on the Senate site for convenience (nationalsenate.org).

 

Duffy Mahoney (USATF) discussed the Junior National meet at Ohio State University in June of 2008. There was some concern related to field event facilities and scheduling, but they should be resolved. Duffy also mentioned the conflict between this meet and the Nike Outdoor Meet, but felt that both parties could work out the conflicts between meets and make sure that the best athletes are able to qualify for the Junior National team.

 

Mike Corn (LA) reported on USATF coaching education programs. Coaches Ed has made improvements in the developmental program making it more accessible to youth coaches and their needs. Level III is looking at restructuring that would make the Level III more curriculum driven. The Level II sights for 2008 have not been decided at this time.

 

Mike Corn also reported on USTFCCCA. Their annual meeting will be in Phoenix from December 16^th through December 19^th, 2007. High school coaches are encouraged to attend. Members receive the new magazine, “Techniques” that has received many positive comments. Mike is looking for coaches to write articles for this publication. Mike also mentioned that the NCAA is doing away with the clearinghouse. High school athletes need to be educated on the new process as well as new eligibility rules. He also added that Missouri is considering adding the javelin as a high school event.

 

Rich Hedges (OR) reported on the progress of starting a high school track and field coaches’ clinic in Oregon. His goal is to start a clinic run by the Oregon state high school track coaches association. He has 90 individuals ready to assist in the running of this clinic and is looking for an appropriate date. Rich will also be working USATF to run a clinic during the 2008 Olympic trials in Eugene, OR. Rich mentioned the plan to open a local high school gym for coaches attending the game to use as a place to stay.

 

Mark Hoffman stated that we still need Senate Contact representatives in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Contacts will be responsible for passing along information to the high school coaches of their respective states. The person should be the president of the state track coaches association, if possible. It could also be the track coaches’ clinic chair, state athletic association rep responsible for track and field, or any high school coach willing to take on this position. The Senate currently has contacts in 31 out of 50 states.

 

Bill Roe (USATF – President) stated that USATF is willing to help the Senate. Bill mentioned that there are resources available that could help the Senate achieve some of their goals. 

 

Barbara Chambers (NV – Athletes for the Disabled) gave an update on the re-authorization of the Individuals with Disabilites Education Act (IDEA), the Federal Law that mandates educational policy for children with disabilites and their access to education. This law addressed access to extra curriculr activities including sports teams. Barbara also reported that negative publicity regarding the wheelchair athlete in Maryland who sued her school district for the right to participate on the HS team continues to produce litigation including, team scoring and wearing a helmet in competition (it is an international rule that a helmet is mandatory for all races ran outside of lanes, 800m +, and a junior rule that a helmet is used in all races. Several states have come up with a weighted point system. Washington is using a system that seems equitable. Wheelchair Sports USA has developed a position paper regarding including athletes who use racing wheelchairs for competition in races (wheelies and runner). Copy of this policy paper can be obtained on their site at wsusa.org.

 

Fred Finke discussed milesplit.com. Thirty-one states are involved in the site that compiles statistics on results of high school track and field performances. Fred is looking for individuals to act as site managers for their respective states.

 

Motion to adjourn by Mike Corn – LA. Second by Rich Hedges – OR. Meeting adjourned at 5:35pm HST