Coaches:

As a representative on the WVSSAC Track & Field Coaches Committee I would like to update you on what actions were taken at our meeting Tuesday June 7, 2005. It is important to remember that the T&F Coaches Committee is only able to make recommendations to the WVSSAC Board, we do not have the final say in most matters. With that said here are the some of the results of our meeting:

1. Track Rules Clinics dates and locations were distributed. To view these click this link http://www.wvssac.org/new_site/wvssac_website/html/wvssac_rules%20clinic%20schedules.htm

2. Track had no Special Reports for the 2005 season. (Congratulations to all coaches and athletes for exhibiting outstanding sportsmanship).

3. Financial - The WVSSAC reimbursed members schools a total of $36,000 for the State Track Meet.

4. State Meet Director Dottie Gandee and Asst. State Meet Director Richard Messenger were pleased with the State Meet and felt it was one of the most problem free in recent memory.

5. Committee recommended the WVSSAC Board to hold the WV State Meet at Laidley Field for the next 5 years. No other facilities submitted bids.

6. Recommended for Middle/Jr. High School track:
Girls 75m Hurdles to be run at 30"
Boys 65m Hurdles to be run at 36"
Girls 200m Hurdles to be run at 30"
Boys 200m Hurdles to be run at 30"

Girls Shot to throw 6lb shot
Boys Shot to throw 4.0Kg shot

7. Recommended for High School track:
Permit the use of marking devices (tennis ball halves, etc) in the shuttle hurdle relay
All meets to use 40 degree sector for shot and discus
Change alley assignments for 800m, 4x800m, 1600m, and 3200m to put top 6 runners in the outside 3 alleys (on an 8 lane track)

8. Tentative Regional Locations (dates and locations are subject to change) Many of these Regions had only 1 request submitted.
AAA Region I - Wheeling Park HS 5/12/06
AAA Region II - Jefferson Co. HS 5/11/06
AAA Region III - Laidley Field 5/12/06
AAA Region IV - Parkersburg HS 5/12/06

AA Region I - Tyler Consolidated HS 5/12/06
AA Region II - Lewis Co. HS 5/12/06
AA Region III - Woodrow Wilson HS 5/11/06
AA Region IV - Winfield HS 5/11/06

A Region I - Wheeling Park HS 5/10/06
A Region II - Lewis Co. HS 5/12/06
A Region III - Woodrow Wilson HS 5/11/06
A Region IV - Erickson All-Sports Facility 5/11/06

9. Proposal to Change State Meet Qualifying
It was proposed to change, on a 1 year trial basis, the State Meet Qualifying for all running events to the top 3 from each Region and the next 4 best times from any of the Regions. Ties were to be broken by submitting Finishlynx photos for evalutation to the 1/1000 sec, then by place in the Region and then by blind draw. Information and supporting data were provided to the committee members. There was an extensive and lengthy discussion of the proposal by committee members. A vote was taken and the proposal failed 9 votes to 8 votes.

It is my feeling that the WVSSAC and the Coaches Committee are moving toward a change in the method of qualification for the State Meet. This proposal was well thought out and well supported. Unfortunately, as with most proposals, there are positives and negatives associated with it. Both were highlighted during the discussion. In my three years on the committee this was by far the closest vote on any proposal.

This was the third of my three year tenure on the Track & Field Coaches Committee. It has been an honor to represent you and wish the best for my replacement.

Thanks,

Jon Griffith
Bridgeport Track & Field

www.BridgeportTrack.com