Resolved to come out of closed session. Motion passed 9-0 on a roll call vote with Brown, Dorson, Edwards, Gohn, Horton, Kinder, Lewis, Richards and Urhahn all voting yes.

No action was reported out of closed session.

Approved the minutes of the January 26-27, 2005 Board of Directors Meeting, the January 28, 2005 Three Member Panel of the MSHSAA Appeals Committee Telephone Conference Call, the February 11, 2005 Board of Directors Telephone Conference Call, the February 11, 2005 Three Member Panel of the MSHSAA Appeals Committee Telephone Conference Call, and the February 23, 2005 Three Member Panel of the MSHSAA Appeals Committee Telephone Conference Call.

Confirmed the opinion of the executive director on the general consent items as presented.

u Nonfaculty Coaches Approved (By-Law 124) (See website for current listing)

u Transfer Waiver Applications (By-Law 238.3-a-9) (Duplicate school names indicates an additional transfer(s) student(s) for that school): Blue Springs; Breckenridge; Chaminade; Climax Springs; Crystal City; Crystal City; DeKalb; DeSmet; Eureka; Exeter; Festus; Festus; Fox; Francis Howell Central; Francis Howell Central; Glendale; Glendale; Grandview; Hayti; Hickman; John F. Kennedy; John F. Kennedy; John F. Kennedy; Kirkwood; Knob Noster; Lafayette (St. Joseph); Lafayette (St. Joseph); Lawson; Lee’s Summit West; Licking; Lindbergh; McCluer North; North Andrew; North County; Northwest (Cedar Hill); Orchard Farm; Pacific; Pembroke Hill; Pembroke Hill; Potosi; Raytown South; Ritenour; Rolla; Sherwood; St. Dominic; St. Joseph’s Academy; Thomas Jefferson Indep.; Tipton; Trinity Catholic; Willow Springs; Willow Springs.

u Transfer Hardship Applications (By-Law 238.3-a-8) (Duplicate school names indicates an additional transfer(s) student(s) for that school): Blue Springs (Freshman Center); Caruthersville; Fox; Fox; Hazelwood Central; Jefferson City; Lee’s Summit West; Lexington; North Shelby; Oak Park; Orchard Farm; Rockwood Summit; Troy Buchanan; Warren County; Washington; West Plains; Winnetonka.

u Self-Reported Violations and/or Requests for Lesser Penalties (By-Law 910):

u Recommend action by school be accepted and administration acknowledged for self-reporting with no further action - Miller Academy -Self-reported inadvertently played a student without filing appropriate transfer form, student played 2 games varsity when eligible only for JV - forfeited games and withheld player 2 games and filed proper transfer form; Truman - Self-reported an inadvertent violation of allowing student athletes to participate in two basketball tournaments in same week, forfeited contests, counseled coach and recorded incident, reviewed by-laws specific to this area with all coaches.

u Pattonville - Participation of student in the USTA National Spring Championships (235.4-b-2), March 17-23, 2005, Mobile, Ala.

u Blue Springs South - Participation of student in the USTA National Spring Championships (235.4-b-2), March 17-23, 2005, Mobile, Ala.

u Clayton - Participation of student in the USTA National Spring Championships (235.4-b-2), March 17-23, 2005, Mobile, Ala.

u Francis Howell - Participation of a student in the United State Open qualifying golf tournament on May 11, 2005

Oakes provided an update regarding the work of the NFHS with the USOC.

Approved the MSHSAA Conflict of Interest Statement as presented.

Approved the MSHSAA Employee Use Agreement as presented.

Approved the Concealed Firearms Policy as presented.

Took action to table the discussion of the State Football Host Hotel agreement until the April Board of Directors Meeting.

Went into closed session to discuss matters involving the hiring, firing, disciplining or promotion of MSHSAA employees where personal information about an employee may be discussed or recorded. Motion passed 9-0 on a roll call vote with Brown, Dorson, Edwards, Gohn, Horton, Kinder, Lewis, Richards and Urhahn all voting yes.

Resolved to come out of closed session. Motion passed 9-0 on a roll call vote with Brown, Dorson, Edwards, Gohn, Horton, Kinder, Lewis, Richards and Urhahn all voting yes.

Took action to offer the position of assistant executive director to Kevin Garner to begin employment by July 1, 2005, with moving expenses provided. Motion passed 9-0 on a roll call vote with Brown, Dorson, Edwards, Gohn, Horton, Kinder, Lewis, Richards and Urhahn all voting yes.

Pleimann reported to the Board regarding the status of the previously-submitted proposal to modify the football playoffs, as well as a new proposal that had been received. Pleimann briefly reviewed Option 1, which would create eight-team districts, and an eight-game regular season, with district games only in weeks nine and ten based on seeding following game eight. Urhahn and Dorson indicated concern regarding the travel that might be caused by Option 1, due to the expanded districts. Pleimann indicated the host school would determine the night of play (Thursday, Friday or Saturday), to reduce the loss of school time.

Option 2 was then reviewed, which would also create eight-team districts, and would eliminate the preseason interscholastic scrimmage and move the first allowable contest date one week earlier. All schools would play a nine-week regular season and teams would then be seeded for district play in week 10. A regional round would be added, which would create an additional playoff round prior to sectionals, for those who win the district contest in week 10. It was noted that half of the teams would be eliminated one week earlier than in the current system and in Option 1, which would allow football players participating in a winter sport to join their teams earlier.

Option 2 would also allow twice as many teams to compete in the “state series” as both the current system and Option 1 allow. Pleimann noted that the advisory committee was unanimous in their recommendation to the Board to withdraw the original proposal that had been submitted by the Football Coaches Association.

Binggeli noted that he has discussed the originally proposed reduction in days of practice for football with the sports medicine community and some Sports Medicine Advisory Committee members and they have indicated strong opposition to this recommendation. It was noted that if the schools support Option 2 but desire to continue the preseason interscholistic scrimmage allowance, this recommendation may still need to be reviewed officially by the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. Binggeli noted that through preliminary discussions, the doctors and trainers he has spoken with have indicated they would oppose both fewer days of practice, as well as, moving the first allowable contest date any earlier in August, due to heat considerations. Therefore, he said he would anticipate that the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee would oppose Option 2.

Oakes noted that Option 2 would require a Special Election due to By-Law changes that would be required and that six weeks would be needed to hold a Special Election by early January to prepare for the football district assignment release in February. Oakes commended the Football Advisory Committee on their approach to this topic and their thorough discussion during the conference call.

The Board resolved to present a single plan to revise the current football district and state playoff series to the MSHSAA football playing schools this fall to be implemented in the 2006-07 and 2007-08 cycle after membership discussion at the MIAAA Spring Conference and through other meetings of professional groups (MASSP, MASA, MARE, district Athletic Director meetings, etc.) this spring and fall.

Approved the January financial statements as presented.

Long reviewed the information that had been provided to the Board in their materials regarding the ticket pricing of contiguous and comparable state associations, with comparisons to the MSHSAA ticket schedule.

Took action to direct MSHSAA staff to negotiate a contract extension with the current vendor supplying MSHSAA trophies and plaques.

Long referred the Board to information contained in their meeting materials regarding several revenue and expense categories previously considered by the Board which would have significant impact beginning with the coming fiscal year 2006 budget cycle. Long reviewed the current trend in regard to MSHSAA’s revenue and expense streams, and noted the additional expenditure recently approved by the Board to add an additional executive staff member and an assistant, and its affect on the salary schedule. Long and Oakes presented several recommendations for the Board’s consideration. The board discussed district ticket prices and the effect a change would have on MSHSAA revenues and compared this effect to that of raising membership fees.

Took action to approve the following recommended changes:

u Approval of the estimated budget increases associated with the Board approved addition of an assistant executive director position, an executive assistant position, and purchase of the needed equipment and supplies for new staff. Estimated annual cost increase $127,250 and estimated equipment outlay $27,500.

u Approval of the estimated budget increases associated with hiring of a part-time custodial position. Estimated annual cost increase $14,000.

u Approval of approximately $100,000 – 110,000 in additional funds to increase the official’s fee rate structure for MSHSAA district and state tournament series. This approximate 40 percent composite increase will provide for fee increases of 30% - 50% in MSHSAA sports.

u Approval of approximately $11,000 in additional funds to increase the site manager’s fee rate structure for MSHSAA district and state tournaments series’. This represents an approximate 30% composite increase.

u Approval of approximately $32,000 in additional funds to increase the MSHSAA paid travel rate from 28 cents per mile to 32 cents per mile.

u Approval of a $1 increase in all admission tickets for quarterfinal, semifinal, and finals events.

u Approval of a $5 increase in tournament entry fees effective FY2007, a second $5 increase in tournament entry fees effective FY2008.

u Approval of a $5 increase in sport participation fees effective FY2007, a second $5 increase in sport participation fees effective FY2008.

u In order to maintain officials registration fees sufficiently to cover the costs of providing to each official NFHS Officials Association membership and insurance, the Journal subscription, NFHS rule books and registration materials, officials patches, and multiple annual materials installments and mailings approval of a $5 increase in officials registration fees, effective FY2006, from $40 to $45 for the first sport registration, and from $20 to $25 for each subsequent sport registration. Also approve scheduling a tentative additional $5 registration fee increase effective FY2009, contingent upon increases in the NFHS costs passed onto the Association.

u Pursuing with Bank of New York of Missouri, the revenue bond trustee for the Association, direction regarding the most prudent course for early retirement of the bond debt.

Pleimann reported that the Wrestling Advisory Committee had met and that the final committee recommendations would be presented to the Board at the April meeting. Pleimann reported that the committee would like to keep all four classes together at one site and expand the number of mats to eight. The committee has expressed a desire to compete in an arena that seats at least 12,000.

Resolved to table the recommendation of the Wrestling Advisory Committee until the April Board meeting to provide the staff at the University of Missouri to determine the availability of the Mizzou Arena for the state wrestling tournament, and provide MU with the first opportunity to enter into a four-year agreement. If Mizzou Arena is not available, the Board will determine if the Hearnes Center will continue to be considered, as well as which other facilities would be feasible.

Oakes presented a legislative update on the bills in the senate and house. She also reviewed the communications that have taken place with MARE regarding cooperative sponsorships and HB464. She noted that HB105, regarding tuition-paying students being eligible, has been assigned to committee.

SB197, regarding the Columbia city ordinances concerning marijuana, was discussed and Oakes explained that she has been working with Columbia Senator Chuck Graham to assist working with Senator Gross in regard to the Bill. Senator Graham has suggested that MSHSAA place a statement in materials that are sent to teams that have qualified to participate in a state athletic event in Columbia concerning the new ordinances and apprising school administrators.

Took action to approve the submittal of the proposed statement to Senator Chuck Graham and to be shared with Senator Gross regarding the new Columbia city ordinances which would be included in materials that are sent to teams that have qualified to participate in state athletic events in Columbia.

Oakes reported to the Board regarding a meeting in Jefferson City with Representative Byrd regarding HB279. Dorson and Lewis were also in attendance at the meeting with Representative Byrd and summarized that Representatives Byrd, Meiners and Walsh were displeased with the Questions and Answers in regard to swimming and diving that the Board had approved in February. The Board reviewed a statement that had been drafted in regard to a request by Representative Byrd as a replacement for the previously released questions and answers. It was noted by the Board that there has been no change in the conditioning requirement under the by-laws and that all swimmers must participate in 14 conditioning practices prior to competition with the school team.

Resolved to replace the previously adopted interpretations for Swimming and Diving with a revised statement that may be less cumbersome to the local administrator and more clearly reflect his/her responsibility in regard to By-Law 235.1-c.

Approved the recommendations of the Athletic Directors Advisory Committee, as listed as Items 1 through 13 on the Meeting Summary.

Approved the recommendations of the Liaison Committee, as listed as Items 1 through 6 on the Meeting Summary.

Took action to certify the results of the 2005 Annual Questionnaire, and to table discussion on Item 1 until the June Board meeting, which will allow the Track and Field Advisory Committee to meet and discuss the results of the Questionnaire item.

Approved Annual Ballot Items 1-8 and 10-23, with the revisions outlined by the Board, and to table Item 9, regarding an allowance for “traditional” football games due to the discussions currently taking place regarding the state football playoff system which, if adopted, could make this proposal unnecessary.

Accepted all action taken by the Superintendent of Newburg and issue a warning to the boys basketball coach and program for the 2005-06 season.

Oakes presented the Board with a draft clarification statement regarding transfer students in the voluntary transfer program, as a result of the February appeal from Miller Academy. Gohn noted that schools in St. Louis have indicated they support the original ruling which indicated that such transfers would be restricted unless considered under the hardship transfer standard.

Re-affirmed the Policy as presented on VTS transfer students, which outlines eligibility in various transfer situations.

Policy on VTS Transfer Students

“A student participating under the overall operations of the Voluntary Transfer Student program may transfer under the following circumstances with no restrictions on eligibility providing the student is eligible in all other respects.

1. Student must transfer at the beginning of a semester.

2. Transferring from a home zone school to a magnet school or county school one time.

3. Transferring from a magnet school to a county school one time.

4. Transferring from a magnet school to the home zone school one time.

5. Transferring from a county school to a magnet school or home zone school one time.

A student is eligible with restrictions under the following transfer conditions.

1. Transferring from a magnet school to a magnet school.

2. Transferring from a home zone school to a magnet or county school a second time.

3. Transferring from a county to a magnet school or home zone school second (or more) times.

4. Transferring from a magnet to a county school more than one time.

5. Transferring to a full-time vocational school from a home zone school, magnet school or county school.

6. Transferring from a vocational school to a home zone school, magnet or county school.

7. Transferring after the first of the semester under any conditions if in the VTS program.”

Issued a reprimand to the Licking High School administration for the staff’s oversight and lack of institutional control in regard to the confirmation of academic eligibility for activities participants.

Granted a lesser penalty than 365 days of ineligibility as outlined in the By-Law, and accept the action taken by the school for inadvertent violation of By-Law 235.

Resolved to permit Mr. Siegel to continue as an assistant coach at St. Teresa’s Academy, issue a reprimand to Mr. Siegel for not letting the school know he did not have his degree, and issue a reprimand to the school administration for not having a procedure in place to verify certification before filing for non-faculty coaching applications.

Took action to accept the results of the report, reprimand the coach, warn the school, and disallow the school from participating in out-of-season conditioning for boys basketball until three weeks prior to the first allowable practice date for basketball for the 2005-06 school year.

Took action to accept the action taken by the school, and issue a reprimand to the coach and school administration for violation of open facilities policy.

The Board reviewed the Investigative Report of St. Charles West, in regard to undue influence of a transfer student. It was noted that Oakes has not yet issued an opinion on the report. Oakes reviewed the report briefly. Staff reviewed the related situation of the St. Charles West wrestling coach entering an ineligible athlete onto the district wrestling entry form, after it had been submitted and after the principal had signed it, certifying the eligibility of the students on the form. Edwards indicated that the coach had knowingly falsified the district entry form and he believed that deserves a penalty. A variety of options were discussed.

Took action to require the St. Charles West wrestling coach and representative of administration to appear before the Board at the April meeting to explain his actions and to show cause why he should not be suspended from coaching at districts in 2006.

Resolved to confirm to the school that Mr. Case is not eligible to be the head coach, and issue a reprimand to the coach and school administration for not knowing and following the NFHS game rules and MSHSAA by-laws.

The Board reviewed documentation regarding a situation that occurred at a seventh grade basketball game, during a tournament, at Pleasant Hope in which a game was inappropriately continued following the ejection of the coach, and the game being forfeited due to the refusal of the coach to leave the facility. After the original game officials left the facility following the forfeiture, two officials were hired from the stands and the game was continued. Although the coach who had been ejected did not coach for the remainder of the game, the two technicals were not administered by the new officials.

Took action to require Pleasant Hope to appear at the April board meeting, issue a reprimand to the Strafford coach for continuing the game, and issue a reprimand to the two officials that officiated the rest of the contest following the forfeit.

The Board reviewed a report in regard to inappropriate behavior of a fan at a Benton High School contest. The fan in question, Mr. Ron Hook, is also a registered MSHSAA official.

Took action to require Ron Hook to appear before the Board at the April meeting to show cause why his officiating license should not be revoked.

Approved Callao’s request to become a member during the year for track but directed the staff to monitor such requests for potential abuse and complications.

Accepted and confirmed the Investigative Report of DeSoto High School and opinion of the executive director.

Approved the request from Park Hill High School regarding cheer season due to unusual circumstances, as per Hardship Provision, Article IV, Section 6-p.