April 8, 2021, at the NSAA Office in Lincoln with Members Present As Follows

NEBRASKA SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION OFFICIAL MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors met on April 8, 2021, at the NSAA Office in Lincoln with members present as follows:

District I - Kathi Wieskamp, Lincoln Public Schools District I - Dana Wiseman, Sutton District II -- Dr. Bob Reznicek, Boys Town District II -- Thomas Lee, Omaha Northwest District III -- Dr. Jon Cerny, Bancroft-Rosalie District IV -- Dan Keyser, Sutherland District V – Robert Drews, Holdrege District VI -- Dr. Troy Unzicker, Alliance

Also in attendance: Josh Schauer, Perry Law Firm; Ron Alexander, Platteview Principal/Athletic Director; Jim Kasik, Schuyler Activities Director; Jordan Cudney, North Platte Activities Director; Ron Mimick, Aquinas Catholic Activities Director; Mark Armstrong, Lincoln Southwest Activities Director; Anders Peterson, Lincoln Southwest School Counselor; Connor Podliska, Lincoln Southwest student; and Shane and Joy Podliska, parents.

Reznicek called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. 1. The Consent Agenda was approved on a motion by Cerny, seconded by Wiseman. Motion Carried, 8-0. Items approved on the Consent Agenda included: approval of the agenda as presented, approval of the minutes of the February 24th Classification Committee, approval of the minutes of the March 10th Board of Directors meeting, and approval of the financial statements. The following cooperative sponsorship renewals were also approved for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years: • Omaha Skutt Catholic & Mount Michael Benedictine for Boys Swimming and Girls Swimming • Hastings, Adams Central & Hastings St. Cecilia for Boys Swimming and Girls Swimming • Logan View & Scribner-Snyder for Boys Basketball and Girls Basketball • York & McCool Junction for Wrestling • Centura & Elba for Wrestling • Central Valley & Wheeler Central for Wrestling • Ralston & Omaha Gross Catholic for Boys Swimming and Girls Swimming • Sandy Creek & Lawrence-Nelson for Speech • Columbus & Columbus Scotus for Boys Tennis, Softball, Boys Swimming, Girls Swimming, Baseball and Girls Tennis • Humphrey & Lindsay Holy Family for Boys Basketball and Girls Basketball

2. The Board discussed the summer board retreat. 3. It was moved by Cerny, seconded by Drews to set the 2022 District Music Contest dates for April 11, 19-23. Motion Carried, 8-0. 4. The Board heard a presentation from Scottsbluff and Gering representatives bidding to host the NSAA Boys State Golf Championships. 5. The Board heard an age hardship appeal from Aquinas Catholic. 6. The Board went into closed session at 9:48 a.m. to hear a scholastic requirement hardship appeal from Lincoln Southwest. 7. The Board heard a presentation from Norfolk representatives bidding to host the NSAA Boys State Golf Championships. 8. The Board heard a presentation from Grand Island representatives bidding to host the NSAA Boys State Golf Championships. 9. The Board heard a presentation from Kearney representatives bidding to host the NSAA Boys State Golf Championships. 10. The Board heard a presentation from Columbus representatives bidding to host the NSAA Boys State Golf Championships. 11. It was moved by Wieskamp, seconded by Keyser to enter executive session at 12:13 p.m. for the purpose of deliberation on the two eligibility appeals, to protect the interest of the public, and to prevent needless injury to the reputation of an individual(s). Motion Carried, 8-0. 12. It was moved by Unzicker, seconded by Drews to exit executive session at 1:30 p.m. Motion Carried, 8-0. 13. The Board heard a presentation from North Platte representatives bidding to host the NSAA Boys State Golf Championships. 14. The Board heard a presentation from Lincoln representatives bidding to host the NSAA Boys State Golf Championships. 15. The Board discussed sanctioning girls wrestling. 16. It was moved by Wieskamp, seconded by Wiseman to consider all NSAA Approved Ruling proposals as presented. Motion carried unanimously. See pages 3-23 for voting results. 17. It was moved by Wieskamp, seconded by Keyser to enter executive session at 2:34 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the NSAA Boys State Golf bids, to protect the interest of the public, and to prevent needless injury to the reputation of an individual(s). Motion Carried, 8-0. 18. It was moved by Keyser, seconded by Drews to exit executive session at 3:24 p.m. Motion Carried, 8-0. 19. It was moved by Keyser, seconded by Drews to uphold the Executive Director’s decision to deny an age hardship waiver for Aquinas Catholic. Motion Carried, 8-0. 20. It was moved by Drews, seconded by Lee to uphold the Executive Director’s decision to deny a scholastic hardship waiver for Lincoln Southwest. Motion Carried, 7 For, 1 Against (Keyser). 21. It was moved by Unzicker, seconded by Cerny to award the 2022, 2023, and 2024 NSAA Boys State Golf Championships to the following communities: Norfolk (Class A), Scottsbluff/Gering (Class B), Columbus (Class C), North Platte (Class D). There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:36 p.m.

The next meeting of the Board of Directors will be Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at the NSAA office in Lincoln at 8:00 a.m. **Please note this is a change of date and time.

______Jennifer Schwartz, Associate Director Title: Class C1 & C2 District Final Basketball

Author: Jason Palmer

School: Auburn

NSAA District: II

Proposal For: Activities Manual

Class Affected: Class C1 & C2

Activities Affected: Basketball

Will increase costs to the lower seeded traveling school if within 180 miles Will Not This Proposal: increase costs to the NSAA Will increase travel for the lower seeded traveling school Will decrease instructional time for the lower seeded school Implementation Date: 8/01/2021

Sections affected in Activities Manual: Page 16 of 2020 Basketball Manual

Summary:

District Finals Pairings The pairings for the district finals are as follows and apply to Classes B, C1, C2, D1 & D2: #1 seed vs. #16 seed #2 seed vs. #15 seed #3 seed vs. #14 seed #4 seed vs. #13 seed #5 seed vs. #12 seed #6 seed vs. #11 seed #7 seed vs. #10 seed #8 seed vs. #9 seed Dates of District Finals Games Class B Girls Saturday, February 20, 2021 Classes C1, C2, D1, D2 Girls Friday, February 26, 2021 Classes B Boys Saturday, February 27, 2021 Classes C1, C2, D1, D2 Boys Saturday, February 27-Tuesday, March 2, 2021 ***In Classes C1,C2,D1,D2 Boys ONLY, if the two teams can agree, they have the option of playing on either Monday, March 1, 2021 or Tuesday, March 2, 2021. The NSAA office must be notified of the decision by noon on Friday the day after the subdistrict finals. If neither team can agree or the office is not notified by noon on Friday, then the game will default to the date assigned above. 1. In Class B, the higher seeded team will host the district final game. Game time shall be 7:00 P.M. for night games, unless teams mutually agree to a different time. Other games may be played during the afternoon with the approval of the NSAA Executive Director and the mutual agreement of the competing schools. However, if both schools do not agree on the afternoon game, it shall be played at 7:00 P.M. If the visiting team is required to travel 120 miles or more to the game site, the traveling team shall have the choice of playing the game in the afternoon or evening. Game time of afternoon games will be 1:30 P.M., unless teams mutually agree to a different time. When two high schools located in the same city use the same facility for home basketball games, qualify for the basketball district final and are designated home teams on the same date, one school shall play in the afternoon and the other during the evening. The afternoon game shall not begin prior to 1:30 P.M. and the evening game shall not begin after 8:00 P.M. These times may be adjusted for emergency situations. 2. In Classes C1 and C2, the higher seeded team will host the district final game unless the two schools are more than 120 180 miles apart, then a centralized, neutral site will be used. If the higher seed cannot host, the two schools will agree upon a site for the district final. If the two schools involved cannot agree, the NSAA will select the site. 3. In Classes D1 and D2: The district final games will be played at a centralized, neutral location as determined by the higher seed

3 and agreed upon by both participating schools. If the two schools involved cannot agree on a location, The NSAA will select the site. As soon as these decisions are made, the NSAA office shall be notified.

Rationale:

Power points are supposed to reward a team’s regular season body of work. We travel in other sports for district finals already (i.e. softball). Adding 60 miles to the length of the trip for the lower-seeded team is not going to make a substantial difference.

Pros:

This proposal rewards more teams with a tough schedule and higher power points when it comes to the district final. This proposal rewards more teams who had great regular seasons.

Cons:

It will increase travel for a lower seed team that plays in the district final that is within 180 miles of the higher- seeded school.

4 Title: Class D Basketball, sub-district sites

Author: 6FRWW-RUJHQVHQ-RVHSK)UHFNV

School: 3D[WRQ:DXQHWD3DOLVDGH

NSAA District:

Proposal for: Activities Manual

Classes Affected: D1 & D2

Activities Affected: Boys & Girls Basketball

This Proposal: - WILL NOT increase costs to the school - WILL NOT increase costs to the NSAA - WILL NOT increase travel for participating schools - WILL NOT decrease a student’s or coach’s instruction time

Implementation Date: 2021-2022 Basketball Season

Activities Manual Sections Affected: Page 10 Section- Sub-district/district assignments #5. dealing with class D sub-district host sites.

Summary: 5. Classes D1 & D2 schools are divided into twelve four- or five-team sub-districts on the geographical basis starting with the schools in western Nebraska and working east. North to south direction was used in some cases in order to decrease the distance between the schools within a district. The highest seeded team in each sub-district shall host that particular sub-district. If the school declines to host, the second seed will host. This process will continue until a school in the sub-district agrees to host. If no school in the sub-district is willing to host, the NSAA will find a neutral site. a. In Classes D1 and D2, the boys’ team and girls’ team winning the championship in each sub-district will advance to the district final. b. The next four (4) non-sub-district winners with the highest wild card point averages will qualify for a District Final. The non-subdistrict winners qualifying must have played a minimum of 4 teams/contests at their classification or above to be eligible for the district final. c. The sixteen (16) teams qualifying for the District Finals will be matched up using a serpentine method based on wild card averages through sub-districts. d. District Final Games will be played at centralized, neutral locations as determined by the higher seed and agreed upon by both participating schools. IF the two schools involved cannot agree on a location the NSAA will select the site. e. The boys’ and girls’ teams winning the district final will advance to the State Championship.

5 Rational: This allows for schools within a sub-district to host the sub-district instead of being held at a neutral site. Neutral sites are difficult to find currently, because it is hard for host sites to get game workers when their school is playing at a different site, and all other classes allow for schools participating in the sub-district to host.

Pros: Allows participating schools to host sub-district with top seeds having first choice. With all other classes having the ability for participating schools to host their own sub-district, it is difficult to find centralized host sites for class D sub-districts. Schools have a hard time hosting when their teams are playing in another sub-district. It will be easier to find workers for hosting events because your own team is playing. You would have larger crowds, especially from the home site. Will decrease travel for some teams in the sub-district depending on the year. This proposal still allows for a neutral site host if no school in the sub-district is willing/able to host.

Cons: Could increase travel for some teams in the sub-district depending on the year/host location.

6 Proposal for Change in NSAA Rules and Regulations

Title: Scoring Change in Class D Cross Country

Author: Duane Wilken

School: Bloomfield Community Schools

NSAA District: 3

Proposal for: Activities Manual

Classes Affected: Class D

Activities Affected: Boys and Girls Cross Country

This proposal: Will not increase cost to school. Will not increase cost to the NSAA. Will not increase travel for participating schools. Will not decrease student’s or coach’s instruction time.

Implementation Date: 2021-06-01

Summary: Class D scoring will change from the current run 5 and score 3 to run 6 and score the top 4 runners Rationale: The move to score 3 runners and run 5 was voted in last year along with increasing the number of teams in class C from 44 to 60. While the move to equalize the number of teams in class C and D was widely agreed upon, changing the scoring in class D was not.

Pros: 1) Allows more athletes to compete and be involved at district and state competition. 2) Encourages coaches, athletes and other to promote the sport and get more student/athletes involved in the sport. 3) By only scoring 3 athletes instead of 4, you really lose the team aspect of working together and emphasize “get everything you can get individually”. 4) The sport of cross country is and has been growing in the state, especially in class D. You don’t encourage growth in the sport by lowering the standards. 5) It will take away the confusion for athletes, parents, and coaches whether in this week’s competition, you are running 6 and scoring 4 or running 5 and scoring 3.

Cons: It will probably cause some schools to not be able to field complete “teams” for district and state competition, however, schools could still run their invitational and conference meets with the rule of running 5 and scoring 3 if they feel it is in the best interest of their athletes.

7 LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL FOR CHANGE IN NSAA RULES AND REGULATIONS

Title: Class A Classification Enrollment Number

Author: Jordan Cudney School: North Platte NSAA District: 4

Proposal for: $SSURYHG5XOLQJ

Classes Class A Affected: Class B Activities Affected: All

WILL increase costs to the school This proposal:WILL increase costs to the NSAA WILL increase travel for participating schools WILL decrease a student's or coach's instruction time Implementation date: 2021-08-09 Sections Page Article Section affected in Page 31 2.13.2 Classification Constitution & Bylaws: Summary: In all athletics, Class A will be classified based on a total enrollment of 925 or above. The total enrollment figures shall be doubled for unisex schools. Rationale: With Class A shifting predominately towards the east side of the state and consolidating under the banner of two conferences (Heartland Athletic Conference & Metro Conference) there has been a strong push and numerous attempts to have all Class A schools play an exclusive to almost exclusive Class A schedule. Those schools that do not, then would be penalized with a reduction in wildcard points, thereby lessening the chances to be able to host Class A districts and/or earn a Class A wildcard. However, there are some schools who geographically cannot support those proposals due to the negative impact it would have on their school, their district, and their community. These types of proposals do not take into consideration the increased travel strain on students, families, and coaches in those schools who are geographically disadvantaged. It also does not take into account the significant financial ramifications on a district when talking about transportation costs, food, and lodging when a school is geographically disadvantaged. Pros: 1. All Class A schools would be members of either the Heartland Athletic Conference or the Metro Conference. 2. Scheduling could be done in conferences and/or across conferences to ensure similarity and strength of schedule. 3. Similar geographic footprint of Class A schools. 4. Supports the population shift to the east side of the state. 5. Schools in lower classes would not be penalized by having to replace certain schools on their schedule if a point reduction system passed in Class A. Cons: 1. Class B ratio would increase unless addressed in the other classes. 2. Potential for increased competition in Class B. 8 Title: Class %& & Football Playoffs

Author: 5REHUW%DUU\

School: :DKRR

NSAA District:

Proposal For: Activities Manual Class %& &

Class Affected:

Activities Affected: Football This Proposal: Will increase costs to the lower seeded traveling school Will Not increase costs to the NSAA

Will increase travel for the lower seeded traveling school Will decrease instructional time for the lower seeded school Implementation Date: 2021-8-1

Sections affected in Activities Manual: Page 44 of 2020 Football Manual

Summary:

Host School

FOR FIRST ROUND, QUARTERFINAL AND SEMIFINAL GAMES, THE HIGHER SEED WILL HOST.

In the first round of the play-offs, the team with the highest point average will host. If the schools have identical point averages, the point system tiebreaker will be used to determine the host school. For quarterfinal and semifinal games, the following procedure will be used: - If the two teams both hosted their previous game, the team with the highest point average will host. If their point averages are the same, the team with the higher seed will host. - If the two teams were both visitors in their previous game, the team with the highest point average will host. If their point averages are the same, the team with the higher seed will host. - If one team was a visitor and one team was a host in their previous game, the team which was a visitor will host.

Rationale:

9 Power points are supposed to reward a team’s regular season body of work. The current system goes against this philosophy by potentially compelling higher seeds to travel. By allowing lower seeds the opportunity to host, we appear to be putting outside considerations in front of competitiveness and on-the-field results. By allowing the higher seed to continually host playoff football games, we are placing the emphasis on one of the pillars of athletics: competitiveness. Further, the NSAA is a statewide organization. Particularly when it comes to the state playoffs (as opposed to sub-districts and district finals), members should expect to have to compete throughout the entire state to win a championship. There is no on-the-field competitive justification for the current system.

Pros:

This proposal rewards a team with a tough schedule and higher power points when it comes to the playoffs. This proposal rewards on the field results.

Cons:

This proposal does not allow a theoretically less competitive team to enjoy an opportunity for a home contest. It could increase travel for a lower seed team that continues in the playoffs.

10 Title: Class B Football Playoffs

Author: 0LWFKHOO6WLQH0DUN.LQJ

School: 1RUULV(ONKRUQ

NSAA District:

Proposal For: Activities Manual

Class Affected: Class B Activities Affected: Football

This Proposal:

Will increase costs to the lower seeded traveling school Will Not increase costs to the NSAA

Will increase travel for the lower seeded traveling school Will decrease instructional time for the lower seeded school Implementation Date: 2021-8-1

Sections affected in Activities Manual: Page 44 of 2020 Football Manual

Summary:

Host School

FOR FIRST ROUND, QUARTERFINAL AND SEMIFINAL GAMES, THE HIGHER SEED WILL HOST.

Rationale:

11 Power points are supposed to reward a team’s regular season body of work. The current system goes against this philosophy by potentially compelling higher seeds to travel. By allowing lower seeds the opportunity to host, we appear to be putting outside considerations in front of competitiveness and on-the-field results. By allowing the higher seed to continually host playoff football games, we are placing the emphasis on one of the pillars of athletics: competitiveness. Further, the NSAA is a statewide organization. Particularly when it comes to the state playoffs (as opposed to sub-districts and district finals), members should expect to have to compete throughout the entire state to win a championship. There is no on-the-field competitive justification for the current system. This proposal would put football in alignment with all other sports in Class B regarding how the host school is selected.

Pros:

This proposal rewards a team with a tough schedule and higher power points when it comes to the playoffs. This proposal rewards on the field results.

Cons:

This proposal does not allow a theoretically less competitive team to enjoy an opportunity for a home contest. It could increase travel for a lower seed team that continues in the playoffs.

12 LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL FOR CHANGE IN NSAA RULES AND REGULATIONS

Title: Football Class C Classification

Author: Jon Perone School: Boone Central NSAA District: 3

Proposal for: Activities Manual

Classes Affected:Class C Activities Affected:Football This proposal: WILL NOT increase costs to the school WILL NOT increase costs to the NSAA WILL NOT increase travel for participating schools WILL NOT decrease a student's or coach's instruction time Implementation date: 2021-11-30 Sections Page Article Section affected in 26 Activities Manual: Summary: After Class A & B are determined - eligible Class C-1 and C-2 schools playing 11 man football are divided into 2 classes with approximately equal numbers of schools in each class. Odd number added to C-2. Rationale: Class A playoff participation = 51.6% (16/31). Class B playoff participation = 66.6% (16/24). Class C-1 playoff participation = 39% (16/41), Class C-2 participation = 55% (16/29). Class D-1 and D-2 = 61.5% (32/52). Equally splitting the teams in Class C will better balance the playoff participation percentages. Currently class C-1 (arguably one of the most competitive classes) has the lowest percentage of teams participating in playoffs (39%). By splitting the classes, equally it would currently raise the participation percentage to 45%, moving it inline with other classes. The ratio from top to bottom of Class C-1 and C-2 would be more balanced. This was an argument for shrinking Class B, schools at the top were 4 timesbigger than those at the bottom. Currently Class A & B are around 2.5 times ratio from top to bottom.Class C-1 s ratio is 2.27 and C-2 s ratio is 1.4, splitting the classes equally will move the C-1 ratio to 2.09 and for C-2 will increase it slightly to 1.7, being more balanced. Pros: Cons:

13 Proposal for Change in NSAA Rules and Regulations

Title: Class D1 & D2 Football Play-offs

Author: Dr. Jon Cerny

School: Bancroft-Rosalie Community Schools

NSAA District: III

Proposal for: Activities Manual

Classes Affected: Class D

Activities Affected: Football

This proposal:

Implementation Date: August , 2021

Sections affected: Page 50,53 Article Section Football Manual

Summary: In the first and second round of the play-offs, the team with the highest point average will host. For quarterfinal and semifinal games, the following procedure will be used: • If the two teams both hosted their previous game, the team with the highest point average will host. If their point averages are the same, the team with the higher seed will host. • If the two teams were both visitors in their previous game, the team with the highest point average will host. If their point averages are the same, the team with the higher seed will host. • If one team was a visitor and one team was a host in their previous game, the team which was a visitor will host.

Rationale: This changes how host schools are decided for the second round of the Class D-1 and Class D-2 Football play-offs. Once the 16 First Round winning teams are reseeded 1 through 16 on a statewide bracket, the team with the highest point average at the end of the regular season would host that round. Quarterfinal and semifinal hosting will continue with the existing host site determination procedure.

Pros: Rewards the teams for success during the regular season. In D1 this year five lower seeds won in the first round, resulting in the top 5 seeds traveling in the round of 16.

Cons: A low seeded team would not be able to host until the quarterfinals.

14 LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL FOR CHANGE IN NSAA RULES AND REGULATIONS

Title: Inclement Weather Class D Boys Golf

Author: Adam Boettcher School: Franklin NSAA District: 5

Proposal for: Activities Manual

Classes Affected:Class D Activities Affected:Boys Golf This proposal: WILL NOT increase costs to the school WILL NOT increase costs to the NSAA WILL NOT increase travel for participating schools WILL NOT decrease a student's or coach's instruction time Implementation date:2020-08-31 Sections Page Article Section affected in 18 Inclement Weather - State Championships Activities Manual: Summary: 1. The NSAA Golf Championship is intended to be a two-day event covering 18 holes each day. 2. If 36 holes of the event cannot be completed, 18 holes will constitute a complete championship, ONLY IF DAY TWO IS SUSPENDED DUE TO WEATHER 3. Weather conditions that may impact play include severe meteorological conditions (i.e. thunderstorms, snow, hail, ice pellets, freezing temperatures, high winds and heavy rain) which may endanger competitors & event staff and/or make the golf venue unplayable. The tournament committee is the responsible authority for all decisions required due to inclement weather regarding suspension, resumption, postponement or cancellation of play due to adverse weather conditions, golf course conditions, or the resulting unavailability of necessary event personnel. 4. If weather or golf course conditions impact the beginning or continuation of the event, the following policy will be employed: a. The Day 1 round will be started if possible and if started and at least 50% of the field completes 18-holes, the remainder of the Day 1 round will be completed on Day 2 before the final 18-holes is attempted. Time will be allotted to change hole locations on the golf course between 18-hole rounds on Day 2. b. If the Day 1 round cannot be started or if started, at least 50% of the field does not complete 18-holes, Day 2 will be used for Round 1 completion with thefollowing options possible: i. The starting time of any delayed round may be altered. ii. (IN CLASS D)ALL COMPETITORS THAT QUALIFIED WILL TEE OFF IN THE MORNING OF DAY 2 iii.AFTER COMPLETION OF THE FIRST 18 HOLES THE TOP 6 TEAMS AND TOP 42 OTHERSCORES (NOT ON TEAMS) AND TIES (FOR AT LEAST 72 COMPETITORS) WILL BEREFLIGHTED AND TEE OFF IN THE AFTERNOON. Rationale: A lot can be said about the difference between a one-day 18-hole championship versus a two-day 36- hole championship. Should inclement weather be a factor though, 36 holes should be given a chance to 15 determine the top 15 and top two teams, if at all possible. This proposal does allow for the second day cancellation and 18-hole determination, but should day one be cancelled there should be a chance in day two for 36 holes to determine the final. Pros: The original intent of this championship is for a two-day 36-hole tournament. Therefore, every effort should be made to hold the validity of this tournament. This proposal makes it possible for Class D to potentially get 36 holes played in one day. Cons: The proposal does allow for cuts to be made after the first round; this is due to the time constraints of a one-day tournament. With Class D having such a big field of players in the first round, should there be weather that makes it a one-day tournament, cuts will have to be made. All athletes that qualified will have the opportunity to play round 1, but only the top 6 teams and approximately 72 golfers will be allowed to play round 2. Remember though is only if weather cancels day one of the tournament. Every effort should be made to try and keep this a two day tournament and all participants getting the opportunity to play both days.

16 LEGISLATIVE PROPOSAL FOR CHANGE IN NSAA RULES AND REGULATIONS

Title: Class B Sub-District Softball

Author: Brad McMillan&KULV.HVVHOO School: Waverly%HQQLQJWRQ NSAA District: 1

Proposal for: Activities Manual

Classes Affected:Class B Activities Affected:Softball This proposal: WILL NOT increase costs to the school WILL NOT increase costs to the NSAA WILL NOT increase travel for participating schools WILL NOT decrease a student's or coach's instruction time Implementation date:2020-08-20 Sections Page Article Section affected in 16-17 Class B Sub-District Assignments Activities Manual: Summary: Class B sub-district assignments are divided into ten (10) groups, based solely on geographic location starting west and moving east. All sub-districts would be four (4) teams if the total number of class B teams is divisible by four (4). If the total number of teams is not divisible by four (4), then sub-districts of five (5) teams would be created for extra teams over that number divisible by four (4). The five (5) team sub-districts would be the teams that are furthest east. Class B sub-districts would be single elimination with the winner qualifying for districts. The highest seed will be the host unless they choose not to host. Class B district championship assignments will consist of ten (10) sub-district champions and the six (6) teams that did not win a sub-district with the highest wildcard point averages following sub-districts. The district finals will be a one day, best of three (3) series with the higher seed hosting the district final unless they choose not to host. Pairings for districts will be based on wildcard point averages following sub-districts (1 v 16, 2 v 15, 3 v 14, 4 v 13, 5 v 12, 6 v 11, 7 v 10, 8 v 9). The district final will be played on Friday or SATURDAY of Week 14. District Dates: Class B - Sub-district would be Monday of Week 14 with Tuesday as a rain date. District finals played on Friday OR SATURDAY of Week 14. Rationale: The new format is consistent with other sports - volleyball, basketball & soccer; you must win to get to state. The double elimination format in sub-district play will likely take 2 days to play in the current structure. Many schools in Class B do not have access to multiple fields so playing over 2 days and interrupting instructional time is quite possible. Plus an additional day of travel will be needed to complete the format from at least one school. Moving to a single elimination sub-district tournament decreases all of these things and eliminates pressure on schools hosting in terms of facilities as a maximum of 3 games would be played. Designating Monday as the sub-district day and Tuesday as the 17 rain date provides clear direction on when games can be played and also gives teams qualifying for the district final time to plan for the rest of the week. Lastly, no other sport has a double-elimination sub- district tournament. With the district final set as a best 2 out of 3 there is minimal need for a double- elimination format to be used twice in the same postseason. This change brings softball in line with most every other team sport in Class B postseason play. In addition, this exact proposal was passed in Class C a year ago. Pros: Eliminates additional travel for sub-district play. Creates 1-day sub-district format. More consistent with what is done in other sports. Less pressure on facilities. More time for district final planning and preparation. Cons: The double elimination format in the sub-districts allows for teams to lose twice before being eliminated which is not consistent with other Class B sport formats. The double elimination format in both sub- districts and district finals allows a team to lose up to 3 games and still make the state tournament, which again, is not possible in other Class B sub-district formats. The double elimination in the sub- district creates an additional day of travel and lengthens the amount of instructional time missed by students and coaches. Inclement weather could impact when district finals can be released, possibly not until Wednesday or Thursday. With district finals currently scheduled for Friday, this puts pressure on schools to plan and communicate with all parties involved.

18 Proposal for Change in NSAA Rules and Regulations

Title: Volleyball District Proposal

Author: Andy Wane/Tom Kerkman

School: Omaha Westside

NSAA District: 2

Proposal for: Activities Manual

Classes Affected: Class A

Activities Affected: Volleyball

This proposal:

Implementation Date: August 2021

Sections affected: Page 13-14 Section Subdistrict-District Information

Summary: Class A schools will be divided in seven districts. All of the seven districts will be determined using a serpentine method (not modified), based upon the NSAA wild card point system within one week prior to the first district competition. Class A districts will be played Tuesday-Wednesday of Week 12. a. The team in each district will qualify for the State Championship. b. One additional team will also qualify for the State Championship on the basis of the wild card team selection procedure. The top 14 teams will have the opportunity to host the first night of district competition. The district championship would be hosted by the highest remaining seed. District dates and times would be established before district competition starts. Top seeded team in each district would be responsible for establishing district schedules.

Rationale: Guarantees district championship to be played at home site of one of participating teams. Same system that is used in basketball, which has identical number of teams and has a similar tournament setup to volleyball. Rewards #1 and #2 seeded teams with home games in the postseason. Able to be done now that district tournament semifinals and finals are played on separate nights

Pros: There is an established system for basketball (stated above in Summary section) that could be replicated for volleyball postseason. When normal attendance protocols are in place, guarantees higher seed will play in their home environment which will increase attendance and overall excitement in certain situations. Spreads around the responsibility of hosting to several schools instead of burdening just one school.

Cons: Nothing negative

19 Title: Class C1 & C2 District Final Volleyball

Author: Jason Palmer

School: Auburn

NSAA District: II

Proposal For: Activities Manual

Class Affected: Class C1 & C2

Activities Affected: 9ROOH\ball This Proposal: Will increase costs to the lower seeded traveling school if within 180 miles Will Not increase costs to the NSAA Will increase travel for the lower seeded traveling school Will decrease instructional time for the lower seeded school Implementation Date: 8/01/2021

Sections affected in Activities Manual: Page 20 of 2020 Volleyball Manual

Summary: Class C1/C2/D1/D2 District Final Pairings. The 12 sub-district winners qualify for the district final in addition to the next four non-sub district winners with the highest wild card point averages. Those 16 teams will be placed on a 16-team bracket and seeded on wild card point averages through sub-districts. In Classes C1 and C2 the higher seeded team will host the district final match unless the two schools are 120 180 miles apart then a neutral site will be used. If the higher seed cannot host, the two schools will agree upon a site for the district final. In Classes D1 and D2 district final games will be played at centralized, neutral locations as determined by the higher seed and agreed upon by both schools participating in the district final. The winner of the district final match will advance to the state championship. District Final Pairings # 1 seed vs. # 16 seed # 2 seed vs. # 15 seed # 3 seed vs. # 14 seed # 4 seed vs. # 13 seed # 5 seed vs. # 12 seed # 6 seed vs. # 11 seed # 7 seed vs. # 10 seed # 8 seed vs. # 9 seed 1. The higher seeded team will be responsible for initiating plans for the district final match. 2. If the two schools cannot agree on a location, the NSAA Office will select the site. 3. District finals may not be played at state tournament sites. 4. As soon as these decisions are made, the NSAA office shall be notified.

Rationale: Power points are supposed to reward a team’s regular season body of work. We travel in other sports for district finals already (i.e. softball). Adding 60 miles to the length of the trip for the lower-seeded team is not going to make a substantial difference.

Pros: This proposal rewards more teams with a tough schedule and higher power points when it comes to the district final. This proposal rewards more teams who had great regular seasons.

Cons: It will increase travel for a lower seed team that plays in the district final that is within 180 miles of the higher-seeded school.

20 Title Class B District Wrestling Proposal

Author: Glen Koski

School: Gering

NSAA District: 6

Proposal for Activities Manual

Classes Affected: B

Activities Affected: Wrestling

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Sections affected in Actvities Manaul: Page 15 District Assignment Procedure

Classes B, C and D: 1. The western most schools will make up the B4 district.

2. The remaining schools would be placed in districts by using a serpentine method with returning state points as the main means of assignment. If teams have the same number of returning state points, the school with the most returning state qualifiers will be placed next. If teams have returning qualifiers but no returning points, the team with the greater number of qualifiers would be placed next. If teams are still tied, a draw will be used to determine the team placed next. If team(s) have no returning points and no qualifiers, they will be drawn into the remaining spots to fill the 12 teams in a district. Once the state championship is concluded, no further circumstances will be considered. The school with the most returning state points is placed in district B1, the next most in district B2, the next most in district B3, the next most back in district B3, The next most in district B2, etc., until all teams are assigned.

1. In Class B the top 16 Schools will be placed in districts by using a serpentine method with returning state points as the means of assignment (1,2,3,4,4,3,2,1,1,2,3,4,4,3,2,1) . If teams have the same number of returning state points, the school with the most returning state qualifiers will be placed next. If team(s) have same returning points and number of returning qualifiers, they will be drawn into the remaining spots until a criteria is establish again, or the top 16 teams are placed.

21 2. The 8 western most schools will make up the remainder of the B4 district.

3. The remaining schools would be placed in districts by using a serpentine method with returning state points as the main means of assignment. If teams have the same number of returning state points, the school with the most returning state qualifiers will be placed next. If teams have returning qualifiers but no returning points, the team with the greater number of qualifiers would be placed next. If teams are still tied, a draw will be used to determine the team placed next. If team(s) have no returning points and no qualifiers, they will be drawn into the remaining spots to fill the 12 teams in a district. Once the state tournament is concluded, no further circumstances will be considered. The school with the most returning state points is placed in district B1, the next most in district B2, the next most in district B3, the next most back in district B3, The next most in district B2, etc., until all 48 teams are assigned.

3. The next 64 largest schools will be Class C and would be in 4 districts of 16. 4. The 16 western most schools will make up the C4 district.

5. The remaining schools would be placed in districts by using a serpentine method with returning state points as the main means of assignment. If teams have the same number of returning state points, the school with the most returning state qualifiers will be placed next. If teams have returning qualifiers but no returning points, the team with the greater number of qualifiers would be placed next. If teams are still tied, a draw will be used to determine the team placed next. If team(s) have no returning points and no qualifiers, they will be drawn into the remaining spots to fill the 16 teams in a district. Once the state championship is concluded, no further circumstances will be considered. The school with the most returning state points is placed in district C1, the next most in district C2, the next most in district C3, the next most back in district C3, The next most in district C2, etc., until all 64 teams are assigned.

6. The remaining schools will be class d and would be in 4 districts of equal or near-equal amounts.

7. The western-most schools, making up 25% of all of class D, will be in the D4 district. 16

8. The remaining schools would be placed in districts by using a serpentine method with returning state points as the main means of assignment. If teams have the same number of returning state points, the school with the most returning state qualifiers will be placed next. If teams have returning qualifiers but no returning points, the team with the greater number of qualifiers would be placed next. If teams are still tied, a draw will be used to determine the team placed next. If team(s) have no returning points and no qualifiers, they will be drawn into the remaining spots to fill the teams in a district. Once the state championship is concluded, no further circumstances will be considered. The school with the most returning state points is placed in district D1, the next most in district D2, the next most in district D3, the next most back in district D3, The next most in district D2, etc., until all teams are assigned. NSAA District Tournament Director’s Duties

22 Rationale The rationale behind this proposal is to include all the top returning teams in the serpentine method. Several years the B4 district has had the most returning state points in Class B while the other 3 districts get to spread their points out. This creates an unfair advantage for districts B1, B2, and B3. Also, teams in B4, even though they are not serpentined, still have to travel more than schools in the other districts. This proposal would truly allow for the best wrestlers getting to state.

Pros: Provides best opportunity for getting the best wrestlers to state

Cons: Could add travel and cost for some schools.