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Volume 11, Number 9 AHSAA Executive Director Update Newsletter November 2018

Inside this Month’s Update

Savarese Commentary — Pages 2-3

AHSAA Instant Replay Gets National Exposure — Pages 5-6

AHSAA News Digest — Page 8

Volleyball State Tourney Gallery — Page 11

Paf- we Media Coverage of AHSAA Makes a Positive Difference

As we move into the Our state is blessed still to have championship portion of our Fall dedicated sports writers, TV sports- Sports programs, we pause to thank casters and radio announcers who so many who work behind the scenes to make the AHSAA’s edu- showcase our schools, teams and cational-based athletics so success- contests to the rest of the world in ful. such a colorful and positive way. We thank the coaches, the administrators, the faculties, the support personnel such as ticket takers, pass gate workers, clock operators, pub- lic address announcers, chain crews, parking lot attendants, security, place integrity, character and truth trainers, emergency personnel, ahead of expediency. Journalists like and many others who volunteer Steve Savarese Al.com’s Josh Bean, Ben Thomas, their time to make the events Executive Director Paul Beaudry and Daniel Boyette; run smoothly. the Montgomery Advertiser’s Stacy While we appreciate all those Long; the Florence Times Daily’s ville at Milton Frank Stadium in mentioned above, I must also recog- Gregg Dewalt; the Anniston Star’s Huntsville. I make mention of these nize and show appreciation to a Mark Edwards and Joe Medley; men because all four are now mem- group we do not recognize often Tommy Deas and Joey Chandler of bers of the Alabama Sportswriters enough – our news media. the Tuscaloosa News; David Mundee Hall of Fame, and Ronald is in the I recently thumbed through some of the Dothan Eagle; Ross Wood of Alabama High School Sports Hall old news clippings of the AHSAA’s the Clarke County Democrat; Shannon of Fame. They went on to write nu- first football state championships Allen of the Cherokee Herald repre- merous other stories about many that included all our schools follow- sent this type of media. Across the other subjects, but when they cov- ing the merger of the AIAA and state, so many others work diligently ered high school sports, we got their AHSAA in 1968. I couldn’t help but at our daily and weekly newspapers very best. notice The Birmingham News staff of to help cover high school sports. Our state is blessed still to have writers who covered those first four These writers strive to tell the read- dedicated sports writers, TV sports- championship games. Ronald ers of the life lessons learned casters and radio announcers who Weathers wrote the 1A game be- through high school athletics, in- showcase our schools, teams and tween Lowndes Academy and cluding the triumphs and defeats, contests to the rest of the world in Woodland played at Cramton Bowl. and go the extra mile to tell us such a colorful and positive way. Clyde Bolton penned the 2A game about that special student-athlete While we don’t always agree with at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tusca- who rises above the turmoil of a what the writer has written, they loosa featuring St. Jude and Gordo. troubled life to accomplish so much don’t always agree with every deci- Jimmy Bryan wrote the 3A story when so little was expected. sion we must make. However, we of the Russellville-Saks 3A finals at do agree to respect each other and CONTINUED, PAGE 3 Anniston, and Wayne Martin cov- the jobs each of us has to do. ered the 4A championship game We are very fortunate to have featuring Sidney Lanier and Hunts- such outstanding journalists who

Savarese Commentary — Continued from Page 2

As we appreciate our journalists, we are Their commitment and passion for what also grateful for our television and radio they do are evident when we attend our broadcasters. TV sportscasters like Rick championship events and witness the large Karle of WBRC TV 6 and Mike Raita of TV contingent of media covering those con- 33/40, who brought to the state the Friday tests. The post-game interviews are filled Night highlight shows that are now so prev- with insightful questions about much more alent across Alabama and the Southeast each than just who won the game. Student- Friday night, and WSFA’s Stephen Gunter athletes and coaches have a chance to tell and Maria Martin, Carl Prather of WAFF in why they play the game and just how much Huntsville, and Gary Harris in Tuscaloosa their teammates, coaches and student body all go the extra mile in covering the heart of mean to them. high school educational athletics. The media’s coverage does make a differ- The heart and soul of many of our Friday ence in the lives of the student-athletes. night football contests are our local radio Many go on to great heights in athletics and announcers who are dedicated to our high other areas, but even the most famous re- schools. Alexander City’s Randy Lee and member that first story ever written about Brett Pritchard of the AHSAA Radio Net- them, that first radio interview or TV high- work, Guntersville announcer Bill Yancy, light. These athletes will always remember Ralph Black of WTBF in Troy, Michael But- that writer or sportscaster who went out of ler of WTLS and Fred Randall Hughey of his/her way to make them feel special by WACQ in Tallassee are a few examples of telling their stories to the rest of the world. those who are appreciated for their coverage As I said earlier, we do not thank our news of high school sports. Many of our journal- media enough. ists, TV broadcasters and radio announcers I would be remiss if I did not recognize have had long and distinguished careers of our own Hall of Fame sportswriter, Ron service such as D. Mark Mitchell, who just Ingram, who has and continues to dedicate retired after more than 30 years as the voice his professional life covering interscholastic of the Opelika Bulldogs. athletics, and for the last 12 years has done Others spend a lot of time discussing so from his desk at the AHSAA. high school sports on special shows across Therefore, on behalf of the AHSAA, our the state such as Doug Amos and Charlie member schools, and our student-athletes, Trotman of Montgomery; Lee Shirvanian we emphatically thank each of you who of Mobile; Max Harbuck and Snapper Lan- work behind the scenes covering our events caster of Birmingham. Because the list for making such a difference in the lives of could go on and on, I apologize for not list- so many. Without the media, many stories ing everyone by name but please know you and events would never be heard or told, are all special to us for the jobs you do. and the outside world would never be ex- The media who cover our high posed to the impact educational-based ath- schools share their own passion for every letics have on thousands of student-athletes small and large town across this great state. across our state.

IMPORTANT DATES Nov. 1-2-3: Section Cross Country meets Nov. 3: Football Coaches first-round playoff meeting, 9 a.m. Nov. 5: HS Basketball first contest allowed Nov. 7: Region Cheer Competition, Mobile Nov. 7: Track Lunch & Learn, AHSAA, 9 a.m. Nov. 8: H-of-F Committee Meeting, AHSAA office, 9:30 a.m. Nov. 9, 16, 23, 30: Football Playoffs Nov. 10: State X-C Championships, Moulton Nov. 12: AHSAA Closed, Veterans Day Nov. 15: Region Cheer Competition, Birmingham Nov. 15: HS Wrestling first contest allowed Nov. 16-17: Section Swimming & Diving Meets Nov. 28: Baseball Lunch & Learn, AHSAA, 9 a.m. Nov. 30/Dec. 1: State Swimming Championships, Auburn U.

AHSAA Instant Replay Gets National Exposure at

Hewitt-Thompson game on ESPN October 26

AHSAA Referee Steve Newton and back judge Ray Torillo review a challenge in the Thompson vs. Hewitt-Trussville shown on ESPN Oct. 26. (PHOTO BY MICHAEL WADE)

The AHSAA’s Instant Replay protocol officials only had the school camera views got national exposure last week with two and not the ESPN camera views of the play challenges in Thompson High School’s 63- but were still able to correct the call. 49 victory over Hewitt-Trussville, a Class “It shows that instant replay can be suc- 7A, Region 3 game televised live on ESPN cessful with limited camera angles. I believe and over the NFHS Network. this national exposure will assist us in allow- For the week, 10 challenges were made ing instant replay to become a part of NFHS with three calls overturned in nine AHSAA football rules.” football games using DVSport Instant Re- On the season Instant Replay has been in play. 71 games with 73 different schools taking “We had some great national exposure of part in 136 opportunities. A total of 57 chal- our Instant Replay during the ESPN game at lenges have been made with 15 calls over- Thompson this past Friday night,” AHSAA turned – a percentage of 26.3%. Director of Officials Mark Jones said. “We With 8:21 remaining in the first quarter, had two challenges during the contest. One Hewitt-Trussville challenged a fourth-down was overturning a fourth down forward pro- spot resulting in a Thompson first down at gress spot that was originally ruled a first the Huskies’ 17-yard line. Upon review by down. What really made it great is the an- officials utilizing the DVSport monitor on nouncers made mention of the fact that the CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Instant Replay Gets National Exposure

Continued from Page 5

on the sidelines, the play Upon review, the call on Toolen vs. Baker game, was overturned resulting the field was corrected Vigor at Opelika contest, in a Hewitt-Trussville and Thomasville took Helena at Pelham game first down going the oth- possession of the ball. and Central-Phenix City er way at its 18-yard line. And in another 7A at Auburn contest with all The review took 2 game played at Austin of calls on the field being minutes from start to fin- Decatur, James Clemens confirmed. ish. Later, in the fourth and Austin each had a Nine games will be period, Thompson chal- challenge with the Black utilizing Instant Replay lenged a play that was Bears’ challenge being this week in the last week ruled dead on a fumble. upheld. Austin challenged of the regular season with The review, which took a play on the field that seven schools taking part only 60 seconds, left the had been ruled an incom- for the first time this sea- call on the field as called plete pass , but was, upon son: Phil Campbell, — with no fumble. review, ruled a fumble Mary Montgomery, In the Class 3A Excel resulting in a touchdown Hanceville, Central- vs. Thomasville game for Austin. James Clem- Clay County, Rogers, played in Clarke County, ens later challenged a Sumter Central and Thomasville challenged a spot of the ball but the Huffman, bringing the spot call in the first quar- play stood as called on total to 80 on the year. ter on a fourth-and-3 play the field. Instant replay will be that resulted in a first Challenges were also available for schools that down called on the field. made in the McGill- have it in the playoffs.

Principals Recognized in October In honor of all principals who serve the AHSAA member schools, Executive Director Steve Savarese recognized two noted principals — both serving on the AHSAA Central Board, during October, which is Na- tional Principals Month. Richard Brown (l) of Beauregard is in his 48th year as the school’s principal, longest tenure of any principal in the state. And Hackleburg principal John Hardin is currently serving as Central Board president.

AHSAA NEWS DIGEST …

Hall of Fame Nominations Scotty Smith Daphne HS Timothy E. Smith Ranburne HS Concluded for Class of 2019 Schluessler Ware Anniston HS Deadline for member schools to submit Michael Willis Brooks HS John T. Woody LaFayette HS nominations for the Alabama High School Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2019 concluded Carolyn Wright Central-Phenix City HS

Oct. 15. A total of 48 individuals are on the Old-Timer Category ballot for consideration by the selection Reynolds G. Cook Bullock County HS committee, which meets in November to Sam Kenimer Pisgah HS make the selections. Samuel Lyon Benjamin Russell HS Hadley Provience Austin HS The nomination list includes: Wade Robinson Wilcox Central HS Nominee Nominating School Irene Antone LeFlore HS Aitha Bo Brantley Flomaton HS NADC Conference Dec. 14-18 Jim Buckhalter Fayette County HS The AHSAA and AHSADCA encourage mem- Claborn Campbell Cold Springs HS ber-school athletic directors to attend the Na- James R. Carter Billingsley HS tional Athletic Directors Conference (NADC), Joseph Desaro Grissom HS which will be held in San Antonio (TX) Dec. 14- Anthony Dumas B.T. Washington HS 18. The NADC is sponsored by the National John Dunn Goshen HS Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Associa- Richard Gilliam Montevallo HS tion NIAAA. Christopher Goodman Alabama Christian HS Rick Grammer Vestavia Hills HS The AHSAA encourages member school ADs Michael Gunner Bob Jones HS to become a member of the NIAAA. For ques- Vernard Hendrix Athens HS tions, contact Brandon Dean at 334-263-6994. Madonna Holladay Sparkman HS James Holland Central-Tuscaloosa HS Reporting Scores Nightly Tony Hoyett Opelika HS Randy W. Law Saks HS Mandatory for Host Schools Phil Lazenby Bayside Academy In accordance with AHSAA policy, it is re- Thomas Lewis Spring Garden HS quired that host schools report football scores in David L. Lowery Brantley HS a timely manner. You may find on page 87 of the Howard Lyons Haleyville HS 2018-19 AHSAA Sports book, “Schools are Cindi Markhiam Meridianville Middle School required to post scores of contests online im- Willie Carl Martin Benjamin Russell HS Willie Maxey Selma HS mediately following all contests in season, Charles McCaleb Bibb County HS failure to do so will result in a fine”. Mark A. Mincher Huntsville HS As we approach the playoffs, be reminded that Billy Odom Baker HS all host schools must report their contest score David Ogle Auburn HS in C2C immediately after the contest is complet- Jimmy Perry Saint James School ed and no later than 11 p.m. Failure to do so will Toney Pugh Clay-Chalkville HS will result in a fine to the host school. Michael Raita Mountain Brook HS Johnny Robertson Sidney Lanier HS Contact Ron Ingram at 334-590-2232 (call Jack Schweers Trinity Presbyterian HS or text) or email [email protected] if you Johnny Shelwood LeFlore HS have difficulty reporting a score following a con- Ronnie Sikes Notasulga HS test. Michelle Simmons Carver-Montgomery HS John Smith Jr. Hatton HS

2018 State Volleyball Championships

— Photos by Tom Ewart, AHSAA Photos —

Class 1A Championship Pleasant Home (32-5) 3, Athens Bible (45-11) 0 (25-17, 25-13, 25- 20) Class 2A Championship Addison (54-10) 3, Winston County (33-15) 2 (25-21, 20-25, 19-25, 15-8) Class 3A Championship Montgomery Academy (38-9) 3, Carbon Hill (65-7) 0 (25-18, 27-25, 25-18) Class 4A Championship Bayside Academy (37-18) 3, Providence Christian (48-9) 1 (25-13, 25-27, 25-22, 25-22) Class 5A Championship Jasper (70-5) 3, Saint James (37-11) 0 (25-20, 25-16, 25-19) Class 6A Championship Spanish Fort (65-5) 3, Hazel Green (60-12) 2 (25-22, 25-23, 23-25, 21-25, 15-6) Class 7A Championship McGill-Toolen Catholic (48-5) 3, Bob Jones (37-11) 0 (25-17, 25-8, 25-23)

2018 State Volleyball Championships

— Photos by Tom Ewart, AHSAA Photos —

2018 State Volleyball Championships

— Photos by Tom Ewart, AHSAA Photos —

2018 State Volleyball Championships

— Photos by Tom Ewart, AHSAA Photos —

AHSAA NEWS DIGEST … Schools Are Reminded of ‘Leaving the Bench’ Ejection Rule The 2018 fall sports season is in full swing and winter sports will soon be underway. The AHSAA wants to remind each school to remember why you do what you do. In the midst of competition, we should never forget the importance of good sportsmanship. It is even more important that our schools continually teach and emphasize good sportsmanship. The number one mission of the AHSAA is that our teams always display outstanding sportsmanship. As coaches and administrators, it is our responsibility to take the lead and make sure the values of good sportsmanship never disappear from our programs. However, in the case anything unfortunate should happen on the field or court, let the contest officials handle it. They are in charge of the field, and you are in charge of your players on the sidelines. As a reminder, please review and discuss with your players the Leaving the Bench Ejection Rule as outlined on page 41 of the 2018-19 AHSAA Handbook. - Alvin Briggs, Associate Executive Director

Principals Must Certify Tournaments to be Sanctioned Coaches and administrators, please be sure when your school submits a request for sanction for a tournament hosted by your school in any sport that your school principal certifies the tournament in principal certifications in C2C Schools. A tournament cannot be approved if this step is not taken.

2018-19 Coaching Lunch & Learn (Mini-Clinics) Each clinic will be held at the AHSAA Office at 7325 Halcyon Summit Dr., Mont- gomery, unless otherwise noted. COST PER CLINIC Registration: By Mail – $30.00 By Credit Card – $30.00 (plus a transaction fee) On-Site Registration - $40.00 (plus a transaction fee)

TRACK & FIELD: Auburn Track Staff Nov. 7, 2018

BASEBALL: Brian Shoop, UAB Nov. 28, 2018

TENNIS: Boo Mason, Hoover Country Club Jan. 10, 2019

SOCCER: Matthew Thorne, U. of West Alabama Jan. 16, 2019

SOFTBALL: Chris Steiner-Wilcoxson, Alabama State U. Jan. 17, 2019

GOLF: Jay Seawell & Jon Howell, U. of Alabama Men’s Staff Jan. 24, 2019

VOLLEYBALL: Melissa Walter, U. of West Florida Feb. 7, 2019

FOOTBALL: TBA Mar. 8, 2019

Health and Safety are AHSAA

Top Priorities for Sports Activities

Over the last five years in Alabama, the AHSAA has implemented the following: 1. Limited the number of contact days during the preseason and regular-season. 2. Limited the number of two-a-day practices (no back-to-back days of two-a-day practices; only one practice per maximum in pads). 3. Limited the of minutes contact in practice per day. 4. The coaches are required to take the following courses: A. NFHS Heat Acclimatization Course B. NFHS Sudden Cardiac Course C. NFHS Concussion Course D. NFHS Sportsmanship Course E. Coaching Principles F. Sports First Aid Health & Safety for Coaches G. CPR certification with AED Training 5. State Concussion Law passed based on AHSAA Concussion Policy recom- mended by AHSAA Medical Advisory Committee. 6. Require three days of heat acclimatization before beginning spring practice. Online tickets are 7. No pads are allowed from the last day of football season until the allowable available via GoFan.com spring practice period and until fall practice begins. for the AHSAA Fall State 8. Prohibit the use of blocking sleds without shoulder pads during summer Championship events and workout. for member schools during 9. AHSAA provides coaches with an on-line heat index card and heat stress ex- the regular season. For ercise restriction guidelines. more information, contact 10. AHSAA only allows physicians to clear athletes with concussion. [email protected]. 11. AHSAA only allows physicians to sign off on pre-participation physical ex- ams. 12. Alabama is a “Cool First” State – before transporting -- as it relates to heat exhaustion or heat stoke. 13. Schools must attend a mandatory Medical Advisory Committee medical meeting at the Summer Conference. 14. The AHSAA Medical Advisory Committee reviews all health and safety re- lated issue annually.

Student-Leadership Applications Available on Website The 2018-19 Student-Athlete Leadership Program Application is now available on the AHSAA website. The Student Leadership program is sponsored through the AHSAA and title sponsor, Alabama Power. With their support and backing, the AHSAA expects to see continued growth and interest in the program eventually becoming a major conference that will impact hundreds of student-athletes. 2019 will mark the fourth year for the selection of two students from the group to attend the NFHS National Youth Leadership Conference in Indianapolis (IN) during the summer. Applications are due December 14, 2018. Late submissions may not be accepted. Should you have questions, please contact Denise Ainsworth, Brandon Dean, or Jamie Lee at 334-263-6994. Athletic Administrators Complete NIAAA Certification The AHSADCA and AHSAA congratulate three member-school administrators for their recent completion of NIAAA Certification requirements. The three are: Harold Hillard, Trinity Presbyterian (CMAA), C. Adam Johnson, Dadeville (CAA) and Brian Nelson, Smiths Station (RAA). The NIAAA Certification Program is a voluntary professional service to athletic administrators and is based on the premises of continuing education, professional growth and program development in the vocation of interscholastic athletic admin- istration. The AHSAA encourages member school ADs to obtain their NIAAA certification. For questions, contact Brandon Dean at 334-263-6994. Sportsmanship Photo of the Month Contact Us Alabama High School Athletic Association 7325 Halcyon Summit Dr. Montgomery, AL 36117

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 242367 Montgomery, AL 36124

(334) 263-6994

Visit us on the web at www.ahsaa.com and follow us on Twitter Photo by Jeremy Sellers, AHSAA #AHSAAUpdates and see the latest Winston County High School volleyball coach Tiffany Cole, left, and Addison AHSAA news at High School volleyball coach Kayla Woodard are recognized by AHSADCA www.AHSAANOW.com Director Jamie Lee moments after both rival schools met in the 2A Finals.

Thank You AHSAA Corporate Partners!