jan./feb. 2008 Volume 92 • Number 4 LeaguerUniversity Interscholastic League Council approves testing protocol League develops Briefs and Notes plan from scratch in less than 6 months Calendar of By Jeanne Acton upcoming events Journalism director It’s common knowledge to most Feb 22 ...... Swimming educators that in June the Legislature and Diving State Meet passed Senate Bill 8 mandating ran- Feb. 22...... Wrestling dom drug testing for anabolic steroids State Meet for Texas high school athletics. Feb. 23 ...... OAP: Title What many may not realize entry cards though is this high school testing Feb. 28 ...... Girls’ Bas- plan will be the largest steroid testing ketball State Tournament in the country. March 1 ...... ILPC: Max “In terms of Haddick Teacher of the Year See FAQ, scope and num- page 18 and Edith Fox King Awards ber of samples, nomination due it’s even bigger than the NCAA March 1 ...... Solo & and Olympic testing programs,” Ensemble: First day for online registration Kim Rogers, public information March 1 ...... ILPC: First director, said. In less than six months, the UIL (Above) At the Legislative day for online registration for Council meeting in January, Summer Workshop team working with legal counsel Dr. Charles Breithaupt March 1 ...... ILPC: Dead- created a complete and detailed answers questions about the line for current year protocol for the random anabolic Yearbook IAAs steroid testing. steroid testing protocol. Dr. March 5 ...... Legislative “This was a very short amount Mark Cousins (not shown) Council Finance of time because we had to, for the briefed the council on the Committee meeting most part, create a protocol from the 18-page document. (Left) March 6-8 ...... Boys’ Bas- ground up,” Rogers said. “We had no Members of the council ketball State Tournament other models to look to. It’s actually unanimously approve the March 8...... Academics: quite extraordinary that we are able protocol. Random anabolic Last day for invitational to implement this program during steroid testing will begin meets using Set B materials the spring semester.” this semester at high schools. March 10-11 ...... CX State See Steroid, page 14 Photos by Jeanne Acton Tournament 1A, 2A & 3A March 14-15 ...... CX State Tournament 4A & 5A 2 academic state directors March 15 ...... Solo & Q& : Ensemble: Last day for share their stories, experiences region contests A By Andrea Negri the Computer Applications, my company had March 17-22...... Academics: UIL Staff produced software and printed products for First week for district The following is part of a series of question meets and OAP zone studying the UIL spelling lists annually. Pat and answer profiles on the Academic state contest March 24-29 ...... Academics: Wisdom dropped a note in her column that Last week for district meets directors. UIL was looking for a test writer for Computer and OAP zone Linda Tarrant Applications; so I collected more information Computer Applications State Director from Pat and ultimately started working with the contest as director. The UIL Web page is: Linda Tarrant presents at a Student Activities Q: How did you start working for UIL? Q: When did you start working at UIL? www.uil.utexas.edu Conference. Photo by Bobby Hawthorne A: For several years prior to working with See directors, page 14 UIL Leaguer 2 • News January/ February 2008 Never a simple answer Travel distance and equity drive the reclassification and realignment process

EDITOR h e r e c e n t • A study is now ongoing that could (if ap- very small to the very large schools. Added to the Dr. Bill Farney, Tr e l e a s e o f proved) offer relief in football. This study would problem is the tremendous size of Texas. Formulat- UIL Director the 2008-2009 and divide each conference equally with the smaller ing policies that can best produce an alignment MANAGING EDITOR 2009-2010 realign- half enrollment schools being placed in districts to fit the varying needs of all schools has been a Jeanne Acton, ment produced a usual and the larger half being placed in districts. Each challenge since the inception of the League. assistant academic array of surprises. of the divisions would play to a separate state Some states do not mandate districts. They director Twenty-two new championship. simply release conference groupings and let schools schools (mostly 4A Schools from the smaller enrollment division arrange (in football) their own 10-game schedules. ADMINISTRATIVE and 5A) continued would play schools from the larger division only To determine playoff qualifiers, a weighted system STAFF the trend of the enroll- in non-district games if they chose to do so. is used similar to the ranking system employed by Dr. Bill Farney, Bill Farney director UIL Director ment cut-off numbers The reason the study is looking at football the NCAA in creating a 65-team bracket for the Dr. Charles spiraling higher with is because that is where larger schools tend to Division I basketball tournament. Breithaupt, each new two-year have an advantage over smaller schools. Later That method, as we know, also has its problems assistant director & release. Expanding suburban populations in Hous- this spring, a projected district-by-district sample and, obviously, a good deal of controversy. If it director of athletics ton, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin witnessed alignment will be released for information, analysis were used by Texas high schools in football and/ Richard Floyd, the lion’s share of new schools. and study. or any other team sports, state champions like director of music In inner cities, more schools dropped from 5A, There will be opportunity to respond. If there Katy High School and Trinity would have trouble activities resulting in outlying suburban schools being added is enough interest, the Legislative Council could getting games. Travel expenses would escalate, as Treva Dayton, director of academics to the district. Those schools in less-populated place the concept on the agenda for official coaches would range far and wide to find teams Jeanne Acton, parts of the state saw some decline in numbers consideration. that offered a good chance for a win. assistant academic of students. There are two distinct sides. The schools in Whatever method is used to facilitate districts director The population shift from rural to urban caused the lower enrollment within each conference and conferences, there will always be problems of Daryl Beasley, a number of schools to drop down a conference see it as a system whereby they would not have travel and equity in size of student body. athletic coordinator from the current alignment. Some schools will to compete with larger schools for district and If there were 10 conferences instead of five – Diana Cardona, have to travel more than before, especially in playoffs. Most of these schools are single high or 20 conferences – there would still be a sizable spring meet materials West Texas. With rising gasoline prices, this is school districts. difference in the smallest and largest school in supervisor always a concern. The second group consists of the multiple high a conference. Assuredly there would be travel Peter Contreras, athletic coordinator The two principle concerns in any realign- school districts that now have all their schools problems. Somebody has to play Amarillo, Tex- Dr. Mark Cousins, ment are travel and equity. Always a concern is in the same district. Under the study plan, their arkana, Laredo, etc. athletic coordinator the smaller school playing a larger enrollment schools would no longer be in one district together. Those schools in sparsely populated areas would Rachel Harrison, school. Their main concern is primarily the facility prob- need games, just as they do now. athletic coordinator The UIL Legislative Council has approved a lems, i.e., scheduling and administration of two The League will keep searching for better ways Cody Havard number of provisions over the past few years to different districts. to create alignments. Aided by newer methods and assistant public deal with equity of school size and reduce the gap For example, many of these school districts technology, changes will be made. My prediction information director in largest-to-smallest within a conference. have seven or more schools and only one varsity is that changes — when they occur — will come Kelly McCollum, • Six-man football has two distinct conferences stadium. in steps, not in wholesale revisions. technology director Luis Muñoz, and two separate state champions. Obviously, all of their schools cannot play the The people of the state have supported the theatre director • Conference 1A basketball is in two divisions same night. system of state championship playoffs. Future com- Bonnie Northcutt, with a Division I (large) state champion and a Divi- Many are already using Thursday, Friday and petition depends on regular systematic evaluation director of policy sion II (smaller enrollment) state champion. Saturday for varsity games. While they may agree of what we are doing now and a majority of the Cliff Odenwald, • Conference 3A has been reduced from 220 with a study for equity’s sake, these districts fear schools supporting any future recommendations associate athletic schools to approximately 180 schools to narrow the logistics of it. for revision. director the enrollment different from the largest to the With more than 1,300 member high schools, We will fail only if we stop looking for innova- Jana Riggins, smallest school. the UIL is faced with the varying needs of the tive solutions. assistant academic director 78713-8028. Legislative Council Kim Rogers, The Leaguer is published by The University Interscho- Chair: Mark Henry; Vice Chair: Carl Taylor public information lastic League. It is published in September, October, 5A • Vernon Newsom, Mansfield ISD; Curtis Culwell, director Leaguer November/December, January/February, March and Garland ISD; Mark Henry, Galena Park ISD; John Folks, April/May. 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The Leaguer is distributed to Chairman: Mike Motheral, superintendent, Sundown ISD; Robertson, Jr., Roosevelt ISD; Richard Cohagan, Gunter David Trussell, Texas public school administrators, contest directors, Members: Richard Avila, Corpus Christi; Robin Battershell, ISD; Glenn Hambrick, Elkhart ISD; Charles Butcher, Bol- coaches and sponsors, the ­media, and other interested assistant academic superintendent, Salado ISD; Johanna Denson, Waco ISD; ing ISD. A • Dan Jones, Campbell ISD; Carl Taylor, parties. Access the UIL on the Web at http://www.uil. Alton Frailey, superintendent, DeSoto ISD; Paul Galvan, Wellington ISD; Alan Richey, Bronte ISD; Edward Pustka, director utexas.edu. Fort Worth; Kerry Hansen, superintendent, Troy ISD; Moulton ISD. Eddie Wolski, The UIL office is located at 1701 Manor Rd., Austin, TX Teresa L. Long, Austin; Robert Payton, DeSoto; David At-large members • Kay Waggoner, Grapevine-Colleyville 78722 (512/471-5883). Letters, inquiries and changes waiver officer Seago, superintendent, Emory Rains ISD; Ryder Warren, ISD; Supt. Sylvester Perez, Midland ISD; James Brewer, of address should be sent to UIL, Box 8028, Austin, TX superintendent, Marble Falls ISD. Longview ISD; Supt. Linda Henrie, Mesquite ISD; Yolanda UIL Leaguer January/ February 2008 Speech • 3 Stay the course Speech class must remain independent to retain its educational value “Thinking out of tions class is one designed to be appropriate for all Category B. the box” is what teach- students. Curriculum reform came to Texas public If you are confused about woven poetry, refer to ers strive to entice schools because the corporate world said we weren’t Chapter 4 of the UIL Prose and Poetry Handbook students to do. Educa- turning out individuals who could enter the work- where we have provided you with an in-depth tors should exemplify force with success. Business leaders were emphatic discussion of this technique. the same in preparing that the skills our students lacked the most, yet Also consult the PowerPoint posted online lessons that invigorate needed urgently, were communication skills. for aid. their curriculum and Under their guidance, speech communication Category B does not require contestants to engage young minds. teachers were called upon by the state agency to weave their poetry. Contestants are given the But when guest col- develop a course that would meet this need. freedom to choose 3 options. Jana Riggins Speech Director umnist for a recent Thus, the required speech course was born, They may read one long poem. They may stack issue of the Leaguer Jeff integrating social, professional, and group com- poems. They may weave poems. Contestants Cranmore advocated what he called an “out of munication into its essential knowledge and should choose the performance technique that the box” idea on one of the ways we can address skills. best suits their abilities and the literature itself. the issue of the 4x4 state curriculum requirement, Taught by certified speech teachers, it is a Prose: Category A. I had to offer a rebuttal. course that answers the need of the workforce, The Southern Experience category includes Cranmore, a counselor at McKinney High exploring group dynamics, interviewing skills authors born in one of 12 states. Washington, School and former band director, proposed meld- and cultural communication necessary for a D.C. is not acceptable. Designated states are listed ing journalism curriculum into the required course global society. It also answers the need for the in the C&CR. Communication Applications in an effort to save individual student, providing an understanding Extemp: Materials in the Prep Room. jobs and programs. of intrapersonal communication, conflict resolu- Coaches need to be aware that there are I’ll be the first one to cheer extra-curricular tion, on both a professional and a personal level, extemp briefs being marketed that do not meet programs. After all, it is my livelihood. I also as well as leadership. standards as allowable materials in the UIL prep personally know what speech, theatre, band, That is why the State Board included it in the room. NFL and TFA have rules similar to UIL, so basketball, and cheerleading did for me. They core curriculum. We should not dilute it or blend if you are purchasing briefs that prep out extemp taught me teamwork and self-discipline. They it with any course, no matter how worthy other topics, beware of allowing your students to put gave me a feeling of pride inside like nothing curricula may be. them in their tubs. else, following a contest, performance, game or a Adopted by the State Board of Education as a Consult the UIL Web site and the Informative concert well done. graduation requirement, the purity of the Com- and Persuasive Speaking Handbook on what can As coaches, my husband and I combined have munication Application and its being taught by and cannot be brought into the prep room. devoted years of afternoons, nights, and weekends trained speech teachers has continued to be sup- C-X Debate: District Online Results. to extra-curricular activities. ported by the Board because it develops essential When entering results from district, you will In the role of parents, we’ve swelled with pride skills that every single high school graduate needs enter places in the boxes next to team names. as a son grabbed his helmet and ran out on the to be successful in life. You are not finished. football field in front of cheering crowds and then I’m all for being creative in our scheduling so The online screen instructs you that the results raced to the sidelines to pick up his horn and that students may meet the requirements of the are still tentative and you must continue with march an intricate drill in the marching band new 4x4 program and have room in their schedule a few more simple steps before the screen says during halftime. for extra-curricular activities. Let block scheduling “Results are certified and final.” Once you see We have waited late at night in the school regain life to provide more opportunity for credits this message, return to your Update Meet screen parking lot for another son to come home after and summer school transition from remediation and change the status of the meet to “Meet results Latin Club Junior Classic competitions, another to enrichment. posted for review.” from a basketball tournament, and with the choral But don’t “combine classes” such as Yearbook Next Year’s Topic. director in a cold cafetorium miles from home or Newspaper with Communication Applications The results of national balloting are completed. until our vocal performance child received his or “teach [it] in less time,” as some advocate. The resolution for the school year 2008-2009 is: ratings, knowing that son had to be on time, alert The Communication Application curricu- Resolved: The United States federal govern- with completed assignments in hand at 6:55 the lum should not be diluted or divided. It is vital ment should substantially increase alternative next morning for zero hour AP English. But the in providing the essential knowledge and skills energy incentives in the United States. sacrifices have been worth it. “that will make these young people the leaders Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Prep Time. Yes, I believe in the amazing benefits of high of tomorrow.” For the 2007-2008 school year, LD prep time school activities on youngsters, and we should remains three minutes. work creatively with academic schedules so stu- Aid with Frequently-Asked Questions: Requisition for Academic District Materials: dents can find and refine their talents in these Poetry: Category A. District officials no longer order contest materi- programs. But instructional curriculum is essential A combined list of the poets who have received als on a paper form. development and calling a course one name but one of the 17 approved awards has been posted on Now, when you set up your Academic Meet squeezing another in concurrently is not educa- the speech page of the UIL Web site. There are and put in your shipping information online, tionally beneficial for students also direct links to the home page of each award, it automatically places your order for academic In particular, the Communication Applica- for your convenience. district materials. UIL Leaguer 4 • Speech January/ February 2008 Where is the nearest sanctuary city? With a little research, LD Debate topic lends itself to some great debate el- Congressional Record Service, and a host also made the list. discussions of national security. Historically, come of other resources, it essentially refers to The timely nature of this subject was it is a meaningful issue as well, commonly Wto the communities that provide refuge of some demonstrated during one of the debates attracting controversy since the founding world of Texas kind to various groups of individuals. between contenders for the Republican of the nation. Lincoln Douglas The sanctuary movement, as such, in the presidential nomination. The opening Another basic question regarding the debate for 2008. United States officially began in 1982 when question for Rudy Giuliani focused on his issues in the current topic relates to whether The UIL spring six churches from Arizona and California actions as mayor of a sanctuary city, New or not sanctuary cities are in direct viola- resolution, Re- announced their decision to provide places York City. His response was that the label tion of the law and, at least in some cases, solved: Sanctuary of refuge for persons fleeing El Salvador and “sanctuary city” did not apply to the situ- engaging in some form of civil disobedience. Larry McCarty cities are morally Guatemala. ation in his city. In terms of the civil disobedience issue, the Social Studies Director justified, offers the While this event is generally viewed He further explained how, in certain in- policies embraced by the cities in question, backdrop against as the beginning of a trend as well as the stances, the legal status of some immigrants really does not apply. which some high- birth of a new concept, it was not, the first was not reported to federal authorities. Civil disobedience, by its very nature, ly competitive debates should take place. time that refugees or other persons seeking Among the situations he noted were ones involves intentional violation of an un- Upon first glance, the resolution will likely asylum were allowed protection within the in which individuals were victims of or desirable law as part of a means of protest raise a few basic questions. In order to United States. Indeed the history of U.S. witnesses to crimes, in need of emergency against the law being violated. Its ultimate answer those questions, research should immigration issues is one that is filled with medical care or seeking public education objective is to call attention to a perceived begin by seeking out definitions of key examples of individuals finding sanctu- for children. injustice in hopes of changing the law in terms and phrases. ary of some sort in this nation. Several Giuliani’s contention was that legal question. Fortunately, there are really only three aspects of the 1982 event, nevertheless, status was never established in most of these Sanctuary city policies are, for the most basic concepts to consider in this phase are noteworthy. cases, meaning that there was no deliberate part, neither deliberate attempts at break- of research; sanctuary cities, morally, and The announcement merely stated that circumvention of federal authority. With all ing any laws nor efforts to change laws but, justified. While locating applicable defini- refuge was being provided with little or no due respect to “America’s mayor,” most legal instead, attempts to provide humanitarian tions of the latter two terms should prove direct commentary regarding how the ac- scholars would conclude that a sanctuary relief and assist law enforcement agencies. relatively simple, locating valid explana- tion might be affected by U.S. immigration policy was in effect in New York City. In terms of whether or not laws are being tions of the primary term probably poses policy. In other words, the churches were Of course, once the former mayor re- violated by sanctuary cities, the issue, while a bit more of a challenge. My basic advice taking a positive step to assist a particular sponded to questioning, he then alleged somewhat unclear, is generally viewed as regarding definitions is that contextual group of individuals and not conscientiously that his opponent, Mitt Romney, once legal. interpretations are definitely superior to seeking to violate any specific federal stat- governed Massachusetts, a state that is In fact, this position is supported by the other interpretations. utes in the process, although such might home to several sanctuary cities. fact that recent federal legislation seeks to What is a contextual definition? It is one have well been the case. Regardless of which side is correct, the ul- withhold federal funding from cities that that frames the term or phrase in question Another interesting aspect of this issue timate question remains, why did the mayor do not fully cooperate with immigration in such a manner that the broader context was that the announcement by the churches and governor support such policies? policy. This action has been taken in the of the resolution is embraced. In short, came at a time when the practices to which The answer was twofold, initially. With absence of judicial mandates that force contextual definitions provide meaningful they referred were already taking place. respect to the crime issues, information by cities to comply. direction for development of arguments Finally, by making the action public in the individuals in question proved invalu- The legality question gives rise to an- and ultimately, cases that directly relate nature, it attracted the support of numerous able for local law enforcement officials and other relevant issue embraced by the resolu- to the topic. other religious groups who sought to provide second, medical and education services tion: federalism or states’ rights. Questions While “sanctuary cities” might be one similar protection for refugees. were provided for humanitarian reasons. have surfaced regarding the degree to which for which clear and precise definitions are Today a sanctuary city is one that em- Similar policies in other cities embracing states and municipalities are responsible for difficult to find, it is, a concept that has braces, as a municipality, one of several sanctuary policies are justified for the very enforcement of federal statutes, specifically generally clear meaning and is discussed kinds of policy normally relating in some same reasons. immigration policy. with frequency by political leaders, social manner to U.S. federal immigration policy. Once the term sanctuary city is clarified, There is clearly a shortage of personnel philosophers, legal experts and scholars In some instances scholars refer to sanctuary the obvious conclusion is that U.S. immi- at the federal level to adequately enforce alike. cities as ones that knowingly and willfully gration policy is a fundamental part of the the nation’s immigration policy resulting A comment made by Justice Potter disobey federal policy, while others main- current UIL resolution. This assumption is in various agencies appealing to local and Stewart in a 1960s Supreme Court decision tain that sanctuary cities are merely ones indeed correct and immigration is truly a state authorities for assistance. For the regarding the issue of obscenity comes to that simply fail to cooperate with existing relevant and timely topic. It will, without debater who prefers not to argue immigra- mind. Stewart noted that he really could federal policy by embracing a form of “don’t a doubt, be one of the primary issues dis- tion policy, the concept of states’ rights not provide a valid definition of obscen- ask, don’t tell’ protocol. cussed by political candidates throughout provides an excellent area upon which to ity but merely concluded that, “I know it Regardless of differences in interpreta- the current election campaigns. base arguments. when I see it.” tion, the Congressional Record currently It is the subject of ongoing consideration For the sake of simplicity, I would suggest This description is particularly appro- identifies more than 30 major American by the nation’s lawmakers and major leg- that debaters and coaches alike consider priate today. What exactly are sanctuary cities that are classified in this group. The islation is possible within the year. It not some relevant observations regarding the cities? list includes Baltimore, New York City, San only involves economic and social concepts resolution. Based on information available in law Diego, Detroit, Seattle, and Los Angeles. but, in the wake of the events of 9/11 and Immigration is, without question a ma- journal articles, publications from the The Texas cities of Houston and Austin the ongoing war on terrorism, also invites See Topic, page 12 UIL Leaguer January/ February 2008 Journalism • 5 On the dark side Building a strong relationship with your principal may help you avoid censorship ’ve been This hurts journalism far worse than o n t h e Scholastic Journalism Week is Feb. 25-29. any one principal censoring a story or Idark side. Karen Flowers of SIPA suggested downloading all kinds of activi- editorial does. Or at least, that ties from http://www.jea.org/resources/jweek/index.html. You also When a biased, poorly-researched, is what all of can get lesson plans on The First Amendment at www.firstamendment- badly-written article is published, the back- my journalism center.org. Look on the right, go down the rail to lesson plans. lash reverberates far longer than the initial friends told me shock. Administrators don’t forget. They’ll when I left advis- That’s scary. A few don’t even believe a student remember it the next time a student wants ing to become an It was even scarier the second year when I publication should cover the football team to write about sex, drugs or rock and roll. Jeanne Acton assistant prin- had to hire a new journalism teacher. Then, if it loses. “Too negative,” they say. “Find a We must teach our students to be ethi- Journalism Director cipal. the buck really stopped at my door. happy ending.” cal, to be responsible, to understand why They said I lost sleep before each issue. I wrestled Can these administrators be changed? they are reporting on an issue. They must it half-joking. with my fears. I didn’t give in to prior re- Can we convince them that it defeats the investigate and report, not just grab random Half-not. The administration is the enemy view, but I have to admit, I thought about purpose of education to urge young people facts from the Internet and shocking quotes — especially of high school journalism it. I would have slept easier on those nights to think and engage in their communities from their peers. Stories must be fair. All programs. Or at least, sometimes it is. I knowing what was in the paper before it hit and the world, and then deny them an sides must be given an opportunity to offer understand that thinking. In fact, several the classrooms and halls. opportunity to do just that? their points of view. times in my teaching career, I agreed. I didn’t examine each issue before pub- Yes. I believe we can. We can build trust Stories must have purpose, and students One of my favorite lines was, “What on lication, even though the Supreme Court, through responsible reporting and open must understand that purpose. earth is the principal thinking? Oh yeah, it’s in its seminal case Hazelwood vs. Kulhmeier, communication. Dialogue is a beautiful Long ago, my students wanted to do a the principal. There is no thinking.” ruled that I had the right to do so. It’s been thing. I believe editors should brief their story about homosexuality, and my first That line was actually what propelled me 20 years since the court handed down its principals on the contents of the newspaper. question was, “Why?” Not because I didn’t to apply to my graduate program. I wanted landmark ruling. Not because they have to, but because it is think we should cover it, but because to become a thinking principal. I had a few Now, I’m back on the other side of the the right thing to do. It builds a rapport that I wanted to know why they wanted to good role models, but I definitely thought fence, back on the student journalism side is so crucial for student publications. cover it. we needed more “good ones” out there. I I find it interesting to read the scores of It offers the administrator an opportunity As it turned out, they knew a gay student wanted to give real feedback for evaluations. articles coming out in the scholastic press to ask questions, to offer suggestions, to be who was being harassed at school. They I wanted to develop relevant, useful staff about the ruling and its impact on free an educator. If the principal is satisfied that wanted to tell his story. They wanted to development days. I wanted to listen and speech and high school students. the story — no matter how controversial — give him a voice. guide rather than command. Most of the articles speak about prin- is rock solid, he or she will be fully prepped Okay. Go for it. They produced a re- And of course, I wanted to be a fantastic cipals who censor first, ask questions later. when that “concerned parent” calls the next sponsible, ethical story. I was not going to supporter of journalism. The articles mostly send the same message: day to demand to know “How in the world allow them to exploit the subject for the Both principals I worked under as an “Mean old administrators always slashing could you let students write this?” mere sake of titillation. assistant principal delegated the journalism and burning, suppressing and repressing.” If your principal is in the know, he/she And so, I say to you what I said to my program to me. How depressing. can answer, “Because it was done responsi- students: cover tough issues, but do so respon- “You’re the expert,” they both told me. Odd, in all of those articles, I saw few bly, and the issue impacts students.” sibly and ethically. I don’t believe students I was (or at least more of an expert than quotes from administrators. Or something to that effect. should be given carte blanche in regards the rest of the administration). Maybe if the reporters had dug a little I know this goes against scholastic to the publications. I do believe that it is I thought supervising journalism was deeper, they may have discovered that cen- journalism orthodoxy, but I don’t believe okay to tell a student “no.” I do believe that going to be my cush assignment. My easy soring an article or instituting prior review principals should be blindsided. If they sometimes you have to set parameters. duty. A snap. After all, I didn’t believe in was not an easy decision. Maybe they would know what is in the paper, if they have I also believe that if you train students prior review. I didn’t believe in censorship. have discovered in some cases, principals talked to the editor about the purpose of well, they will make good choices. They I believed in freedom of the press. struggled with their choices. Maybe they tougher stories, then their job is easy when will be responsible, and you may never How much time could this take? only did it for peace of mind. the calls roll in. They can sleep the night have to say no. More than I thought. I am not trying to defend every instance before publication. But it’s okay if you do. You see, what I found out was that I didn’t of censorship or prior review out there. And when and if the phone lines light I promise, even if your students go on believe in prior review and censorship when Many are indefensible. We have some up, the principal will be prepared. to report for the New York Times or CBS I was THE adviser, but I wasn’t so sure when principals who severely limit their students’ Note a key theme here is “responsible.” News, someone somewhere is going to tell I was sitting on the other side of the desk learning experiences and their students’ Let’s face it: we’re often our own worst them “no” along the way. (you know, the dark side). thinking by clamping down on anything enemy. I struggle to put this in print, but I know some administrators believe that I no longer controlled the content of that doesn’t cast the district or school in someone needs to. We, as journalism advis- the Hazelwood decision gives them the right the newspaper or yearbook. I had no idea the most positive light. ers, must elevate our game. We must de- to say “no” to high school journalism under what the students planned to publish until At the same time, we have administra- mand the highest standards of our students, any circumstance. It doesn’t. I read it along with everyone else. tors who operate out of fear rather than and we can’t continue to cry wolf when Let’s educate our principals. Let’s let I had to put my trust and faith in the control. Some don’t understand why high an administrator censors bad journalism. them know that our students are respon- journalism adviser and students because if school journalists need to cover contro- Sometimes students try to shock, anger or sible and ethical. Let’s assure them that if complaints rolled in, my principals made it versial topics: race, religion, teen sexuality, hurt. Sometimes they fail to research and there needs to be a “no,” we will be the clear, that they would be coming to me. politics, culture, injustice and so on. investigate. ones to say it. UIL Leaguer 6 • Theatre January/ February 2008 Of rules, events and other extra-curriculars I have been their “alternates” are doing while they are Lewisville - Individual Set please e-mail the state office. No one will be contacted by sev- in the dressing rooms with cast and crew Marcus - Individual Costume, Individual accepted unless you can commit to the five eral directors, ad- should make arrangements to bring adult Costume contests and the orientation sessions. ministrators and supervision to keep them out of harm’s way. McKinney Boyd - Individual Costume, Regional Site Changes parents over the Parents, bus drivers, school administrators Group Design, Individual Publicity Please note that the site for the following last few months. and other faculty can keep an eye on these McNeil HS - Individual Costume, Indi- regional contests has changed. These calls have children and supervise them while they vidual Publicity Region II – 1A – Moved to Texas Tech focused on inci- watch the other plays. Mineola - Group Design University dents involving Theatrical Design Mt. Pleasant - Individual Costume, Region II – 4A – At Highland Park state law regard- Entries for this year’s Theatrical Design Individual Publicity High School Luis Muñoz ing eligibility, Contest reached close to 200 entries. The Navarro - Individual Costume Region III – 4A – At Atascocita High Theatre Director performances, entries were judged by Donald Fox of Incar- Olney - Individual Costume School missed school nate Word College, Sally Askins of Baylor Plano - Group Design, Individual Public- Region III – 2A – At Nacogdoches time and limita- University, Ron Dodson of Austin and Phil ity High School tions on rehearsals. Johnson of Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Plano East - Individual Costume, Indi- Directors need to understand that Our thanks to them and congratulations to vidual Set Title Cards any production, UIL or not, that fits the the state qualifiers. Next year’s title will be Plano West - Individual Publicity Title cards were mailed out Jan. 15 and definition of an extracurricular activity announced prior to state meet. Pollock Central - Individual Costume should be in your hands or back to our office must comply with state law. Do you charge STATE QUALIFIERS Reagan - Group Design, Individual by the time you read this article. The card admission? Are you advertising to the gen- THEATRICAL DESIGN Publicity is due postmarked no later than Feb. 23. eral public? Are you performing at another Barbara Jordan - Individual Set Slidell - Individual Costume, Group Please remember that you must include a facility (unless you don’t have one)? Are Brazosport - Group Design, Individual Design stamped, self-addressed envelope with the you part of a competition? Costume Smithson Valley - Individual Costume card. We will use the envelope to mail your If the answer is “yes” to any one of these Canyon - Individual Costume, Individual Southwest - Individual Costume eligibility notice. It serves as confirmation questions, then your production is extracur- Publicity Temple - Individual Costume, Group that we received your title card in a timely ricular and has to follow the 8-hour rule, Centerville - Group Design Design. Individual Publicity manner. Please do not call or e-mail this no-pass, no-play and the limitation of one City View - Individual Publicity Van Vleck - Individual Costume office to see if we received your card. Failure performance per school week. There are no Clear Creek - Individual Costume to return this card in a timely manner may exceptions for musicals or for tech week or Comanche - Individual Costume New Judges lead to sanctions. for performance week. Creekview - Individual Costume, Indi- More than 30 new judges were added to Eligibility Notice Make the effort to read the UIL TEA vidual Publicity, Individual Set the TETAAO judging list. These individu- The paper eligibility notice is due 10 Side by Side document. It can be downloaded Daingerfield - Individual Publicity als attended the certification workshops calendar days before your first contest. DO from the UIL Web site. It doesn’t cost a cent Eastland - Individual Publicity during Theatrefest 2008. Their names are NOT include the names of students you and can save you a lot of heartache. Eastwood - Group Design included in this issue of The Leaguer. think may be eligible by contest date. The Alternates Graham - Group Design District OAP Medals document asks the principal to certify the al·ter·nate (ôltr-nt) n. A person acting Harper - Group Design Southwest Emblem will be offering “UIL eligibility of a student. If a student becomes in the place of another; a substitute. Hays - Individual Costume medals” for OAP contests. The medals, eligible after the notice is due, you may A hot topic of discussion during the Hebron - Individual Set featuring the UIL logo, are now available submit a substitution form per 902(g)(1)(B) TETA UIL Open Forum involved alter- Henrietta - Group Design and also include an insert for local tech of the Constitution and Contest Rules. Call nates and their role at the OAP contest. Hillsboro - Individual Costume awards. Contact them for more info and a us if you have questions regarding this. Do Alternates are what they are by definition. Hutto - Individual Costume color brochure. not forget to make sure that your students They are substitutes for the stage crew and Judson - Group Design State Honor Crews are entered on-line. Failure to perform the acting company. To give the “alternates” Klein - Group Design Due to the split schedule for this year’s either of these required tasks in a timely a role backstage would redefine their role Lamar - Individual Set state meet, we will be suspending the State manner may lead to a disqualification from as additional crew. Will we then need Langham Creek - Group Design Honor Crew and Teacher Honor Crew for participation. alternates for the alternates? Leander - Individual Costume, Group the 2008 year. If you are interested in work- My thanks to Tim Jones at Brownsville ISD Teachers who are worried about what Design, Individual Set ing and can commit to work BOTH weeks, for the excellent article on competition. January updates to the approved One-Act Play critic judges list UIL approved TETA Adjudicator Organization’s newly e-mail Rainlily Street, Killeen 76542 254.833.6070-hm, captac- certified adjudicators for 2007-2008 as of Jan. 27, 2008. N = new judge [email protected] - II [13] The UIL recommends the use of a single critic judge F = Full, already has 6 assignments (3) Christi Campbell, (Austin Middle School), 5808 [Refer to Section 1033 (d) (3) (B) (i).] Available to judge: M-F = Monday to Friday only, F/S S, Bonham, Amarillo 79118 806.351.2017-hm, christi. * = TETAAO recommended Area/Region Judge = weekends only, Any = [email protected] - I [13] (1) = Independent all (2)Nathan Cole, Mountain View College, 4849 W. (2) = College/University Employee I, II, III, IV = Approximate Region of Residence Illinois Ave. Dallas 75211 214.860.3685-wk, ncole@dc- (3) = Public School Employee [ ] = Year Recertification Required ccd.edu - II [13] (4) = Private School Employee ADD: (2)Michael Cooper, Texarkana College, 2500 N Rob- ( ) = Institution affiliation-with a home address (3)Richard Arlington Briggs, Jr., (Killeen ISD), 4205 see list next page UIL Leaguer January/ February 2008 Theatre • 7 Director’s meeting influences educational success Perry Crafton that does not mean that it has to these guidelines as suggestions and use serve UIL and TETA/AO maintain the Director of Theatre West Texas A&M be cut-throat-competitive. How the them to develop their own unique way highest ethical standards. The only way One of the most important aspects judge addresses the directors, how he/ of production evaluation. Whatever the we can know how judges are performing of the UIL One-Act Play contest is she feels about the educational goals case, one element is vital: that the judge with regard to these standards is by the the director’s meeting. This is a time of UIL and how they are reflected in communicates his/her specific standards evaluations the directors complete. in which the contest manger, judge the OAP process, how understanding of evaluating a production and sticks to In fact, how State judges are selected and production directors gather and and empathetic he/she is of the hours them in the critique. Judging a play is is directly determined by how they are review OAP contest procedures, con- of blood, sweat and tears it took the obviously subjective; however, the more evaluated by the directors. These forms firm royalty payments, present proof troupe just to be prepared for a Zone a judge can “even the playing field” by are eventually seen by the respective that the school has secured the rights contest can instantaneously transform holding each production to the same judges, but not before the personal to perform the play and other pertinent this competitive atmosphere into the minimal standards, the educational information you complete at the top items pertaining to the specific OAP atmosphere of a festival. A contest im- elements of the critiques will increase of the form is deleted. contest. It is also a time in which the plies that there is a winner and loser. A in value to each participant. Please know that, although it may not judge is given the opportunity to meet festival is an event that acknowledges, Finally, the directors should be pro- appear to be this way, your comments the directors and briefly speak on his/ supports and celebrates the creativity vided with a judge’s evaluation form at concerning a judge are anonymous. her expectations for the productions, of each participant regardless of the some point in the meeting. As a mem- The more the adult participants how he/she will distribute awards, and outcome. If the judge does not address ber of the Adjudicator’s Organization, of OAP work together, the more the the time and manner in which the this aspect of the OAP contest, then I cannot emphasize strongly enough student will learn. critiques will occur. the event suffers. how important it is that each director The One-Act Play process is at its Although there is a protocol for a The judge should be very specific in complete the evaluation of the judge best and lives up to its mission only typical directors meeting in the OAP communicating one additional item— and send it to the UIL drama office. when the educational process is the Handbook, each meeting is very differ- how the plays will be critiqued. Often, I can personally vouch for the fact foundation on which each individual ent in its tone. The judge can directly the judge will use the OAP ballot that these evaluations are read by a com- contest is built. affect this tone. This event is called guidelines item-for-item when evalu- mittee of eight who dedicate themselves It is the director’s meeting that pro- a “contest” for a reason; however, ating a production. Some judges take to making sure that the judges who vides this foundation. January updates to the approved One-Act Play critic judges list from previous page [email protected] - III [13] (3)Jane Ostrander, (Keller ISD), 5333 Fossil Creek inson Rd. Texarkana, Tx 75599 903.832.5565 x 3360 (3)Jessica Kent, (Dallas ISD), 2034 Fairview Dr., For- Blvd. #1018, Haltom City, 76137 817.770.1279-hm mcooper@texarkanacollege,edu - II [13] ney 75126 972.439.6687-cel jkent@feccommunications. [email protected] - II [13] (2)Lisa Devine, (Colin College), 7326 Brentfield Dr., net - II [13] (4)Karen Parrish, (The Winston School), 30 Highland Dallas 75248 214.557.6475 –hm ldevine2002@yahoo. (1)Trip Langley, (Abrams Artists Agency) 820 W Place, Dallas 75081 972.668.9771-hm Karen_parrish@ com- II [13] 180th St., Apt. 4, New York, NY 10033 917.207.8749-hm winston-school.org - II [13] (2)Rachel Dickson, (Prairie View A & M University), [email protected] [13] (3)Yvonne Phillips-Dupree, (Houston ISD), 3351 3830 Wichita, Houston 77004 936.261.3307-wk, rhdick- (1)Theresa Leckbee, 5707 B Taylor Draper Cv., Austin Arbor Street, Houston 77004 713.524.4493-hm yphillip@ [email protected] - III [13] 78759 512.680.7855 [email protected] - IV [13] houstonisd.org - III [13] (2)Lynn Elms, (Texas Tech University), 4605 18th Street, (1)Eric Lee, (Figurative Lee Speaking) 1005 Amherst (2)Carlos Saldana, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 Lubbock 79416 806.787.9002-cel, lynnelms@nts-online. #1010, Bedford 76021 817.581.7954-hm ericlee04@gmail. W Univeristy, El Paso 79968 915.747.5231-wk crsaldana@ net - I [13] com - II [13] utep.edu - I [13] (3)Michael Fain, (Houston ISD), 2531 Doverglen, (3)Angie Lindbloom, (Keller ISD), 7400 Bennington (2)Debra A Schultz, (Houston Community College Missouri City, 77489 713.385.0541-hm drmikefain@aol. Dr., Watauga 76148 972.762.5073-cel aklindbloom@ Northeast), 20502 Prince Edward Ct., Humble 77338 com - III [13] kellerisd.net - II [13] 832.423.8148-wk [email protected] - III [13] (1)Jessica Ferrarone, 360 Edgewood Dr., Montgomery (1)Judith E Marcus, (Playfitters), 6516 Kiowa Ct., Plano (4)Michael Serrecchia, (KD Studios), 4106 Mead- 77356 936.597.4232-hm [email protected] 75023 972.527.5236-hm Judith_e_marcus@sbcglobal. owdale Lane, Dallas 75229 214.662.7681-cel serrecchia@ - III [13] net - II [13] sbcglobal.net - II [13] (3)Amberley Ferrell, (MountainviewCollege/Northwest (2)M.Mellissa Marlowe, (Northwest Vista College), (1)John Spanko, 151 CR 2426, Mineola 75773 HS), 6325 Geneva Ln, Fort Worth 76131 817.874.5407-cel, 503 Donaldson, San Antonio 78201 210.884.1849-cel, 903.569.2618-hm – II [13] [email protected] - II [13] [email protected] - IV [13] (2)Celia Stogner, Texas A & M Univeristy-Commerce, (3)Richie Garza, (Borger ISD), PO Box 233, Wil- (1)Terry Marrs, PO Box 308, Bronte 76933 PO Box 3011, Commerce 75429 903.886.5346-wk ce- dorado 79098 806.236.8522-hm richie.garza@borgerisd. 325.473.6018-hm [email protected] - II [13] [email protected] - III [13] net - I [13] (3)Kim Martin, (Deer Park HS North), 302 Post Oak (2)Darryl H Thompson, Prairie View A & M University, (2)Bill Gelber, (Texas Tech University), 2412 38th St., Baytown 77520 281.838.0023-hm hkmart3@mind- PO Box 519 MS 2205, Prairie View 77446 936.261.3308-wk Street, Lubbock 79412 806.799.1644-hm bill.gelber@ spring.com - III [13] [email protected] - III [13] ttu.edu - IV [08] (1)Deborah Mogford, (Dallas Children’s Theatre), (1)Micah Windham, 16354 SH 87 S, Shelbyville 75973 (1)Patsy Hall, (Backstreet Players Community The- 415 Cave Lane, San Antonio 78209 214.978.0110-wk 936.275.3862-hm [email protected] [13] atre), 315 West Street, Junction 76849 325.446.9405-hm [email protected] - IV [13] (3)Katy Wood, (FWISD), 5108 Cockrell Ave., Ft. Worth [email protected] - IV [13] (1)Scott Mohon, Theatre Victoria, PO Box 1365, 76133 817.920.1421-hm [email protected] - II [13] (2)Ricjuane Jenkins, (Praire View A & M University), Victoria 77902 361.576.6277 ext. 7 – wk scott@theat- (1)Jacque Wyatt, 6803 Hogans Trail, San Antonio 78240 715 Hallsleigh Ln., Houston 77090 832.655.9238-hm revictoria.org -IV [13] 210.684.9452-hm [email protected] -IV [13] UIL Leaguer 8 • Elem/JH/theatre January/ February 2008 Elementary/Junior High Program gets an A+ h a t ’ s not grown on me. The EJH abbreviation is year, the Elementary/Junior High academic far it seems that we’ve been successful on Wi n a less of a mouthful, but it still doesn’t solve program will officially be renamed the UIL both counts. We plan to continue with the name? Shake- the fundamental problem. A+ program. This will likely be somewhat of study guides for next year, and we should speare had it And really, it’s questionable whether the an incremental process, since Elementary/ be able to get next year’s versions out right but only up EJH moniker is even accurate anymore. The Junior High and EJH are so deeply embed- much earlier – definitely before Capital to a point — a majority of school districts now use an el- ded in so many League publications, Web Conference. rose by any other ementary/middle school configuration, with pages, etc. And it will probably take me a Finally, a few notes about district com- name would cer- grades K-5 at the elementary campus and while to get out of the habit of saying EJH. petition. This year we have a total of 285 tainly smell as grades 6-8 at the middle school. There are But for next school year and beyond, when district meets, beginning December 1 and David Trussell sweet, but one also a myriad of other combinations, with we talk about UIL academics for grades 8 continuing until May 24. Going into the th Elem/JH Director doubts that roses primaries and intermediates and 6 grade and below, we’ll be talking A+. year, I was convinced that the change to would be quite centers and so on. We do have a good num- One of the first places the new name will a later start date for the school calendar so popular for ber of junior highs out there, but many of be front-and-center will be this summer’s would cause more districts to shift their special occasions if they were called, say, those campuses don’t follow the traditional Capital Conference, our annual workshop meets to the spring. Boy, was I wrong on “thorny shrub blossoms.” Descriptively 7th/8th grade format. So “Elementary/Junior for A+ (see, it looks better already) and that one – this year we had more meets in accurate doesn’t always equal discernibly High” is not the one-size-fits-all name that high school UIL coordinators, as well as early December than ever before. Since it appealing. it used to be. speech and debate coaches and one-act seems like that is going to be the trend for the So it is with the League’s academic In order for the program to continue to play directors. foreseeable future, we may have to rethink program for grades 8 and below. The grow and move forward, it seems important One of my goals for this year’s confer- how we handle November invitational “elementary and junior high” designation that it have a name that both draws on its ence is to expand our offerings for A+ meets. Not that we’re considering eliminat- has been around in some form for as long long history and also better recognizes the academics. This may mean increasing the ing November invitationals, but we may be as the program has existed, but it really contemporary school landscape. In thinking number of sessions to some extent, but more looking at new, less labor-intensive ways of began to be codified in the Constitution about what would be a good fit, one name importantly it means increasing the variety providing materials for those meets. & Contest Rules during the early 1980s. really jumped out: A+. The term “A+” has of topics we cover. I know July seems like If you hosted a fall/winter district meet Since that time, the program has officially been associated with the program for about a long way off, but if you’re considering in December or January, you may return been known as “Elementary/Junior High” 20 years, and it frequently appears in the attending this year’s conference and have a those materials to contestants. The of- academics, or, for about the past 10 years, names of various publications, most notably topic you think would make a good session, ficial release date for fall/winter materials EJH for short. Descriptively accurate? Yes, the A+ Handbook. At times, A+ has even please drop me an e-mail. was Jan. 31. If you hosted, or will host, an at least to some extent. But appealing? served as sort of an unofficial name for the Shifting gears a bit to Social Studies. invitational meet, you have to hold onto Well…maybe not so much. program, as exemplified by “How to Host The study guides we released for this year’s those materials a little while longer. The I’ve always thought having to refer to the an A+ Meet,” which used to be a printed Social Studies contests have been very well release date for those materials is April 1. program as “Elementary/Junior High” was publication and still exists in digital form received. The goals were to provide better Spring district meets continue until May cumbersome at best, and in almost three on our web site. It seems like a natural fit. focus for test content and to make preparing 24, which is also the release date for spring years as director, the name has definitely So beginning with the 2008-09 school for the contest a more manageable task – so contest materials. The value of opinion (scores) Competition loses its value if we don’t grow from the experience and only care if we win By Timothy L. Jones to draw attention to our product. It is a mythological spot- their knowledge and expertise. Performance is a learning Fine Arts Department Brownsville ISD light which carries as much real value as each of us choose process in itself. The excitement of everyday life is based After several years on “both sides of the fence,” (as a to give it. It can be thrilling, nerve-wracking, rewarding, on achieving pre-set goals. choreographer, judge and a fierce competitor), there is one painful, chaotic, even enlightening. It can be whatever we Don’t you want to better yourself each day? Aren’t you haunting fact that I see cropping up at every competitive choose it to be. Keep in mind that it is a game, and it is more satisfied when you discover some new information event: we all tend to lose perspective of what this is really only meaningful to the people who are participating. It’s to add to your idea bank? Isn’t it great when you meet a supposed to mean to us as educators. often hard to believe, but no one else really cares. stranger and develop a friendship for the future? The final score is often interpreted as a “carved in stone” From the opening vocal word uttered to the final gun, The true champion walks away from every situation with law that will determine the future of one’s life. If you are play the game 100 percent. Once it is over, you can’t play more knowledge then he/she had at the onset of the event, going to let someone else’s “opinion” carry that much influ- any longer. You can’t take the game home with you, carry because they see that everything else is just a game. ence, you (your program) will be guided by the slightest it over to the next day or the next week. You can take As theatre educators, and students of the play, we have “whim” of anyone who comments on your efforts. home the value of the experience. You can evaluate your a tremendous responsibility and a great opportunity to see We learn by listening to others, but if the input is non- performance and use this data in preparation for the next that the key for making our “performance” valuable to the applicable, inaccurate in terms of your circumstances, performance, and the next one and the next one. players is through cooperation. Let’s not lose perspective non-supportive of your goals, misdirected, or whatever… Nobody (except your cast and crew) will pay any attention of our need for one another — of our great potential when simply dismiss it! if you carry your trophy to another performance. It’s worth- we work together. Let us support our friends when the Challenging an opinion is a losing battle — even if you less, only a memento to remind you of the experience. emotion of the moment distorts a clear view of what all do sway someone to your side of an issue, it just reinforces What’s the purpose of competition? of us are striving to bring to theatre education. how invalid the opinion was to begin with. You may be asking, “If all of this is true…why get The True Value of Competition Competition is a Game involved?” The opportunity to grow is immeasurable If you are in the game of competition to “win a trophy,” Competition in anything is a game created by all of us when people of similar interests gather and openly share See competition, page 12 UIL Leaguer January/ February 2008 Music • 9 Educator’s article gives advice for fear factor It’s that time of the year. Practice rooms across the state are New mariachi program needs some clarification filled with students As previously announced the UIL Legislative A committee of mariachi music educators preparing for Solo and Council approved the creation of a Medium En- scheduled to meet in San Antonio on February Ensemble Competi- semble Category for Mariachi during its annual 13 will more specifically define the specific details tion while directors meeting Oct. 21-22. The new program will be and parameters of these two categories. These diligently search for the in effect for the 2008-2009 school year and will details will be distributed via the UIL Web site and perfect combination be similar to events that the UIL provides for by UIL Music Region Executive Secretaries. Richard Floyd of pieces to program jazz ensemble, pop swing ensembles and other Unfortunately there has been some misin- Director of Music for Concert Contest ensembles of 11 to 24 performers. formation distributed by the media that has later in the spring. It This event will take place in conjunction caused some confusion regarding the structure is an exciting time, and with the Region Solo and Ensemble Competi- and intent of this contest. The media implied perhaps, the time of the year that many of our tions that are held across the state during the that there will be a state level UIL mariachi Announcement students experience their most dramatic musical first three months of each year. Under the competition and that “students in Texas will TSSEC entry opens growth. In both cases, the ultimate goal is a suc- plan adopted there will be two subcategories. soon be able to compete for state bragging rights March 1 and closes cessful UIL performance and multiple opportuni- The first will be traditional mariachi under over who is the best at playing mariachi music”. April 1 – uil.utexas. ties to share the music learned with parents and which performing ensembles will be expected It was not and is not the intent of the UIL to edu/music/ appreciative audiences. to embrace the traditions, instrumentation and create a state level mariachi contest. It is the However, there is one element that is always performance practices of mariachi. The second vision of UIL that this program will provide lurking in the shadows of virtually every perfor- category will be less restrictive, thus allowing for educational opportunities for mariachi that mance. That element is “the fear factor.” Also groups to perform mariachi style music but with are commensurate with programs offered other affectionately referred to as “stage fright” or greater flexibility in instrumentation. performing ensembles. “performance jitters.” We all have experienced that feeling to one degree or the other. And, un- iu.edu/web/page/normal/6937.html It contains For You fortunately the presence of a judge or an audience valuable insights regarding “the fear factor demon” • Think Of What To Do, Not What To Avoid seems to compound the problem. How we deal and how we deal with it. • Sell The Story, Not Yourself with this very human phenomenon can impact the He begins by stating that feeling fearful detracts • Think Of Something You Did Right outcome of our performance as much or perhaps from your performance by causing you to focus on • Broaden Your Base Of Self-Esteem more than the actual weeks and months spent in yourself rather than your performance. He goes on • Aim Too High preparation. to offer “10 Tips On Becoming Fearless.” Take my word for it; they are worth reading and Recently I ran across an article by Jeff Nelson They are: sharing with your students. who is professor of horn at Indiana University • Raise Your Standards There were two points that struck me as par- and hornist with the Canadian Brass that speaks • Simulate The Entire Performance Experience ticularly relevant to the world in which we live to this very issue. • “Flawlessness” Is Not The Primary Goal and teach. The first has to do with his belief that His article can be found on the Indiana Uni- • Don’t Compete ”flawlessness” is not the primary goal. Nelson versity News Room Web site at http://newsinfo. • Believe The Audience (Judge?) Is Rooting See article, page 11 A few tips as you prepare for the upcoming concert season Penny Meitz time. Editing music with bowings and fingerings Teaching students to tune their own instruments TMAA Orchestra VP takes time but will also make for more efficient, and insuring that the instruments are in tune is Here we are again – approaching another season productive rehearsals. In the case of a selection easily a subject for an entire article. At this point of Concert and Sight Reading Contest, and the that is already edited, take time to play through let me simply challenge you to find a balance challenge of preparing our students to perform or study each individual part. You may find a between student tuning and teacher tuning/check- Address TMAA their best. Preparation for contest is, for many of bowing that just doesn’t work well or doesn’t fit ing. Encourage students to tune their own instru- Correspondence us, the time when our students work their hard- your approach to the piece. ments so they learn the mechanics of tuning and to: est and make the best progress of the school year. Of course, we all know that preparation for develop better ears. However, for performances Dr. Jay Dunnahoo As a result, it’s easy to yield to the temptation of contest begins the first day that students walk in our it is wise to tune the student’s instruments in the Executive Secretary Texas Music choosing the most difficult music that students classroom. It is essential to establish a daily routine warm-up room, so you are confident that their Adjudicators will play all year, hoping to challenge them even that begins with entering the room, unpacking strings are in tune. Association more. I propose saving those selections for your instruments and gathering rehearsal materials. Work on improving and perfecting technique 410 Coronado Dr. spring concert and selecting a contest program Stressing daily self-discipline, ensemble discipline all year long. Start every rehearsal with scales or Kerrville, TX 78028 830/792-5224 that will allow time for teaching musical detail and structure helps cultivate an atmosphere that technical etudes to build skills and solidify intona- Fax: 830/792-5917 and technical refinement. will foster an expectation for excellence that will tion. If there is a common thread running through (see article page 9) Once you have made your selections, last through the year. your warm-ups from day to day, there will be a make sure that measures are numbered before Make tuning a top priority from day one. We greater sense of continuity and consistency. Strive the music is distributed to your students. This know that good intonation is among the most dif- to make each day’s warm-up relate to something will ensure that all parts are numbered accurately ficult skills for young string orchestras to master. you plan to cover in your rehearsal, whether it is and consistently and will save valuable rehearsal It begins with proper tuning of the instruments. See tips, page 12 UIL Leaguer 10 • News January/ February 2008

The University Interscholastic League each person an opportunity to explore his is proud to recognize 14 of the top UIL or her strengths.” sponsors in Texas as the 2007 UIL Sponsor Excellence Award Winners. Bruce Howard A panel of judges in the areas of music, Hedley High School athletics and academics selected the win- ponsor Bruce Howard has coached Science at ners from nominations submitted by school Hedley High School for 14 years. His teams principals and superintendents. S have won 12 district championships, with The award, now in its 17th year, was cre- students qualifying for the regional meet ated to identify and recognize outstanding xcellence 13 times. Since 1998, four science teams sponsors who enable students to develop at Hedley High School have won regional and refine their extracurricular talents to 14 UIL coaches and directors team championships and two have won the highest degree possible. state championships. “The benefits of interscholastic competi- selected for this year’s award Howard has had a student named either tion and student performance are only pos- regional or State Chemistry Champion sible through hard work and dedication of seven of the last 10 years and six of those sponsors, coaches and directors like these,” Renee Clark pride in their performances knowing that they students have received college chemistry said Director Dr. Bill Farney. “On behalf E have done their best to prepare and to have scholarships. Wylie High School of the UIL, I commend these outstanding For more than 22 years, Renee Clark has performed to the best of their abilities.” “Our mission at Hedley High is to educators.” sponsored One-Act Play, Current Issues and produce students who can compete with Each winner will receive $1,000 and a Events, Speech and Social Studies at Wylie Beth Ferguson others for scholarships, grades, and jobs at symbolic keepsake from the UIL in recog- High School. She also was the UIL Coor- Sadler S&S Consolidated High School levels above high school,” Howard said. nition of their outstanding achievements dinator twice. Her students have competed Beth Ferguson has been the Academic “UIL competition furthers this mission by in the pursuit of educational excellence numerous times at the Academic State Meet Director for 23 years. During this time, she setting standards of academic excellence through interscholastic competition. The and experienced a great deal of success at has coached numerous events including and encouraging students and teachers from University Interscholastic League continu- both the district and regional levels. Clark journalism, Literary Criticism, Mathemat- our school to reach those standards.” ally strives to strengthen and promote the has served on the UIL Regional Advisory ics, Spelling and Speech. Her students have role of extracurricular activities in Texas Committee, the Ad Hoc Committee for So- advanced to regional competition every Stan Mauldin through programs like the UIL Sponsor cial Studies and Current Issues and Events year, and many have advanced to state. Friendswood Clear Brook High School Excellence Award. and has judged at the state level. Among the competitors Ferguson has Stan Mauldin has been involved with The UIL Sponsor Excellence Award “Wylie Independent School District’s coached at the state meet, two have placed UIL music for 18 years, five of those at Clear winners for 2007 are as follows: mission is ‘To provide an education of first in Literary Criticism and in Headline Brook High School where he has sponsored excellence for all our students so they Writing. She also has three team champions sight-reading along with marching and Terry Berrier may function effectively, successfully and in Literary Criticism. concert band. Richardson Lake Highlands HS productively in society,’” Clark said. “ As “Those students who participate in During that time, two of Mauldin’s Terry Berrier has been involved in UIL a sponsor of UIL competitions and UIL UIL are motivated to succeed,” Ferguson bands have been crowned State Marching choir at the junior high and high school competitors, I believe that UIL compli- said. “Competition, in either academic or Band Champions, 11 students have been level for more than two decades. She has ments our district’s mission.” athletic areas, is an integral part of any named to All-State band or orchestra and been a concert and sight-reading sponsor for school’s educational mission.” approximately 50 students a year have made 21 years, in addition to solo and ensemble Debbie Cook region or area rank. for 11 years. Tuscola Jim Ned High School Carolyn Franklin Additionally, Mauldin has judged Since 2000, 44 of Berrier’s performers For the last 15 years, Debbie Cook Campbell High School marching band at the state and regional have been named to the All-State Choir, has coached students in Mathematics, For 33 years, Carolyn Franklin has spon- level, concert and sight-reading and served and more than 100 of her students par- Calculator Applications, Number Sense, sored academic events and the One-Act on the UIL Marching Band Review Com- ticipate in solo and ensemble each year. Computer Science and Ready Writing. Play at five different schools, including five mittee. Many of his students have chosen In addition to the numerous awards and She has advanced students and teams years at Campbell High School. During her to study music in college and have received accolades, she is responsible for 13 sweep- to regional competition each year of her years at Campbell, she has coached 11 state music-related scholarships. stakes awards in concert and sight-reading tenure and state competition eight of the qualifiers in journalism and speaking events “In the Clear Brook band, we use at the high school level and another 12 at last 10 years in four different events. Her and has directed seven area and two regional competition as a teaching tool to create the junior high level. Calculator Application’s team placed first winning companies in One-Act Play. relationships, instill a strong work ethic “I believe that teachers should concen- at the 2007 Academic State Meet. Additionally, Franklin has been on the and to create through cooperation and trate on the strengths of their performing “My desire is to help students realize Teacher Honor Crew two years at the state discipline — a foundation of respect for groups and that they should work with the what they can accomplish through hard OAP meet and has served on the Regional each individual,” Mauldin said. “Through uniqueness of individuals in their ensem- work, discipline, dedication, commitment Advisory Meet in speech and debate. music competition, we learn more than bles,” Berrier said. “This ‘cooperative’ type and time management,” Cook said. “Competition is the cornerstone of char- teamwork, self-discipline and the ability of competition is the kind that generates “It has been my greatest pleasure to wit- acter building,” she said. “Not all of us are to meet a deadline. We learn tolerance, self-worth, cooperation, good will, humility, ness my students challenge themselves in athletes or actors, but we all have talents. empathy and love of music.” grace and worthwhile relationships.” a competitive team environment and have UIL competition is so diverse that it gives continued on next page UIL Leaguer January/ February 2008 News • 11 Article makes several good points Terry McGonagill compete at the Academic State Meet in to touch the lives of my students in ways Mount Vernon High School Poetry, Persuasive Speaking, Debate and that only UIL academics can do outside about performances journalism. the classroom.” In addition to coaching Current Issues continued from page 9 and Events and acting as the UIL Coordi- “I firmly believe in my responsibility stresses that it is important to minimize nator for five years, Terry McGonagill has to educate the hearts and minds of my Shawn Pratt mistakes but an error-free performance is sponsored the One-Act Play and Prose students,” Moore said. “Competition is a McKinney North High School not the ultimate test of your abilities. If and Poetry Interpretation for 18 years at process, and I feel that what the student Shawn Pratt has coached football for flawlessness is the goal, then let a computer Mount Vernon High School. McGonagill learns through that process is equally as 14 years, seven as a head coach. He is do the work. has led companies to the state One-Act important as any awards earned in the responsible for building the football and The best performances are memorable Play competition seven times, winning competition.” athletic program from the ground up at not because they are perfect but because two state championships and runner-up McKinney North High School. In the they are extraordinary. Nelson suggests once. Many of his students have received Sherri Padalecki program’s short history, he has created the that it is important to focus on making recognition at the state level, including best San Antonio East Central High School Bulldog Athletic Club and implemented music over and above the technical quali- actor and best actress. His students have An award-winning ILPC newspaper character curriculum for his athletes. In ties of the performance and trusting your qualified for state in both Prose and Poetry adviser, Sherri Padalecki, also has coached five years of varsity competition, Pratt’s preparation to keep errors at a minimum. Interpretation, and many have received UIL journalism for 19 years at East Central teams have made the playoffs two times And, the issue of preparation is addressed scholarships from the Texas Interscholastic High School. She has produced numer- and a number of his players have received in great detail under other points contained League Foundation. ous regional and state qualifiers, five state district and state recognition, including two in his essay. “I believe that competition in school not champions in journalism and has had a district MVP’s. Additionally, more than 20 The second observation that reso- only nurtures the students’ minds, it also student receive a scholarship from the of his athletes are playing football at the nated with me was his comments regarding allows them to excel in the educational Texas Interscholastic League Foundation. collegiate level. competition. He bluntly states, “Don’t process,” he said. She has acted as Academic Coordinator “I feel that extracurricular activities are Compete.” and District Chair four times, coordinated a vital part of a student’s overall educational That certainly sounds like blasphemy Preston Meek seven district and four regional journalism experience,” Pratt said. “Competition in in our competitive “Texas Contest World,” San Angelo Central High School competitions and hosted numerous district extracurricular activities has many positive but he goes on to make a critical point. Preston Meek has coached girls’ track and invitational meets to prepare students effects on students including motivation, Nelson believes that when you compete, and field for 10 years at San Angelo Central for UIL academic competition. character, and confidence building.” you lower your standards. At the same High School along with boys’ and girls’ cross “Academic competition motivates time, you also run the risk of misjudging country for six and four years respectively. students to take what they’ve learned in Michael Watts the competition. During his tenure, Meek’s athletes have set the classroom and run with it, take risks, Permian High School How do you really know who will be 20 school and three district records, received expand upon the knowledge and solve For the past 20 years, Michael Watts has best on a given day? Can you really predict two individual state medals and won two problems,” Padalecki said. “UIL academics directed orchestra along with marching, where the standard might be? Conse- team state championships. When Meek provides another dimension to not only concert and jazz band at Permian High quently, he argues that aiming for the best took over the cross-country programs at build character but also foster an interest School. His students have earned UIL possible performance you can imagine is a Central High, they were in rebuilding years. and build depth in educational pursuits en Sweepstakes every year during his tenure, far superior goal. However, through hard work and determi- route to becoming lifelong leaders.” extending a 49-year record of excellence As I read this excellent article, it oc- nation, both the boys’ and girls’ teams won at Permian. Additionally, Watts’s students curred to me that perhaps we should address district championships in 2006. Katherine Powdrell have performed at numerous distinguished the issue of poise and nerve management “I believe that competition in UIL Friendswood High School festivals and clinics including the 2004 with our students in a more direct fashion. events is a very important part of public Katherine Powdrell is in her 21st year Rose Bowl “Tournament of Roses” and for After all, we go to great lengths to stress education,” Meek said. “Show me a kid who working with students in UIL academics, the Department of Navy at Pearl Harbor the fundamentals of performance from a works hard day in and day out in athletics including 17 years at Friendswood High in 2005. In 2006, the band received a technical and musical standpoint, yet often and I believe several years down the road, School. nomination for the Sudler Flag of Honor times, student success is directly related this will be a successful and productive Her One-Act Play companies have been by the John Phillip Sousa Foundation and to how they function in a performance member of society.” to the state meet 10 times. Her students have has recently been invited to perform at environment. won three state championships, placed first the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games This article speaks to that very issue. I Erin Moore runner-up twice, second runner-up twice Torch Light Ceremony and International encourage you to go to the Indiana Univer- Sealy High School and won three Samuel French Awards. In Music Festival. sity Web site, read the complete article and For 14 years, Erin Moore has sponsored Poetry and Prose Interpretation her students “I feel it is our responsibility as teach- perhaps share it with your students. Regard- various academic events at Sealy High have placed four times at state and many ers to insist that each student possess high less of where you and your students might School. In that time, Moore has coached have received Texas Interscholastic League expectations and provide them the tools be on the performance anxiety spectrum, students in One-Act Play, Prose and Poetry Foundation Scholarships. and resources to reach those expectations,” there will be something there for you. Interpretation, Debate, Informative and “One-Act Play, Poetry and Prose al- Watts said. “Through competition we Also, keep on the lookout for a book Persuasive Speaking, Spelling, journalism low me opportunities to give the world of teach skills that will enable our students to by Jeffery Nelson that will be coming out and Science. She also has served as Aca- choices to my students while asking for prepare for their futures by understanding later this year under the title “Fearless demic Coordinator six times. Her One-Act their personal best each and every day,” that through hard work and persistence, Performing.” Play companies have advanced out of Powdrell said. they will be able to have a successful and Best wishes for a great spring filled with district 12 times, and she has had students “I am so grateful for the opportunity enriched life.” “fearless performances.” UIL Leaguer 12 • January/ February 2008 Topic great for LD debaters On Air continued from page 4 issues to justice. One can argue that it is jor issue. Today there are an estimated 11 just to provide comparable social benefits million immigrants in the United States to all persons, regardless of citizenship, for illegally and the number is increasing by example, and such a position would be approximately 500,000 annually. In spite of supported by contemporary philosopher dramatic increases in the number of federal John Rawls. immigration agents in the field, the number Quality of life is another excellent choice is just over 11,000. Simple math reveals that for affirmative and complimentary criterion there is one agent for every 1000 undocu- positions could range from education to mented immigrants in the nation. police protection to health care. More Compounding the problem is the fact pragmatic positions, such as economics, that a sizable percentage of the federal could defend the benefits to the workforce agents in the nation are serving positions that result from the presence of immigrants in the border regions of the country. and their willingness to fill jobs that would The next key observation is that, regard- remain open otherwise. less of the extent to which immigration is Debaters on the negative also have a discussed in cases and arguments, the issue range of applicable positions to defend is NOT whether the current immigration ranging from security to political autonomy After the League released the realignment for 2008-2010, Cliff Odenwald, associate athletic policy is desirable or undesirable. That is to the social contract to the old favorite, director, gave a radio interview. One of the major changes this year was the increased simply not the issue! American political ideals. enrollment for the 5A conference. The cut-off rose 100 students this year from 1985 in 2006 The issue is whether or not the actions Remember, when taking the negative to 2085. Photo by Jeanne Acton taken by sanctuary cities are morally justi- side, arguments need not prove that sanctu- fied. Focusing on this aspect of the topic ary cities are totally undesirable, only that Competition is about more than a win will provide ample and sufficient ground their actions are not necessarily morally for quality arguments for both affirmative justified. It might be nothing more than continued from page 8 the French word “competere,” which means and negative positions alike. a mere challenge of legitimacy or noting you may find yourself sensing a great deal of “to bring together.” Let’s suppose we ap- There is the possibility of concern that, affirmative arguments, while having merit, frustration as you go through the process: proach every event with understanding we especially when defending the resolution fail to prove any meaningful degree of moral preparation-production-performance, par- were “bringing together different groups” in affirmative arguments, a debater might justification. ticularly if (after all that effort) you end up so that each person involved could learn be in a position of having to defend illegal Not only is the current resolution “without a trophy.” OUCH! It’s so easy to from everyone else while putting forth his action on behalf of sanctuary cities. timely and relevant, it is broad enough to get caught up in that attitude of, “You mean or her best effort to share with everyone There are two reasons why this should afford debaters a variety of choices when I did all that work…and didn’t even get a else. The performers would agree to give not be a major concern. First, violation legal contemplating arguments. Moreover, it is trophy!” It’s also a dead-end street. their best effort to the performance. The action taken by the federal government remarkably balanced in terms of providing Warning: if that sounds even vaguely directors would agree to seek every op- against undocumented immigrants is civil relatively equal ground between affirmative familiar, it may be time to readjust your portunity to make their performers aware and not criminal in nature and second, the and negative sides. thinking and reset your priorities. Other- of new information which could improve policies embraced by the cities in question Avoid getting bogged down in mean- wise, you may be in store for a very depress- them, and the audience would agree to be a are not generally viewed as illegal. ingless debate regarding the legitimacy of ing journey which has no final destination, great audience for every performance. Now, Finally, the realm of philosophical ar- immigration policy and focus attention except a “more depressing journey.” we have people participating out of a desire guments potentially related to this topic on the motivation state and local leaders Why do you compete? Is it to prove to succeed instead of fear of failure. is enormous. Affirmative positions could who support or oppose the sanctuary city something to someone else? If so, you are With everyone supporting each other, range from humanity and human right concept. destined to spend your whole life trying to the object of the competition becomes satisfy another person. twofold: To give one’s very best effort and Far too often, people leave a competition to support everyone else. From this vantage Tips for upcoming concert season expressing anger, disgust, frustration, bitter- point: I win when you win because I was ness, hostility and a host of other negative (through my support of you) part of the continued from page 9 give your students a supreme challenge on emotions. Is it worth it? Obviously not! reason for your success. Of course you will a scale in a difficult key, practicing a shift one selection, balance the program with a As a result of this “win-at-all-costs” also win when I win. Everyone wins; nobody that is inconsistent, or working on vibrato selection that poses fewer difficulties. Be attitude, we often find the performers, in- loses! Personal satisfaction runs high, and and tone building. sure your students are ready for the techni- structors, even the audience participating everyone is eager to participate and improve Select non-contest repertoire to reinforce cal demands of each selection. Then isolate from the vantage point of “We’ll win by in the game. We all like to be participants the techniques you are building through the most difficult sections of the repertoire beating everyone else!” When we approach in the games we can win. scales and exercises. This repertoire will give and drill those in a variety of creative ways. anything from that perspective, the nega- Let us keep in mind our responsibility your students a chance to try out advancing Often this drill can be built into your warm- tives tend to feed on themselves and the to: support rather than tear down; educate techniques in the context of a piece of music. ups. It is helpful to analyze how you would damaging emotions compound. After a rather than criticize; encourage rather than And it will give you an opportunity to assess practice a difficult passage, and then adapt length of time, this self-destructive behavior discourage; appreciate rather than humili- what skills have been mastered sufficiently your individual practice strategy to group will result in the disappearance of the “will ate; have the courage to stand and cheer to use in a contest program. practice. After all, that’s what a rehearsal to compete.” In other words: “WE QUIT!!” for everyone. Select contest pieces that utilize the is – a practice session with a group. which is losing in its ultimate state. Together we all can win. Sounds like a skills that have matured. If you decide to Here’s to a successful contest season! The word competition is derived from great way to perform. UIL Leaguer January/ February 2008 • 13 After more than 2 decades, Trowbridge retires After more than 24 years of working for the Univer- calls and I always enjoyed assisting perplexed sity Interscholastic League, administrative associate John coordinators and directors navigate the system. Trowbridge retired in December. Eight years ago many coaches throughout the John started as a mail clerk at UIL after graduating state had limited access to the Internet, but from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in the times changed rapidly. Now, UIL could not geography. conduct business without it. I’m proud of my He moved from mail clerk to senior mail clerk and contributions toward propelling UIL into the then into academics where he was an assistant to former Internet age.” Academic Director Bobby Hawthorne and then to current What is one of your best memories? Academic Director Treva Dayton. “Bobby’s (Hawthorne) grand public thank Because John graduated high school from Virginia, yous at conventions with my daughter in the he knew very little about Texas schools when he started audience. She was always proud to hear my name at UIL. It didn’t take long for that to change, though. called out, sitting with her peers and teachers. An- Many academic coordinators across the state can attest ecdotes of Charles Butcher, Legislative Council that John knows just about everything there is to know Academic Committee Chair. Seeing UIL babies about UIL. grow up. Mary’s kindness. Phyllis’s laugh. Faces Here are a few of his answers. of everyone present and past. Office parties­– all “I never planned to stay, but the state UIL folks were a the food – way too many sweets!” terrific team and the longer I stayed the more I appreciated What is your favorite personal UIL-related how uniquely special the organization was and how much memories? it contributed to public education in Texas. I remained. I “Attending my oldest daughter’s orchestra con- passed up many opportunities to join other businesses and certs and soccer matches and watching her almost organizations that no longer exist.” receive a Tops in Texas for newspaper personal What was your favorite part about working here? column written for her younger sister. Attending my “Throughout all the years, my favorite tasks included youngest daughter’s soccer matches, band halftime working the state meets and conventions, especially ILPC shows, all-region and all-state concerts. spring convention, state academic meet and Capital Con- “Both kids have excelled academically yet ference. I always enjoyed visiting with new and veteran their school experiences have been remarkably coordinators and coaches. enriched by UIL activities. The partner who hired “I’m actually going to miss the ‘excitement’ of attempting my oldest as a human resource consultant for a Mailroom supervisor Diana Cardona hugs John Trowbridge at the holiday to be in several places juggling numerous tasks simultane- global firm told her it was the interviewing skills luncheon in December. Photo by Jeanne Acton ously for these events. I learned the hard way that priority she gained from all of her journalism experience No. 1 for any convention was coffee. Nothing is scarier that made her stand out and land the job. My organization anywhere that does so much. And I’m forever than a room full of caffeine-deprived educators waiting youngest loves music so much she’s decided to pursue a awed by the efficiency of the small state office, manned by for a late delivery from Starbucks.” career in music. She plans to be a high school band director. less than 20 directors and 30+ support staff.” What is one change you made at UIL that you are par- UIL will continue to be a big part of her future.” Do you have any advice for new academic coordinators? ticularly proud of? What do you wish the public knew about UIL? “Order packets of practice tests because they are the “When I made the move to Academics after many years “The public should know that UIL is a vast army of collection of previous year’s tests and therefore provide a in the mail room (the true heart of this organization!), I overworked teachers, coaches and administrators (not good starting point. Attend the summer Capital Conference began transforming the way we communicate away from to exclude referees, judges, parents and others) scat- to meet the directors in person and find potential mentors. postal mail to utilizing mass emailings. I assembled the tered throughout all Texas school districts who dedicate Drag as many kids as possible to the fall conferences and massive database of high school academic coordinator email countless extra hours and weekends for extracurricular throw them into the practice meets, ready or not.” addresses and later assumed responsibility for maintaining activities – ones that allow Texas school kids to develop What are you doing in retirement? the Academic Web pages. and master skills that benefit them long after graduation. “Still working! I’ve cut back to only one 40 hours a week “The online academic contest management system The number and variety of sports, academic and fine arts job rather than two for the 60+ hours a weeks I’d worked that we initiated a few years ago generated hundreds of activities sponsored by UIL is staggering - there is no other for the past eight years. Austin is an expensive city!” Sikes comes to the League from the Austin Film Society Administrative Associate Elisabeth Sikes such a key component of the educational months on the set of Miss Congeniality. And joined the UIL in December taking over experience for Texas school kids.” I used to edit wedding videos for an eccentric after John Trowbridge retired. What is your impression so far? Hungarian.” What prompted you to join UIL? “I’ve enjoyed meeting everyone on staff Where did you go to high school and college? “I’ve worked in the nonprofit commu- and talking with folks on the front lines of High School: Herndon High, Herndon, nity for the last six years — specifically for UIL, the coaches and coordinators. It’s amaz- VA. College: Syracuse University, Syracuse, the Austin Film Society. I was looking to ing how much dedication everyone has.” NY. Grad School: UT Austin branch out from the film world but also stay What was your previous job? Any hobbies or interests? involved with a mission-driven organization. “I was the Director of Artist Services at “I have a 14-year-old one-eyed Chi- When I came across the opening at UIL I the Austin Film Society. I also picked up huahua and I play lead guitar in a Journey was excited to be part of something that’s trash, professionally mind you, for three cover band.” Elisabeth Sikes UIL Leaguer 14 • January/ February 2008 Academic directors Council approves share their experiences steroid testing protocol for spring about the contests, life continued from page 1 continued from page 1 producing products In January at a called-meeting, the A: When I started the contest was in for that population Legislative Council passed the 18-page transition from a typing speed contest as well as students protocol. to its current form. It was on pretty thin in Computer Sci- “It was not only our staff who worked ice, and the plan was to make a go of it ence contests. Since throughout the holidays, but also the legal or let it go. Computer Applications is still then, we’ve spread counsel,” Rogers said. “We also had to meet transitioning. It was a great contest that into a number of with representatives of elected officials to we are now tweaking to make incremental areas, finding writers make sure we were meeting the intent of improvements. who are outstanding the law.” in their disciplines Assistant Director and Director of Athletics Dr. Charles Breithaupt said the Q: What kinds of improvements are being and working with UIL team that included Rogers, Dr. Mark made to the contest? them to produce A: With Microsoft coming out with study materials. We Cousins, athletic coordinator, and Cliff Office 2007 in an entirely different format still market to the Odenwald, associate athletic director, than Office 2003 for its operation and its National Spelling “went above and beyond the call of duty to pivot tables and its database reports, we Bee students, and the make sure that the protocol would protect are in the middle trying to make any given winner this year was both the students and schools. Their exper- test understandable in either and to make the 8th student in tise and effort should be applauded.” printouts mesh from either version with a row to use Hexco Before Council approved the protocol, the objective answer key we provide. We products in prepara- the League allowed for 21-day public com- are continually trying to find better ways tion. ment time. to grade and to test things that don’t really “We only received a few dozen comments and most of those were questions about appear in a printout, such as a consolidation Q: What’s your student privacy and whether supplements or validation abilities in Excel or a Lookup favorite part of working that they are currently taking would cause in one table from another in Access or with UIL? a positive result,” Rogers said. creating and using forms in Access. A : P r o b a b l y Mitra presents a session at the UT-Austin Student Activities Conference. the kids. They are Since the approval, the League has not Photo by EJ Eskridge-Johnson received much feedback, she said. Q: What do you do outside of UIL? amazing. When A: My husband and I started our own the coaches are ex- After my Ph.D., I had a research position Under Senate Bill 8, the random testing business in Houston, which was developing pounding that the contest is getting too in the Binary Black Hole Grand Challenge program will test only for anabolic steroids and marketing products used by program- hard, the kids are making perfect scores on Project. This was a joint project between of high school athletes at approximately mers and by large computer installations. their 30-minute tests. the Departments of Physics and Computer 30 percent of member high schools and Ultimately, we realized we could move Second would be the relationships, both Sciences. When the project ended I moved sample a statistically significant number our small business anywhere. The company with the UIL team and with the coaches over to Computer Sciences. of students. was named Hexco, Inc., which was a play on who have weathered the contest from the “We’ve heard from experts in the field “hexadecimal company.” Most computers early, difficult, controversial period. I re- Q: How did you become involved in that the number of positive tests that will display their internal information in base ally have a lot of support from both, and I UIL? result will be minimal,” Rogers said. 16 numbers, and our company was directed ask for and receive quite a lot of feedback A: A senior colleague of mine, Michael Last month the League selected the at computers. on what directions the contest should be Scott, introduced me to UIL. National Center for Drug Free Sport, Inc. taking. to conduct the testing program for the next two years. Q: How did this expand to UIL? Q: What do you enjoy about working A: As our children grew, we became more Shyamal Mitra with UIL? “We hope to begin in the coming weeks,” interested in academics, and their interests Computer Science State Director A: I have enjoyed the companionship Rogers said. became our interests. Their participation in of some dedicated educators. It has been a The funding for the testing program only goes to the 2008-09 school year, spelling bees sparked our interest in methods Q: How did you become interested in pleasure working with them. Rogers said. to learn spelling. astronomy, and why did you decide to get “We’ve been instructed by the Legisla- We produced printed products and a Ph.D. in it? How about your interest in Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free ture to try to find other means of funding then software for students preparing for Computer Sciences? time with your family? the Scripps National Spelling Bee. We A: I was always fascinated by the night A: I am married. My wife and I have an the program,” she said. then carried our products over to the UIL sky as a child. When I was in high school, 8-year-old son who is now in 3rd grade. My “The state appropriated $6 million for arena, and we’ve been developing products I wanted to know the structure of the uni- wife teaches in a pre-school close to our two years. On Dec. 1, 2008 we have to for UIL Spelling and Vocabulary since the verse. I decided to do a Ph.D. in astronomy home in Lakeway. submit a report and recommendations for mid-80s. to know more. My Ph.D. thesis was on I enjoy reading. When the weather is future funding.” In the late 90s, I started working directly the large-scale distribution of galaxies in good, I enjoy gardening or I go fishing Rogers said she is unsure what UIL will with UIL in Computer Applications, also a supercluster. with my son. recommend at that time. UIL Leaguer January/ February 2008 • 15 Football Championship

(Top left) Wide receiver Justin Runningdeer from Trinity High School scores during the 5A Division I Championship game. Trinity beat Judson High School 13-10. (Above) Katy High School celebrates its win in the Alamodome. (Right) Running back Aundre Dean scores a touchdown for Katy High School. Katy won the 5A Division Two Championship game against Pflugerville High School 28-7. Photos courtesy of Photo Texas 2007-08 Lone Star Cup Contest updated The UIL and Texas Dodge Dealers will country, volleyball and football, are as Katy Seven Lakes 22 2. Farmersville 24 again present the Lone Star Cup, honor- follows: 8. Brenham 20 3. Holliday 22 ing the best overall athletic and academic Corpus Christi Calallen 20 4. Bushland 20 programs in Texas for the 2007-2008 school 5A Pflugerville Connally 20 New Boston 20 year. 1. Austin Westlake 28 Waco Midway 20 Tatum 20 The Lone Star Cup is awarded to Southlake Carroll 28 Wall 20 high schools that accumulate the most 3. Amarillo 20 3A 8. Altair Rice 18 points based on their team performance Euless Trinity 20 1. Wimberley 26 Poth 18 in academic and athletic district and state Houston Cypress Fairbanks 20 2. China Spring 24 Salado 18 championships. Katy 20 3. Argyle 22 Point standings updates are released San Antonio Reagan 20 La Vernia 22 throughout the school year on the UIL 8. Abilene 18 5. Monahans 20 1A Web site and the High School Spotlight on Harlingen South 18 6. Columbus 18 1. Sundown 34 Fox Sports Net, and official final results will Humble Kingwood 18 Palacios 18 2. Harper 26 be announced July 1. Katy Cinco Ranch 18 Royse City 18 Windthorst 26 The winning schools in each classifica- 9. Andrews 16 4. Lindsay 24 tion will receive the Lone Star Cup trophy 4A Canyon 16 Shiner 24 and a $1,000 award, also presented by the 1. Dallas Highland Park 38 Celina 16 6. Iola 20 Texas Dodge Dealers. 2. Mesquite Poteet 28 Gilmer 16 Woodson 20 The next update will be posted on March New Braunfels 28 Liberty Hill 16 8. D’Hanis 18 21, 2008. 4. Friendswood 24 Flatonia 18 Current Lone Star Cup standing, which Hereford 24 2A Forsan 18 include marching band, team tennis, cross 6. Aledo 22 1. Wallis Brazos 28 Seymour 18 UIL Leaguer 16 • Sports January/ February 2008 Lessons from Gomer It’s time we all uphold the rules and report those who choose not to do so

Public he ghost of The earlier certification is necessary because of a there is a legitimate league formed with other Reprimands Gomer Pyle state law prohibiting post district competition the coaches involved. A coach is not allowed to Tis moving day before and the day of TAKS testing. The UIL require a student to participate. Neither may Football about our state. Those calendar had to change to accommodate this law. the coach require the student to participate on of us who remember the The UIL staff had to decide between two options. a specific team. Southwest Scobee Middle School – Steve Young old television sitcom Option A would have created a three-week gap Off-season periods are important to our athletic McKinney HS – Bobby The Andy Griffith Show between the regional and state meets. Option B programs. Please work hard to protect the integrity Reyes recall the character pushed the district certification date back three of the time provided. Utilize this time efficiently played by Jim Nabors. days, thus protecting conflicts with the regional and effectively. Make sure student-athletes are Basketball Charles Breithaupt In one episode, Deputy academic meet. not kept longer than the rules allow. Protect this San Antonio Clark HS – Athletic Director Barney Fife was teach- Unhappy track coaches who claim the UIL very important aspect of high school athletics John Paul ing Gomer about civic doesn’t care about track and field must remember in Texas. Don’t tarnish this advantageous time San Antonio Clark HS – responsibility and the that the UIL has done several positive things to through improper utilization of this period. Arelia Carrasco Georgetown HS – Kenny duty of every citizen to both uphold law and report promote the sport. We have provided schools Remember that in the playoffs, schools are still Hoffpauir violations of the law. Barney went on the write an additional meet with the change that doesn’t not allowed to practice more than one hour during Port-Neches Grove HS – Gomer a ticket for a minor infraction. As Barney require a regional qualifiers meet to count in the the school day. It is critical that you protect the Pat Abel got into the squad car and made an illegal U-turn eight-meet limitation. Essentially, this is an ad- integrity of the school day. Violations of this rule Klein Collins HS – Tor- rance Hicks in downtown Mayberry, Gomer decided to put ditional meet. Also, the top three qualifiers from have become more common and will continue to Lufkin Hudson HS – Barney’s civic lesson into practice. He chased after each district advance to regional competition. be penalized by the State Executive Committee. Brandi Daily Barney yelling “Citizen’s arrest! Citizen’s arrest!” Both of these positive changes far outweigh the Celebrate your victories. Make sure to enjoy the McLeod HS – Steven And Barney got a ticket as well. negative aspects of a mandatory change in schedule moment. But, remember that overzealous boosters Lambeth Henderson HS – Gabriel The lesson in all of this is that we should be for one meet. and parents can cause problems within this area. Gearheart reminded of our obligation to uphold the UIL Please be careful when ordering new equip- Rings, T-shirts, gift awards can all be problematic Dripping Springs HS – rules and report violations of the same. Recent ment, especially uniforms. Make certain the if not managed properly according to the specific Nelson Terroba activity shows that some parents are very quick uniforms you purchase are within the guidelines rules that apply. Don’t allow anyone to tarnish El Campo HS – Jerrell Barron to report violations that occur within their own of the playing rules. Check with UIL officials to your championship in this area. Huntsville Mance Park school. Often parents may be disgruntled because see that uniforms are in compliance. There is Remember why we coach. We coach to help Middle School – Zach they are unhappy with the playing time of their nothing more embarrassing than explaining to young people become better citizens through Young son or daughter. A lapse of judgment or error by your superintendent why the new uniforms you competition. Model proper behavior at all times. Austin Johnston HS – Tommy Reaux the coach opens the door for the parent to report purchased can’t be used. Never give anyone reason to criticize your coach- Friendswood HS – David the infraction. All coaches should be reminded about the rules ing behavior and demeanor. Remember that McKeel So be aware. Know the rules, apply the rules, regarding coaching during the off-season. Coaches every word you say becomes important to a young Fort Worth Southwest HS and enforce the rules. We have an obligation to in grades 7-12 are prohibited from coaching stu- athlete. Be positive rather than demeaning. Be – Scott Gray Miles HS – Crista Rojo the students we teach to uphold the integrity of dents in grades 7-12 from their own attendance tough without it becoming personal. Nevada Community HS – the activities not only by the statute, but also by zones. This rule includes the summer condition- Keep in mind that we have the best high school Mike Swigert the spirit of the rule. Don’t allow the ghost of ing program. The summer conditioning program athletic programs because we have advantages Era HS – Phillip Hill Gomer to invade your world. Be knowledgeable is only for students in grades 9-12. Coaches who not afforded in many states. We allow for more Ennis HS – David Kilpat- rick and be vigilant about the rules that govern your allow junior high students to participate in the games and practices during the school year than Houston Campbell Middle activities. summer conditioning program are in violation. in most other states. We have full-time coaches, School – Joycelyn Leath- Various and sundry topics of interest as we Coaches should be further reminded that non- and they are the best in the county. We have erwood begin a new year: school teams are exactly that. School coaches shall athletic periods during the school day, enabling Houston Cypress Woods HS – Michelle Moore Track and field coaches must be aware that not coach students in grades 7-12 from their own coaches to work with student-athletes through- Katy Taylor HS – Todd Wednesday April 9, 2008 is the deadline for dis- attendance zone. School equipment may not be out the school year. We have great facilities and Hart trict certification. Many coaches have expressed utilized for non-school activities. School funds may budgets. Finally, we have great support from our Katy Mayde Creek HS – concern that they have lost a meet. This is in- not be used for any non-school related program, superintendents and administrators who make Barrett O’Connell Slidell HS – Cody Vanover correct. Schools generally schedule their varsity including camps. the rules, allowing coaches the opportunity to Blooming Grove HS – district meets for Tuesday and Thursday nights. Coaches may assist in the organization of a be successful. Without this support, educational David Claxton So, essentially they lose the Thursday date. league. However, the coach may only do this if competition could not exist. Denton Navo Middle School – Denare Carter Plano HS – Rodney Belcher Got Football Championship Video? Corpus Christi Academy – Juan Renteria Has your school ever participated in a state championship football game? Do Leonard HS – Jimmy Lott Iowa Park HS – Tim Clark you have any championship football game footage? Any year, any classifica- tion, any division. If so, the UIL needs your assistance. Please contact Cody Havard at the UIL office via email at [email protected] or phone. Your help is greatly appreciated. UIL Leaguer January/ February 2008 Sports • 17 Officials’ pay raises will affect budgeting for 2008 t ’s t h a t of fuel. As fuel prices rise, the cost of trans- ing on your location, some travel expenses You will need to budget an additional $5 Itime of year porting students to and from athletic events will be out of your control. per official for each game in all sports with when school dis- increases. As a result the budget codes for This past summer, the UIL Officials sub-varsity teams. The C&CR states that fee tricts are prepar- mileage reimbursements will need to be Ad Hoc Committee met to discuss the increases for officials will be reviewed every ing their budgets adjusted. Another budget adjustment will officials’ fee schedule that is published in three years. This is a reminder that these fee for next year. I need to be made to allow for the increased the C&CR Section 1204. This committee increases are for the 2008–2009 school year. do not envy any costs resulting from pay increases for officials was composed of the Executive Director of Continue to reference the 2007-2008 C&CR of the athletic during the 2008 – 2009 school year. TASO, officials representing each sport, section 1204 for the current school year. directors who As these budget expenditures continue UIL staff members and athletic directors The issue of signing contracts and nego- probably just re- to grow, administrators must look harder from across the state. The following items tiating fees between officiating chapters and Cliff Odenwald Associate Athletic Director ceived the memo for areas where expenses are within their were discussed at the meeting: varsity and school districts continues to be a concern. or e-mail from control. For example, consider the schedul- sub-varsity officials’ fee schedules; flat fee As discussed in the Ad Hoc Committee, their school district’s business department ing of non-district games and tournaments. rates for officials; contract negotiations the only contract between an officiating setting the calendar for budget proposal, Scheduling non-district contests that between school districts and officiating chapter and a school district is Section deadlines in preparation for the 2008 – 2009 require less travel will not only help cover chapters; and the fee scale as it relates to 1204 in the C&CR. There are no other school year. It always seemed that the final the additional cost of gas but will also in- multiple games played at the same site. contracts and negotiating a higher or lower budget proposals were due the week after crease attendance at these games. Increased The following information will help fee is against UIL policy as described in the Spring Break. This meant that I had one less attendance means higher gate receipts and you determine your budgetary needs for C&CR Section 1204 (i) Fee Violations. week to work on it, because the last thing increased revenue for the budget. officials’ pay for 2008-2009. The official’s School districts may sign agreements with that I wanted to do during Spring Break When possible, schedule multiple games fee schedule for varsity games in baseball, officiating chapters. These agreements help was think about next year’s budget. at a single site. This can help save money basketball, football, softball and volleyball both the school district and the officiating When planning the budget for the up- not only with fewer event staff needed but will increase $5. In soccer a flat game fee chapters see that all upcoming events are coming school year, it’s important to meet also with decreased travel costs for officials. of $120 was adopted to cover the cost of assigned officials. with current staff members and evaluate One of the most costly travel expenditures all three officials. This flat fee is for each On behalf of the UIL, I want to thank expenditures from the current school year. is sending teams to tournaments. Thousands game and gross gate receipts will no longer all the officials for their service and dedica- This information is helpful in determining of dollars can be saved if teams do not need be used to calculate soccer officials’ pay. A tion. We realize that often you go above and which budget codes have sufficient funds charter buses, hotel rooms and extra money sub-varsity officials’ fee schedule was ap- beyond to see that events are covered. We and which accounts need to be increased. for meals when adequate tournaments can proved for all sports and will be published appreciate the pride and professionalism you A second consideration is the rising cost be found closer to home. Obviously, depend- in Section 1204 in the C&CR next year. demonstrate year in and year out. Legislative Council mandates NFHS coaching course t its October meeting, student-centered curriculum emphasizing the role of the Particular emphasis is placed on the role of the teacher/ Athe UIL Legislative teacher/coach in promoting learning and the creation coach in creating an environment that emphasizes learn- Council passed an amendment of a healthy and developmentally appropriate athletic ing and optimizes the physical, social and psychological requiring all first-year coaches experience. The lead author of the course is Dr. Darren development of each student. and any coach who is not a Treasure, a former Associate Professor in sport psychology Unit 4: The Coach and Physical Conditioning full-time employee of the school at Arizona State University. Currently 40 states utilize the This unit focuses on research-based physiological district to complete the National NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Course. principles and applications that can enhance the health, Federation of State High school Designed with and for interscholastic coaches, the development, performance and welfare of the students. Associations (NFHS) Funda- four-hour online course consists of five units: Emphasis is placed on designing a year-round training mentals of Coaching Course, Unit 1: Educational Athletics and the Role of the program that highlights the concepts of periodization, Rachel Harrison Athletic Coordinator effective Aug. 1, 2008. Cur- Teacher/Coach specificity, reversibility and individualization. rently, any coach who is ejected, The initial unit emphasizes the mission and purpose Unit 5: The Coach as Teacher and does not have the ejection of educational athletics in our nation’s schools. The top The final unit of the course emphasizes the teaching overturned, is required to complete the course. five educational outcomes of interscholastic athletics are aspects of coaching. Emphasis is placed on the technical While it is estimated that one million adults coach in our introduced that teacher/coaches should strive to achieve, and tactical development of individual students and the nation’s schools, it is reported that only 16 percent have received including promotion of learning, citizenship, sportsman- team through the use of proven instructional strategies. any formal coach education. The educational value of athletics ship, healthy lifestyle and life skills. In addition to these five units, the UIL is planning to add is largely dependent on how the activity is structured. When Unit 2: The Coach as Manager a unit specifically for coaches in Texas that includes UIL structured properly, athletics offers a vehicle to teach students This unit focuses on the administrative and managerial eligibility rules, rule changes and sport specific information. skills that contribute to their overall development. aspects of coaching. The module highlights the teacher/ The course should be complete and ready for coaches to The role of interscholastic athletic programs is to coach’s responsibility in ensuring a safe and healthy en- access by May. The cost of the course, which can be paid provide an educational experience. The purpose of the vironment for all students and stresses the importance by the coach or the school district, is $35. NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Course is to reinforce of understanding the legal and liability issues related to As someone who has completed Fundamentals of those values in the coaches and teachers who serve as role coaching interscholastic athletics. Coaching, I can assure you the content is extremely rel- models and mentors to the students who participate. Unit 3: The Coach and Interpersonal Skills evant and informative. I think any coach would benefit Launched in January 2007, Fundamentals of Coaching This unit focuses on research-based psychological from this course. The NFHS Coach Education program is the signature course of the NFHS Coach Education principles and applications that can enhance the health, provides yet another mechanism to facilitate the positive, program. It is an online initiative that stresses a unique development, performance and welfare of the students. personal development of our student-athletes. UIL Leaguer 18 • Sports January/ February 2008 FAQ about anabolic steroid testing he fol- posted prior to Aug. 1, 2008. athletes will only be tested for the substances banned substances. low- listed on the UIL Anabolic Steroid List. The REC is available 24 hours a day, Ti n g UIL Anabolic Steroid List The law does not allow testing for other seven days a week by calling the UIL hotline are questions androstenediol substances. or by logging into: www.drugfreesport. and answers androstenedione com/rec and entering the assigned pass- pertaining to boldenone Q: Are nutritional and dietary supplements word. Student-athletes should contact the the upcoming chlorotestosterone (4-chlortestosterone) or vitamins on the list of Anabolic steroids? Member School Representative at their UIL Anabolic clostebol A: No, they are not on the list of anabolic school for the UIL hotline number and/ Steroid Testing dehydrochlormethyltestosterone steroids; however, student-athletes must be or the assigned password for UIL member Program. Man- dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) aware that nutritional and dietary supple- schools. Mark Cousins dated by Senate dihydrotestosterone (DHT) ments could contain or be contaminated All correspondence with the REC can Athletic Coordinator Bill 8, passed by dromostanolone with anabolic steroids. In addition, the U.S. be done so anonymously and will be kept the 80th Texas drostanolon Food and Drug Administration does not confidential. Questions received by the Legislature, this statewide random testing epitrenbolone strictly regulate the supplement industry, REC will be answered within 24 hours of program will affect student-athletes in ethylestrenol and therefore purity and safety of nutritional submission during regular business hours. grades 9-12, regardless of sport, gender or fluoxymesterone and dietary supplements cannot be guaran- participation level. formebulone teed. Contaminated supplements could lead Q: Who is subject to the testing program? The National Center for Drug Free gestrinone to a positive anabolic steroid test. The use A: All student-athletes in the 9th, 10th, Sport, Inc. has been selected to conduct the mesterolone of supplements is at the student-athlete’s 11th and 12th grades at UIL member high UIL Anabolic Steroid Testing Program for methandienone own risk. Student-athletes and interested schools are subject to UIL statewide testing. the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years. methandranone individuals with questions or concerns Selection of student-athletes will be based After holding a formal bid process, the methandrostenolone about these substances should consult their upon a random selection process. UIL considered all proposals submitted and methenolone physician for further information. selected The National Center for Drug Free methyltestosterone Student athletes must be aware that they Q: How many tests will be conducted and Sport, Inc., also known as Drug Free Sport, mibolerone are responsible for everything they eat, drink how many schools will be involved? to conduct the UIL Anabolic Steroid Test- methandriol and put into their body. Ignorance and/or A: The UIL has been directed to test a ing Program mandated by Senate Bill 8. nandrolone lack of intent are not acceptable excuses for statistically significant number of student- The UIL has been directed to test a norandrostenediol a positive anabolic steroid test result. athletes in grades 9-12 at approximately statistically significant number of student- norandrostenedione 30 percent (400) of UIL member high athletes in grades 9-12 at approximately 30 norethandrolone Q: Who is going to administer the steroid schools. The selection process of schools percent of UIL member high schools. The oxandrolone testing program? and student-athletes will be random, and selection process of schools and student- oxymesterone A: The National Center for Drug Free approximately 40,000-50,000 student- athletes will be random, and approximately oxymetholone Sport, Inc. has been selected to conduct the athletes will be tested by the end of the 40,000-50,000 student athletes will be stanolone UIL Anabolic Steroid Testing Program for 2008-09 school year. tested for anabolic steroids between this stanozolol the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years. spring and the end of the 2008-09 school testolactone After holding a formal bid process, the Q: What if a student-athlete, or the student- year. testosterone* UIL considered all proposals submitted and athlete’s parents/legal guardians do not wish With the finalization of the contract, the tetrahydrogestrinone (THG) selected The National Center for Drug Free the student-athlete to be randomly selected UIL Anabolic Steroid Testing Program is trenbolone Sport, Inc., also known as Drug Free Sport, for testing? set to begin. There is no set date for the first and any substance, such as a compound or to conduct the UIL Anabolic Steroid Test- A: As required by law, each academic test to take place. All testing dates will be metabolite, that is chemically or pharmaco- ing Program mandated by Senate Bill 8. year the student-athlete and his/her parents/ unannounced, in keeping with the nature logically related to testosterone, other than For more information on Drug Free Sport legal guardians shall sign a form prescribed of the random steroid testing process. an estrogen, progestin, or corticosteroid, please visit www.drugfreesport.com by the UIL in which the student-athlete and For more information on the UIL and promotes muscle growth his/her parents/legal guardians consent for Anabolic Steroid Testing Program, consult Q: Where can a student-athlete find up-to- the student-athlete, if randomly selected, the UIL Web site: http://www.uil.utexas. * For testosterone the definition of date, confidential and accurate information on to be tested for the presence of anabolic edu/athletics/health/steroid_information. positive depends on an adverse analyti- dietary supplements and dangerous or banned steroids prohibited by the UIL in their html. cal finding (positive result) based on the substances? body. Failure to complete and sign the methods listed in section 1.2 which shows A: The National Center for Drug Free form shall result in the student-athlete’s Q: What is an anabolic steroid, and for that the testosterone is of exogenous origin, Sport, Inc. has partnered with the UIL ineligibility for participation in UIL athletic what substances will the program test? or if the ratio of the total concentration of to provide an easily accessible resource activities. A: Anabolic steroids are any steroid as testosterone to that of epitestosterone in designed to answer questions about its drug- described in section 481.104 of the Texas the urine is greater than 6:1, unless there testing program, banned substances and Q: Will different numbers of students be Health and Safety Code. The UIL Anabolic is evidence that this ratio is due to a physi- inquiries about dietary supplements. The tested at different schools (1A-5A)? Steroid List includes the substances listed ological or pathological condition. Resource Exchange Center (REC) is a A: Yes. The larger the school’s classifica- below which meet the description of ana- service solely dedicated to making sure tion/enrollment, the higher the number of bolic steroid contained in section 481.104 Q: Will student-athletes be tested for rec- participants are provided with up-to-date, student-athletes at that school that will be of the Texas Health and Safety Code. The reational drugs and/or alcohol? confidential and accurate information randomly selected for testing. 2008-2009 Anabolic Steroid List will be A: No. As required by law, student- on dietary supplements and dangerous or continued on next page UIL Leaguer January/ February 2008 Sports • 19 FAQ about anabolic steroid testing Q: What type of test will be used? monthly basis. There should be only one as described in 3.2 of the UIL Anabolic The school MSR can provide a copy of the A: The test will analyze a urine speci- UIL Anabolic Steroid Testing Student- Steroid Testing Program Protocol. CCF to the student-athlete if requested. men. Athlete Listing Form per school, and it should be updated only by the designated Q: What if a student-athlete has an Q: How long will it take for the school and Q: Will the results of the tests be confi- Member School Representative throughout academic obligation (test, presentation, etc.) the student-athlete to receive test results? dential? the school year. during the time they are selected for anabolic A: Negative results will be received A: Yes. By law, results of an anabolic steroid testing? by the Member School Representative steroid test are confidential and, unless Q: When and to whom should the UIL Anabolic A: The crew chief may release a student- within seven business days of receipt at the required by court order, may be disclosed Steroid Testing Student-Athlete Listing Form athlete to meet academic obligations only laboratory. Positive results on specimen only to the student-athlete and the student- be submitted? after appropriate arrangements for having A will be received by the Member School athlete’s parent and the activity directors, A: Upon notification that their school the student-athlete tested have been made Representative within 10 days of receipt principal, and assistant principals of the has been selected for testing (which will be and documented by the crew chief. at the laboratory. school attended by the student-athlete. a minimum of 24 hours (one business day) School personnel who violate confiden- and a maximum of 48 hours (two business Q: What happens if a student-athlete refuses Penalties tiality in relation to a steroid test result days) prior to the testing date), the UIL to be tested for anabolic steroids? Q: What is the penalty for a positive result may be subject to the range of penalties Member School Representative will be A: A student-athlete who refuses to on an anabolic steroid test? in section 27 of the UIL Constitution and required to provide an accurate and current submit to testing after random selection A: Any student-athlete found to be Contest Rules. list of all student-athletes in grades 9-12 will be treated as if they have a positive positive for an anabolic steroid (report of participating in UIL athletic activities at test result and shall be subject to the ap- confirmation of positive result on specimen Processes the UIL member school to Drug Free Sport propriate penalty as described in 3.2 of the B) for the first time, or who refuses to submit for student-athlete random selection. protocol. to testing after random selection, shall be Q: How are schools and student-athletes The Member School Representative suspended for 30 school days of competi- selected for testing? will be required to submit the list within Q: Who is present while a student-athlete tion in all UIL athletic activities. Prior to A: Both schools and student-athletes are the time frame specified by Drug Free Sport is being tested for an anabolic steroid? eligibility restoration, a student-athlete randomly selected by a double-blind ran- in their notification. The school is required A: Only a crew member of the same must undergo an exit anabolic steroid test dom selection process conducted by Drug to utilize the UIL Anabolic Steroid Testing gender as the student-athlete and the and receive a negative result. Free Sport and approved by the UIL. Student-Athlete Listing Form. student-athlete being tested may be present Upon a report of confirmation of a second in the rest room while the student-athlete positive specimen B anabolic steroid test Q: How much notice will a school receive Q: How will a school that has been randomly is being tested for an anabolic steroid. The result during his/her high school participa- that they have been randomly selected for selected for testing know what student-athletes student-athlete will be allowed to enter the tion, or upon a refusal to submit to testing Anabolic steroid testing? will be subjected to the tests? stall and close the door for privacy during after random selection of a student-athlete A: The school will be officially noti- A: Upon arrival at the randomly selected the voiding process. who has previously been subjected to the fied of the anabolic steroid testing event a school, the testing crew chief will provide first positive test penalty, a student-athlete minimum of 24 hours (one business day) the Member School Representative with Q: What constitutes a complete speci- shall be suspended from all UIL athletic but no more than 48 hours (two business a list of the randomly selected student- men? contests for one calendar year. Prior to days) before the day of testing by Drug athletes for anabolic steroid testing. The A: In order to have a complete speci- eligibility restoration, a student-athlete Free Sport. randomly selected student-athletes will men, the student-athlete must provide must undergo an exit anabolic steroid test be notified of and scheduled for anabolic approximately 90 ml of urine that meets and receive a negative result. Q: What is the UIL Anabolic Steroid Testing steroid testing by a UIL member school the temperature, specific gravity and pH Upon a report of confirmation of a third Student-Athlete Listing Form? representative. values outlined in the UIL Anabolic Steroid positive specimen B anabolic steroid test A: The UIL Anabolic Steroid Test- Testing Program Protocol. result during his/her high school participa- ing Student-Athlete Listing Form is the Q: How far in advance are the student- tion, or upon a refusal to submit to testing document, available for download as an athletes selected for testing notified? Q: What happens if the specimen does not after random selection of a student-athlete Excel file from the UIL Web site, on which A: The student-athletes are notified meet the requirements for testing? who has previously been subjected to the the Member School Representative will immediately before they are required to A: If the specimen does not meet the first and second positive test penalties, a provide an accurate and current list of all report to the collection station. There is no requirements for testing mentioned in the student-athlete shall be suspended from student-athletes in grades 9-12 at their high advance notice of anabolic steroid testing protocol, the student-athlete will discard all UIL athletic contests for the remainder school. Drug Free Sport will randomly select given to student-athletes. the specimen. The student-athlete must of his/her high school career at any UIL student-athletes for testing from this list. remain in the collection station until an- member school. Q: What happens if a randomly selected other specimen is provided. The UIL will cover the cost for the first Q: When should the Member School Repre- student-athlete is absent from school on the exit anabolic steroid test for purposes of eli- sentative complete the UIL Anabolic Steroid day of an anabolic steroid test? Q: Will the student-athlete being tested gibility restoration for the penalties above. Testing Student-Athlete Listing Form? A: If the absence is an excused absence, receive any paperwork after the completion of Any subsequent exit test(s) for purposes of A: The UIL Anabolic Steroid Testing there would be no problem. Randomly testing process? eligibility restoration are conducted at the Student-Athlete Listing Form should be selected student-athletes who do not ap- A: The client (the Member School expense of the school, student-athlete or the downloaded from the UIL Web site and pear for testing for reasons other than an Representative for that school) will receive family of the student-athlete. Only anabolic created by the Member School Repre- excused absence will be treated as if there a copy of the Custody and Control Form steroid tests conducted by Drug Free Sport sentative at the beginning of the school was a positive test result for an anabolic (CCF) used as part of the specimen collec- will be considered for the purposes of this year and should be updated, at least, on a steroid and subject to applicable penalties tion process for each student-athlete tested. program. UIL Leaguer 20 • Official Notices January/ February 2008

Fort Hancock HS A full-time substitute who has Lewisville Marcus HS Laredo United South HS tee issued a public reprimand August 14, 2008 for violation The State Executive Committee coached during the school year The State Executive Committee The State Executive Commit- to Coach Wendy Edwards with of Section 1033 (b) (6), Failure issued a public reprimand to would be permitted to continue issued a public reprimand to tee issued a public reprimand probation through May 21, 2008 to Participate in One-Act Play Fort Hancock High School with coaching until the UIL competi- Lewisville Marcus High School to Coach David Marsello with for violation of Section 1208 (j), Contest. probation through August 14, tive year has ended. Example: Boys’ Soccer Program with pro- probation through May 15, 2008 Ejection from Contest. 2008 for violation of UIL Pitching state baseball playoffs. bation through April 24, 2008, and a suspension for the first New London Limitations. The State Executive for violation of Section 1201 (a) two games of the 2007-2008 Milano HS West Rusk HS Committee also issued a public Corpus Christi (3), Physical and Verbal Abuse baseball tournament season The State Executive Commit- The State Executive Committee reprimand to Coach Armando Moody HS of a Sports Official by a Student for violation of Section 1208 (j), tee issued a public reprimand issued a public reprimand to Aguilar with probation through The State Executive Committee Athlete. The State Executive Ejection from Contest. to Coach Powell Compton with West Rusk High School with pro- August 14, 2008 for violation of issued a public reprimand with Committee also issued a public probation through May 21, 2008 bation through August 14, 2008 UIL Pitching Limitations. probation through May 16, 2008 reprimand to Coach John Gall Mission Sharyland HS for violation of Section 1208 (j), for violation of Section 1033 to Corpus Christi Moody High with probation through April 24, The State Executive Committee Ejection from Contest. (b) (6), Failure to Participate in UIL HS Poetry, Category A – School. The State Executive 2008, for violation of Section issued a public reprimand to One-Act Play Contest. Award-winning Poets Committee also issued a public 1201 (a) (3), Physical and Verbal Coach Jeff Moubray with pro- San Antonio Holmes HS Two Tuft Awards are included on reprimand to Coach Paula Sali- Abuse of a Sports Official by a bation through May 15, 2008 The State Executive Committee Simms Bowie HS the acceptable poetry award list nas Rodriguez, with probation Student Athlete. and a suspension from the first issued a public reprimand to The State Executive Committee for Category A of Poetry: the through May 16, 2008. two games of the 2007-2008 Coach Merry Brown with proba- issued a public reprimand to Kingsley Tuft Award and the Kate Dickinson HS baseball season for violation of tion through February 12, 2009 Coach Charles Hudgeons with Tuft Discovery Award. San Antonio Burbank HS The State Executive Committee Section 1208 (j), Ejection from for violation of Section 1208 (j), probation through November The State Executive Committee issued a public reprimand to Contest. Ejection from Contest. 6, 2008 for violation of Sec- S. GRAND PRAIRIE HS suspended Coach Rudy Vera Coach Mack Brown with proba- tion 1208 (j), Ejection from The State Executive Committee through August 21, 2009 for tion through May 22, 2008 and Mission Sharyland HS Arlington Lamar HS Contest. issued a public reprimand to violation of Section 51 (a) (8), a one game suspension for the The State Executive Committee The State Executive Commit- Coach Shawn Hoover with proba- Recruiting. 2007-2008 soccer season for issued a public reprimand to tee issued a public reprimand Roma HS tion through Feb. 21, 2008. violation of Section 1208 (j), Coach Rick Lozano with proba- to Coach Cheryl Edwards with The State Executive Committee Corpus Christi Ejection from Contest. tion through May 15, 2008 and probation through August 14, issued a public reprimand to Irving HS Calallen HS a suspension from the first tour- 2008 for violation of Section 400 Coach Homer Garr with proba- The State Executive Commit- The State Executive Committee El Paso Burges HS nament game of the 2007-2008 (d), Playing an Ineligible Player, tion through December 11, 2008 tee issued a public reprimand issued a public reprimand to The State Executive Committee baseball season for violation of No Pass No Play. for violation of Section 1208 (j), to Coach Steven Perry with Coach Steve Chapman with pro- issued a public reprimand to Section 1208 (j), Ejection from Ejection from Contest. probation through February bation through March 3, 2009 Coach John Skelton with proba- Contest. Slaton HS 16, 2008. for violation of Section 1208 (j) tion through May 20, 2008 for The State Executive Commit- Pflugerville Hendrick- (3), Ejection from Contest While violation of Section 1208 (j), Dripping Springs HS tee issued a public reprimand son HS HOUSTON PREPARED TABLE on Probation. Ejection from Contest. The State Executive Committee to Coach Eddie Kilmer with a The State Executive Committee CHARTER SCHOOL issued a public reprimand to suspension from coaching in issued a public reprimand to The State Executive Committee Irving MacArthur HS Coach David Ellis with probation all UIL activities through August Coach Joshua Field with proba- suspended Prepared Table Char- The State Executive Committee Elgin Middle School through May 20, 2008 for viola- 14, 2010 for violation of Section tion through January 8, 2009 ter School from all UIL activities issued a public reprimand to The State Executive Commit- tion of Section 1208 (j), Ejection 1201 (a) (3). In addition, if at for violation of Section 1208 (j), until a school administrator Michael DeSpain with probation tee issued a public reprimand from Contest, with his name to any time he returns to Texas and Ejection from Contest. appears before the Committee through August 21, 2008 for to Coach Christy Wagner with be published in the Leaguer for a wishes to coach, he shall appear to answer allegations involv- violation of Section 1110 (c) (2), probation through February period of twelve months because before the State Executive Com- Jasper HS ing misconduct by coach and Eligibility, and Section 1110 (f), 19, 2008 for violation of Sec- of lack of COPE training prior to mittee before he is able to coach The State Executive Committee players. Organization Roster. tion 1208 (j), Ejection from his coaching season. in any UIL activity. If he returns issued a public reprimand to Contest. to the State of Texas within the Coach Tim Little with probation Mertzon Irion County ISD Bryan Brazos Inquiry and Houston Lamar HS three-year suspension, he has through January 8, 2009 for District 12-1A Executive Commit- Creativity School Houston Milby HS The State Executive Committee the opportunity to appeal the violation of Section 1208 (j), tee issued a public reprimand The State Executive Committee The State Executive Committee issued a public reprimand to decision to the State Executive Ejection from Contest. to Irion County ISD and placed suspended Bryan Brazos Inquiry issued a public reprimand to Coach Dennis Gillespie with pro- Committee. the school district on probation and Creativity School for the Coach Eric Woloson with proba- bation through January 23, 2009 Rosenberg Lamar Consoli- though October 28, 2008. remainder of the 2006-2007 and tion through May 22, 2008 and for violation of Section 1208 (j), Austin Reagan HS dated HS the 2007-2008 boys and girls two game suspension for the Ejection from Contest. The State Executive Committee The State Executive Commit- Denton McMath MS varsity basketball seasons. 2007-2008 baseball season issued a public reprimand to tee issued a public reprimand The State Executive Commit- for violation of Section 1208 (j), Laird Hill Leveretts Reagan High School with proba- to Lamar Consolidated High tee issued a public reprimand Ingleside Middle School Ejection from Contest. Chapel HS tion through August 14, 2008 for School’s football program with to Coach Priest Johnson with The State Executive Commit- The State Executive Commit- violation of Section 1033 (b) (6), probation through January 16, probation through October 23, tee issued a public reprimand Ingleside Middle School tee issued a public reprimand Failure to Participate in One-Act 2009 for violation of Sections 2009 for violation of Section to Coach Homero Trevino with The State Executive Commit- to Coach Ricky Hammontree Play Contest. 1206 and 441. The State Execu- 51 (a) (8). probation through February tee issued a public reprimand with probation through Janu- tive Committee also issued a 26, 2008 for violation of Sec- to Coach Homero Trevino with ary 9, 2010 for violation of Fort Worth Diamond Hill- public reprimand to Coach Lydell EMPLOYMENT tion 1208 (j), Ejection from probation through February 26, Section 1208 (j), Ejection from Jarvis HS Wilson with probation through OF COACHES Contest. 2008 and a one-game suspen- Contest. The State Executive Commit- January 16, 2009 for violation Addition to Official Interpretation sion for the 2007 track season tee issued a public reprimand of Sections 1206 and 441. #29 (Section 1033 [b] [5] and for violation of Section 1208 (j), Little Elm HS to Diamond Hill-Jarvis High Section 1202): Ejection from Contest. The State Executive Commit- School with probation through Distribution rights The UIL mails 15 copies of each issue of the Leaguer to every public high school in Texas as well as copies to elementary and junior high schools that have returned their Participation Cards. The Leaguer contains vital information regarding UIL activities. Please distribute these to coaches and sponsors of all UIL activities, and ask them to share their copy. Also, visit our Web site (http://www.uil.utexas.edu). We recommend you ­distribute copies of the Leaguer to the following: Principal Speech Coach Librarian Journalism Adviser Academic Coordinator UIL Academic Sponsors Athletic Director Band Director Head Coaches Theater Director