Monday, June 14, 1999

Meetings went smoothly for ADs

By Cindy Luis
Star-Bulletin

Last week's conference on Kauai involving Hawaii's high school athletic directors went fairly smoothly, with only one issue going to a roll-call vote. There was little heated discussion during the general assembly sessions, something that had marked previous Hawaii Interscholastic Athletic Directors Association conferences.

Two reasons given by Don Botelho, the HIADA's ex-officio member of the executive board, were: proposals that weren't controversial and productive committee sessions where arguments for both sides were heard and disagreements worked out before the general session.

"I think it went well," said Keith Amemiya, the Hawaii High School Athletic Association's executive director. "We addressed many issues and I'm pleased with the results. We're looking forward to another great school year."

The one issue was regarding a committee to study a 16-team single-elimination state tournament - to include regionals on neighbor islands - in all team sports except football. The initial vote by show of hands defeated the proposal, 28-29; a roll-call vote, which included proxy votes, approved it, 38-29.

The vote went almost completely down league lines: the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, the Maui Interscholastic League and the Big Island Interscholastic Federation were nearly unanimous in their approval, while the Oahu Interscholastic Association and Kauai Interscholastic Federation were nearly unanimous in their opposition.

Those opposing the proposal did not like the elimination of the consolation rounds. However, there is a good probability that two formats would be discussed for a 16-team tournament, one that would include a consolation bracket as well as retain games for first, third, fifth and seventh place,

All of the measures approved Saturday are forwarded to the HHSAA's executive board members for approval. That meeting is scheduled for Thursday on Maui.

There is still much discussion regarding the approval of a state football tournament, including cost. The proposal is for an eight-team tournament that would have the top four OIA teams competing along with the league champions of the ILH, BIIF and MIL.

One board member indicated that the tournament will be held in some form but could be pared down to six teams for the inaugual event.

Board members are president Anthony Ramos, principal of Kamehameha Schools and the ILH representative; vice-president Gil Youn, Kapaa principal and KIF representative; secretary Daniel Yoshida, Konawaena principal and BIIF representative; and treasurer Gary Griffiths, Aiea principal and OIA representative.

Also approved Saturday:

Air Riflery: Tournament rules and format.

Softball: Allow courtesy runner for catcher; allow yellow optic ball for state tournament; players on field should wear all uniform caps, visors or no headgear.

Swimming and diving: Follow recommendations of the national federation on relay events using a cardless meet; adding existing qualifications for diving.

Wrestling: Put state wrestling formally into the HHSAA Sport Regulation handbook; require use of headcovers for those having hair longer than allowed; all seeding committee to adjust the seeding procedures if any discrepancies arise; adopt the Hawaii Athletic Trainers Association weight monitoring program.

Volleyball: Modify tie-breaker procedure after pool play using percentage of games won and lost.

Soccer: Adding Maui to the rotation for state soccer tournaments, provided the venue is improved.

Baseball: Adding Maui to the rotation for state baseball, beginning with next May's tournament. Most of the games would be played at Iron Maehara Field, part of the War Memorial Stadium complex.

Sports Calendar: Locking in the weeks for state tournaments for the next two school years. Several sports, such as girls' basketball and softball may change due to availability of University of Hawaii venues.