Once again, there is a problem with Assumption of Risk Forms and Eligibility Lists being submitted to the League Office prior to the first contest. There have been far too many games, matches, and meets that havehad to be forfeited this season and last. In addition, student-athletes were required to sit out an equal number of contests for those they participated in as an ineligible player.

Principals and Athletic Directors are reminded of Article 3, Section I,a,b, of the Rules and Regulations of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League: "Each school must file with the RIIL office two (2) separate Eligibility Lists, one for Varsity and the second for Junior Varsity athletes, at least one (1) week prior to the first RIIL contest of each sport. The grade (and year in school since Grade 9 if different from grade) in school of each participant should be noted on the eligibility form."

Also, "Any athlete who does not have on file in the RIIL Office a valid Assumption of Risk form will be ineligible for competition in the RIIL."

Once again, URI will honor Rhode Island High School girls’ championship teams in all sports at a URI Women’s Basketball Game in January. The URI Athletic Department will contact high school coaches to promote the event and to encourage attendance.

The RIIL Principals’ Committee on Athletics enthusiastically endorses this event and strongly urges all schools who are invited to attend.

Principals and Athletic Directors will receive information regarding the logistics and are asked to promote this event.

The RIIL encourages sportsmanship in all activities.

A. All balls used in competition governed under NFHS rules must carry the NFHS Authenticating mark. This specifically includes: baseballs, basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, softballs, and volleyballs.

A. Not in any noticeable way. The new Authenticating Mark will be visible on the equipment but proportioned to appear unobtrusively on balls of various sizes.

A. Coaches and athletic directors will be responsible for making sure that their teams are legal and properly equipped with balls featuring the Authenticating Mark. Game officials will check for the mark prior to the start of competition.

Q. Can schools use existing equipment which does not have the mark?

A. Existing equipment still can be used through the 1998-99 season. After that, any equipment without the mark can continue to be used in practice.

A. Specific characteristics detailed by NFHS rules such as weight, circumference and length have been spelled out in clearly defined protocols to bring uniformity and consistency to the equipment.

A. There are three important reasons.

First, the use of conforming equipment is essential to the integrity of contests played under NFHS rules. This program will help promote a level playing field by ensuring consistency in the equipment being used in NFHS-sanctioned interscholastic competition.

Secondly, by requesting a modest fee to be paid by participating manufacturers for use of the Authenticating Mark, the program will generate revenue to support additional services to benefit student-athletes, athletic administrators, coaches, and officials.

Finally, the mark will allow development of more sophisticated standards in balls and clearly communicate to administrators, coaches, and officials that these standards are being met.

A. Manufacturers whose equipment meets the NFHS guidelines will pay the NFHS 25 cents for inflated balls and 25 cents per dozen for non-inflated balls.

A. Equipment endorsements, such as those by athletes, already increase equipment costs without providing any revenue to schools using the equipment.

In this case, while this program may result in a modest increase in equipment cost, the income generated by the NFHS will provide benefits to high school sports and to participating athletes.

Dr. Walker, prevention specialist for Texas’ juvenile corrections agency, presented the research in Zurich, Switzerland, to an international audience of leaders in professional sport at the invitation of the 1998 Ice Hockey World Championship International Symposium on Medicine and Science in Ice Hockey.

The violence prevention research provides new evidence of both statistical and practical significance. At the highest level of competition, teams playing with more violence are not more likely to win; in fact, the opposite is true. In a study of 1,462 recorded penalties fromall 18 Stanley Cup Championship Final Series from1980 to 1997, teams playing with less violence were more likely towin and averaged more than seven more shots on goal per game than teams that played with more violence. Over the course of a seven-game series, this would provide an additional 53 more shots on goal – more than a whole extra game’s worth of shots on goal – to teams playing with less violence.

The researchers also found that losing teams demonstrated more violent player behavior early in the game, suggesting that violence was not due to the frustration of losing, but rather due to an intentional strategy possibly based on the mistaken belief that violent behavior contributes to winning.

Ice hockey has become the fastest growing sport in many parts of the world. Although European ice hockey has evolved into a highly refined game, based on skill and finesse, the North American version of the sport is still based heavily on violence. Catastrophic and disabling injuries are being reported with increasing frequency. These injuries are in many cases caused by violent player behavior which, the researchers pointed out, may be supported by coaches who cling to the belief that such behavior contributes to winning.

In a recent issue of Sky Magazine dedicated to "The Magnitude of Sport", Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jonathan Yardley wrote, "There is much to be learned about a culture from those persons whom it places upon pedestals, whom it admires and emulates, whom it calls heroes."

Professional athletes are powerful role models for American youth. Many authorities have looked to sport programs as a way of reducing juvenile delinquency. Youth sports are deeply rooted in our social and cultural heritage. A recent study estimated that almost half of 34 million American adolescents participated in non-school sports. In terms of attendance at sports events, corporate sponsorship of athletics, licensed sports product sales, and media coverage on television and radio, the magnitude of sport in our society has never been so dominant and pervasive – and its impact is growing.

One of the most disturbing trends in American sports is the increasing frequency and severity of violence. Many authorities in the field of violence prevention believe that the increasing acceptance of violence in sports creates a cultural climate that "spills over" and translates into greater violence in society.

"Old myths die hard," Dr. Walker said. "North American teams that play with more violence continue to lose in international competition against European teams that play with more finesse.

"There is a temptation experienced by all players and coaches," he continued, "when in a game situation to rely on the ‘crutch’ of cheating, both violent and nonviolent, to make up for inadequate preparation and practice. And while the players and coaches who develop a habit of leaning on this ‘crutch’ may have temporary short-term success from time to time, in the long-run, there is no short-cut to success.

"The reliance on the ‘crutch’ of cheating only serves to weaken a team because the hard work of preparation and practice – which is the only true foundation for success in the long-run - is never done."

The Executive Director’s Report was approved.

The Treasurer’s Report was approved.

Mr. Lynch referred to several letters and publications which were placed in member’s folders or filed in the League office.

Mr. Lynch reported on a proposal presented to the Rhode Island Interscholastic League by Craig Blanchard of Aztech Engineering, Inc. which outlines the cost of designing and setting up a Web Site for the Interscholastic League. The work would be done at no cost to the Interscholastic League.

On a motion made and seconded, the technology proposal was approved.

Mr. Lynch reported that eight (8) schools have committed to participate in the Inaugural Rhode Island Interscholastic League Renaissance Games. Discussion ensued regarding the RIIL rules which would apply to students and/or coaches participating in the Games; i.e., coaches coaching in the same season; the 50% rule; and, dual participation. In addition, issues of insurance, Assumption of Risk Forms, and Eligibility Lists need to be reviewed.

Mr. Lynch has conferred with Paul Ward, Legal Counsel to the RIIL, and it was determined that Assumption of Risk Forms and Eligibility Lists for all students participating in the Renaissance Games must be submitted to the League Office.

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics voted to waive the aforementioned rules for coaches and students participating in the Inaugural Rhode Island Interscholastic League Renaissance Games. Further, this waiver and all applicable rules as they apply to the Renaissance Games will be reviewed at the completion of the Games for subsequent years.

Present for this discussion was Philip Ricci, Director of Athletics, East Providence High School. Mr. Lynch received a letter from Manuel Vinhateiro, Principal, East Providence High School, asking that Grade 9 students who do not attend East Providence High School be allowed to practice with high school teams only in those sports where there are no 9^th grade programs in East Providence.

Presently, East Providence is the only school district in Rhode Island which is a three-year high school, Grades 10-12. Mr. Ricci reported that a bond issue has been passed allowing an addition to be built onto the high school, thereby changing the present structure of the high school to a four-year high school, Grades 9-12.

On a motion made and seconded, the Committee voted to allow Grade 9 students in East Providence to practice with the high school teams only in those sports where there are no Grade 9 programs. The Grade 9 students may not participate in any contests. This approval is predicated on the plans to restructure the school to a 4-year high school in September, 1999.

Mr. Mezzanotte reported on the following 1998 Superbowl Championships:

Division I Portsmouth High School

Division II Mt. Hope High School

Division III Middletown High School

Division IV Narragansett High School

Mr. Lynch reported that the half-time ceremonies at the Cranston East vs Cranston West Thanksgiving Day Game were too long, thus causing a 45-minute half-time. The Football Standing Committee will review this matter.

In other business, Maryann Brown reported that the Food Drive which was held at all Superbowl games collected 132 lbs. of assorted food items, which was delivered to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Mrs. Brown further reported that the administration and staff of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Office decided that, rather than exchange Christmas presents, they would individually donate money toward a contribution to the Food Bank. Consequently, a check in the amount of $300.00 was sent to the Rhode Island Community food Bank on behalf of the administration and staff of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League.

Mr. Foley reported that the 1998-99 season is underway. He further reported that a meeting of the Boys and Girls Basketball Standing Committee has been scheduled for early January. Among items on the agenda is a review of the playoff structure.

Mr. Sheehan reported that there has been some confusion among hockey coaches regarding scrimmages and the use of hockey officials. Mr. Sheehan stated that he had given approval (two years ago) for officials to oversee a scrimmage. The primary reason for this approval was the safety of the student-athletes.

The Committee expressed concern regarding the number of scrimmages hockey coaches may be scheduling. Mr. Sheehan will discuss this matter with the hockey coaches and report back to the Committee at its January meeting.

In other business, Mr. Sheehan reported that (higher division) schools have been playing their junior varsity teams against varsity teams of (lower division) schools, primarily in Holiday Tournaments. Prior to this being reported to the Committee, J.V. players participated against varsity athletes without being on a varsity eligibility list. This is against the Rules and Regulations of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League and will not be allowed. The Committee voted to allow this practice for this year only because several holiday tournaments were already scheduled.

The Committee further stated that these student-athletes must be placed on a varsity eligibility list for these tournament(s) and may move back to J.V. after the tournament(s). However, this practice would effect student-athletes if they were to transfer to another school or if they played hockey on an outside team.

Ms. McNamara reported that Warwick Veterans High School declared participation in Gymnastics as a team. However, they could not field a team and, instead, have sent individual participants to meets to represent the school. Ms. McNamara reported that this is the second year that Warwick Veterans High School has followed this procedure. As a result, it was necessary to revise the 1998-99 schedule.

This matter will be discussed further at the January meeting of the Committee on Athletics.

There was no Swimming report at this meeting.

There was no Wrestling report at this meeting.

Mrs. Pitocchi reported on the following 1998 Boys Volleyball Championships:

Division I Toll Gate High School

Division II - South    Westerly High School

Division II - North (tie) LaSalle Academy and Scituate High School

Division I Bishop Hendricken High School

Division II Mt. Pleasant High School

On a motion made and seconded, the Committee approved the 1998 Boys’ Volleyball Championships.

In other business, the issue of softball officials being paid for injury fund games was discussed. Softball officials are the only officials that are paid for working at an injury fund game. All other officials donate their time and the revenue from the game is donated to the Rhode Island Interscholastic Injury Fund.

Mrs. Marquis will review this issue and report back to the Committee on Athletics.

• Slowpitch Softball

• Our Lady of Fatima High School

• Moses Brown School – Japanese Exchange Student

• Replica Plaques/Awards – Conference Medal

• Transfer Rule

• Woonsocket High School – Academic Eligibility Rule

Present for this hearing were Paul Alianiello, Director of Athletics, Bishop Hendricken High School; and Ed Walsh, Head Hockey Coach, Bishop Hendricken High School.

This hearing was precipitated by an alleged violation of Article 6, Section 7 – Coaching Out of Season by the Head Hockey Coach at Bishop Hendricken High School.

On a motion made and seconded, the Committee voted to send a letter of reprimand to Bishop Hendricken High School. Further, the letter will state that violations of the RIIL Rules and Regulations are taken serious and, if further violations occur, possible sanctions will be taken against the school.

Present for this hearing were Robert Cavanagh, Director of Athletics, South Kingstown High School; and Wayne Carroll, Girls Junior Varsity Basketball Coach, South Kingstown High School.

This hearing was precipitated by an alleged violation of Article 6, Section 7 – Coaching Out of Season by the Head Hockey Coach at Bishop Hendricken High School.

On a motion made and seconded, the Committee voted to send a letter of reprimand to South Kingstown High School. Further, the letter will state that violations of the RIIL Rules and Regulations are taken serious and, if further violations occur, possible sanctions will be taken against the school. In addition, the letter should outline the fact that Mr. Carroll increased the age limit of his clinic after he was appointed Girls Junior Varsity Coach at South Kingstown High School.