IMPORTANT REMINDERS

Each player’s football helmet, by rule, must have a visible exterior warning label regarding the risk of injury. The label is a standard of the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) and indicates that players have been instructed concerning the risks involved in the game of football. Football helmet manufacturers, helmet reconditioners, sporting goods dealers and individual salesmen, in most cases, will provide free exterior warning labels to the school.

Please save the date – Wednesday, August 25, 1999 – for the Principals’, Assistant Principals’, Athletic Directors’ Conference which will be held from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. More information will be sent to you in early August.

Spring Championships

The Principals’ Committee on Athletics and the Rhode Island Interscholastic League staff would like to congratulate the following champions:

Baseball

Division Champions

Class A
Northern Division: Bishop Hendricken High School
Southern Division: St. Raphael Academy

Class B
Northern Division: Lincoln High School
Central Division: Johnston High School
Southern Division: East Greenwich High School

State Champions

Class A: Bishop Hendricken High School
Runner-Up: North Kingstown High School

Class B: Portsmouth High School
Runner-Up: Johnston High School

Fastpitch Softball

Division Champions

Northern Division (tie): Cumberland High School and Lincoln High School
Eastern Division: Portsmouth High School
Southern Division: North Kingstown High School
Western Division: St. Raphael Academy

State Champion: St. Raphael Academy

Slowpitch Softball

Division Champions

Division I: Smithfield High School
Division II: Tolman High School

State Champions

Division I: Toll Gate High School
Division II: North Providence High School

Girls’ Volleyball

Division Champions

Class A North: East Providence High School
Class A South: Toll Gate High School
Class B North: Mt. Pleasant High School
Class B South: Tiverton High School
Class C: Central High School

State Champions

Class A: Toll Gate High School
Class B: Exeter/West Greenwich H. S.
Class C: Central High School

Girls’ Outdoor Track

Division Champions

Class A: Classical High School
Class B: South Kingstown High School
Class C: East Greenwich High school

Eastern Division: St. Mary Academy – Bay View
Northern Division: Smithfield High School
Southern Division: South Kingstown High School
Central Division: Pilgrim High School

State Champion: South Kingstown High School

Boys’ Outdoor Track

Division Championships

Central: Bishop Hendricken High School
Eastern: Rogers High School
Southern: North Kingstown High School
Northern: Cumberland High School

Class Championships

Class A: Bishop Hendricken High School
Class B: Chariho High School
Class C: West Warwick High School
Class D: Rogers High School

State Championship: Bishop Hendricken High School
Runner-Up: North Kingstown High School

Golf

Division Champions

North: Lincoln High School
South: East Greenwich High School
East (tie): East Providence High School and Portsmouth High School
West: Bishop Hendricken High School

State Team Champion: North Kingstown High School

State Individual Champion: Dan Benson, No. King. H.S.

Girls’ State Champions:
Mary Ellen Grzebien, Narragansett High School,
Lauren Grzebien, Narragansett High School,
Allison Schick, North Kingstown High School

Boys’ Tennis

Division Championships

Class A: South Kingstown High School
Class B North (tie):
LaSalle Academy, Ponaganset High School, East Providence High School, Scituate High School
Class B South (tie): Portsmouth High School and The Wheeler School
Class C North (tie): North Providence High School and Burrillville High School
Class C South: Narragansett High School

State Championships

Class A: South Kingstown High School
Finalist: Bishop Hendricken High School
Class B: LaSalle Academy
Finalist: Ponaganset High School
Class C: North Providence High School
Finalist: Burrillville High School

The annual survey of football injury research revealed there were seven fatalities directly related to football during the 1998 season. Six of the fatalities were associated with high school football and one with college football. In 1998, four direct fatalities happened in games and three in practice. The survey showed that two fatalities took place in September, three in October, one in November, and one in a high school spring practice in May. All seven of the direct fatalities resulted from injuries to the brain.

In 1998, there were eight indirect fatalities in football. Six were associated with high school football, one with college football, and one was associated with sandlot football. Four of the high school indirect deaths were heat related and two were heart related.

Football fatalities are classified in the report as direct and indirect. Direct fatalities are those which resulted directly from participation in the fundamental skills of football. Indirect are those fatalities caused by systemic failure as a result of exertion while participating in football activity or by a complication that was secondary to a nonfatal injury.

The primary purpose of the Annual Survey of Football Injury Research, which is sponsored by the American Football Coaches Association, the NCAA and the NFHS, is to make the game of football a safer and, therefore, a more enjoyable sports activity. in 1931, the American Coaches Association initiated the first annual survey of football fatalities. Since 1980, the research has been compiled by Frederick O. Mueller, Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, chairman of the American Football Coaches Committee on Football Injuries. Mueller prepared the survey report on college, professional and sandlot levels, and Jerry Diehl, assistant director, NFHS, collected and prepared the senior and junior high school phase of the study. Medical data for the report are compiled by Dr. Robert C. Cantu, chairman, department of surgery and chief, neurosurgery service, Emerson Hospital, Concord, Massachusetts.

From 1960 through 1998, there have been 91 heat stroke cases that resulted in death. The 1998 data show four cases of heat stroke death.

"There is no excuse for any number of heat stroke deaths since they are all preventable with the proper precautions," according to the authors of the report, "but four in one year should never happen.

"In the past four years, 11 young football players have died from heat stroke. Every effort should be made to continuously educate coaches concerning the precautions when practicing or playing in the heat."

In the 1998 report, the authors set forth 11 suggestions and precautions necessary to prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion. The authors stress the importance of providing adequate cold water replacement during practice. "Water should always be available and in unlimited quantities to the athletes."

Other suggestions to eliminate football fatalities resulting from physical activity in hot weather include:

1. Complete physical examination with medical history and annual health history update with history of previous heat illness and type of training activities before organized practice begins.
2. Students should be acclimated to heat gradually by providing graduated practice sessions for the first seven to 10 days and other abnormally hot or humid days.
3. Know both the temperature and the humidity since it is more difficult for the body to cool itself in high humidity. Use of a sling psychrometer is recommended to measure the relative humidity. When the wet-bulb temperature is over 78 degrees, practice should be altered.
4. Adjust activity level and provide frequent rest periods. Rest in cool, shaded areas with some air movement and remove helmets and loosen or remove jerseys. Rest periods of 15-30 minutes should be provided during workouts of one hour.
5. Salt should be replaced daily, but coaches should not provide salt tablets.
6. Athletes should weigh each day before and after practice.
7. Generally, a three- percent body weight loss through sweating is safe. A five- percent loss is in the danger zone.
8. A player should avoid long sleeves, long stockings and any excess clothing. Rubberized clothing or sweat suits should never be used.
9. Athletes more susceptible to heat injury are those not accustomed to work in the heat, overweight or the eager athlete who constantly competes at his capacity.
10. Signs of heat illness include nausea, incoherence, fatigue, weakness, vomiting, cramps, weak rapid pulse, flushed appearance, visual disturbances and unsteadiness. heat stroke victims may sweat profusely. If heat illness is suspected, seek a physician’s immediate service.
11. Medical personnel are using a treatment for heat illnesses that involves applying either alcohol or cool water to the victim’s skin, followed by vigorous fanning. The fanning causes evaporation and cooling.

In 1998, all six of the direct fatalities in high school football resulted from injuries to the brain.

As 18-year-old made a tackle in a game and walked to the sideline and asked his coach for a substitute to take his place. He collapsed on the sideline and was taken to the hospital, where he died the next day. Cause of death was a subdural hematoma.

During spring practice, a 17-year-old football player received trauma to his head while participating in a tackling drill. Surgery was performed to remove a blood clot near his brain, and the cause of death was a subdural hematoma.

Brain trauma was the cause of death of a 16-year-old player who died after making a tackle in a game and of another 16-year-old who came off the field during a game complaining of a headache. In another case, a 16-year-old was injured in preseason practice while participating in a defensive drill and had head-to-head contact with another player. The cause of death was brain trauma.

A 17-year-old football player was injured while making a tackle in a game and died a day later. Cause of death was a subdural hematoma.

Four of the indirect fatalities in high school football were related to heat stroke. A 13-year-old collapsed at practice after running wind sprints on a hot August afternoon. A 17-year-old collapsed at practice when the temperature was 102 degrees. In another case, a 17-year-old football player collapsed at practice – it was not a very hot day, but it was humid. A 15-year-old high school athlete collapsed after three hours of practice in 102 degrees; the heat index was 106 degrees.

Two heart-related cases were reported. One was a 14-year-old participating in an illegal football practice on July 29. The other involved a 15-year-old who collapsed at practice after participating in a tackling drill. He was cleared to play by a physician two days before his death, but the physician had recommended that he see a cardiologist.

While reading the article, "Referees have feelings too … no (head) ‘butts’ about it" by Bob West in the Winter 1996 issue of NFHS Officials’ Quarterly, it caused me to reflect on the general state of misbehavior that pervades high school athletic events today in the United States. I thought the article was poignant and placed blame where it properly belonged in this situation – on the young wrestler who had head-butted and rendered unconscious the referee of his match. In the last paragraph, Mr. West stated he believed everything happened for a reason and that the conviction would hopefully "…serve(s) as a catalyst to states to protect their referees. Legislation is needed throughout the country and it is needed now."

Then in the Spring 1997 issue of the NFHS Officials’ Quarterly, I read the article, "Assault of official opposes ideal of competition and sportsmanship" by Fran Giuliano. In this instance, the referee was assaulted by an assistant soccer coach after issuing a yellow card to the coach’s player.

In both instances, one of the participants in the athletic contest – an official – was unnecessarily attacked. While I sympathize with each and believe they took appropriate legal action, I wonder if this will solve the issue of violence at athletic contests. More than jut officials are being subjected to harassment. Is the cart (legal action) being placed before the horse (education)? Now is the time to instruct COPS (Coaches, Officials, Players and Spectators) about violence in athletics. After all, education is the best way to remedy problems. Allow me to explain.

However, before the narrative is begun, an explanation about COPS would be appropriate. Although police, i.e., cops, usually are present at most athletic contests, in this instance, COPS is an acronym that stands for Coaches, Officials, Players, and Spectators.

Historically, athletic contests have had various functions in societies. In some, it was of paramount importance, while in others to a lesser degree. No matter the emphasis, athletics conveyed the mores and values of the host country. For example, in ancient Greece, it was foremost as a societal function. The first Olympic Games were held to honor their gods. Although only men were initially allowed to participate and watch the events, it was in other respects held to the highest standards of ethical conduct. By and large, the lofty ideals of sportsmanship, honesty, fair play, all-out effort, etc., were adhered to by coaches, officials, participants and spectators alike. It was expected. In two of the city-states – Athens and Sparta – however, it existed for different reasons. In the former, athletics was held to glorify the human spirit and body, while in the latter, it was to acquire physical skills that could be used in combat. Reflectively, Athens was considered the more democratic and humane society, while Sparta was deemed totalitarian and aggressive. perhaps Sparta adhered more to the philosophy of "The ends justify the means," in which the seedier side of athletics was exposed. Nonetheless, this was the "Golden Age" of athletics. Never before, nor after, has a society placed such an emphasis on sports.

Modern society’s mores also are revealed by the way in which athletics are promoted. With aggressive behavior occurring more frequently at contests – both on and off the field – perhaps now is the time to reeducate coaches, officials, players and spectators of their obligations to the sport.

Coaches, in my opinion, have the greatest impact on the game, as far as the tenor in which it is played. They have direct control over their actions and, to a lesser extent, that of their players. Indirectly, their courtside manner affects the officials and again, to a lesser extent, the spectators. If their decorum is appropriate, there is a good chance that the game will be played without mishap.

A coach who gets upset over some aspect of play often demonstrates it in the manner in which s/he patrols the sidelines. Losing his or her emotional control will undoubtedly result in poorer coaching, which will affect the ability of the team to win the contests. If a coach gets upset, s/he should count to 10 and if still upset, count to 10 again and again until composure is regained. Also, a coach who loses control could receive a "penalty" from officials, thus further hindering the team'’ ability to win.

When poor sportsmanship is displayed, the players pick up on it and their play usually is adversely affected. Players receive behavioral cues from the coach. For example, if coaches complain about the officiating, the players usually demonstrate in-kind and jeopardize their play.

Some officials insist that a coach’s behavior does not affect his or her ability to officiate a game. Don’t believe it! Subconsciously, referees want the approval of coaches, players and spectators alike. No one wants to feel that s/he did a poor job. Thus, a coach’s sideline behavior might prejudice an official’s call and influence the outcome of a contest.

And lastly, spectators mimic the actions of the coach. Often, if s/he is behaving unprofessionally, it sets the stage for unruly crowd behavior.

Unfortunately, coaching success is determined to a large extent by the win/loss record. The pressure to win often motivates the coach into unprofessional courtside behavior. Although coaches have a Code of Conduct, it often is ignored. Perhaps factors other than "winning at all costs" could be the criteria for success. Reducing the need to win could ameliorate some behaviors.

Officials often are the least-appreciated aspect of the game. They often are blamed for the loss. Coaches seldom admit to a strategy mistake. Players will not fault their skills, nor spectators cite their lack of appropriate support. When coaches, players, or spectators indicate that poor officiating cost the game, I ask the question, "Did the coach strategize a perfect game, did the player execute skills perfectly, or did the spectator give support in all aspects?" Obviously, the answer to the aforementioned questions is "no." When humans are part of any contest, mistakes are going to be made. Although some believe officials are not human – they are. The trick is to be unbiased and to minimize errors. Officials, like coaches, have a Code of Conduct and need to abide by all of its precepts. If it is violated, sanctions should be imposed.

Players obviously are "core" to athletic contests. They are the ones who spend countless hours honing their skills in order to succeed. Often, players are young people who are susceptible to the pressures placed on them by coaches and spectators (society) to win. However, contrary to the view in America today, winning is not the only goal of competition. Doing one’s best, the thrill of competition, camaraderie, becoming physically fit, etc., are worthy aims. When competing, the objective is to do one’s best. If winning is a part of this, it becomes the icing on the cake. If losing occurs, and we all lose at one time or another, it should spur greater effort to succeed the next time. A failure is one who breaks the rules and drops out of competing if they are still able. Only when players understand the true reasons for competition will their behavior become better. Coaches must model and instill these ideals in players, especially those young enough to be receptive. Perhaps they too need a Code of Conduct.

Spectators are least involved in competition, but because of increased vocalism, they are becoming more involved in sporting violence. Many take it personally when the game is lost. It is as if an insult or offense has occurred and they feel a response is appropriate. Why else would someone become hostile and commit acts that ordinarily would be anathema to them? People need to be reminded that athletic contests can have only one champion in the traditional sense, but that all who participate are ultimate winners. Without an opponent, there can be no winner – thus a loser is needed. Opposites must exist. There are things more important in life than identifying with the contestants of a sporting event. When onlookers realize this, they will place it in proper perspective and give winners and losers the attention they deserve. Perhaps people too need a Code of Conduct. It could be printed on tickets, placed on signs around the sporting venue and other places to remind them of their responsibility to the event.

In summary, violence does not belong at athletic events, nor should it be tolerated. Perhaps legal action is needed, but in the long run, education is the best way to change behavior. Hopefully, if all connected with these events learn their responsibilities, a "New Age of Sports" can emerge.

About the Author: Layne Jorgensen, who is chair of the Department of Health and Kinesiology at the University of Texas-Pan American, has officiated high school volleyball and basketball for the past 15 years. A former high school, college and adult league athlete, Jorgensen is a parent of high school and college athletes. Formerly the swimming coach at Louisiana State University and a youth coach at various levels, Jorgensen also is a spectator of numerous athletic events.

Summary of Meeting

The following is a summary of the June 21, 1999 meeting of the Principals’ Committee on Athletics;

Mr. Thomas Mezzanotte, Chairperson, extended congratulations to Mr. Daniel Sheehan (in abstentia) on his appointment as Principal of Bishop Hendricken High School. Mr. Mezzanotte also thanked the administration and staff of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League office for their efforts and cooperation throughout the year.

Executive Director’s Report

The Executive Director’s Report was approved.

Treasurer’s Report.

The Treasurer’s Report was approved.

Communications

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

Baseball

Mr. Biancuzzo reported on the 1998-99 Baseball Championships as outlined earlier in this report.

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved the 1998-99 Baseball Championships.

In other business, Mr. Biancuzzo reported that he received a request from Mt. St. Charles Academy to move from Class A to Class B. At the beginning of the existing 4-year alignment, a request from Mt. St. Charles Academy to move up to Class A was granted and, subsequently, they have played in Class A for the past three (3) years. Mr. Biancuzzo stated that he has surveyed the schools that participate in baseball and no one is interested in moving down. Insofar as the present 4-year alignment will expire next year, no changes will be made at this time.

Golf

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved the 1998-99 Golf Championships as outlined earlier in this report.

Volleyball: Ms. Elaine Botelho

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved the 1998-99 Girls’ Volleyball Championships as outlined earlier in this report.

Outdoor Track: Mr. Charles Sweeney

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved the 1998-99 Boys’ Outdoor Track Championships as outlined earlier in this report.

In other business, Mr. Sweeney reported on several proposed rules changes as they pertain to boys’ and girls’ outdoor track. He stated that the rationale for the changes is to create more equity between girls’ and boys’ track. The proposed rules changes will be submitted in writing to the League office for further review.

In addition, Mr. Sweeney reported that the track coaches, with the endorsement of the Joint Track Committee, propose the following rule(s) change for state meet qualification:

That: The top three (3) teams of each division qualify for class meet competition regardless of their win/loss record; and,

That: The top three (3) teams in each class be allowed to progress to the State Meet regardless of their win/loss record.

These rules changes would negate the existing rule of only teams with a .500 record or better qualifying for the State Meet.

Cross Country: Mr. Charles Sweeney

Mr. Sweeney referred to a written proposal from Ron Boemker, state cross-country meet director, in which Mr. Boemker proposed that certified officials be assigned and paid for all cross country dual meets. Discussion ensued regarding this issue.

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously voted to table this matter for further review. If, after review, the Committee endorses this proposal, it would be not be implemented until the 2000-2001 school year, in order that sufficient time is allowed for schools to prepare their budget(s).

Tennis: Mr. John Lyle

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved the 1998-99 Boys’ Tennis Championships as outlined earlier in this report.

In other business, Mr. Allen Garzone, Head Boys’ Tennis Coach, North Providence High School, appeared before the Principals’ Committee on Athletics to address the matter of end-of-season divisional championship ties in boys’ soccer. North Providence High School was awarded the co-championship in Class C North (boys’ tennis) for the 1998-99 school year. Mr. Garzone contends that in accordance with Article 23, Section 5 a & b, of the RIIL Rules and Regulations, a team [in each division] with the highest score will be declared the division champion and, thus, awarded a plaque.

As such, Mr. Garzone stated that the intent of the rule is to name only one (1) divisional champion and not co-champions.

Discussion ensued regarding this matter. The Principal’s Committee on Athletics emphasized that it is, and has been, the policy of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League to award plaques to division co-champions when the situation occurs. In addition, plaques have already been distributed to co-champions in several divisions and to request their return would be inappropriate.

This issue will be reviewed by the Joint Tennis Committee for clarification and reported back to the Principals’ Committee on Athletics at a later date.

Softball: Mr. Richard R. Magarian and Mr. Tony Torregrossa

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved the 1998-99 Fastpitch and Slowpitch Softball Championships as outlined earlier in this report.

In other business, Mr. Lynch referred to a letter from Hope High School in which they self-reported the use of an ineligible student-athlete in two (2) slowpitch softball games. They were defeated in both games. Mr. Lynch stressed the importance of schools self-reporting rule(s) infractions and commended Hope High School for reporting this violation to the RIIL.

Discussion ensued regarding alignment of the fastpitch softball league. At present, there is only one (1) league. The present alignment was developed according to geography. However, there have been numerous lopsided scores, indicating a need for a review to the alignment. In addition, since 1995-96, six (6) schools have joined the fastpitch league, thus creating a problem with the present alignment.

A new 4-year alignment in all sports will be developed next year (2000-2001). In an effort to prepare for that realignment, the RIIL will need to receive a commitment from its member schools regarding their intent to participate in fastpitch softball in the school year 2000-2001. A survey will be sent to all schools for input and recommendations for the 2000-2001 season.

In anticipation of the 2000-2001 realignment, it was proposed that an adjustment to the present [fastpitch] alignment be allowed for the 1999-2000 school year, which would be one year earlier than scheduled.

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee unanimously voted to approved the realignment of fastpitch softball for the 1999-2000 school year.

Swimming: Mr. Kenneth Reall

Mr. Reall reported that the Swim Committee will be meeting in early September to discuss the upcoming 1999-2000 season. In addition, the Swim Committee will be review the results of a survey which was sent to all schools regarding separate boys’ and girls’ swim leagues beginning with the year 2000-2001.

In conversation with several of the coaches, as well as survey responses, indications are that a boys’ league will consist of approximately eighteen (18) teams and a girls league will be comprised of approximately twenty (20) teams, which will be in place for the 2000-2001 season.

Mr. Reall will report back to the Principals’ Committee on Athletics at its September 20, 1999 meeting.

Other Sports / Issues:

• Grade 9 Football

Mr. James Murano distributed copies of the proposed 1999-2000 Freshman Football Schedule. The starting date for freshman football will be September 17^th, which will allow for the mandatory 10-day practice and conditioning program.

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved the 1999-2000 Freshman Football schedule.

• Football Coaches/Officials Game Report

Mr. Mezzanotte reported that the football coaches and football officials have been working together very closely to develop a system whereby coaches can evaluate officials. The proposed procedure allows football coaches to submit the evaluation form no later than Wednesday following the game. In this way, coaches will have sufficient time to view the game film and better assess the officials’ performance(s).

This rating system will also be instrumental in assigning officials for playoff and superbowl games.

The Coaches and Officials Liaison Committee recommends that this evaluation system be implemented for a one-year trial period to be reviewed at the end of the 1999-2000 season.

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved the Football Liaison Committee’s recommendation.

• Mileage Forms

Mr. Lynch reminded members of the Committee to complete the mileage forms in their folders and return them to the League office no later than Friday, June 25, 1999.

Sports Medicine Committee

Mr. Lynch submitted a Fall Sports Practice Limitation proposal recommended by the Sports Medicine Committee. The proposal is as follows:

• That outside scrimmages/contests not be allowed during the first 5 days of practice. (Outside scrimmages/contests may be held beginning with the 6^th day of practice.
• Five (5) days of practice means actual practice days – not calendar days.
• Double sessions (on the same day) count only as one (1) practice day and are not to be considered multiple practices.
• Any student-athlete who joins the team after the official starting date of practice is subject to the rules as outlined above; i.e., they cannot participate in outside scrimmages/contests until they have had 5 days of practice. (This includes students who join the team after the start of the season as well as transfer students).

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved the Fall Sports Practice Limitation [schedule] to become effective immediately for the 1999-2000 school year.

Meeting Dates – Principals’ Committee on Athletics and Waiver Hearing Committee

Mr. Lynch reviewed the dates for the Principals’ Committee on Athletics and the Waiver Hearing Committee meetings for the 1999-2000 school year.

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved the meeting dates.

Realignment for 2000-2004

In preparation for the upcoming 2000-2004 four-year alignment, it was suggested that a sub-committee be established to address realignment guidelines. The following members of the Principals’ Committee on Athletics will serve on the Realignment Sub-Committee: Kathryn Crowley, Chairperson; Patricia Pitocchi; Messrs. Lemoi, Dan Sheehan, Kevin Sheehan, Martin Biancuzzo, and Thomas Mezzanotte. In addition, two (2) additional athletic directors will be invited to serve on the Realignment Sub-Committee.