April 23, 2008: Meeting Summary

1.    Went on record supporting the concept of mandating that no fall sport team may practice more than six consecutive days during preparation for the first contest to allow for proper heat acclimation for the athletes.

2.    Went on record in opposition to the current legislation (Senate Bill No. 736) regarding school districts adopting a random drug testing policy due to the lack of specificity in the legislation dealing with appropriate use of science and realistic funding.

3.    Went on record in support of making the following adjustments to the MSHSAA pre-participation physical form:

A)    Parent Permission and Authorization for Treatment “and Release of Medical Information.”

B)    “We authorize the release of necessary medical information to the physician, athletic trainer, and/or school personnel related to such treatment/care.”

C)    Family Doctor “Physician”

D)    Have you ever had a significant injury such as a sprain, fracture, or dislocation to a bone or joint “or persistent back/neck pain?”

E)    Change all reference to trainer to “athletic trainer.”

4.    Went on record in support of the MSHSAA Staff contacting the National Wrestling Coaches Association to investigate how other states are addressing rapid weight loss at the end of the season versus steady weight loss throughout the season and the documentation of such for weight management.

5.    Went on record in support of establishing at the wrestling final site a clearly defined procedure and private location for the dermatologist to evaluate skin condition situations.

6.    Went on record that a point of emphasis be established at all sports rules meetings for the 2008-09 school year regarding rules for hair control during interscholastic contests.

7.    Went on record in support of the MSHSAA Staff investigating wrestling mat thicknesses of the old style versus the new style and their installation at the state final site.

8.    Went on record in support of the NATA web site being a link on the MSHSAA web site.

No official recommendations due to lack of quorum. All items no action.