The NSAA has released volleyball classifications for the 2023 season

CLASS A
1. Grand Island - 2,050
2. Omaha Central - 1,952
3. Millard South - 1,932
4. Millard North - 1,882
5. Omaha South - 1,859
6. Millard West - 1,708
7. Lincoln East - 1,631
8. Lincoln Southwest - 1,581
9. Omaha Westside - 1,555
10. Lincoln High - 1,528
11. Lincoln North Star - 1,488
12. Papillion-LaVista South - 1,445
13. Papillion-LaVista - 1,407
14. Lincoln Southeast - 1,382
15. Lincoln Northeast - 1,357
16. Gretna - 1,345
17. Omaha Burke - 1,304
18. Omaha North - 1,273
19. Kearney - 1,245
20. Fremont - 1,230
21. Omaha Benson - 1,153
22. Bellevue West - 1,148
23. Omaha Bryan - 1,129
24. Omaha Northwest - 1,085
25. Elkhorn South - 1,050
26. Bellevue East - 1,024
27. Norfolk - 988
28. Columbus - 961
29. North Platte - 892
30. Omaha Marian - 888
31. Lincoln Pius X - 810 (opt up)
32. Omaha Westview - 743 (opt up)
33. Omaha Buena Vista - 721 (opt up)

The Class B and C Senior Legion state tournaments will kick off on Saturday, July 29th

CLASS B
at Pierce

First Round - July 29
Platteview 2, Ogallala 1 (9 inn)
Wayne 7, York 4
Wahoo 7, Chadron 1
Plattsmouth 9, Pierce 3

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July 30

Elimination Games
York 3, Ogallala 2 (Ogallala eliminated)
Pierce 5, Chadron 4 (Chadron eliminated)

Winner's Bracket
Wayne 5, Platteview 1
Plattsmouth 3, Wahoo 2 (9 inn)

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July 31

Elimination Games
Wahoo 10, York 2 (5 inn) (York eliminated)
Platteview 10, Pierce 0 (Pierce eliminated)

Winner's Bracket
Plattsmouth 4, Wayne 0

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August 1

Elimination Game
Wahoo 7, Wayne 0 (Wayne eliminated)

Platteview 8, Plattsmouth 5

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August 2

Elimination Game
Wahoo 8, Platteview 4 (Platteview eliminated)

State Championship Game
Plattsmouth 4, Wahoo 2

Plattsmouth is the Class B Senior Legion State Champion

Hey guys,

Not sure who all knows this, but somehow/someway a digital copy of Bob's Huskerland magazine got sent out to coaches and various school employees. Bob reached out to high school coaches to let them know he did not authorize the release of that link, nor did he know it was going to happen. Long story short...Bob does a lot for high school sports in Nebraska. Someone sending his work out for free without his permission really cuts his legs out from under him. Not much we can do about the link now...it is already out there. But thought I would share the details on how people can do the right thing and purchase the magazine if they wanted. Maybe we can get more sales to help make up for the loss of the people that would have purchased but now wont because they got it for free.

Mail a check to Jensen Publishing, 19109 Hampton Drive, Omaha NE 68136. The magazine costs $26. $15 of that is the cost of the magazine, $11 is the priority mail shipping.

If you wouldn't mind, maybe throw that on your social media accounts or whatever. Hopefully we can help make this right. Bob deserves better.

The NSAA has released cross country classifications for 2023

CLASS A
1. Grand Island - 2,050
2. Omaha Central - 1,952
3. Millard South - 1,932
4. Millard North - 1,882
5. Omaha South - 1,859
6. Millard West - 1,708
7. Lincoln East - 1,631
8. Lincoln Southwest - 1,581
9. Omaha Westside - 1,555
10. Lincoln High - 1,528
11. Lincoln North Star - 1,488
12. Papillion-LaVista South - 1,445
13. Omaha Creighton Prep - 1,430
14. Papillion-LaVista - 1,407
15. Lincoln Southeast - 1,382
16. Lincoln Northeast - 1,357
17. Gretna - 1,345
18. Omaha Burke - 1,304
19. Omaha North - 1,273
20. Kearney - 1,245
21. Fremont - 1,230
22. Omaha Benson - 1,153
23. Bellevue West - 1,148
24. Omaha Bryan - 1,129
25. Omaha Northwest - 1,085
26. Elkhorn South - 1,050
27. Bellevue East - 1,024
28. Norfolk - 988
29. Columbus - 961
30. North Platte - 892
31. Omaha Marian - 888
32. Lincoln Pius X - 810 (opt up)
33. Omaha Westview - 743 (opt up)
34. Omaha Buena Vista - 721 (opt up)

Seeing a lot of sports with low numbers, many say kids are not interested in sports, but wondering if coaching has anything to do with it? Kids are more willing to do other things or work rather than deal with a coach they don’t connect with or see other kids getting supported. Sports are supposed to be fun and competitive but I see more and more kids not having the fun part, more stress than fun. Just a few thoughts, want to see what others think. Coaches preach team but sometimes don’t see what their decisions and coaching style is doing the the players. Kids are more willing to walk away now and that is not a good trend.

The Class A Junior Legion State Tournament will begin on Saturday, July 22nd in Bennington

First Round
Elkhorn North 1, Fremont 0
Gretna 5, Lincoln Southwest 2
Bellevue West 3, Grand Island 1
Millard South 7, Bennington 2

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July 23

Elimination Games
Fremont 4, Lincoln Southwest 1 (LSW eliminated)
Grand Island 8, Bennington 4 (Bennington eliminated)

Winner's Bracket
Gretna 4, Elkhorn North 3
Bellevue West 8, Millard South 3

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July 24

Elimination Games
Millard South 5, Fremont 1 (Fremont eliminated)
Elkhorn North 6, Grand Island 5 (13 inn) (Grand Island eliminated)

Winner's Bracket
Bellevue West 5, Gretna 4

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July 25

Elimination Game
Millard South def. Gretna (Gretna eliminated)

Bellevue West 11, Elkhorn North 3 (Elkhorn North eliminated)

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July 26

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Millard South def. Bellevue West
Millard South 8, Bellevue West 2

Millard South is the Class A Junior State Champion

The brackets are set for the Class B and C American Legion Junior State Tournaments. Play begins on Saturday, July 15th for both classes.

CLASS B
at Alliance

First Round
Lincoln Christian 1, Holdrege 0
Wahoo 10, Central City 5
Waverly 10, Gering 0
Seward 11, Alliance 4

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July 16
Winner's Bracket
Wahoo 16, Lincoln Christian 7
Seward 2, Waverly 1

Elimination Bracket
Holdrege 4, Central City 3 (Central City eliminated)
Gering 4, Alliance 1 (Alliance eliminated)

===========================

July 17

Winner's Bracket
Wahoo 12, Seward 3

Elimination Bracket
Holdrege 4, Waverly 1 (Waverly eliminated)
Gering 7, Lincoln Christian 3 (LC eliminated)

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July 18

Elimination Game
Seward 6, Gering 3 (Gering eliminated)

Wahoo 8, Holdrege 0 (5 inn) (Holdrege eliminated)

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July 19

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
Wahoo 6, Seward 5

Wahoo is the Class B Junior State Champion

Has Chuck Love III transferred from Southwest to Northeast? Any notable transfers this year?

What’s the best way to get onto huskerland Bobs mailing list for this upcoming falls magazine?

Transgender players in College Football

Anyone have insight on Avante Dickerson and DeShawn Woods, former Westside and Central standouts and 4* prospects out of high school? Both entered the transfer portal this spring leaving Oregon and Wyoming. I haven't seen anything on Twitter or online this summer and it seems like it's getting late with fall camp a month away.

Unusual Non-Conference College Football Team Names

Is Putin Dead?

Titanic Sub Tourism Expedition - You Tuber Who Went on OceanGate Expedition to see Titanic

The NSAA Board of Directors met on June 15, 2023 at the Fairfield Hotel in Kearney with the following members present:

Also in attendance: Bobby Truhe, NSAA Legal Counsel.

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m.

1. The Board discussed Nebraska Legislative Bill 574.

2. Moved to adopt the amended standing determination for participation for part-time students effective July 1, 2023. This determination allows part-time students to participate if enrolled in at least five credit hours per semester. Additionally, such part-time students who are enrolled in subsequent semesters must have successfully completed 20 credit hours in the immediately preceding semester, of which at least 5 of those cred hours must have been earned at the member school. Motion Carried: 8-0

3. Moved to allow the Papillion-LaVista South volleyball team to play a regular season contest on Sunday. Motion Carried: 8-0

4. The Board discussed undue influence, family night, number of contests per week, and NIL.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:11 a.m.

The next meeting of the NSAA Board of Directors will be August 16, 2023 at the NSAA Office in Lincoln.

Obviously lots of coaches and ex players on this board. With team camp season upon us, I was just wondering what people think of the camps they have been to. What they liked, what they didn't, etc. Personally have been involved in the Chadron State team camp and think they do a great job. Coaches are class acts and show a ton of enthusiasm for what they are doing. It's a good mix of instructional time (led by CSC staff), team time and scrimmages. Heard good things from Wayne State and Hastings as well. Epic camps have their place as well. Just interested in what others think.

2022-23 BOYS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Nate Germonprez, Omaha Westside

Other Finalists
Ben Brahmer, Pierce
Hayden Frank, Malcolm
Cam Kozeal, Millard South
Jaylen Lloyd, Omaha Westside
Landon Ternus, Columbus Lakeview

==============================

2022-23 GIRLS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Kaitlyn Emanuel, North Bend Central

Other Finalists
Lademi Davies, Omaha Westside
Halle Dolliver, Malcolm
Lucy Ghaifan, Grand Island Central Catholic
Grace Heaney, Elkhorn North
Britt Prince, Elkhorn North

A list of NFHS rule changes for the 2023 season

Clarified That Towels Do Not Have To Be The Same Solid Color For Each Player [1- 5-3a(5)a 4, 5 (NEW)] — Player towels may contain one manufacturer’s logo and/or one school logo neither exceeding 2¼ square inches. Towels must be a solid color but now do not have to be the same solid color for each player. Towels may not be ball- or penalty-flag colored.

Clarified When a Player Is Inbounds After Being Out of Bounds [2-29-1] — This change clarifies when a player is inbounds after being out of bounds. There is no change to any foul or subsequent penalty provisions, or any rules related to illegal participation or the provisions regarding eligibility to catch a pass.

Added A List of Criteria to Help Identify Players Who Should Be Defined as Defenseless Receivers [2-32-16d (NEW), 9-4-3g] — This change adds to the list of criteria to help identify players who should be defined as defenseless receivers related to application of unnecessary or excessive contact. This clarification should help game officials and coaches by defining allowable contact against defenseless receivers.

Intentional Grounding Exception Changed [7-5-2d EXCEPTION 2a, c (NEW), TABLE 7-5-2 d EXCEPTION 2a, c (NEW), TABLE 7-5 (1)d EXCEPTION 2a, c (NEW)] — This change permits the exception for intentional grounding to the first and only player to possess the ball after the snap ends.

Removed “Intentional” From Pass Interference in TABLE 7-5 [TABLE 7-5 2c (DELETED), 7-5 PENALTY] — By removing “intentional” from pass interference, this change puts the rule in line with how it is already enforced which is a 15-yard penalty.

Changes In Basic Spot Penalty Enforcement [10-4, TABLE 10-4 (NEW), 10-6 (DELETED)] — This change restructures and clarifies the amendments to Rule 10 to eliminate the excessive penalty enforcements for offensive fouls that occur behind the line of scrimmage. This revision stipulates the basic spot for enforcement of fouls behind the line of scrimmage is the previous spot rather than the spot of the foul unless otherwise specified by rule. Current penalties for illegal kicking, batting and participation fouls, and provisions for offensive fouls occurring in the end zone that may result in a safety remain intact.

Clarification On The Ball Being Handed Forward On A Running Play [Six-Player – Rule 7g (NEW)] — The change allows the ball to be handed forward on a running play, including to the guards/ends, while prohibiting handing the ball to the snapper provided both players are behind the neutral zone.

Rule changes from the NFHS for the upcoming 2023 softball season

1-4-1
Removes the number of color restrictions on a glove, including laces and seams, and does not allow any panels of the glove to match the color of the ball.

Rationale: Gloves and mitts are manufactured in variety of designs and multiple colors. As long as the color of the ball is not one of the colors used, does not have markings that give the appearance of the ball or are made in a manner that is judged distracting by the umpire it is permitted for use in NFHS Softball.

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2-20-1g
A fair ball is a batted ball that while over fair territory, an offensive player interferes with a defensive player attempting to field a batted ball.

Rationale: The ball's status is determined at the point of interference. If an offensive player interferes with the defensive player while the ball is in fair territory, the ball is dead. Adding this language to the definition section mirrors the foul ball definition in Rule 2-25-1e.

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3-2-12, 3-6-11
Removes language prohibiting the wearing of jewelry.

Rationale: Removing the language prohibiting jewelry places the softball rules in line with other NFHS sports that have removed the restriction. Umpires still have the authority to rule on anything that is considered a distraction or increases risk to any player.

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4-2-1
Defines the protocol for when a fair batted ball clears the home run fence to end the game. All runs are allowed to score before the game is terminated.

Rationale: Allows for all runs to be counted when a fair batted ball clears the home run fence to end the game. All runs scored by virtue of the home run will be included in individual and team statistics.

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8-2-7
New language clarifies batter-runner interference on a fly ball over foul territory.

Rationale: This has always been the enforcement but was not listed in the section covering batter-runner. The language is consistent with the rule covering interference on an initial play on a fair-batted ball and aligns with Rule 8-6-10.

Rule changes for the upcoming 2023 season via the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS)

2-1-9 (NEW), 12-2-5
Creates a coaching zone defined by the libero replacement zone extending beyond the end line and sideline extended.

Rationale: Defines and clarifies the area in which coaches may stand

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4-1-7
Allows small, secured stud or post jewelry to be worn above the chin.

Rationale: Maintains consistency with current trends of other NFHS and volleyball rules codes.

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4-2-4b
Eliminates the use of uniform numbers starting with a leading zero (01, 02, 03, etc.) beginning in 2028

Rationale: Clarifies legal numbers and eliminates confusion when signaling while aligning with other rules codes.

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10-2-1
Allows requests for substitution by the head coach to be signaled or verbalized.

Rationale: Creates consistency by allowing either a verbal or non-verbal signal for a substitution

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12-2-6
Establishes that one assistant coach may stand within the coaching zone to provide instruction during dead-ball situations only.

Rationale: Allows an assistant coach to stand and coach during dead ball situations in addition to the head coach. The assistant coach that stands may change throughout the match, but only one can stand at a time.

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POINTS OF EMPHASIS

1. Using the Lineup Card Effectively
According to the NFHS Volleyball Case Book and Officials Manual, “The lineup card is a tool to assist the second referee. The lineup card is to be used to record the starting lineup and verify each team’s lineup at the start of the set. If the lineup is recorded in serving order, the second referee must remember that the receiving team’s first server will begin in the right front position.” Early in the season, while checking the lineup for each set, the second referee can ask the receiving team’s Right Front, “You are your team’s first server, correct?”


Information to be kept on the lineup card may include serving order, substitutions, time-outs, captain, player identification (like circling the back-row setter) and yellow/red cards.

Starting the Set:

• Use or create a succinct lineup card for checking the team’s starting positions prior to each set.
• Encourage the scorer to check each team’s lineup as you verify the player’s positions.
• From the sideline, check the lineup of the receiving team, leaving the game ball at the officials’ table. Avoid pointing at each player while verifying their order. Identify the captain for the first referee. If a libero is being used, authorize the libero by using the authorization signal. Repeat the protocol while checking the serving team from their sideline.
• Retrieve the game ball from the officials’ table and toss the ball to the first server.
• Quickly scan both benches to ensure that all practice balls are secure, and the playing surface is safe.
• Place your lineup card and writing utensil in your pocket. Take the ready position on the receiving team’s side, face the court with shoulders parallel, make eye contact with the first referee and signal “ready” by extending the arm farthest from the net toward your partner.

During the Set:

• Some second referees are very quick and smooth recording information, and immediately return their card/pencil to their pocket. This process should not be a distraction.
• Upon contact of the serve, move immediately to the blocking team’s team side of the net and continue to transition as the rally continues.
• If the second referee whistles a fault, step to the side at fault and signal the fault, then mimic the first referee’s point signal. If the first referee ends play, many second referees get to the fault side and mimic their partner’s signals.
• Refrain from signaling with a lineup card and pencil in your hand(s).
• During a substitution, the second referee whistles two short blasts and signals once a substitution has been requested. If you record the substitution on the lineup card, take the card and pencil out of your pocket and allow the substitute to enter. While recording, look over your shoulder to ensure that the scorer has the entry/entries.
• Get to the receiving team’s side, finish recording quickly, put the lineup card/pencil away and give the game back to the first referee.
• Refrain from giving the ready signal to your partner if you are still recording information, and continue recording, as the first referee will authorize the serve and you will not be prepared to observe potential illegal alignment.

The second referee should not hinder the tempo and pace of the match. If using a lineup card between plays, the second referee should be efficient and work to expedite their recordings.


The more knowledgeable a second referee becomes of the game, the less they will be dependent upon the lineup card to recognize infractions such as illegal alignment, improper server, and improper substitutions. Experienced officials who study and understand rotations will be able to anticipate the potential alignment issues based upon a team’s offense and use the card to reinforce their understanding. Second referees still learning the complexities of different rotations must use the card to build confidence in recognizing such infractions while continuing to study the nuances of the sport.

2. Coaches Zone Privileges
It is important for both coaches and officials to understand the privileges coaches have when instructing their teams and what actions could jeopardize such privileges. The expanded coaching zone and assistant coach privileges created an opportunity for the committee to emphasize the rules related to coaching privileges.

One assistant coach may stand within the coaching zone during dead-ball situations. This new rule allows one assistant coach to communicate with players during a dead-ball. The intent of this rule change is to allow specialized coaching between points.

Before the Match

The pre-match conference will provide an opportunity for the officials to meet the head coach from each team participating in the match. Each team may have one or more assistant coaches. If multiple levels are competing on a given night, not only will you see assistant coaches on the bench, but other head coaches from various levels within the program as well. It is important that the referees identify the designated head coach for the current match and remind the head coach that only one assistant at a time may stand during a dead ball.

During the Match

Only the head coach for the match is allowed to stand in the coaching zone. The new allowance permits the head coach to stand and coach beyond the libero replacement zone, past the end line, not to cross the sideline extended. One assistant coach can stand with the head coach to coach players but only during a dead-ball situation.

Once the first referee extends an arm for the authorization of serve, the assistant coach must return to the bench and may not stand again until the next dead ball. Assistant coaches may not address officials, except to review the score, verify the number of time-outs and/or substitutions used by their team, request serving order of their team, or verify the proper server for the opponent.

If this privilege is abused by multiple assistant coaches standing to coach players or by one or more assistant coaches standing to communicate with officials, a yellow card will be assessed. Continued unsporting behavior will result in a red card and all coaches must remain seated for the remainder of the match.

2022-23 winners of the NSAA Cup

CLASS A

OVERALL
1. Lincoln East - 850 pts
2. Omaha Westside - 742.5
3. Lincoln Southwest - 640
4. Gretna - 592.5
5. Millard North - 555
6. Elkhorn South - 522.5
7. Millard West - 462.5
8. Papillion-LaVista - 450
9t. Bellevue West - 447.5
9t. Papillion-LaVista South - 447.5

BOYS
1. Lincoln East - 510 pts
2. Omaha Creighton Prep - 392.5
3. Gretna - 390
4. Omaha Westside - 385
5. Lincoln Southwest - 327.5
6t. Bellevue West - 315
6t. Millard North - 315
8. Elkhorn South - 297.5
9. Fremont - 277.5
10. Millard West - 265

GIRLS
1. Lincoln East - 465 pts
2. Omaha Westside - 422.5
3. Millard North - 392.5
4. Lincoln Southwest - 372.5
5. Omaha Marian - 345
6. Papillion-LaVista - 337.5
7. Gretna - 307.5
8. Papillion-LaVista South - 287.5
9. Fremont - 272.5
10. Elkhorn South - 270