Notes from NSAA meeting today
- Thread starter Alum-Ni
- Start date
In baseball, starting next year, any school with a total enrollment of 850 or higher will be placed into Class A. All of the remaining baseball-playing schools will be split evenly into Class B and Class C. There are currently 39 Class B baseball teams, but many are co-op programs that may opt to split into individual school teams following this passage.
All three classes will use a new format for the state baseball tournament as well beginning in 2023. Currently, the entire eight-team field is seeded into one double-elimination bracket that often resulted in a two-game final of the team coming out of the loser's bracket defeated the winner's bracket champion. Under the new format, teams will be seeded into a pair of four-team double-elimination brackets in a format similar to the College World Series. The two champions from each bracket will face each other in a single winner-take-all championship game. Another added benefit of the new format is the potential for a televised championship game, something that was difficult under the previous format.
All three classes will use a new format for the state baseball tournament as well beginning in 2023. Currently, the entire eight-team field is seeded into one double-elimination bracket that often resulted in a two-game final of the team coming out of the loser's bracket defeated the winner's bracket champion. Under the new format, teams will be seeded into a pair of four-team double-elimination brackets in a format similar to the College World Series. The two champions from each bracket will face each other in a single winner-take-all championship game. Another added benefit of the new format is the potential for a televised championship game, something that was difficult under the previous format.
For state basketball, the NSAA approved the use of video replay, if broadcast available, during the state tournament for two specific end-of-game situations:
1) To determine whether a basket was released before the expiration of the game clock; and
2) To determine whether a made shot was a two-point or three-point field goal.
No other situations may be reviewed.
1) To determine whether a basket was released before the expiration of the game clock; and
2) To determine whether a made shot was a two-point or three-point field goal.
No other situations may be reviewed.
The NCAA also approved changes to the Class C1 and C2 playoff format in football, allowing higher-seeded teams to host playoff games through the semifinal round.
And in track and field, a proposal to establish fixed dates for district and state championships passed on a 7-1 vote. Class A and B district track will be held on the Tuesday before the state championships, Class D will follow on Wednesday and Class C on Thursday. At the state track and field championships, Classes A and B will compete on Wednesday and Thursday while Classes C and D will compete on Friday and Saturday.
And in track and field, a proposal to establish fixed dates for district and state championships passed on a 7-1 vote. Class A and B district track will be held on the Tuesday before the state championships, Class D will follow on Wednesday and Class C on Thursday. At the state track and field championships, Classes A and B will compete on Wednesday and Thursday while Classes C and D will compete on Friday and Saturday.
Glad to see they finally are going to reward the higher seeds in C1&C2 with home games in football.
A lot of good changes today IMO. I prefer A-D track together, especially when you consider conditions for all class Gold. Love to see Class C baseball added, wonder how many additional programs start up or split apart from current coops in the next few years. Class C changing the football format makes sense. Now, just want to see softball moved to the spring.
Not this again... I'd guess if you polled all the HS softball coaches, 80%+ would say stay with fall softball.
Kind of like asking current 8 man teams to increase the enrollment cutoff for playoff eligibility.
In regards to the state basketball format....sounds like superintendents favor the old 3-day format, while coaches and ADs prefer the 4-day option and getting out of high schools
I would think softball and every outdoor sport in Nebraska would choose fall over spring. Have you been outside the last couple of days. 
Sometimes I think the weather is why Nebraska is a football state. There are like 6.5 weeks in the fall where the weather isn't trying to kill us in this state.
Sometimes I think the weather is why Nebraska is a football state. There are like 6.5 weeks in the fall where the weather isn't trying to kill us in this state.
Probably has to do with costs for hotels, etc. expanding the tournament? I agree though, they need to get out of the high schools.
They have to get out of the high schools. I will say it over and over, it's not a reward to play at Lincoln Northeast.
It would be nice to get out of the high schools. I also believe that the added costs of having it four days instead of three is why superintendents are reluctant to do a four day tournament.
I still think some advantages can be minimalized by teams not having as many nights in a hotel. 17 year old kids seem to do better having stayed the night in their own bed.
I'm not advocating for a three day tourney, but for superintendents the benefits are pretty obvious--less travel, less cost for lodging and less class time missed.
What if we cut to four classes to get the state tourney out of high schools instead? Four games on Wednesday night. All big schools or match-ups of C-D teams that are close (if any happen to be on the bracket; give the NSAA latitude there). The other 12 first-round games at the Bob and in the Haymarket.
Teams are competing out of class all the time because they know there is not much difference in the quality of competition. It is time to contract to four classes again. The quality and stakes of districts would go back up to where they used to be. Overall it would be better for Nebraska basketball, players and fans.
Teams are competing out of class all the time because they know there is not much difference in the quality of competition. It is time to contract to four classes again. The quality and stakes of districts would go back up to where they used to be. Overall it would be better for Nebraska basketball, players and fans.
I would be in favor for sure. 6 Classes is too many.
Also heard that there is a committee now in Omaha that is getting ready to put a bid together to host state basketball. That will be interesting. Has Omaha ever made a bid to host?
Yes, several times I believe. The Tri-Cities (Grand Island-Hastings-Kearney) has proposed in the past to host state VB, not sure about BB.
The NSAA Board of Directors met on April 7, 2022 at the NSAA Office with the following members present:
The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m.
1. Moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Items on the Consent Agenda included:
Motion Carried: 8-0
2. The Board Summer Retreat will be held on June 8-9 in Kearney.
3. The Board discussed the Unified Sports, Bowling season.
4. Moved to approve the Student Entry Plan as presented by Gretna High School. Motion Carried: 8-0
5. Moved to consider all NSAA Approved Ruling proposals: Motion Carried: 8-0
7. The Board discussed NSAA Bylaw 2.7.5 International Transfer Students regarding Foreign Exchange Students.
8. The NSAA will be hosting an Officials' Summit on July 30th in Kearney.
9. The Board discussed the State Basketball Tournament format. It was determined that another survey be sent to each school for further feedback.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.
The next meeting of the NSAA Board of Directors will be held on May 20, 2022 at the Embassy Suites in La Vista.
District I - Kathi Wieskamp, Lincoln Public Schools
District I - Dana Wiseman, Sutton
District II - Dr. Bob Reznicek, Boys Town
District II - Thomas Lee, Omaha Northwest
District III - Dr. Jon Cerny, Bancroft-Rosalie
District IV - Ryan Ruhl, Centura
District V - Robert Drews, Holdrege
District VI - Dr. Troy Unzicker, Alliance
Also in attendance: Dr. Kim Snyder, Nebraska Department of Education; Josh Schauer, Perry Law Firm; Matt Curtis, Athletic Director - Gretna High School; Dr. Rich Beran, Superintendent - Gretna Public Schools; Travis Lightle, Assistant Superintendnet - Gretna Public Schools; Roger Miller, Director of Student Services - Gretna Public Schools; Kelly Classes, Executive Director Nebraska High School Officials Association (NHSOA); NHSOA Board Members Todd Parr, Sue Mailhot, Doug Kubik, Gary Eikmeier, Shane Smith, Jim Bewley, Doug Epps and Jon Beggs.The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m.
1. Moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Items on the Consent Agenda included:
- approval of the meeting Agenda as presented
- approval of the Minutes of the March 9, 2022 Board of Directors meeting
- approval of the Financial Statements
- approval of the renewal of the following cooperative sponsorship renewals for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 school years:
- Scottsbluff and Gering High Schools for Boys Swimming and Girls Swimming
- Cross County, Osceola and High Plains Community High Schools for Softball
- Callaway and Arnold High Schools for Wrestling, Boys Basketball and Girls Basketball
- Beatrice, Fairbury, Freeman and Norris High Schools for Boys Swimming and Girls Swimming
- Bancroft-Rosalie, Pender and Lyons-Decatur Northeast High Schools for Boys Bowling and Girls Bowling
- Norfolk, Lutheran High Northeast, Norfolk Catholic and Wisner-Pilger High Schools for Girls Swimming
- Norfolk, Lutheran High Northeast and Norfolk Catholic High Schools for Boys Swimming
Motion Carried: 8-0
2. The Board Summer Retreat will be held on June 8-9 in Kearney.
3. The Board discussed the Unified Sports, Bowling season.
4. Moved to approve the Student Entry Plan as presented by Gretna High School. Motion Carried: 8-0
5. Moved to consider all NSAA Approved Ruling proposals: Motion Carried: 8-0
i. Baseball - add Class C for the 2022-23 school year. Motion Carried: 8-0
ii. Baseball - Class A and Class B state championship format, also moved to add Class C to the same format. Motion Carried: 8-0
iii. Basketball - Class C1/C2 Sub-District/District assignments: 6 districts divided into 2 sub-districts using the serpentine method. Motion Failed: 3-5 (For: Wieskamp, Reznicek, Lee | Against: Wiseman, Cerny, Ruhl, Drews, Unzicker)
iv. Basketball - Class C1/C2 Sub-District high seed hosts unless 180 miles apart. Motion Carried: 8-0
v. Basketball - Class D1/D2 District Finals higher seed hosts unless 180 miles apart. Motion Carried: 6-2 (For: Wisekamp, Reznicek, Lee, Cerny, Ruhl, Unzicker | Against: Wiseman, Drews)
vi. Basketball - Instant replay at the state championship. Motion Carried: 7-1 (For: Wieskamp, Reznicek, Wiseman, Lee, Ruhl, Drews, Unzicker | Against: Cerny)
vii. Basketball - A triangular counts as one of the two allowable tournaments. Motion Carried: 8-0
viii. Cross Country - Class B districts will be hosted at one eastern site (B1/B2) and one western site (B3/B4). Motion Carried: 5-3 (For: Reznicek, Lee, Cerny, Ruhl, Unzicker | Against: Wieskamp, Wiseman, Drews)
ix. Football - 8-man classification number of 55. Motion Failed: 2-6 (For: Reznicek, Cerny | Against: Wieskamp, Wiseman, Lee, Ruhl, Drews, Unzicker)
x. Football - Class C playoff games to be hosted by the higher seed. Motion Carried: 7-1 (For: Wiseman, Sutton, Wieskamp, Cerny, Reznicek, Ruhl, Lee, Unzicker | Against: Drews)
xi. Football - Class D1/D2 and 6-man use four wild-card divisions. Motion Carried: 8-0
xii. Golf - Class A seeding adjustments. Motion Failed: 2-6 (For: Reznicek, Cerny | Against: Wisekamp, Wiseman, Lee, Ruhl, Drews, Unzicker)
xiii. Golf - Class B districts will be divided evenly into eastern and western divisions and seeded based on average 18-hole scores. Motion Failed: 3-5 (For: Reznicek, Lee, Ruhl | Against: Wieskamp, Wiseman, Cerny, Drews, Unzicker)
xiv. Play Production - Classes B thru D2 the district champion and runner-up from the previous year will not be assigned to the same district in the following year. Motion Carried: 8-0
xv. Play Production - Add a Tech Judge to districts. Motion Failed: 3-5 (For: Wieskamp, Wiseman, Ruhl | Against: Reznicek, Lee, Cerny, Drews, Unzicker)
xvi. Play Production - Issuing a plaque for the district tech award. Motion Failed: 3-5 (For: Wisekamp, Wiseman, Drews | Against: Reznicek, Cerny, Lee, Ruhl, Unzicker)
xvii. Soccer - soccer engagements can be played over two consecutive days. Motion Carried: 8-0
xviii. Softball - Class B - ten districts with the eight western-most teams placed in B9 and B10. The remaining teams will be placed in eight districts using the serpentine method. Motion Failed: 3-5 (For: Wieskamp, Wiseman, Cerny | Against: Reznicek, Lee, Ruhl, Drews, Unzicker)
xix. Softball - Class C - ten districts with the eight western most schools placed in C9 and C10. The remainin teams will be placed in eight districts using the serpentine method. Motion Failed: 3-5 (For: Wieskamp, Wiseman, Cerny | Against: Reznicek, Lee, Ruhl, Drews, Unzicker)
xx. Tennis - Class A, add #3 Doubles division to the state championship. Motion Failed: 1-7 (For: Ruhl)
xxi. Tennis - Class B, add #3 Doubles division to the state championship. Motion Failed: 1-7 (For: Ruhl)
xxii. Track - District Track will be held in Week 45 with Class A/B on Tuesday, Class D on Wednesday and Class C on Thursday. State Track will be held in Week 46 with Class A/B on Wednesday/Thursday and Class C/D on Friday/Saturday. Motion Carried: 7-1 (Against: Unzicker)
xxiii. Track - District Track will be held in Week 45 with Class A/B on Tuesday, and Class C/D on Thursday. State Track will be held in Week 46 with Class A/B on Wednesday/Thursday and Class C/D on Friday/Saturday. Motion Failed: 1-7 (For: Unzicker)
xxiv. Track - District Track and State Track will rotate classes each year. Motion Failed: 1-7 (For: Unzicker)
xxv. Volleyball. Class C1/C2 Sub-District/District assignments - 6 districts divided into 2 sub-districts using the serpentine method. Motion Failed: 4-4 (For: Wieskamp, Reznicek, Lee, Drews | Against: Wiseman, Cerny, Ruhl, Unzicker)
xxvi. Volleyball. Class D1/D2 District Finals higher seed hosts unless 180 miles apart. Motion Carried: 7-1 (Against: Wiseman)
xvii. Wrestling - Allowing girls wrestling teams to practice with boys wrestling teams. Motion Failed: 4-4 (For: Reznicek, Lee, Drews, Unzicker | Against: Wieskamp, Wiseman, Cerny, Ruhl)
xviii. NCPA Academy All-State - Allow each school in a cooperative to nominate two students. Motion Failed: 3-5 (For: Reznicek, Lee, Drews | Against: Wisekamp, Wiseman, Cerny, Ruhl, Unzicker)
6. The Board discussed the TUFSS Summit with the Korey Stringer Institute and the use of Wet Bulb Globe Thermometers. 7. The Board discussed NSAA Bylaw 2.7.5 International Transfer Students regarding Foreign Exchange Students.
8. The NSAA will be hosting an Officials' Summit on July 30th in Kearney.
9. The Board discussed the State Basketball Tournament format. It was determined that another survey be sent to each school for further feedback.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.
The next meeting of the NSAA Board of Directors will be held on May 20, 2022 at the Embassy Suites in La Vista.
Lots of interesting proposals brought to a vote.
For...
xvii. Soccer - soccer engagements can be played over two consecutive days. Motion Carried: 8-0
... does that mean games disrupted by weather or that triangulars or four-team tournaments can be over two consecutive days?
Summary
A tournament is defined as a contest involving four or more teams in which the winner continues to advance and compete until a single winner is determined. Tournaments cannot be in round robin format. Soccer Engagements (classics, invitationals, etc.) 1. Any and all date changes due to weather must be communicated to the NSAA office. If you have a cancelation or postponement after a tournament has been seeded and bracketed, any rescheduled contests for that tournament must follow the original bracket and format. 2. If a team participates in more than one tournament, each tournament in excess of the one permitted tournament shall count as one of the thirteen permitted matches. A tournament is defined as a contest involving four or more teams in which the winner continues to advance and compete until a single winner is determined. Tournaments cannot be in round-robin format. 3. Teams are allowed to participate in two games in one day OR TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS that are not in a tournament format; this format is considered an engagement. a. Each game has a predetermined opponent. b. Each engagement would count as one of the thirteen permitted matches. 4. A school team shall not participate in a high school indoor soccer competition until the first date permitted for interschool competition. Any soccer competitions on or after that date, whether indoors or outdoors, shall count as one of the permitted thirteen games.
Rationale
Would allow schools to conduct an engagement format over two days rather than two games in one day.
Pros
Would allow schools to conduct an engagement format over two days rather than two games in one day. One game per day has less fatigue on soccer athletes. Allows flexibility with scheduling predetermined opponents.
Cons
May add additional games. NSAA software update.
I'm not sure how this proposal was written, but something like this definitely needs to happen to avoid stacked subdistricts and getting the best 16 teams (and avoiding a really weak subdistrict sending a poor team) to the district finals. We still would have the 4 wildcards that we do now to make a district final, but this new type of proposal avoids a weaker sub sending a team for a top seed to trample. You can divide the state into 6 districts at the beginning of the season and then serpentine the district at the end of the season so the top two teams in the district host a sub (rather than the two best teams play in the same sub). If the panhandle is worried about travel, you just need 8 teams in the district to create two subs out there - and it's okay to travel for postseason play
. This type of proposal needs to happen.the new system is only been in effect two years, I mean maybe give it a chance. If you are in a stacked district and you lose you will get the wildcard and then play in district finals anyways. How many chances does a team need ?I'm not sure how this proposal was written, but something like this definitely needs to happen to avoid stacked subdistricts and getting the best 16 teams (and avoiding a really weak subdistrict sending a poor team) to the district finals. We still would have the 4 wildcards that we do now to make a district final, but this new type of proposal avoids a weaker sub sending a team for a top seed to trample. You can divide the state into 6 districts at the beginning of the season and then serpentine the district at the end of the season so the top two teams in the district host a sub (rather than the two best teams play in the same sub). If the panhandle is worried about travel, you just need 8 teams in the district to create two subs out there - and it's okay to travel for postseason play
I couldn't disagree more. This dragging kids all over the state is insane and changes very little. The best 5-6 teams still make it to state. Period. The sub-state round is so bizarre with. When I try to explain it to family and colleagues from out of state they just laugh... And I don't disagree with them. The State Tournament was never, ever meant to be about getting the best teams to Lincoln. It was about getting the best teams from each region of the state together. If we're going to move to even less geography (Great idea considering fuel and vehicle prices...) we need, imo, to get rid of all talk of "District", "Sub-District", "Region", what not. It sounds silly.I'm not sure how this proposal was written, but something like this definitely needs to happen to avoid stacked subdistricts and getting the best 16 teams (and avoiding a really weak subdistrict sending a poor team) to the district finals. We still would have the 4 wildcards that we do now to make a district final, but this new type of proposal avoids a weaker sub sending a team for a top seed to trample. You can divide the state into 6 districts at the beginning of the season and then serpentine the district at the end of the season so the top two teams in the district host a sub (rather than the two best teams play in the same sub). If the panhandle is worried about travel, you just need 8 teams in the district to create two subs out there - and it's okay to travel for postseason play
Literally the only difference between the current system (12 subdistricts preset before the season) and this failed proposal (6 districts - 2 subs set at the end of the season) --- would be that the two best teams in the district wouldn't ever be in the same subdistrict. The wildcards are still there, but there will no longer be a "stacked" sub and weak subs. No need to get political with fuel prices. Saying that we would rather have geographical representation instead of the best teams in Lincoln is laughable -- FOR ALL SPORTS. You're right - it WAS set up to give different representation based on districts, but that's different now and we have a new system. Sorry.
Footballnut -- I like the current system! I believe this type of proposal that failed would enhance it for the "district finals" or "sub-state" or whatever we are calling that now
The biggest difference is you could have Sacred Heart make 2/3 trips to Crawford. Or Kimball to Mead. Insane. Not political, factual. Cost of travel simply cannot be ignored. The burden on schools, and most importantly families must be eased. I don't know about you, but gas prices more than doubling has taken a huge bite out of our budget. Not to mention time lost on busses, increased exposure to danger, sickness...it just doesn't make sense. I think these crazy ideas, besides changing who's kid gets to get a first round loser T shirt, comes from people who think 45 minutes is a long road trip... How about this: We place teams in 12 sub-districts based on geography, play the closest 2 winners in a district finals, take the next 2 point card teams (A rotten system but a whole different argument) and have a state tournament? What is this "stacked" sub-district? That C2 with NC? 2 did make it. 3rd place and a one and done? You think LHNE would have done any better? Not. You are still getting the best teams. In D1 the finals would have been a District final rematch. No biggie. They both still qualify. If that's a deal where the horrible "power points" determine the matchup, Loomis stays home. Crazy. In fact in D1, the old system has exactly the same field with one exception. Ansley-Litchfield (On paper a better team) loses in the first round instead of Mead. All we did was waste Gas...
The 6 districts would still be geographical, thus limiting travel. Not sure where you get the 2-3 trips unless you're talking all sports and boys/girls. Even then, there is a distance limit for vball/bball district finals. A "1st round loser tshirt"? Nice.
well I disagree with that, the state Tournament crowns the STATE Champion TO 90% of the world this means the best team in the state The current system only has one travel day with that being district finals. rest is regional and district finals insures a crap school doesn't get it because everyone in their region was even worse than they are, Its not the regional state championship. Its the state championship
And you're still getting the only teams that can win it. Again, wasted gas is all that it really accomplishes. I agree every blue moon you'd get a not very good team at state. Looking at scores, you still do. I remember a few years back in the SE, iirc, all 9 teams had losing records. I'll check more, but if you're talking about 1 (ONE) team difference, keep the kids close to home, save the folks some money, and use some freaking common sense...like every other state does.
Geographic? Or Serpentine? My understanding was that it would mimic Class A. Was that not correct? If it's "geographic" any change would be merely cosmetic. First round loser shirt. It's all everyone but 2, 3, maybe 4 teams can reasonably expect. Don't even get me started on the arbitrary 180 miles bs. 178 we drive. 182 we only drive a mere 90 miles one way. That makes zero sense. Not fair to either team. Either play in between or let the higher seed host. Or have a 12 sub, 6 district with 2 wild cards to qualify. Wonder why nobody comes up with that idea. lol.
I'm still waiting for the State Championship Caliber team that got "screwed" under the old system to rear it's vengeful head, to remind me of their greatness...
I understand your points, and there are some really good ones in your posts.
I disagree with one thing you mentioned, and it is just personal preference. It has nothing to do with right and wrong.
I believe the goal of any system should be to get the best 8 teams to the State Tournament. Your stance on it being about getting the best regional teams together, fair point. I just don't agree.
With that said, yes there will be some travel requirements. Yes it is expensive to travel or it can be anyway. However, if all we care about is travel expense, we could go to a system where we don't have a State Tournament. We simply crown our regional champions and that's it. Yes it is a stupid idea, but it would save travel expense.
