The NMAA, a member-led organization, provides leadership in interscholastic athletics & activities, promoting equitable participation and character development.
Board March 12, 2008
The Board of Directors approved increasing the NMAA members schools assessments by 3% for the 2008-2009 school year.
The Board of Directors unanimously approved using 3-person mechanics in basketball district tournaments (boys and girls- all classifications) to be implemented during the 2009 basketball district tournaments. Schools may apply for a waiver or funding from the NMAA if they are unable to financially support the use of a 3-person team.
The Board of Directors voted in favor of increasing middle school football officials pay to $30.00 per game.
The Board of Directors tabled a motion to consider creating co-op teams at the Class A level in team sports only (volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball and softball). The proposal would have allowed two small schools to combine their numbers within the maximum allowed in Class A.
The Board of Directors approved adopting an on-line Pursuing Victory With Honor program that must be completed by any student-athlete or coach who is disqualified. The on-line program will have to be completed prior to playing or coaching in a subsequent contest.
The Board of Directors supported a proposal from the Tennis Sports Specific Committee to eliminate the Fall Tennis season. Keeping tennis as a year round sport, but eliminating the fall season would allow tennis players to play in USTA tournaments without affecting their total game limitations.
The Board of Directors approved the addition of a new classification in tennis for the 2008-2009 school year for “small schools” or “new programs” by a vote of nine to one. Currently jv and small schools who are unable to support a team participate with the USTA, who also hosts jv tennis programs and schools with only two or three participants. Currently, a school must be able to support a team with six players to participate in state. Allowing for a new classification, a team with 2 boys and 2 girls can accommodate a 4-2 format for state team participation. This format will allow for 4 individuals and two doubles, boys would play boys and girls would play girls. The USTA has committed to assisting with payment for coaches for these startup programs. This will also allow large schools that don’t have the numbers for tennis participation. The whole intention of developing this new classification is to allow more participation in the sport of tennis throughout the state.
The Board of Directors awarded State Championship site locations to the following for the 2008-2009, 2009-2010 school years:
Cross Country- Rio Rancho High School
Softball- Las Cruces
Wrestling- Rio Rancho (Santa Ana Star Center)
Ms. Alissa McCarthy, NMAA intern, reported on the referendum results that will be put in place in the fall of 2008 as well as the seeding/selection questionnaire that the membership had an opportunity to provide feedback on the past few weeks.
Mr. Robert Zayas reported on the 2008-2009 state championship dates as to provide information to the membership as they make next year’s calendar.
Mr. Gary Tripp reported on Secretary of Education Leader Dr. Veronica Garcia’s plans to formulate a task force to examine the future of scholastic eligibility.
Mr. Gary Tripp reported on the 2008 legislative session and how friendly it had been to the NMAA including the passage of $143,000 to help with the costs of the state basketball tournament as well as the other events.
Mr. Dusty Young reported on how the sixteen team class A/AA baseball tournament will impact small school, loss of school time, and asked for feedback concerning this issue. The Board of Directors will think on this and make potential recommendations in the future.
Mr. Tripp reported that seating capacities at certain gymnasiums is a definite problem for district/state basketball playoff games and needs addressing for the future.
Mr. Gary Tripp reported on the NMAA foundation Golf Tournament to be held on Friday, June 13, 2008 at the UNM Golf Championship Golf Course, the Pursuing Victory with Honor Sportsmanship Award recipients, and the state basketball championship schedule.
The Board of Directors retreat will be held June 3 and the Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for June 4.
