FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Spring Coaches Meeting Recap

Good day Coaches,

I thought I would give you a quick summary of our spring meeting a couple of weeks back. We had about 28-30 coaches, which is about normal for a spring meeting. My guess is we gained some by having it earlier, but lost some for just the same reason. Here is a quick rundown of what we talked about. Please read all the way to the end for a special surprise!!! (sorry for any duplicate emails, and for emails to individuals not currently coaching…just trying to be inclusive of those not YET members of the association.)

1. I explained the reason for the MSHSL not looking at any proposals that affect section or state competition for 2 years. They do not have a real sound answer other than they are looking at all sports, and what direction they want to go with number of classes, etc., and they don’t have an answer, even after a 2 year study. Oh well, we move on. The hope is that we will experiment at the conference level and perhaps at some invitationals with the format.

2. We discussed the need for further clarification on the wax truce, and our small group consensus was that LF’s should perhaps be ok to deal with harsh and dirty man-made snow, but all other Fleuro’s should not be used. This may be best implemented at the conference level where groups can make their own call on what is ok, and what is not. At the Section and State level, we still need to come to a clearer focus…we have a little time. This discussion also took a turn in talking about clubs coaches certain athletes either at sections or state, as well as scheduling club practice time during HS practice time. Please see my letter that is going out to ski clubs.

3. Pole length discussion was not too significant. The strap meeting the top of the shoulder is about as quick a reference that we can come up with, but who will check, and who and when will there be protests, will be the sticking point. In soccer, the ref just asks the coach if his/her team is properly equipped. If we reply yes, than we need to know that our kids have proper equipment for the game.

4. There is a initiative to simplify or more clearly combine the NCAA rule book, FIS rule book, and MSHSL policy on skiing, so coaches and athletes alike know what the rules are as well as consequences. If you are interested in being a part of that committee, please send me an email.

5. We talked briefly about pursuing alternative venues for the State meet, so we are prepared should the contract at GR not be extended. Theodore Wirth, Hyland, and Spirit Mt., were venues mentioned. More later on this.

6. State Meet banquet will NOT be held next year. Cost would be $20, assuming I could still talk them down from $27. With all that coaches have going on, we felt that even though most in attendance like the recognition piece, it did not outweigh the negatives associated with it.

7. Victor C Dunder applications are due this Friday. Check out the Nordic Coaches Website for forms, if you have a deserving candidate.

***Lastly, please see the flyer on the Jesse Diggins Welcome Home Celebration coming up on April 12. It would be great to have a nice showing from our HS skiers and coaches. Really cool to see that one of our programs has produced one of the best skiers in the WORLD.

Have a great spring,

Doug Boonstra
Association President