Executive Director’s Notebook I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E

1& 3 Executive Director’s

Notebook

2 NSAA Board of Directors &

NSAA Staff

4 2017-18 U.S. Bank

Believers & Achievers

5 September U.S. Cellular

“Game(s) of the Week”

6 NEW Golf Cart Rental

Policy

7 2018 & 2019 Football

Scheduling Timeline

8 Fall Championship

Reimbursement Reminder

9 NSAA Executive Director

Search

10 NSAA Cup Presentations

11 2017-18 NSAA

District Meetings

12 Are your officials on the

NSAA officials roster?

13 Requirements for Ejected

Coaches & Players

14 September Board of

Directors Meeting Notes

15 NSAA Journalism Corner

16 NSAA Intern Tales

17 Student Advisory

Committee Spotlight

18 Play Production & Speech

Judges Registration

Please see School Spirit: Administrative Leadership Necessary! on page 3

500 Char leston St . , Sui te 1, L incoln, NE 68508 www.nsaahome.org 402-489-0386

NSAA News October 2017

Dr. Jim Tenopir, NSAA Executive Director

School Spirit: Administrative Leadership Necessary! We’re back into the fall school routines: homework, class projects, school pictures, marching band, pep rallies and ballgames. The climate within schools is often enhanced when students, teachers and the entire school community get behind the sports programs, cheering the teams on to victory.

Many people agree that school spirit is an important part of the high school experience. School spirit means representing your school proudly; it is the amplified fashion that we support our school and our school’s teams. It is the positive culture that is developed when the school experiences success. But to what extent do we go to show that school spirit? Is school spirit a matter of just showing up for the Friday night football game? Or attending the Tuesday volleyball game, or softball games or cross country meets? Is it supporting the cheerleaders and yelling with the other students in the cheer section? Is it attendance at and participation in the weekly pep rally? All of those things probably contribute to developing school spirit. And keeping things fresh and new probably serve to keep students interested and involved. But do we know when to say “when?” Do we know the limits of our celebration of school spirit? Are we willing to allow lines to be crossed, in the name of school spirit? It was recently reported to me that one of our member high schools with a number of minority students was subjected to the supposed “fun” yells and cheers of the opposing school’s cheer section on what was termed “Americana Night” at a volleyball game. Some of the students within the opposing student cheer section wore sombreros and chanted “outside the border” whenever a serve or spike fell outside the boundary lines.

“NSAA activities… the other half of

education.”

Page 2 October 2017

Kathi Wieskamp

District I

Lincoln Public

Schools

Mark Norvell

District I

Fillmore Central

Nolan Beyer

District II

Millard Public

Schools

Dr. Bob Reznicek

District II

Boys Town

Dan Keyser

District IV

Sutherland

Jay Bellar

District III

Battle Creek

Alan Garey

District V

Medicine Valley

Dr. Troy Unzicker

District VI

Alliance

Dr. Jim Tenopir

Executive Director

Deb Velder

Associate Director

NSAA Board of Directors

NSAA Staff

Jennifer Schwartz

Assistant Director

Ron Higdon

Assistant Director

Jon Dolliver

Assistant Director

Nate Neuhaus

Assistant Director

Dan Masters

Assistant Director

Jeff Stauss

Assistant Director

Ashton Honnor

Marketing

Specialist

Megan Huber

Business Manager

Cindy Callaway

Office Manager

Ronda Schmidt

Administrative

Assistant

Alicia McCoy

Administrative

Assistant

October 2017 Page 3

Are such chants and comments considered fun, or is that behavior inappropriate in the scheme of inclusion and fair play? In another school, it was reported that racist comments are often heard: “Yeah, we are playing a bunch of Mexicans, it should be an easy game.” “Those kids can’t even speak English.” “Wait until Trump sends them all home.” Are those comments we should expect in NSAA activities, activities we proclaim to be educational activities? A school administrator wrote an editorial for our NSAA News last school year in which he said this about his student body, “They see other student bodies bring dozens of Trump signs to our games and watch their administration do nothing and say this is just freedom of speech.” Racial discrimination, innuendo, name calling and other hijinks in the name of school spirit need to cease and need to cease immediately! It is not only the right thing to do, it is the legal thing to do. Under Federal law, race discrimination in education is prohibited by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is necessary for school administrators and supervisors to reign in such inappropriate racial epithets and discriminatory actions. We have much to rally around in our schools that is positive and constructive, and it is time for schools to take the leadership in assuring that we capitalize on those positive approaches we can and must take when encouraging school spirit. It is possible for student cheer sections to have fun AND be non-discriminatory in their chants and actions. This is my challenge to every high school administrator and supervisor in Nebraska: do what is right and non-discriminatory. School spirit can flourish without discriminatory displays and actions against the opposing team. Paraphrasing a quote attributed to English philosopher Edmund Burke, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.” Sometimes it takes courage for administrators and supervisors to address cheers, chants and catcalls that are racially derogatory, but it must happen. It is an expectation!

The NSAA Would Like to

Thank Our Corporate

Partners

School Spirit: Administrative Leadership Necessary! from page 1

MaxPreps Statistics Leaders

SOFTBALL – FOOTBALL – VOLLEYBALL

Page 4 October 2017

2017-2018 U.S. Bank Believers & Achievers Announced

U.S. Bank® and the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) are proud to announce the 2017-2018 Believers and Achievers. Believers & Achievers is a state-wide program designed by U.S. Bank® and the NSAA to give recognition to Nebraska’s future leaders. Beginning in October 2017 and continuing through March 2018, 48 Nebraska high school seniors will be honored as Believers & Achievers. From those 48 finalists, eight will receive $500 scholarships from U.S. Bank® to the college or university of their choice at a scholarship banquet to be held on April 29th. These students will be recognized at NSAA State Championships throughout the 2017-18 activities year and on bi-monthly posters sent to all NSAA member schools and U.S. Bank® branches throughout the state. All of the students nominated for the Believers & Achievers awards program represent the very best of Nebraska’s high schools. For more information on the U.S. Bank® Believers & Achievers Awards Program, click here.

Congratulations to the 2017-2018 U.S. Bank Believers & Achievers!

Amber Hollister, Adams Central – Dani Carter, Alliance – Abigail Thomas, Auburn – Mary Opheim, Bennington – Riley Johnson, Bertrand – Jack Linders, Bridgeport –

Akela Dramse, Cornerstone Christian – Natalie Boyd, Dundy County-Stratton – Sara Wertenberger, Falls City Sacred Heart – Sarah Qualsett, Fremont – Sheridan Blanco, Gering –

Darin Archibald, Gordon-Rushville – Ali Bartels, Gothenburg – Allie Knobbe, Guardian Angels Central Catholic – Anna Reifenrath, Hartington Cedar Catholic – Emma Arthur, Hastings St. Cecilia – Kyle Ott, Heartland – Courtney Hrnchir, Hitchcock County – Anabelle Sanko, Holdrege – Dustin Ternus, Humphrey St. Francis – Margaret Safarik, Hyannis –

Aleisha McDonald, Johnson County Central – Annie Trettel, Kearney Catholic – Alex Heier, Kenesaw – Holden Christen, Lewiston – Kaylie Hill, Lincoln Northeast – Bryson Williams, Lincoln Southeast –

Brock Wiese, Lindsay Holy Family – Quinten Vasa, Lourdes Central Catholic – Sheldon Johnsen, Medicine Valley – Jori Peters, Mitchell – Brandon Grachek, North Platte –

Jenna Mu, Omaha Brownell-Talbot – Witney Stanley, Omaha Central – Barbara Barrientos, Omaha South – Madilyn Hagge, Ord – Megan Helmberger, Papillion-LaVista – Taylor Skiles, Ralston –

Brandon Unverferth, Raymond Central – Morgan Nibbe, Red Cloud – Megan Erickson, Rock County – Dakota Empfield, Scottsbluff – Nicole Swartzendruber, Shickley – Sophie Swanson, South Sioux City –

Claire Everitt, St. Mary's – Emma Bjork, Syracuse – Emmalee Pommer, Wakefield – Gabrielle Luehr, Wood River

October 2017 Page 5

September U.S. Cellular “Game(s) of the Week”

U.S. Cellular and the Nebraska School Activities Association will feature 14 football “Game(s) of the Week” during the 2017 football season. Numerous local authorized U.S. Cellular agents across the state are partnering to promote various NSAA schools. Ten lucky fans gained free admittance to the specified games compliments of U.S. Cellular. Congratulations to the September U.S. Cellular “Game(s) of the Week”! September 22nd Valentine vs. North Platte St. Patrick’s September 22nd Auburn vs. Falls City September 22nd Hartington Cedar Catholic vs. Battle Creek September 28th Omaha Westside vs. Omaha Burke September 29th Broken Bow vs. Gothenburg September 29th Winnebago vs. Pender The NSAA thanks the following local authorized U.S. Cellular agents and U.S. Cellular for supporting the mission of the NSAA and our member schools: Agent Store Location(s) Kimberly Buchmeier A-1 Cellular Auburn Robin Pearson Cellcom Hartington & Wayne Doug Ecklund Cellular Advantage Hastings, Omaha & York Matt Sandoz Huskerland Communications Valentine, O’Neill, Broken Bow, Columbus Kris LaRock Kris’ Connections Beatrice Thomas Thalls Nebraska Cellular Store Seward Julia Heimsoth Westlake ACE Hardware Nebraska City For more information about the U.S. Cellular “Game(s) of the Week” check out http://nsaahome.org/nsaa-awards-partners/.

Page 6 October 2017

NSAA Cup

Information about the

NSAA Cup competition

and standings can be

found on the NSAA

website here.

2017-18 NSAA Cup

Classifications may be

found on the NSAA

website here.

NEW NSAA Golf Cart Rental Policy for the NSAA

Golf Championships

The NSAA limits the use of motorized carts during the State Championships. Rules Officials, Scoring Monitors and Media Personnel are allowed to have a cart on the course. Spectators generally are not allowed to rent carts to follow the golfers. However, individuals meeting the criteria of the Americans with Disabilities Act may be allowed to rent a cart during the State Tournament. Permission must be verified and approved by the NSAA staff member at each course.

1. Cart rental fee shall be $50 per cart.

2. Cart is for a maximum of two riders only. NOTE: Due to the limited number of carts those riders who have proper documentation may be assigned to ride with another person who has proper documentation that is following the same tee time.

3. Those who provide a current DMV authorized handicap card that has the

card holder’s name on it, along with a photo ID, will be rented a golf cart, as available. Those carts will be checked out between 8:30 and 9:20 am.

NOTE: This is the card you carry on your person, NOT the placard that hangs in the car.

4. Those who provide doctor’s notes indicating the need for the use of a cart

will be put on a list to be given on a first come first serve basis. At 9:20 am those carts will be rented to those who provide an official doctor’s note if carts still remain.

5. The number of carts is limited at all golf courses. Those who provide the proper documentation are not guaranteed a cart.

6. All persons who rent a cart must follow all course and tournament rules and

be of the age 16 and over.

I M P O R T A N T L I N K S

2017-18 NSAA Constitution & Bylaws

2017-18 NSAA Media Manual

2017-18 NCPA Academic All-State Information

NSAA Catastrophic Insurance

NSAA Sanctioned Events

Requests – Contests, Officials, Equipment

Become an NSAA Official!

Coaching Steps to Certification

NSAA Becomes a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador

Through local Emergency Management channels, the NSAA continues to foster a partnership with the National Weather Service (NWS) for public safety during potential dangerous weather situations, and is proud to be a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador. For more information about the Weather-Ready Nation click here.

October 2017 Page 7

2018 & 2019 Football Scheduling Timeline

The classification period and schedules will be for two years – the 2018 and 2019 football seasons for Classes A-B-C1-C2-D1-D2-D6. Football is the only NSAA activity that has a two-year classification period. Pending board action, there is the potential that only the first year of the 8 & 6-man schedules will be released to minimize mid-cycle forfeits. The scheduling timeline is dependent on receiving the enrollment figures the NSAA member schools report to the Nebraska Department of Education on the School District Membership Report as of the last Friday in September 2017. These figures historically have been available to the NSAA sometime in early December. The TENTATIVE schedule will be as follows:

1. November 1, 2017 – Deadline to submit application for a cooperative sponsorship in football for the 2018

and 2019 season. No cooperative sponsorships in football for the 2018 and 2019 football seasons will be accepted or permitted after November 1, 2017.

2. November 9, 2017 – Football co-ops will be approved for the 2018 and 2019 football seasons at the November NSAA Board of Directors meeting.

3. November 30, 2017 – The deadline for schools to submit their declaration of participation in 11-man, 8-man or 6-man football.

Those schools with a BOY three-grade enrollment (9th-11th grades) in excess of 47 as submitted in September of 2017 are not eligible for the 8-man football playoffs in 2018 and 2019, unless they’re within the one-classification waiver period. A school that is ineligible for the playoffs in the 2018 & 2019 cycle can become eligible in the second season (2019) if their BOY enrollment figure is 47 or lower as submitted in September of 2018. (If you have questions please contact the NSAA office.)

NOTE – Schools with a boy enrollment in excess of 47 are permitted to play 8-man football but will be ineligible for the play-offs.

Those schools with a BOY three-grade enrollment (9th-11th grades) in excess of 27 as submitted in

September of 2017 are not eligible for the 6-man football playoffs in 2018 and 2019, unless they’re within the one-classification waiver period. A school that is ineligible for the playoffs in the 2018 & 2019 cycle can become eligible in the second season (2019) if their BOY enrollment figure is 27 or lower as submitted in September of 2018. (If you have questions please contact the NSAA office.)

NOTE – Schools with a boy enrollment in excess of 27 are permitted to play 6-man

football but will be ineligible for the play-offs.

4. December – The NSAA staff will release the classification and district assignments for the 2018 and 2019 football seasons. Once these are completed and the schools are notified via the NSAA website, the schools will be asked to submit a priority list of non-district schools they would like to have on their 2018 and 2019 football schedules – Classes A-B-C1-C2-D1-D2-D6. The NSAA will email schools with more detailed information on this process in December.

5. January/ February 2018 – The NSAA staff will establish the football schedules for the 2018 and 2019 football seasons for all member schools in Classes A-B-C1-C2-D1-D2-D6.

6. February 13, 2018 – The schedules along with the home and away designations for Classes A-B-C1-C2-D1-D2-D6 will be released to the member schools at 9:00 AM central standard time and will be posted on the NSAA website (www.nsaahome.org) at 12:00 P.M. central standard time.

Page 8 October 2017

Youth Group Ticket Packages

Fall Championship Reimbursement Reminder

Fall Championship reimbursement deadlines are listed below. If your school participates in any of the NSAA Championships below, please be sure to complete the reimbursement form before the deadline. The reimbursement forms are found on the AD Login Page and must be completed by 11:59 p.m. CT the night of the due date. If you have any questions, please contact Megan Huber, Business Manager, mhuber@nsaahome.org. Softball – November 3, 2017 Cross Country – November 10, 2017 Volleyball – December 1, 2017 Play Production – January 5, 2018 There is no form to fill out for Football. There is no reimbursement for Girls Golf, Boys Tennis, or Unified Sports, Bowling.

It will be Championship season soon and the NSAA is once again offering Youth Group Ticket Packages to NSAA Championship events. Youth Group Ticket Packages are available for Softball, Volleyball, Individual Wrestling, Dual Wrestling, Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball, Soccer, and Baseball. For more information on these ticket packages, please contact Megan Huber, Business Manager, at mhuber@nsaahome.org. The Softball & Volleyball Youth Group Ticket Packages are available now. For more information on these ticket packages, view the following links: 2017 NSAA Softball Championships Youth Ticket Package Flyer – Orders must be received by Friday, October 6th at Noon 2017 NSAA Volleyball Championships Youth Ticket Package Flyer – Orders must be received by Monday, November 6th at Noon Please help us spread the word! We hope to see your local youth at our Championships!

NSAA’s Velder to Receive NCTE NELAC Academic Freedom Award

NSAA Associate Director, Debra Velder is the recipient of the NCTE NELAC Academic Freedom Award sponsored by the Nebraska English Language Arts Council in conjunction with the National Council Teachers of English. The award will be presented at a ceremony in May.

Did you know that

October is National High

School Activities Month?

Click here for more

information about what

that entails.

October 2017 Page 9

NSAA Executive Director Search

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Nebraska School Activities Association

The Nebraska School Activities Association located in Lincoln, Nebraska, is seeking candidates for the position of Executive Director to assume duties on or about July 1, 2018. The Executive Director is responsible for all operations of the association to include budgeting, student eligibility, legal, and personnel management. The Executive Director oversees a staff of seven Assistant Directors and five support staff with a budget of nearly $4.5 million. This person will direct the organization of state championships for over 300 member high schools in 22 separate athletic and fine arts activities. Minimum requirements will include a minimum of a masters degree in education or a related field; at least five years of successful experience in a high school association, school administration or a related field; and experience in managing business operations. The salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with the qualified candidate’s experience and training. A competitive benefits package will be provided, including health insurance, 403(b) matching plan, life insurance and paid vacation. Application materials must be completed and returned by November 15, 2017. Applications may be emailed to jtenopir@nsaahome.org, or mailed to:

Executive Director Search Committee

Nebraska School Activities Association

500 Charleston Street, Suite 1

Lincoln, NE 68508

EOE

Making the Move From Sidelines to Game Time: NSAA Partners with AAASP National Federation of State High School Associations

September 22, 2017 – “Every kid, every day.” Jim Tenopir, Executive Director of the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) has exemplified his own statement of philosophy with his actions to continuously provide opportunities for, “every kid, every day.” This story begins a year ago, when the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) partnered with Special Olympics Nebraska to create participation opportunities for student-athletes with intellectual disabilities and their Unified partners. The success of the inaugural NSAA Unified Bowling Championship and access to athletic programming for a previously underserved student population led to both community discussions and internal conversations addressing the inclusion of students with physical disabilities. Click here for the full article on the NFHS website.

Page 10 October 2017

2016-17 NSAA Cup Presentations

NSAA Cup presentations were made this September to seven of the 2016-17 NSAA Cup recipients. Presentations will conclude with the remaining four schools in October. For a full listing of the 2016-17 Cup standings and information about the NSAA Cup click here.

Millard West Class A All-School Division

Millard North

Class A Girls Division Creighton Prep

Class A Boys Division

Elkhorn South Class B All-School Division

Class B Girls Division

Gretna Class B Boys Division

Columbus Scotus Class C All-School Division

Norfolk Catholic Class C Boys Division

October 2017 Page 11

2017-18 NSAA District Meetings

District 1 Wednesday, November 8 – 10:00 a.m. – NSAA Office, Lincoln Wednesday, January 10 – 10:00 a.m. – NSAA Office, Lincoln District 2 Wednesday, November 8 – 9:00 am – Boys Town Conference Center Wednesday, January 10 – 10:00 am – Boys Town Conference Center District 3 Wednesday, November 8 – 12:00 noon – Norfolk Country Club Wednesday, January 10 – 12:00 noon – Norfolk Country Club District 4 Monday, November 6 –1:30 pm – Kearney High School Wednesday, January 10 – 1:00 pm – Kearney High School District 5 Wednesday, November 8 – 1:00 pm CST/12:00 pm MST – McCook High School Wednesday, January 10 -1:00 pm CST/12:00 pm MST – The Tassel, Holdrege District 6 Wednesday, November 8 – 9:00 am – Alliance Public Library Wednesday, January 10 – 9:00 am – Alliance Public Library

Stay up to date on all of the

NSAA action at

http://nsaahome.org/. Like

us on Facebook and follow

@nsaahome and

@nsaaevents on Twitter,

and @nsaahome on

Instagram and Snapchat.

Are your head and assistant coaches C.E.R.T.I.F.I.E.D?

NSAA Bylaw 2.12 stipulates, “In order to serve as a head or assistant coach or sponsor of any activity sponsored by the NSAA, the individual must possess a valid Nebraska Teaching Certificate or Nebraska Administrative and Supervisory Certificate and have a written contract of employment as a coach or sponsor with the schools in which he/she is to perform these duties.” Yes, this does include coaches/directors/sponsors/advisers in the non-athletic activities as well: Play Production, Music, Speech and Journalism. Individuals that do not possess either of the certificates listed above, may serve as a head or assistant as long as they successfully complete the requirements for a Special Services Coaching Permit (NSAA Bylaw 2.12.2). This information can be found on the NSAA webpage under the Coaches tab. It is important to remember that certification is not complete until the individual has applied and received their certificate from the Nebraska Department of Education Certification Office. Schools should request a copy of the certificate and have it on file at the school. Non-certified personnel may be contracted by the school, but such personnel shall be Coaches Aides. (NSAA Bylaw 2.12.3). There are restrictions and limitations for Coaches Aides. Refer to the respective Bylaw for a complete listing in regard to Coaches Aides. If you should have questions in regard to coaching requirements, contact Debra Velder at dvelder@nsaahome.org.

Page 12 October 2017

Have you followed the NSAA social media channels?

The NSAA Fall Championships kick off in a week! Be sure to follow all of the NSAA social media channels to stay updated on the latest Championship action. @nsaaevents on Twitter is your primary source for Championship scores and updates.

Are your officials on the NSAA Officials Roster?

3.12.2 Officials for Varsity Contests. Only those officials who are registered with the Association may be used by member high schools to officiate varsity competition in football, baseball, basketball, wrestling, soccer, softball and volleyball competition, and start track & field meets. Athletic Directors are expected to confirm that all officials hired to officiate varsity contests have been classified by the NSAA. The NSAA Officials Roster is available on your AD login page under “NSAA OFFICIALS & JUDGES.”

October 2017 Page 13

Requirements for Ejected Coaches & Players

Enforcement of the “sit-out rule” for ejections from high school contests for unsportsmanlike conduct is a responsibility of the member school. Failure to properly enforce this rule could result in other sanctions by the NSAA. Administrators will be expected to promptly file a report with the NSAA whenever a participant or coach from their school has been ejected from any high school contest. Such filing must be done online under the AD login section of the NSAA webpage. Enforcement of the “sit-out rule” is expected to begin immediately, regardless whether it is regular-season or tournament play. Any athlete ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be ineligible for the next athletic contest at that level of competition and any other athletic contest at any level during the interim. Any athlete ejected for a second time during a season from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be ineligible for the next two contests at that level of competition and all other athletic contests at any level during the interim. Any athlete ejected for a third time during a season from a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be ineligible for the next three contests at that level of competition and all other athletic contests at any level during the interim, in addition to other penalties the NSAA or school may assess. During the time of their “sit-out” suspension, athletes who are ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct may not suit up or participate, but it is the school’s discretion whether such athlete is able to travel with the team or sit on the team bench. (The athlete is permitted to practice per school’s discretion) Coaches who are ejected for the first time will be required to sit-out the next contest at that level, plus all other contests at any level during the interim. Coaches may not be present at the contest site during the time of their “sit-out” suspension. The coach will also be required to successfully complete the NFHS online course “TEACHING AND MODELING BEHAVIOR” within 10 days of the ejection. Coaches who are ejected a second time in a season will be required to sit-out the next two contests at that level, plus all other contests at any level during the interim. Coaches may not be present at the contest site during the time of their “sit-out” suspension. The coach will also be required to successfully complete the NFHS online course “FUNDAMENTAL S OF COACHING” within 10 days of the ejection.

NSAA Important Dates &

Deadlines

NSAA Cup Information

NSAA Publications Order

Form

Page 14 October 2017

September NSAA Board of Directors Meeting Notes

NSAA Board of Directors Meeting

September 14th, 2017

NSAA Office – Lincoln, NE

Items of Note:

The Consent Agenda was approved as presented at the meeting. For a complete list of items on the consent

agenda, including approval of new cooperative sponsorships and renewals of existing agreements, please click

here to view the full minutes from the meeting.

The NSAA Board reviewed results of a survey sent to member schools related to the NSAA Speech

Championships Award Ceremony. 75% of respondents preferred the awards ceremony to continue in its

current format, with each class staggered as results come in. 25% of respondents favored a combined, three

class ceremony each day of competition.

The board also discussed the results of a membership survey pertaining to Adapted Sports. 169 member

schools responded to the survey, providing the NSAA Staff and Board with valuable information to guide the

next steps in the Adapted Sports initiative.

The opening for the NSAA Executive Director position will be posted on the NSAA website on October 1st, with

applications being accepted until November 15th.

The dates of December 23-27, 2020 were approved as the December moratorium dates for the 2020-21

activities year.

An amendment to Approved Ruling 2.7.8.1 was passed by an 8-0 vote. The change in language pertains to the

below section of AR 2.7.8.1:

“Or, in the case of the Nebraska student who transfers and attends the new Nebraska school before the start of

the semester but whose name is submitted on the May 1 transfer list, and the student returns to the resident

district, such Nebraska student would be ineligible for 90 school days commencing at the same time the

Nebraska student began attending the transfer school”

Omaha Marian’s request to opt up to Class AA in music was approved by the NSAA Board of Directors on a 8-0

vote.

Executive Director, Dr. Jim Tenopir and Assistant Director, Nate Neuhaus reported that in the upcoming

weeks, they will be conducing meetings in each of the six NSAA legislative districts regarding football planning

to provide guidance to member schools as the football scheduling process for the 2018 and 2019 seasons

begins later this fall.

The next meeting of the NSAA Board of Directors will be held at the NSAA Office in Lincoln, NE on

October 5th, 2017.

October 2017 Page 15

NSAA Journalism Corner

The 2017 Nebraska High School Press Association Summer Journalism Workshop – aka J-Camp – had record-setting attendance with over 120 students from across the state of Nebraska. More than a dozen advisers, many of them brand new to journalism, helped out with the camp and gained new insights and new friendships, too. The students got to experience a taste of life at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and explore different avenues in the journalism world including photography, video production, newspaper design, yearbook, editorial leadership and journalistic writing. Mark your calendars for next summer: July 16, 17, 18, 2018! It's going to be even better!

Nebraska High School Press Association Fall Convention

The Nebraska High School Press Association 2017 fall convention is set for Monday, October 16th, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln student union. More than 30 outstanding professionals and educators will be on hand to provide educational sessions on newspaper, yearbook and broadcasting topics. There also will be a mentoring session for new advisers. Two tours of the Channel 10/11 studio are planned; one on the evening of October 15th and the other following the October 16th conference. For more information, contact NHSPA Executive Director Michelle Carr Hassler at mhassler3@unl.edu. Registration information is available at the NHSPA website: https://www.nhspaonline.org/

Page 16 October 2017

NSAA Intern Tales

Crew Keller, NSAA Intern

About Me My name is Crew Keller and I am returning for my second year as an intern for the NSAA. I am a Lincoln Northeast High School alum, and am currently a senior at Nebraska Wesleyan University and will graduate in May 2018. Upon graduation I will have degrees in Business Administration and Sport Management, with supporting minors in Coaching as well as Human Resource Management. I am also a dual sport athlete at NWU having earned four varsity letters in football, and soon to be four varsity letters in swimming. After finishing at NWU I plan to go on to graduate school to get my Masters of Arts in Business with a specialization in Intercollegiate

Athletics Administration. I am a very goal driven individual and my intention is to one day become a college athletic director at the division one level; hopefully you will see me there! My Life as an Intern Going into this internship last year I had extremely high hopes that my experience with the NSAA would open my eyes to a realm of sport management that I had yet to see. Over the course of my high school tenure I was fortunate enough to participate in one state championship event three years in a row, swimming. At the time I really had no clue the amount work that went into making the event as big as it was for all the athletes. Just last year I was fortunate enough to be able to help with multiple state championship events: boys basketball, boys golf, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls swimming, girls tennis, boys and girls track, and wrestling. Being involved with all of those championship events, I got to not only see the effort and hard work being put in to both the big and small details, but I was able to put my skills to the test. For example, at State Soccer I was running the scorebook and assisting with stat keeping. At State Basketball I was updating the Twitter feed with live in-game updates, at State Swimming I was on deck timing and helping with awards, and at State Golf I was doing hole-by-hole score updates. Although I do not get to spend every day at Memorial Stadium or Morrison Stadium since championship events do not come around that often, the preparation for these events is months in the making. That being said, each and every day that I come into work I am doing something where the results will show at the championship events. This could range from helping put together programs, updating championship records, or organizing materials to be sent to the championship game/match site. Reflection This internship in my mind is a homerun. I thoroughly enjoy the work I do as well as each and every individual I come in and work with on a weekly basis, thus, I can say it has been one of the most rewarding academic experiences of my life. I am excited and grateful to return for a second year here at the NSAA and I cannot wait to see what I get to be involved with this year!

October 2017 Page 17

Student Advisory Committee Spotlight

Unified Sports

Sports are a quintessential outlet in many high school students’ lives. For some, being a part of a sport gives them a place to belong. For others, it is strictly the aspect of competition that keeps them involved. Regardless of the reason being, it is appropriate to conclude that sports allow students to work towards a goal while doing something they love.

This summer, thanks to the NSAA, I was able to attend the NFHS summit in

Indianapolis. At this summit, I obtained a new understanding of sports through participating in Unified Sports. Unified Sports, essentially, creates an environment for people, with and without intellectual disabilities, to participate on a sports team together. Upon participating in this incredible event, I made a friend who will forever have an impact on my life. When I first saw Perry, he was explaining to another member of Unified Sports that this experience was truly amazing. “We don’t have to be here; we get to be here,” Perry had said. Perry, in a very unique way, is wise beyond his years. After we had agreed to be partners for the upcoming sporting events, I complained about not wanting to play basketball since I wasn’t very skilled at it. Perry replied almost facetiously, “Do you see me? Toughen’ up buttercup!” Perry was right. I was in awe that this 12 year old who faces every day with both a physical and a cognitive disability, had enlightened me on the fact that I should be grateful to have a body that was capable of playing a sport. At the conclusion of our basketball activity, Perry also noted in a playful manner, that I really was no good at the game. Although basketball may not be an activity I am skilled at, whenever I am presented with the opportunity to play, I will think of Perry. I will play with a new idea instilled in me: I will play and compete for those who cannot. Unified Sports takes sports to a whole different level. It was the most humbling experience I have ever taken a part in. Because of Unified Sports, I was able to connect with those who are different than I am, enabling me to break a barrier of exclusiveness. An essential part of Unified Sports is realizing that although there are barriers between people, it is important that we come together to make our relationships with others more inclusive and meaningful.

Marisa Hutchinson, Senior at Valentine High School

SAT/ACT Prep Project

The SAT/ACT fall testing season has started.

Next SAT/ACT Exams SAT: Oct. 7th and Nov. 4th

ACT: Oct. 28th and Dec. 9th The SAT/ACT Prep Project with NFHS & NIAAA and 300+ other groups, organizations and professional athletes have sponsored students and their families for $700 programs for $39.99 and $350 programs for $19.99. For more information about the SAT/ACT Prep Project go to eknowledge.com/NebraskaSAA. *The $350 program cost is paid by the sponsors and partnership. There is a fee of $19.99 paid by the student that

covers the cost for streaming, student support, customer support and materials. All student fees are reinvested to

improve the program and reach more families. The Project does not create a profit. Contact Cheryl Litras at cheryl@eknowledge.com for more information.

Page 18 October 2017

Nebraska Schools Activities Association Play Production and Speech Rules Meeting Schedules

All judges and head coaches are REQUIRED to complete an online rules meeting for their activity.

2017-18 Online Rules Meeting Dates

Play Production

September 27 to October 10 No Charge to Head Coaches & Judges

October 11 to October 18 Basic $25 Fee – Head Coaches & Judges

October 19 to October 20 Late/Penalty $50 Fee – Head Coaches & Judges

Speech

September 27 to January 10 No Charge to Head Coaches & Judges January 11 to January 17 Basic $25 Fee – Head Coaches & Judges January 18 to January 19 Late/Penalty $50 Fee – Head Coaches & Judges

**Please pay specific attention to the rules meeting schedule to avoid additional fees.

Activity Fee Deadline

Play Production $25.00 October 20, 2017

Speech $25.00 January 19, 2018

**DUAL – Play Production & Speech (must register for both activities at same time)

$40.00 October 20, 2017

NSAA Play Production & Speech Judges Registration

The NSAA judge’s application for the 2017-18 school year is now available online at www.nsaahome.org.

Rules Meeting. All judges must view the respective online rules meeting to meet the rules meeting

requirement for each activity.

Please refer to your judge’s login page frequently throughout the school year for updates, reminders and

notifications.

Questions? Contact Cindy Callaway at ccallaway@nsaahome.org or 402-489-0386.

Registration Deadline Play Production – October 20, 2017

Speech – January 19, 2018

**Please note: to receive the discounted DUAL registration fee for Play Production & Speech judges, you must

register by October 20, 2017.