The S.C. Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (SCTCCCA) passed the following proposals and would like these items taken care of ASAP by the High School League. Coaches asked to talk to principals.
1. Petition SCHSL to add Indoor Track & Field as a Winter Sport (passed unanimously)
Our athletes are falling further and further behind other states that HAVE Indoor Track & Field. It’s time for South Carolina to step up to the national level!
2. Change the starting height at the State Championship in both the pole vault and high jump (passed 110 to 1)
Currently, the SCHSL starting height is ONE height below the lowest qualifying height. Unfortunately, many athletes have to give their absolute/career best jumps to make it IN to the State Meet. Then, those athletes, many times, are not able to even make the opening height, since it is just below their new personal best.
SCTCCCA XC summer meeting: State course practice update
By starting these two events at TWO heights below the lowest qualifying height, this would allow all EIGHT athletes at the State Championship to compete, make a successful attempt, and score (at least) a point in the State Championship (note: would not affect time schedule)
3. Ask the SCHSL to follow the guidelines set by the National Federation (NFHS) for both uniform and jewelry (passed 109 to 2).
These rules have changed, Nationally, and its time for SC to change with them. The uniform and jewelry rules in SC are set so that athletes are being “warned” and disqualified for offenses that, in other states, would have NO affect on their performance.
Example 1: In SC, a young lady can/will be warned and disqualified if she has a simple, small hair-tie around her wrist. Currently, that would be considered “jewelry”. However, that same athlete CAN wear a wrist watch with no penalty.
Example 2: In SC, a young man can/will be warned and disqualified if he has under-armour underneath his uniform that has one (small) line running vertically down the leg.
(SC requires that any under-garment be “solid color”)
South Carolina needs to follow the rest of the country and do OUR best to allow OUR athletes to excel, without penalty for these (and other) such minor issues.
4. Ask the SCHSL to amend the Rules Section, page 38, section 8, part H to say: “Teams may walk or jog the course the day before the State Championship.” (passed unanimously)
This rule was changed by the executive committee WITHOUT any information passed on to coaches, ADs, principals, or classification committees (note that the date of change was just FIVE DAYS after last year’s State Championship!).
Every year, as many as 25 teams enjoy the Friday before the XC State Championship, walking/jogging the course at the Sandhills Facility. There is no foul-play, and they are NOT gaining a “competitive advantage” by doing so.
South Carolina needs to see our unanimous vote on this matter and change the rule.