From the WIAA —
The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Board of Control reviewed and took action on a number of membership-related items at its December meeting today.
Among the action items approved by the Board include the 2020-21 independent audit report provided by BDO Global, creation of a committee to summarize the prospects for adding lacrosse as a sponsored sport, deferred liability fund report for September, and the 2022-23 meeting dates calendar.
The executive staff provided reports to the Board on the first meeting of the Competitive Balance Ad Hoc Committee, continued efforts to recruit and retain licensed officials, awareness of upcoming membership elections, as well as an update on the conference realignment process and submitted applications.
Dr. Timothy McGuine presented the Board with findings of another study that followed a survey conducted last year that revealed a significant mental health impact on youth as a result of school closures and canceled sport seasons.
The subsequent study indicated those returning to athletics in the spring of 2021 reported an improved level of physical activity, mental health and quality of life from 2020, but still significantly lower than historical norms. In addition, it also showed lower levels of physical activity, greater anxiety and depression symptoms, and lower quality of life for adolescents who did not participate in sports during the last year. The WIAA executive staff will work with Dr. McGuine to create a shareable document for school districts to utilize.
The Board received a legislative update from Andy Engel of the Hamilton Group as well as liaison reports from John Ashley of the Wisconsin Association of School Boards, Paul Manriquez of the Department of Public Instruction and Shawn Groshek of the Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association.
The WIAA, as defined by its Constitution, is a voluntary, unincorporated, and nonprofit organization. The membership oversees interscholastic athletic programs for 516 senior high schools and 48 junior high/middle level schools in its membership.
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
