The board of directors of the Florida High School Athletic Association closed its year-end meeting at the Wyndham Westshore in Tampa, adopting several measures that will affect athletes next season.
The board voted not to accept a proposal that would lower the number of classes in basketball from the current six to three or four classes. The change, which would have had eight teams in each class meet for the state tournament, would have lessened travel expenses associated with the regional playoffs.
Among the measures approved by the board:
Simplified and potentially shortened the overtime format for soccer. Teams tied after regulation will now play two 10-minute, sudden-death overtime periods, each preceded by a five-minute break. If a tie persists the outcome will be decided on penalty kicks. Previously, teams had played two five-minute, non-sudden-death overtimes, followed by two five-minute, sudden-death periods, then penalty kicks.
Adopted the use of a "libero' back-row defensive specialist in volleyball. The position, now used in college and club volleyball, allows for a team to replace a hitter when she rotates to the back row without an official substitution. The libero may not serve, nor attack a ball above the net, but the addition should increase the overall defensive and serve-receive level of play and shorten match length by having fewer delays for substitutions.
Expanded the state championships in volleyball to spread matches over four days instead of three, avoiding the crammed schedule that came last year with the switch to rally scoring.
Elected Fleming Island High principal Sam Ward as the president of the board of directors for the upcoming school year, succeeding Clearwater principal Nick Grasso. Ocala Forest athletic director Dave Horner was re-elected as vice-president.
