Coaches Meeting

Willamette University

October 20, 2007

Called to order at 1:00

Michael Curry Presiding

Introductions

Reminders $25.00 per coach OHSSL dues to Jon Holboke at Canby High School to vote on state rule changes. Due by Jan 15^th. An invoice will be on the OHSSL website.

Rule Change Committee – We will need a new member voted on this year to serve for the next two years. Proposed changes need to address a specific rule, if you are not sure where your proposed rule change would fit in the state rules, email a rule change committee member for help. Proposals are being taken now and will end by winter meeting at the University of Oregon in February.

We will need to vote at the state meeting for a new member for the Protest Committee and 2^nd Vice-President; nominations will be taken now until the winter meeting at the University of Oregon in February.

State Committee needs to be voted on quickly. The state committee and district directors vote for the state committee. Please let Michael Curry know who is the district director by Nov 15^th

Computerization of Debate Tabulation at the OSAA – Owen Zahorcak

(See attached proposal)

Pat Leahy – OSAA Report:

vThe new principal representation for the Activity Advisory Committee for OSAA is Susie Orsborn from West Albany.

vProposed ballots, make comments back to Mike Walmark. He will make some stylistic changes and double check OSAA rules. The ballots will be available soon,

vMike Walmark is looking for input regarding computer usage at state. Currently there is no rule that can be found in the OSAA handbook. Many people felt that if a rule is made it needs to be clear which debate it is referring to and it should be similar to NFL rules.

vSome discussion was made on the pros/cons of computer usage; however most individuals felt like a clear rule needs to be made. Matt Ogle from Silverton did point out that the state handbook is clear that in Public debate only a dictionary can be used and there is a common public prep room.

Rob Lane – Willamette University regarding feedback about the tournament schedule and collapsing certain events. He wants to let schools know that they are listening to their coaches. Please let him know what your concerns are. Matt Ogle from Silverton is going to work with some coaches to find a schedule that allows for three prelim rounds.

Jan Pizzo – Butte Falls regarding Public Debate and potential rule changes. She is wondering if either we could let student’s research during their prep time or give them some general topic area in advance so they can research in advance. The pros/cons were discussed.

Pros and suggestions:

vThis would lead to better quality debate by giving students some sort of direction.

vHaving a general topic area is good but no computer usage should be allowed.

Cons and suggestions:

vIf students are doing too much research the event could become too much like TT, LD or CX. We need a form where students are well rounded.

vStudents who qualify for state should have good general knowledge at this point.

vGiving better quality topics is the key.

vHaving topic areas is OK for year round tournaments but for district and state should it should not happen.

Jennifer Parkhurst from Roseburg is looking for feedback regarding Student Congress. What do people think about one of the following?

vLetting the chair or parliamentarian veto silly bills and resolutions

vChanging the rule be that bills and resolutions need to be relating to current events

vFollowing NFL rules where the bills and resolutions are set

vHaving the students submit them in advance and then have them printed in advance might be good.

vSome people think that we should leave the event alone and let students learn from their own issues of choice.

Adjourned at 2:15 pm