The anxiety of change proved greater than actual change; as the Alaska School Activities Association Board of Directors chose status quo over change at the ASAA Winter Meetings on February 18th & 19th.
Anticipation of change to the classifications and conferences in 3A and 4A basketball throughout the state of Alaska failed to fully develop. The Kenai Kardinals change from 4A to 3A basketball and volleyball was upheld; additional changes involving 4A programs were not.
The ASAA Board voted to not accept recommendations for change presented by a Configuration Committee representing state, regions, conferences and school districts from around Alaska. Changes, if approved, would have possibly moved Kenai, SoHi and Homer into the 3A classification for high school basketball and a possible Peninsula Conference.
Status quo wins the day and classification will continue to be address at the state level. For the 2018-19 athletic season, basketball and volleyball for Peninsula schools will remain unchanged (the Kenai change was approved last year to take effect in 2018-19).
Changes to the qualification standards and at-large berths to the basketball state tournaments at the 3A and 4A divisions were addressed.
The WPI (winning percentage index) was dropped as a determining tool beginning with 2018-19. A new at-large system will be considered, similar to the at-large system used for 4A volleyball. The WPI is still in effect for determining state at-large qualifiers and seeding for state basketball tournaments at the 3A and 4A level for the current basketball season.
Other items address by ASAA Board of Directors
-The basketball state hosting bid was awarded to the Alaska Airlines Center for five years through the 2019-2020 season.
-Approved changes to coach’s code of ethics.
-Confirmed bid schedule for state events: Division II hockey bids due April 1st.
-Separate cross country running 2A and 3A state meets effective 2019. Currently a combined 1-2-3A championship meet.
-Added limitations for state basketball cheer rosters to 12 members.
