Meeting Minutes - 2/15/2021
NC Wrestling Coaches Association - Board Meeting Minutes - 2/15/2021
All Members Present: Billy Baker, David Perry, Eddy Clark, Butch Ross, Heang Uy, Mark Harris, Mike Carey, Ben Watson, Chase Holleman, and Jamie Belk. Tra Waters of the NCHSAA and Elizabeth Carpenter both joined the meeting.
· Tra briefed the board about NCHSAA athletics during COVID. There was encouraging news in that Cross Country, Volleyball, and Swimming and Diving had completed regular seasons and championship events. However, it was also reported that many teams were required to quarantine, including a volleyball team having to forfeit a playoff match. Tra also explained how NCHSAA decisions are made in coordination with state regulations and the medical advisory committee. This process will determine what our wrestling season will look like.
· Coach Baker updated Tra about our Board’s commitment to a safe wrestling season with minimal disruption. Coaches Association Board members are communicating with wrestling coaches from other states about their experiences and best practices during COVID. Coach Harris is organizing suggested best practices for wrestling that have been utilized in other states and will share with Tra.
· The subject of when / if we could hold pre season mat workouts was addressed. Tra indicated that the current situation was that preseason mat workouts were not likely to happen. Other sports including basketball and football were also limited in contact during their pre seasons.
· The Board requested extended time for hydration, skinfold, and weight assessments. Tra agreed to the request and the week of March 15 was established as the point we can begin assessments.
· The Board asked to move regionals back to 10 days prior to the state tournament due to concerns about quarantining. Tra was agreeable and Elizabeth discussed a timeline for reporting regional records and hosting the tournament on this timeline. The suggested date for the regional tournaments would be Tuesday, June 15.
· The number of regional and state qualifiers was discussed. The Board asked if 16 qualifiers would be allowed for both the regional and state tournaments. Tra indicated that 16 qualifiers was possible in a format where competition was reduced, but this would be an NCHSAA Board decision.
· The 2lb. growth allowance is going to be utilized in 2021 but the Board was evenly divided about when it should be implemented. The Board decided to survey the coaches about whether to implement the allowance at the beginning of the season or at the midpoint. The results will be sent to Tra prior to the start of the season.
· Regional seeding was discussed. It was agreed that the minimum number of matches would need to be altered due the reduction of matches in the 2021 season. Current regional seeding awarding points to state placers, state qualifiers, etc. will remain in place.
· Mask wearing during wrestling was discussed. Although the final decision about masks will be made by the medical advisory board, the Board felt strongly that masks were a choking hazard and that the APA had recommended masks not be worn during actual wrestling. Tra pointed out that due to the close contact nature of the sport, mask wearing was not likely to have any effect preventing COVID.
· The girls state championship was addressed with Tra explaining the logistical challenges of having this event in 2021 during COVID. He will be communicating with NCUSAW about the event and if it can happen this year.
· Spectators at regionals and states under current guidelines would not be allowed. With 25 spectators allowed indoors, this will mean no spectators at regional and state tournaments. Elizabeth discussed live streaming these events to allow people to watch the tournaments online. High schools will be the likely hosts for this year’s state tournaments.
· Realignment update. As of 2/15/21 final appeals are still being heard. As realignment is finalized, we will learn about regional and playoff assignments for 2021. Balance, conferences, and geography will all factor into regional assignments for 2021-22.