Meet New Executive Director, Rob Cuff

August 2009 - Volume 23, Number 1
UPDATE
Success Starts When Students Take Part
Meet New Executive Director, Rob Cuff
T
he 2009-2010 school
year begins under
the leadership of newly
Executive
appointed
Director,
Rob
Cuff.
Following the retirement
of Dave Wilkey and a
rigorous
two-month
personnel search, Mr.
Cuff was hired from a
strong field of qualified
candidates.
Mr. Cuff has served the
UHSAA the past 8 years
in the position of Assistant Director prior to becoming
the Executive Director. His reponsibilities have included
baseball, basketball, drill team, football, music, soccer,
softball and volleyball. He was also the director of the UHSAA
Coaches’ Education, and he is currently a NFHS Certified
Instructor. He is also recognized by the NIAAA as a national
certified athletic administrator or CAA. Rob has served on
several committees, including Chairman of the Awards
Selection Committee, a member of the Constitution and
By-Laws Committee, a member of the Board of Directors for
the Utah Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, a member of the
Utah Sports’ Officials Hall of Fame Committee and the State
Board of Trustees for Special Olympics Utah.
Cuff is currently a member of the National Federation
Baseball Rules Committee and a member of the National
Federation Football Rules Committee where he also
serves as Chairman of the Football Games Administration
Committee. He served on the National Federation Strategic
Planning Committee and the National Federation Records
Committee. He is a regular speaker at many state, section
and national conferences and clinics.
Cuff earned his Master of Arts Degree in Education from
the University of Phoenix and his Bachelor of Arts Degree
in English from Brigham Young University. He graduated
from Richfield High School, where he was a member of a
state football championship team and a state basketball
championship team when he played for his father, Bob Cuff, a
long-time coach at Richfield High School.
“My wish during my tenure is that
I will be granted the wisdom to do
what is right and the ability to work
together in building relationships in
establishing education-based high
school activities.”
-- Rob Cuff, UHSAA Executive Director
Prior to coming to the UHSAA, Rob Cuff was a respected
Athletic Director, English teacher, and coach at Mountain
View High School. Rob was named Teacher of the Year in
1995. Rob coached the boys basketball team for twelve
years, seven of which as head coach. During those seven
years, he guided the Bruins to seven consecutive top five
state finishes, winning 83% of his games and compiling
an incredible 23-5 state tournament record. Those state
finishes included back to back 5A State Championships in
1998 and 1999, five trips to the final four and two Consolation Championships. His Bruin basketball teams also won
region championships four different times.
continued on next page
IN THIS ISSUE
• New Assistant Director (page 2)
• Changes to the UHSAA (page 3)
• Who is the UHSAA? (page 3)
• UIAAA Update (page 5)
• Chalk Talk: Freshman Teams (page 5)
• Music Educator of the Year (page 5)
• NFHS Updates (page 6)
• Calendar of Events (page 7)
continued from page 1
Cuff was named both the Frank Layden Coach of the Year
and the Art Hughes 5A Coach of the Year in 1998. In 1999,
he was again named the Art Hughes 5A Coach of the Year.
He was the President of the Utah High School Basketball
Coaches Association and was a member of the Utah High
School Basketball Coaches Association executive board
for six years. He was the tournament director for the
Great Basin Basketball Tournament, served as a member
of the executive board of the Utah Basketball Tip-Off
Club and served as a member of the executive board of
the Utah County Football Officials Association. He was a
high school certified football referee for 12 years, officiating several state playoff games, including three state
championship games. As a respected English teacher for
many years, he was named Teacher of the Year in 1995.
Prior to joining the UHSAA, he was the Athletic Director
at Mountain View.
that come with the position of UHSAA Executive Director.
Rob is married to Sonya Garner of Provo and the proud
parent of four children. With the support of his family,
friends and the UHSAA staff, Rob is tackling the daunting
tasks of his new job with humility and a positive attitude.
Rob also refereed football for 12 years, including three
state football championships. His experiences as an
athlete, teacher, coach, referee and Assistant Director will
provide valuable insight to the rigors and responsibilities
New Assistant Director, Kevin Dustin
M
r. Kevin Dustin has
been named an Assistant Director of the Utah
High Activities Association
filling the vacancy left by
new Executive Director, Mr.
Rob Cuff. Kevin was hired
from a number of qualified
candidates screened and
interviewed by a UHSAA
Search Committee. He
assumed duties August 10.
Kevin has spent the past
14 years in the athletic department at Utah State
University where most recently he served as the
Associate Athletic Director for Development. Prior to
employment with Utah State, Kevin taught English and
coached basketball at Sky View High School. As head
coach, Kevin led the Bobcats to the 1994 state championship and was named the Utah 4A Coach of the Year.
Kevin will have responsibilities over baseball, basketball, drama, football and golf. He will also work with
corporate sponsors, marketing and supervise statewide
coaches’ education. UHSAA Executive Director Rob
Cuff said, “We are thrilled to have Kevin join our team
of directors. His experiences in high school activities
as a participant, official and coach are exceptional. He
has been a participant in a small school setting and an
educator in a large school setting. His additional experience in event management, marketing and working
with corporate sponsorships will add to the strength of
our team. Kevin has the personality and work ethic that
will bring instant respect to his position.”
“I believe high school activities are a great part of the
academic mission of our high schools. Activities should
synergize with the academic goals of every school and
enhance the opportunity for development of character
and lifetime skills,” said Dustin. “I am excited about
the opportunity to work with the Utah High School
Activities Association and our member schools. I am
well aware of the challenges and opportunities that
lie ahead.
I want to
thank Rob
and his staff
for their
confidence
and for
providing
me with this
new challenge.”
UHSAA Staff (L-R): Mike Petty, Becky
Anderson,
Jeanne
Widerburg,
Bart
Thompson, Rob Cuff, Heidi Bruce, and Amie
Wagstaff
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New Changes to the UHSAA
New Alignment of Members Schools: This will be the
first year under the new alignment which divides the 134
member schools into 20 regions (1A-5A). Go to uhsaa.org
for list of the member schools according to the regions.
Four New Member Schools: The UHSAA welcomes
four new member high schools for the 2009-10 school
year. Welcome to Maple Mountain (4A), Rockwell
Charter (2A), Stansbury (4A) and Westlake (4A).
Nine New Board of Trustees Members: Rick Bojak
(Reg 3), Alma Uluave (Reg 6), Craig Seegmiller (Reg 9),
Robert Garlick (Reg 12), Arlin Ovard (Reg 14), Norm
Allred (Reg 17), Ted Chidester (Reg 20), Kent Larsen
(2A, Gunnison), Jim Clark (Davis), Dixie Allen (USOE).
Nine New Executive Committee Members: Scott
Tennis (Reg 1, Viewmont), Scott Bushnell (Reg 2,
Murray), Darrell Eddington (Reg 5, Box Elder),
George Bayles (Reg 7, Timpview), Larry Bergeson
(Reg 9, Dixie), Travis McCluskey (Reg 11, Grants-
ville), Doug Jacobs (Reg 13, Kanab), Robin Nielson
(Reg 18, Dugway), Martell Menlove (USOE).
New Executive Committee Chair: Craig Hammer,
Washington District Administrator, moves into the chair
position with a wealth of experience having served 6
years on the Board of Trustees, 11 years on the Executive
Committee, 13 years as Dixie High principal and 9 years as
a high school basketball coach.
New UHSAA Executive Director: After working as an
assistant director for 8 years, Rob Cuff became the new
UHSAA Executive Director on August 1, 2009.
New UHSAA Assistant Director: Kevin Dustin was
appointed the new UHSAA Assistant Director.
New Sportsmanship Committee will address pertinent
issues in our schools. Committee members include:
Chair Craig Hammer, Becky Anderson, Scott Bushnell,
Dean Fowles, Betty Ann Rember, Rick Bojack, Mae Miya,
Mark Hunter and two coaches to be announced.
The Purpose of the UHSAA
T
he purpose of the UHSAA shall be to administer and
supervise interscholastic activities among its member
schools according to the Association Constitution and
By-Laws. Knowing that student activities are a significant
educational force in the development of skills needed to
become a contributing member of society, the UHSAA
reaffirms that students are the focus and reason for the
Association.
“Together we must continue to pass on the positive
values and principles that high school activities have
taught each one of us. We must help students dream
and succeed by creating one of the most powerful and
influential educational experiences that can be provided
to young people.” Rob Cuff, UHSAA Executive Director
“SUCCESS STARTS WHEN STUDENTS TAKE PART. As
coaches, administrators and educators, we hope to instill
in our students the desire to act with character, not just
because they believe it is expected but because they
believe it is right.” Robert F. Kanaby, NFHS Executive Director
“The preeminent purpose of sports and activities,
is not to teach someone how to hit a three-pointer or
to throw a curve ball but how to harness the discipline,
desire and commitment that comes from striving to
achieve these goals and then channeling those traits
into overcoming the challenges of everyday life.” Robert F.
Kanaby, NFHS Executive Director
Participation in Athletics & Activities Offers Benefits.
Students who participate tend to have higher gradepoint averages, better attendance, lower dropout rates,
fewer discipline problems and attend college more often.
Attendance & Participation
Increases in 2008-2009:
• Girls Basketball
• Volleyball
• Drill
• Swimming
• Boys Soccer
• Softball
• Track
The UHSAA reported the
highest total attendance at
the state tournaments for
these seven sports in the
2008-2009 school year.
UHSAA’s top five boys and girls sports based on the
number of participants in our member schools
BOYS
1. Football
2. Track & Field
3. Basketball
4. Soccer
5. Cross-country
GIRLS
1. Track & Field
2. Volleyball
3. Basketball
4. Soccer
5. Softball
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About the Utah High School Activities Association
BOARD of TRUSTEES
(Policy body composed of 20 local school board members,
1 state school board member, 1 superintendent
and a principal from each classification)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(Executive body-state superintendent, and administrators
from each of 20 geographical regions of state)
OFFICE Staff
(8 full time)
What the UHSAA does sponsor:
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross country
• Drill Team
• Football
• Track
• Golf
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming & Diving
• Tennis
• Drama
2008-2009
Member Schools ......................... 134
Total Enrollment ................... 113,052
Girls ......................................... 55,185
Boys ........................................ 57,867
PARTICIPATION
Sports ..................................... 51,372
Music ...................................... 19,581
Drama/Forensics ..................... 8,046
Spirit ......................................... 2,223
TOTAL PARTICIPATION
Girls ......................................... 38,662
Boys ........................................ 46,371
GRAND TOTAL ....... 85,033
• Volleyball
• Wrestling
• Jazz Festival
• Solo/Ensemble Festival
• Forensics
NOTE: Pre-season scheduling of games and all out of state travel is done by local school boards
What the UHSAA does not sponsor nor have control over but for which there is substantial missed
school time and financial expense (this is not an all-inclusive list):
• FFA
• FBLA
• Vocational Clubs
• Model U.N
• Career Days
• College Fairs
• DECA
• Hockey
• Field Trips
• Assemblies
• Ski Days
• ROTC
• Academic Decathalon
• Community Events
• Music Performances
• Lacrosse
• FHA
• VICA
• Leadership Conferences
• Rodeo
• Testing (various types)
• State Fair Participation
• Winter outdoor sports
• Cheerleading
NOTE: Pre-season scheduling of games and all out of state travel is done by local school boards
UHSAA Finances
• UHSAA budget is nearly $2 million. Approximate revenue sources include:
68% State tournament gate receipts
13% Passes, rule book sales, programs, licensing officials fees
8% School dues
11% Corporate sponsorships
• 2007-08 UHSAA reimbursed member schools nearly $200,000 for travel and expenses
• 3 year Cost Impact Study (1989) revealed UHSAA sponsored activities cost 0.33% or 1/3 of 1% of the
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total state maintenance & operation budget (national average is 3%)
Utah Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association:
A Vision on the Horizon
By Alana Benson
I
t is unbelievable that
2009-10 school year is
on the horizon. With the
coming of the new school
year comes a new vision.
This is a monumental
year, in that, the UIAAA is
currently embarking on
innovative ideas and strategies to help maintain and
revamp our great association. Being the President of the UIAAA is such an inspiring
experience for me, and it has been a great honor to work
with so many knowledgeable and caring people.
Recently, a strategic plan committee was organized to set
into motion a 5-year plan, designed to address the needs of
our growing organization. This ground-breaking committee
consists of members from the UIAAA Executive Board, ADAC
(Athletic Director Advisory Council), UHSAA staff, and an
expert executive administrator from the state of Massachusetts, MIAAA.
In the initial meeting a myriad of relevant ideas were
presented and discussed regarding the addition of new
staff members, offering of additional programs, updating
and restructuring existing programs, and initiating ways
to increase finances. I would like to thank all the members
for committing two days of their summer to put this
into action. Furthermore, I would like to recognize the
k
l
a
T
k
l
a
h
C
T
he 2009-2010 UHSAA Handbook contains the
policies that govern all member schools. Areas
which are gray-shaded represent new additions to
the Handbook including the following statement
regarding freshman teams (page 29).
“Ninth grade high school teams may exist at any
member high school. Such teams will be high school
outstanding efforts of Kendra Tomsic, chairman of the first
UIAAA strategic plan.
Being a part of Utah’s Athletic programs has made such
a positive impact on my life, as I am sure it has on many
others. Certainly, there are many who have and are still
making up the cornerstones of our great state. It is so
impressive that Utah is being well represented on the
state and national level.
At this time, it is appropriate to acknowledge a few
influential people and applaud their recent successes. To
begin, Evan Excell, former UHSAA Executive Director, will
be inducted into the NIAAA Hall of Fame this December
at the National Conference in Grapevine, Texas. Likewise, Bud Campbell, UIAAA past president, will receive
the Distinguished Service Award. Furthermore, Marc
Hunter, UIAAA Executive Director is representing Utah in
his first year serving on the Board of Directors. Additionally, Kendra Tomsic, NIAAA Liaison, is currently serving a
4-year term on the NIAAA ADAC board. Finally, Richard
Barton, UIAAA Past President, is serving on the NIAAA
Strategic Plan Committee and will be receiving the NFHS
Citation Award. Without question, Utah is a strong presence in the NIAAA.
Once again I would like to thank everyone for giving
me the opportunity to serve as the president of such a
credible association. Certainly there is a magnitude of
greatness in store for the future of the UIAAA; it truly
encompasses A Vision on the Horizon.
Freshman Teams
teams only if the team and coaches are under the
authority and regulation of a UHSAA member high
school. Ninth grade high school teams and their
individual members are subject to the same rules,
regulations, by-laws, etc. as all other UHSAA member
high school teams and their members. Only one 9th
grade team in any sport for each gender may exist at
a member high school.”
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NFHS Updates
High-tech Swimsuits Banned in High School
On August 11, 2009, the NFHS sent out the following
statement to all of the state associations. High-tech swimsuits that have been linked to record performances at all
levels of competition the past couple of years have been
banned for high school competition, effective immediately.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Swimming and Diving Rules Committee
approved changes to Rule 3-2-2 that will make the hightech swimsuit no longer a legal suit for swimmers at the
high school level.
Effective immediately, swimmers shall be limited to one
swimsuit, which shall be constructed of a woven/knit
textile material, permeable to water and air, constructed
so as not to aid in buoyancy, and shall not contain zippers
or other fastening systems.
The approved changes to Rule 3-2-2 (page 20) in the
2009-2010 NFHS Swimming and Diving Rules Book have
been posted on the UHSAA website Swim Pages for
immediate implementation.
Softball Pitching Distance Increases in 2010-11
After at least ten years of debate by NFHS Softball Rules
Committee members, the NFHS has extended the softball
pitching distance to 43 feet, effective with the 2010-11
school year.
Creating a better balance between the offense and the
defense was the major rationale for the rule change. “Our
main thrust is getting the defense more involved,” said
Mary Struckhoff, NFHS assistant director and liason to
the Softball Rules Committee. “When more balls are hit
into play, the defense is more involved in the game, tus
enhancing skill development.”
The change to Rule 1-1-2b was made after two member
state associations experimented with 43 feet – Florida for
four years and Oregon for one year. Coaches surveyed
within these states were overwhelmingly supportive of
the change.
NFHS Will Allow Multi-Colored Volleyballs in 2010-11
Beginning in the 2010-11 school year, it will be a coloredpanel volleyball for competition. The competition
volleyball shall be all white or consist of a maximum of
three colors, with each panel being a solid color. If using
color, one-third of the panels shall be white. The volleyball shall also display the NFHS Authenticating Mark. The
use of the colored-panel competition volleyball is not
considered legal by rule this year (2009-10).
NFHS Coach Education
States that deliver the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching
Course using the blended delivery should be aware that
the price will increase by $5 per course on September 1.
Please make your 2009-10 blended purchases prior to
that date to take advantage of the lower price. The online
course price will remain at $35. The following courses
and program will be launched prior to the start of the
2009 school year
• Fundamentals of Coaching Volleyball
• NFHS Teaching and Modeling Behavior
• NFHS Teaching Sport Skills
• AACCA Safety Course for Cheer Coaches
• NCAA Eligibility
National Coach Certification Program
On September 1, the NFHS will launch a new Coach
Certification Program, Get Certified. Level One, (“Accredited Interscholastic Coach”) will be available beginning
September 1. For the Level 1 credential, coaches are
required to complete the NFHS Fundamentals of
Coaching course, First Aid for Coaches or its equivalent,
and either Teaching Sports Skills or the Fundamentals of
Coaching (sport-specific). Go to www.nfhslearn.com for
more details.
NFHS Online Sanctioning
The new NFHS online sanctioning procedure is up and
running. The NFHS is working diligently with state associations and event managers to assist them in accurately
completing the online sanctioning application through
this initial program transition.
New Sportsmanship Kit available for order from the
NFHS. Go to nfhs.org for additional information. The
program contains an overview video about the new
campaign, “Sportsmanship. It’s Up To You,” along with a
motivational video to share with students, parents and
communist and PSAs for radio and TV.
For NFHS updates and resources visit nfhs.org and nfhslearn.com
6
Congratulations to the 2009 Spring Champions!
BASEBALL
2A: Kanab
3A: Juan Diego
4A: Mountain Crest
5A: Spanish Fork
BOYS GOLF
1A: Milford
BOYS SOCCER
2A: Rowland Hall
3A: Park City
4A: Mountain View
5A: Brighton
SOFTBALL
2A: Manti
3A: Bear River
4A: Roy
5A: Bingham
BOYS TENNIS
1A-2A: Rowland Hall
3A: Logan
4A: Timpview
5A: Brighton
BOYS TRACK
1A: Rich
2A: Richfield
3A: Hurricane
4A: Timpview
5A: Davis
GIRLS TRACK
1A: St. Joseph
2A: North Summit
3A: Ogden
4A: Sky View
5A: Riverton
GIRLS GOLF
1A-2A: St. Joseph
3A: Ogden
4A: Dixie
5A: Davis
Music Educator of the Year: Clinton Frohm
C
linton M. Frohm, Granite District
Music Curriculum Specialist,
has been nominated by the Utah
High School Activities Association
for the National Federation of State
High School Association’s (NFHS)
Outstanding Music Educator Award.
Speaking about his great passion
for music, his lovely wife Shelly
said, “Throughout our life together, Clint has devoted his
heart and soul to music. I have often referred to this love of
music as the only mistress in our life.”
Clint has touched the lives of countless students
throughout Utah and has a major impact on the music
education in our state. For the past two years, Clint served
as the Utah Music Education Association (UMEA) Jazz
Vice-President which duties included the UHSAA State
Jazz Festival Director.
A the Music Curriculum Specialist, Clint’s responsibilities
include overall responsibility for K-12 music programs
in Granite School District, Granite Youth Symphony
Orchestras including summer programs and tours. He
is currently the musical director and conductor for the
Murray Symphony Orchestra and the Murray Symphony
Jazz and Swing Band. Clint was previously the instrumental music instructor at Cottonwood High School for
22 years. He is a well-respected musician and teacher,
offering private lessons to trumpet students in both classical and jazz styles.
Clint earned a Masters of Education with an emphasis in
Music Education from the University of Utah. He taught
as an adjunct music instructor at Utah Valley University,
University of Utah, and Westminster College and has been
a guest lecturer on many occasions around the state,
including the Utah Snowbird Arts Institute. He never lost
sight of what is most important: service. He has dedicated
his whole life serving his love of music and kids. The
UHSAA would like to thank Clint for the huge impact he
had in the lives of thousands of youth over the years and
7
the quality of music in Utah.
Coming Events
[email protected]
BASEBALL
Oct. 6
Oct.9-10
1A Quarter-finals
1A State
CROSS COUNTRY
Oct. 21 State
DRILL TEAM
Aug. 29
Rules Clinic
Sep. 12
Rules Clinic
Sep. 19
Rules Clinic
Oct. 26 First Competitions
FOOTBALL
Oct. 30-31
Oct. 30-31
Nov. 6-7
Nov. 7
Nov. 12-13
Nov. 14
Nov. 20
1A&2A Quarter-finals
3A, 4A, 5A 1st Round
3A, 4A, 5A Quarters
1A & 2A Semis
3A, 4A, 5A Semis
1A & 2A Finals
3A, 4A, 5A Finals
GOLF, BOYS
Oct. 5-6
2A & 5A State Meets
Oct. 7-8
3A & 4A State Meets
SOCCER, GIRLS
Oct.13 &14
First Round
Oct.15 & 17 Quarter-finals
Oct. 21 & 23 4A & 5A State
Oct. 23 & 24 2A & 3A State
SWIMMING/DIVING
Sep. 21
Start Date
Oct. 14
First Meet
Boys’ 2009 State
Golf Tournaments
5A
4A
3A
2A
Oct. 5 & 6, Valley View
Oct. 7 & 8, Glen Eagle
Oct. 7 & 8, Schnieters Bluff
Oct. 5 & 6, The Barn
Keep Up With UHSAA News
TENNIS, GIRLS
Oct. 3
2A State
Oct. 8 & 10
5A State
Oct. 9 & 10
3A & 4A State
Visit www.uhsaa.org today
VOLLEYBALL
Oct. 29-30
2A State
Oct. 30-31
3A & 1A State
Nov. 6-7
4A & 5A State
Click on “Training” for info on
Coaches and Officials:
UHSAA ON-LINE RULES CLINICS
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