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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-September 22, 2003
Contact: John Johnson or Randy Allen
517.332.5046 or www.mhsaa.com

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Sept. 22 - One of the most popular services offered by the Michigan High School Athletic Association – its annual series of Update Meetings in October – takes on a different look this year as in-service programming for athletic directors will be provided at four of the seven locations.

The Update series is attended annually by over 1,100 school administrators. During the meetings, information about current MHSAA activities is disseminated, issues affecting interscholastic athletics are discussed and attendees are surveyed on various topics.

Six luncheon meetings are scheduled in the Lower Peninsula and a morning meeting is scheduled for Marquette in the Upper Peninsula. MHSAA Executive Director John E. "Jack" Roberts will address high school superintendents, principals, athletic directors and school board members on a variety of topics at these meetings.

“Issues discussed at the Update series are timely, and the information we gather through the surveys we conduct at these meetings is valuable to the Representative Council as it approaches topics the membership has placed before it for the coming year,” says Roberts. “These meetings are an excellent opportunity for the MHSAA staff to meet and discuss the issues with school administrators an opportunity to meet and discuss the issues, but for those in attendance to meet with administrators from neighboring school districts with whom they normally are not able to have day-to-day contact.

"The Update series is among the most popular administrative services the MHSAA provides to its membership.”

Major topics to be discussed at this year's Update series include issues affecting different MHSAA constituencies – athletic directors, coaches, officials and student-athletes; and issues affecting post-season tournaments – litigation, legislation and items specific to girls competitive cheer and bowling.

Roberts adds that the Update Meetings also provide school administrators an opportunity to ask questions and discuss any recent changes in the Association's rules and regulations. A survey is also taken on a variety of topics. This year's survey includes questions about extending the concept of divisions to additional sports, increasing the limits or the number of contests for several junior high/middle school sports, rally scoring in girls volleyball, and items related to required physical examinations for student-athletes.

For over a decade, the MHSAA has conducted Athletic Director In-Service programs during the month of August to help prepare those administrators for the rigors of their jobs. Placing a morning-long session prior to four the seven UPDATE Meetings is an effort by the Association to increase attendance at those programs.
Parties interested in attending the UPDATE Meetings and Athletic Director In-Service Meetings may obtain more information by contacting the MHSAA office at 517/332-5046.

Here is a schedule of the 2003 Update Meetings:
• Sept. 29 – Grand Traverse Resort, Traverse City (7:30 a.m.)
• Oct. 1 -- Pine West, Kalamazoo (Noon – Preceded by AD In-Service at 9 a.m.)
• Oct. 6 -- English Hills County Club, Comstock Park (Noon – Preceded by AD In-Service at 9 a.m.)
• Oct. 8 – Holiday Inn South, Lansing (Noon – Preceded by AD In-Service at 9 a.m.)
• Oct. 15 -- Zehnder's Restaurant, Frankenmuth (Noon – Preceded by AD In-Service at 9 a.m.)
• Oct. 20 -- Hidden Valley Otsego Club, Gaylord (Noon)
• Oct. 29 -- Main Event Restaurant, Pontiac Silverdome (Noon)
• Oct. 31 -- Northern Michigan University, Marquette (10 a.m.)

A meal will be served at all sites except Marquette.

The MHSAA is a private, not-for-profit corporation of voluntary membership by over 1,300 public and private senior high schools and junior high/middle schools which exists to develop common rules for athletic eligibility and competition. No government funds or tax dollars support the MHSAA, which was the first such association nationally to not accept membership dues or tournament entry fees from schools. Member schools which enforce these rules are permitted to participate in MHSAA tournaments, which attract approximately 1.6 million spectators each year.

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