Volleyball ‘Super Regional’ Format Approved
Plans to institute Super Regional tournaments at two sites in the state volleyball playoffs were approved for the 2012-13 school year by the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Central Board of Control at its winter meeting Wednesday.
The post-season playoff format will include three rounds beginning next season – one-day area tournaments played between Oct. 18-20; Super Regional tournaments with 96 teams in six classifications at the north site and 96 teams in six classifications at the south site Oct. 26-27; and the Elite Eight state tournament Oct. 31-Nov. 1
Huntsville’s Von Braun Center will host the North Super Regional and Montgomery’s new multi-purpose complex at Cramton Bowl was approved to host the South Super Regional, contingent on a site visit scheduled later this week.
The new format streamlines the volleyball playoffs by combining two regional tournaments into one and eliminating the sub-state round, thus reducing travel costs. The 2012 format will advance the winner and runner-up from each area tournament to a Super Regional. The top four finishers in each Super Regional will then advance to the Elite Eight state tournament in each classification.
“We think this will elevate the championship program to a new level for volleyball and provide a memorable and positive experience for our student-athletes and schools,” AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese said.
The Central Board also approved keeping the site for the state cross country championships at Oakville Indian Mounds Park near Moulton for the next three years.
The Central Board endorsed a leadership program, “Ideals,” designed specifically to teach leadership skills to student-athletes. Program founder Jack Williams made a presentation on the merits of the program.
In other Board action:
· Approved a four-year rotation schedule for the two at-large female Central Board members through 2019-20. Currently, two members serve from Districts 2 and 8. Two new members will be elected from Districts 3 and 6 for 2012-13 to 2015-16. Districts 4 and 5 will elect two members for 2016-17 to 2019-20. At-large female representation began with Districts 1 and 7 from 2004-05 to 2007-08.
· Reviewed Legislative Proposals to be considered by member schools in February. The schools will also have the opportunity to participate in a general AHSAA survey to be conducted during the same month.
· Approved the financial reports of the 2011 Super Six Audit, the 2011 State Cross Country Meet, the 2011 State Swimming & Diving Meet and the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Game.
· Approved expenses for the 2012 Final 48 State Basketball Tournament.
· Heard an update about the second phase of the newly-designed AHSAA's on-line software program from C2C's Robert Gomes, who emphasized the thorough training that C2C plans to provide for member schools.