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Meeting is now under way.... AIA Executive Director David Hines is about to address viewers
“This is a very difficult time for our board. They are in a no win situation,” said Hines @SBLiveAZ
“We have had board members that have been harassed. Board members that have been threatened,” Hines said. “Name calling and derogatory comments are unacceptable and inexcusable.”
Hines has stated that just because there is a meeting does not mean that there will be a vote.
He asks that everyone respects the committee and the decisions that they make, “whatever they may be.”
He closed out his speech by thanking the board members and turned it back over.
He asks that everyone respects the committee and the decisions that they make, “whatever they may be.”
He closed out his speech by thanking the board members and turned it back over.
Jim Love asks for board to move forward with reconsidering the boards executive decision. Requests additional input from others. Has been seconded by others.
The board voted 5-4 yes to reconsider the winter sports season
Board is moving forward with the motion to vote on the possibility of beginning the winter sports season on January 18th with modifications to athletics
The board is now discussing whether or not they should move forward.
Marcus Williams of Chandler Unified is highlighting how sports will go on, with or without the AIA. Is highlighting a number of statistics for why the season should go on.
Marcus Williams of Chandler Unified is highlighting how sports will go on, with or without the AIA. Is highlighting a number of statistics for why the season should go on.
Williams highlighted how his senior season was essential for him getting recruited by the Arizona State football team.
He said he “can’t preface the opportunity enough for athletes to compete”
He said he “can’t preface the opportunity enough for athletes to compete”
Jeannine Brandel says she doesn’t believe stopping sports will bring the changes to the numbers like many believe it will. Says she does not like being in the position of disagreeing with SMAC, she thinks it’s important we evaluate what’s in front of us today. Will vote in favor.
William Duarte:
“I believe ignoring the SMAC committee’s recommendation is a mistake,” he continued. “I do believe in schools they are safe, but they leave the schools and do things.”
“I believe ignoring the SMAC committee’s recommendation is a mistake,” he continued. “I do believe in schools they are safe, but they leave the schools and do things.”
Duarte: “My vote remains no”
Dr. Zack Munoz says he represents the 6A conference, which a majority vote in favor of a season.
Munoz says the schools would rather control the environment instead of clubs.
Munoz says the schools would rather control the environment instead of clubs.
Munoz says in short time of having practices, AD’s are already going seeing higher and more severe spikes forcing practices to be shut down.
Munoz also highlights how parents haven’t been forthcoming when students have been exposed to prevent shutting down teams
Munoz also highlights how parents haven’t been forthcoming when students have been exposed to prevent shutting down teams
Munoz: “It’s unfair and a misrepresentation to pit districts and schools against those who do not at this point.”
Stated numbers of Arizona COVID-rates along with some other statistics.
“At this point, the SMAC has reiterated their point that we should cancel winter sports.”
Stated numbers of Arizona COVID-rates along with some other statistics.
“At this point, the SMAC has reiterated their point that we should cancel winter sports.”
Munoz also has highlighted how protocols at events have not been consistently enforced, which has continued to impact communities.
Says he hopes things get better, but at this time will not be changing his vote.
Says he hopes things get better, but at this time will not be changing his vote.
Jim Dean now speaking. Echoes how they saw that athletes were going to play either way, as demonstrated by how coaches worked to put something together within 24 hours.
Also says the safest place for kids is in schools, and athletes are allowed to have voluntary participation.
Also says the safest place for kids is in schools, and athletes are allowed to have voluntary participation.
Dean said it is essential for student athletes and their well being and will vote yes with moving forward with a winter season.
Tim Carter now has the floor. Says in reading hundreds of emails, “it became very obvious there were folks who don’t understand our executive board.”
Carter says the leadership is centered around a couple of different governing body. The first is the Legislative Council, then there’s also the Executive Board. Board is made up of 10 elected or appointed officials from different organizations.
Carter says they all work together with a common interest in mind and says he hopes people will understand that they’re (the board) comprised to represent the state as a whole.
