DIAA Board of Directors’ July Monthly Meeting Update
Updates from July 14, 2021 Meeting
(Dover, DE) July 16, 2021 – The Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) Board of Directors’ met Wednesday and topics of discussion included an update from the Department of Public Health, repeal of Regulation 1011 Interscholastic Athletics during the COVID-19 Pandemic, DIAA board member updates, rules and regulations updates, member schools’ policies regarding transgender student athlete’ eligibility, and updates from the DIAA Executive Director.
Governor Carney issued an order that ended the State of Emergency in Delaware on July 13. The Department of Public Health (DPH) recommended continuing to implement layered mitigation risk strategies among unvaccinated populations and in crowded settings where social distancing cannot be maintained. Because there is still a large population of people that are not yet vaccinated, DPH reiterated that face coverings and frequent hand washing remain very effective to fighting the spread of COVID-19. DPH is working with the Department of Education to message a safe and healthy return to school this fall and to promote vaccinations. DIAA member school coaches and sports teams were asked to encourage members of their communities to get vaccinated. DIAA continues to collaborate with DPH regarding mitigating strategies that may be considered for fall sports. DIAA will release guidance for the 2021-22 sport seasons in the coming weeks.
To be consistent with the Governor’s Order lifting the State of Emergency, the DIAA Board repealed Regulation 1011. The order repealing the regulation has been submitted to the Registrar of Regulations for publication on August 1 and, if it is published on August 1, the repeal will go into effect on August 11.
The following DIAA board member appointments have ended and DIAA gave thanks to them for their service and time to DIAA: Mike Hart (retired), Jeremy Jeanne (Delaware Military Academy – Athletic Director), Dr. Evelyn Edney (Early College High School @ DSU – Principal), and Robert Cilento (retired). DIAA Executive Director Donna Polk and Chairman Dr. Bradley Layfield welcomed the following newly appointed board members: Kevin Smith (Cape Henlopen High School – Athletic Director), Matt Smith (Saint Mark’s School – Athletic Director), Mark Robinson (St. Georges Technical High School – Athletic Director), and Dr. Sherry Kijowski (Caesar Rodney High School – Principal). The Board held its annual election. Dr. Layfield was reelected to serve as chairperson and Doug Thompson (Public Member) was elected as the vice chairperson. A full list of the current DIAA Board of Directors can be found here.
The public comments received regarding proposed regulation changes to Regulation 1009 DIAA High School Interscholastic Athletics were reviewed and considered by the DIAA Board of Directors. The Board voted to withdraw the proposed regulation changes and to continue to work with the DIAA Rules and Regulation Committee on changes to coaching out of season regulations. Member schools should continue to adhere to current Regulation 1009.
The Board voted to form a committee to review DIAA’s minimum standards for member schools’ policies regarding transgender student athletes’ eligibility to participate on a team other than their assigned sex at birth. The Board is accepting applications from individuals who are interested in serving on this committee and should forward any interest to diaa@doe.k12.de.us
The DIAA staff updated the Board with information from their office. The Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee (JLOSC) Final Report was shared with the Board. Through DIAA’s partnership with the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Tobacco Prevention Community Contract, DIAA announced three winners for the vaping education viewing contest that DIAA hosted in May. Congratulations to Ursuline Academy, St. Georges High School, and Tatnall Middle School for being named as the contest’s inaugural winners. The effects of the recent NCAA’s ruling on name, image, and likeness for college athletics does not change for high school students. To shed more light on the potential impact of this decision on high school athletes, Dr. Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the National High School Association, gave a press conference last week and reiterated that current high school student-athletes cannot earn money as a result of their connection to their high school team. Rule Clinics have been scheduled for the upcoming year for all sports and information was sent to member school athletic directors and officials groups with those details. For anyone who is interested in becoming an official, contact DIAA diaa@doe.k12.de.us on how to get more information.
For media inquiries contact Alison May at Alison.may@doe.k12.de.us.