SAT

October 9, 1999

November 6, 1999

December 4, 1999

January 22, 2000

April 8, 2000 (SAT I only)

May 6, 2000

June 3, 2000

ACT Assessment

October 23, 1999

December 11, 1999

February 12, 2000

April 1, 2000

June 10, 2000

Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)

The following is a keynote address that was delivered to a 1997 graduating class. With graduation season upon us, we thought it was appropriate to print it.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Class of ’97:

Wear sunscreen.

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they’ve faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you’ll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don’t worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts. Don’t put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don’t waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind. The race is long and, in the end, it’s only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don’t.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You’ll miss them when they’re gone.

Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll have children, maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky chicken at your 75^th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don’t congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else’s.

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don’t be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.

Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.

Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents. You never know when they’ll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They’re your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you’ll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.

Don’t mess too much with your hair or by the time you’re 40, it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts, and recycling it for more than it’s worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen.

"Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses."

George Washington Carver

 The reason most people fail instead of succeed

For what they want at the moment.

Heat Stress and Athletic Participation

Early fall football, cross country, soccer and field hockey practices are conducted in very hot and humid weather in many parts of the United States. Due to the equipment and uniform needed in football, most of the heat problems have been associated with football. There are no excuses for heatstroke deaths if the proper precautions are taken. During the hot weather, the athlete is subject to the following:

Heat Cramps -- Painful cramps involving abdominal muscles and extremities caused by intense, prolonged exercise in the heat and depletion of salt and water due to profuse sweating.

Heat Syncope -- Weakness, fatigue and fainting due to loss of salt and water in sweat and exercise in the heat. Predisposes to heatstroke.

Heat Exhaustion (Water Depletion) -- Excessive weight loss, reduced sweating, elevated skin and core body temperature, excessive thirst, weakness, headache and sometimes unconsciousness.

Heat Exhaustion (Salt Depletion) -- Exhaustion, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness due to profuse sweating and inadequate replacement of body salts.

Heatstroke --- An acute medical emergency related to thermoregulatory failure. Associated with nausea, seizures, disorientation, and possible unconsciousness or coma. It may occur suddenly without being preceded by any other clinical signs. The individual is usually unconscious with a high body temperature and a hot dry skin (heatstroke victims, contrary to popular belief, may sweat profusely.)

It is believed that the above mentioned heat stress problems can be controlled provided certain precautions are taken. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Sports Medicine, heat related illnesses are all preventable. (Sports Medicine: Health Care for Young Athletes, American Academy of Pediatrics, 1991). The following practices and precautions are recommended:

1. Each athlete should have a physical exam with a medical history when first entering a program and an annual health history update. History of previous heat illness and type of training activities before organized practice begins should be included. State high school associations’ recommendations should be followed.
2. It is clear that top physical performance can only be achieved by an athlete who is in top physical condition. Lack of physical fitness impair the performance of an athlete who participates in high temperatures. Coaches should know the physical condition of their athletes and set practice schedules accordingly.
3. Along with physical conditioning, the factor of acclimatization to heat is important. Acclimatization is the process of becoming adjusted to heat and it is essential to provide for gradual acclimatization to hot weather. It is necessary for an athlete to exercise in the heat if s/he is to become acclimatized to it. It is suggested that a graduated physical conditioning program be used and that 80 percent acclimatization can be expected to occur after the first 7 to 10 days. Final stages of acclimatization to heat are marked by increased sweating and reduced salt concentration in the sweat.
4. The old idea that water should be withheld from athletes during workouts has no scientific foundation. The most important safeguard to the health of the athlete is the replacement of water. Water must be on the field and readily available to the athletes at all times. It is recommended that a minimum of 10 minutes be scheduled for a water break every half-hour of heavy exercise in the heat. Water should be available in unlimited quantities. Check and be sure athletes are drinking the water. Cold water is preferable. Drinking ample water before practice or games has also been found to aid performance in the heat.
5. Salt should be replaced daily. Modest salting of foods after practice or games will accomplish this purpose. Salt tablets are not recommended. Attention must be directed to replacing water – fluid replacement is essential.
6. Know both the temperature and humidity. The greater the humidity, the more difficult it is for the body to cool itself. Test the air prior to practice or game using a wet bulb, globe, temperature index (WBGT Index) which is based on the combined effects of air temperature, relative humidity, radiant heat and air movement.
   
   The following precautions are recommended when using the WBGT Index (ACSM’s Guidelines for the Team Physician, 1991):
   

Below 64…………. Unlimited activity
65-72……………… Moderate risk
74-82……………… High risk
82 plus…………..… Very high risk

There is also a weather guide for activities that last 30 minutes or more (Fox and Mathews, 1981) which involves knowing the relative humidity (RH) and air temperature:

Air Temp	Danger Zone	Critical Zone
70 F	80 percent RH	100 percent RH
75 F	70 percent RH	100 percent RH
80 F	50 percent RH	80 percent RH
85 F	40 percent RH	68 percent RH
90 F	30 percent RH	55 percent RH
95 F	20 percent RH	40 percent RH
100 F	10 percent RH	30 percent RH

One other method of measuring the relative humidity is the use of a sling psychrometer, which measures wet bulb temperature. The wet bulb temperature should be measured prior to practice and the intensity and duration of practice adjusted accordingly. Recommendations are as follows:

Under 60 F …………. Safe but always observe athletes
61-65 F …………….. Observe players carefully
66-70 F …………….. Caution
71-75 F …………….. Shorter practice sessions and more frequent water and rest breaks
75 plus F …………… Danger level and extreme caution

7. Cooling by evaporation is proportional to the area of the skin exposed. In extremely hot and humid weather reduce the amount of clothing covering the body as much as possible. Never use rubberized clothing.
8. Athletes should weigh each day before and after practice and weight charts checked. Generally a 3% weight loss through sweating is safe and over a 3% weight loss is in the danger zone. Over a 3% weight loss the athlete should not be allowed to practice in hot and humid conditions. Observe the athletes closely under all conditions. Do not allow athletes to practice until they have adequately replaced their weight.
9. Observe athletes carefully for signs of trouble, particularly athletes who lose significant weight and the eager athlete who constantly competes at his/her capacity. Some trouble signs are nausea, incoherence, fatigue, weakness, vomiting, cramps, weak rapid pulse, visual disturbance and unsteadiness.
10. Teams that encounter hot weather during the season through travel or following an unseasonably cool period should be physically fit but will not be environmentally fit. Coaches in this situation should follow the above recommendations and substitute more frequently during games.
11. Know what to do in case of an emergency and have your emergency plans written with copies to all your staff. Be familiar with immediate first aid practice and prearranged procedures for obtaining medical care, including ambulance service.

Heat Stroke – This is a Medical Emergency – Delay could be Fatal.

Immediately cool body while waiting for transfer to a hospital. Remove clothing and place ice bags on the neck, in the axilla (armpit), and on the groin area. An increasing number of medical personnel are now using a treatment for heat illness that involves applying either alcohol or cool water to the victim’s skin and vigorously fanning the body. The fanning causes evaporation and cooling. (Source – The First Aider – September 1987)

Heat Exhaustion – Obtain Medical Care at Once.

Cool body as you would for heat stroke while waiting for transfer to hospital. Give fluids if athlete is able to swallow and is conscious.

Summary – The main problem associated with exercising in the hot weather is water loss through sweating. Water loss is best replaced by allowing the athlete unrestricted access to water. Water breaks two or three times per hour are better than one break an hour. Probably the best method is to have water available at all times and to allow the athlete to drink water whenever s/he needs it. Never restrict the amount of water an athlete drinks, and be sure the athletes are drinking the water. The small amount of salt lost in sweat is adequately replaced by salting food at meals. Talk to your medical personnel concerning emergency treatment plans.

 Summary of Meeting

he following is a summary of the May 17, 1999 meeting of the Principals’ Committee on Athletics:

Executive Director’s Report

The Executive Director’s Report was approved.

Mr. Lynch introduced Gina Brunelle, RIIL Secretary, who attended the meeting for the first time. Mr. Lynch further stated that Mrs. Brunelle has done a commendable job since joining the RIIL staff in October 1998, and thanked her for her efforts.

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer’s Report was approved.

Communications

Mr. Lynch referred to several letters and publications which were placed in member’s folders or filed in the League office.

Renaissance Games

Maryann Brown, Administrative Assistant, reported on the final round of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League Renaissance Games. The Championship was held on Saturday, May 8, 1999 at Rhode Island College. The program, which is the first such high school program in the nation, was very successful, with several schools expressing interest for next year.

State Champion: Lincoln High School

Runner-Up: Portsmouth High School

Mr. Mezzanotte referred to the practice/conditioning schedule which had been approved by the Principals’ Committee on Athletics at its April 19, 1999 meeting.

On a motion made and seconded, the Committee further approved that: A 10-day conditioning period start from the first day of practice. If a student transfers into a school and joins the football program after it has begun, or if a student joins the team after the official start of practice, s/he shall be subject to the 10-day conditioning program before s/he is allowed to participate. Violations shall be subject to penalties as outlined in the Rules and Regulations of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League.

Mr. Mezzanotte also reported on the results of a survey which had been sent to all [football] participating schools regarding the playoff format. A summary of the survey responses indicated a preference for Option I, which states that the semi-final games will be played on Tuesday and Superbowl games will be played on the following Saturday and Sunday.

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously voted to adopt Option I as the football playoff format.

In other business, Mr. Lynch reported on the Grade 9 football freshman league. The proposed schedule is tentative, subject to the number of schools that will be participating in the freshman league. Mr. Lynch also reported that Mr. Jack Carson, Assistant Principal, Babcock Middle School, who is the present director of junior high school football, has agreed to continue in that capacity for the first year.

Grade 9 Athletic Program

Mr. Magarian, Assistant Executive Director, reported on the findings of a meeting that was held on May 11^th regarding Grade 9 athletics coming under the jurisdiction of the RIIL. Based on the Declarations of Intent which have been submitted to the League office, the following sports will be offered at the Grade 9 level: football; basketball [boys and girls]; wrestling [state tournament only]; and baseball.

Further, the following items were highlighted as the RIIL prepares to assume responsibility for the Grade 9 program:

• It is anticipated that the current directors of the freshman league sports will continue to oversee their respective programs for at least the first year.
• Schools will be responsible for assigning officials.
• Students who are sixteen [16] prior to September 1^st will not be eligible to compete in any 9^th grade sport.
• There will be a fee of $25.00 per sport/per school.
• Admission will be charged for playoff and championship contests.
• The RIIL will assume responsibility for securing sites for championships.
• There will be a maximum of ten [10] games allowed in Football.
• The allowed number of games in Basketball and Baseball will be determined.

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved the Grade 9 program.

Golf

Mr. Magarian reported that the Girls’ State Golf Championship will be held on Monday, June 7, 1999 at the Point Judith Country Club. Further, the championship will be divided into two [2] categories: Varsity – 18 holes; and Junior Varsity – 9 holes.

Baseball: Mr. Martin Biancuzzo

Mr. Biancuzzo reported that the Playoff Coaches’ Meeting will be held on Friday, May 21, 1999, at the RIIL Office.

The playoffs, which will be a best-of-3 series, will begin on Tuesday, May 25, 1999. The finals for Class A and B will be held at McCoy Stadium on June 16^th and 17^th, with the if game on June 19. The press conference, sponsored by The Providence Journal and the Pawtucket Red Sox, will be held on Monday, June 14^th, 11:30 am at McCoy Stadium.

In other business, Mr. Biancuzzo also reported that he had just returned from a National Federation meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, which was attended by Athletic Directors from across the nation. It was reported at that meeting that Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado suffered severe loss of facilities and equipment as the result of the shootings which took place in early April.

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved a $200.00 donation to Columbine High School to be applied directly to athletics.

Ms. Botelho, Director, Girls’ Volleyball, reported that the season has progressed nicely and everything is in place for the playoffs at CCRI/Warwick.

In other business, Mrs. Pitocchi, Director, Boys’ Volleyball, reported that the Volleyball Committee has recommended a reversal of the boys’ and girls’ volleyball seasons for the 2000-2001 school year, which will coincide with the realignment year.

The Committee expressed concern that a switch of volleyball seasons would have an impact on other sports and would effect students, forcing them to choose one sport over another.

The Volleyball Standing Committee will submit a written proposal, including rationale, to be reviewed by a Study Committee. The Study Committee will include representatives from other sports that will be effected by the switch of volleyball seasons.

Outdoor Track: Mr. Robert Littlefield

Mr. Littlefield reported that this is the first season which has operated under a newly formed Boys’ and Girls’ Joint Committee, and the season has gone well. This is also the first season in which officials have been assigned by the league office for all dual meets. There will be a meeting on June 8, 1999 to continue working toward equality between the boys and girls track programs.

Softball: Mrs. Betty Marquis

Mrs. Marquis, Director, Fastpitch Softball, reported that the Playoff Coaches’ Meeting will be held on June 3, 1999.

Tennis: Mr. John Lyle

Mr. Lyle reported that the Singles and Doubles Tournaments were held at Brown University and went very well. Mr. Lyle also thanked Gina Brunelle, RIIL secretary, for her assistance during the season.

Mr. Mercurio, Director, Boys’ Soccer, submitted a Game Report for consideration by the Committee on Athletics. In addition, he submitted several proposed rules changes for review.

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics approved the Boys’ Soccer Game Report and the proposed rules changes. The rules changes will be sent to all participating schools and will be incorporated into the Rules and Regulations of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League.

Swimming

Mr. Magarian reported that the New England Council has approved a boys’ and girls’ New England Swim Meet for March 2000.

In other business, Mr. Lynch reported that a survey has been sent to all schools regarding the development of a separate boys’ and girls’ swim league beginning with the school year 2000-2001. The results of the survey will be reported to the Principals’ Committee on Athletics at its June meeting.

The 1999-2000 Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball schedules were submitted for review and approval. It was noted that boys’ and girls’ games will be played on a rotating schedule of Tuesdays – Fridays and Wednesdays – Fridays. This will allow for more availability of officials.

Also, the Girls’ Basketball Coaches Interpretation meeting is scheduled for September 29, 1999, 6:00 pm, at the RIIL office. The Boys’ Coaches Interpretation meeting has not yet been scheduled.

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved the 1999-2000 Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball schedules.

Wrestling: Mr. Edmond Lemoi

Mr. Lemoi reported that he has received a request from LaSalle Academy to join the RIIL wrestling league.

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved LaSalle Academy’s request to enter the RIIL wrestling league.

Fall Schedules / Interpretation Meetings

The Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved the following 1999-2000 fall schedules:

Boys’ Soccer Boys’ Volleyball

Girls’ Soccer Field Hockey

In addition to the Football and Basketball Coaches’ Interpretation Meetings which have been listed earlier in this report, it was reported that the Girls’ Soccer Coaches Interpretation meeting will be held on June 22, 1999, 7:00 pm, at the RIIL office.

Sports Medicine Committee

This report was tabled to the June meeting of the Principals’ Committee on Athletics.

Coaches Education Program

Mr. Lynch reported on the findings of the Coaches’ Education Committee, whose members are representatives of the Principals, Athletic Directors, Superintendents, and School Committees Associations. The Coaches’ Education Committee is seeking approval to move forward with the program and to disseminate the information. Mr. Lynch also reported that the Athletic Directors’ Association supports the program. It is anticipated that the first course will be offered for the school year 2000-2001. Further, this program will be required of all coaches – varsity, junior varsity, and unpaid volunteer coaches.

On a motion made and seconded, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics unanimously approved the advancement of the Coaches’ Education Program.

Eligibility Lists

Mr. Lynch reported on the issue of student-athletes’ names being omitted from eligibility lists as the result of adult errors. A survey was sent to all member schools asking for comments and input regarding this important matter. Of the thirty-four (34) schools that responded, there was support for not penalizing individual students and/or teams for adult errors/oversights.

A committee will be formed to review this ongoing problem and to develop a recommendation for penalties. This matter was tabled for further review.

Schedule of Meetings

Mr. Lynch submitted a list of proposed dates for the 1999-2000 meetings of the Principals’ Committee on Athletics and the Waiver Hearing Committee.

On a motion made and seconded, it was proposed that the Principals’ Committee on Athletics meetings be moved from Monday to Tuesday afternoons at 1:30 pm. The Committee unanimously denied the motion.

On a vote of 10-0, with 1 abstention, the Committee unanimously approved the schedule of 1999-2000 meetings as proposed by Mr. Lynch.

The following people will serve on the respective Waiver Hearing Committees as outlined below:

Fall

Kevin Sheehan, Chair

David Andrews, Kathryn Crowley, Betty Marquis, Robert Littlefield, Patricia Pitocchi

Winter

Kevin Sheehan, Chair

Edmond Lemoi, Gerald Foley, John Lyle, James Murano

Spring

Kevin Sheehan, Chair

David Light, Kathryn Crowley, Thomas Mezzanotte, Daniel Sheehan, John Gray

Recruiting Policy

Mr. Lynch reported that he will be meeting with representatives from the Diocese of Providence on Wednesday, May 19, 1999. he will report to the Principals’ Committee on Athletics at its June meeting.

Graduation Dates

Mr. Lynch reported that changes in the playoff schedule dates for all Spring sports will be permitted only if there is a conflict with a Graduation date. No changes will be made for proms, honors nights, etc.

Jeremy Szyba – Scituate High School

Present for this hearing was Mr. Randall Szyba, applicant’s father.

Background: This was an appeal of a decision of the Waiver Hearing Committee on March 8, 1999 which denied Jeremy’s request for a waiver of Article 3, Section 4c, the 8-Semester Rule, to play soccer at Scituate High School – denied.

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