Board approves operations budget, tables NFHS rules compliance action

The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Board of Control authorized the 2023-24 operational budget and tabled a previously-initiated Board action item at its Sept. 15 meeting.

The annual budget of $10.65 million reflects a projected increase in tournament series ticket revenue after robust ticket sales in 2022-23 and a modest increase in revenue with the addition of the first lacrosse tournament series. Among the additional expenses in the budget include an allowance for regional and sectional track and field timing costs and capital equipment for office renovation.

The board tabled action that would return the format of boys and girls basketball games to four quarters from the current two 18-minute halves. The current format is out of compliance with NFHS basketball rules, which prevents the implementation of NFHS basketball rule 4-8-1 that “…establishes the bonus as two free throws awarded for a common foul beginning with the team’s fifth foul in each quarter and resets.”

In addition, the board tabled a consideration to require all NFHS-sanctioned sports sponsored by the WIAA to be in compliance with NFHS playing rules. The board will revisit NFHS rules compliance after additional membership discussions.

Other action items approved by the board include new appointments to the Conference Realignment Task Force as well as updates to the executive staff, employee and Board of Control handbooks.

Among the reports presented by the executive staff to the board were a review of the ongoing officials recruitment, the first three area meetings, preparations for the fall tournament series, 2023-24 membership renewals, updates on association technology as well as the progress in determining a site for the 2024 state lacrosse championship games.