CIF Panel Set to Approve Detailed Marketing Plan

The California Interscholastic Federation’s Federated Council is expected to approve its new marketing proposal when it comes up for vote at a regularly scheduled meeting today in Santa Clara.

The controversial plan, two years in the making, allows the state’s 10 geographic sections to sign and retain title sponsors -- a key element championed by the Southern Section that was bitterly opposed by CIF officials. The Southern Section has a title deal with Toyota that generates about $165,000 per year.

Other provisions spell out a tiered sales structure between the state and sections, set a 5% state tax on premium section advertisers, describe how conflicts in titling at state and section championships will be settled and call for state and sections to work together to maximize advertising revenue.

The consensus among Southern Section officials is that the legislation will pass without much discussion.

“It’s been hammered out as closely as it’s going to get,” Southern Section Commissioner Jim Staunton said. “I think people have dealt with this enough.”