The weather created a firestorm of controversy for some of the state championships already completed.

After hearing complaints from players, parents and coaches, the NSAA Board of Control voted unanimously on Thursday to return the Class B tennis tournament to Lincoln immediately, beginning with the girls’ state tournament this spring.

“At least one venue indicated it would be no problem. Woods Tennis Center is available. We may have to use the Nebraska Tennis Center, so we will have to get that ironed out right away,” said Jim Tenopir, executive director of the NSAA.

This fall’s boys state tournament was the first time both Classes A and B were played in Omaha. Because of inclement weather, most matches had to be played indoors, causing lengthy delays and eliminating the opportunity for many spectators to view the championship matches.

The board agreed to continue district tournaments in Class B, which have been controversial.

“I think there would have been a lot more acceptance of the two classes in Omaha if the weather hadn’t been a factor,” Tenopir said. “Not having a better contingency plan was the problem. The change was predicated on the fact that we have to be cognizant in Nebraska that we have to face inclement weather often.”

The board discussed legislation passed in the district meetings, particularly a proposal to add an additional board member in districts with more than 12,000 students. That would mean Districts 1 and 2 would each have two board members. The proposal will advance to the second round of meetings, along with an amended one that would add a third member from District 2 because the district has 37,000 students.

The board approved nine new co-operative sponsorships for football for the next two years. O’Neill and Ewing, Greeley/Wolbach and North Loup-Scotia, Laurel-Concord and Coleridge and North Bend Central and Prague were approved for football only. Five were for additional sports as well — Elgin and Pope John (volleyball), Callaway and Arnold (volleyball, wrestling, basketball, track and boys golf), Niobrara and Verdigre (volleyball, cross country, basketball, track and boys golf), Bruning-Davenport and Shickley (volleyball, basketball and track) and Sandy Creek and Clay Center (track and boys golf).

Reach Ryly Jane Hambleton at rhambleton@journalstar.com or 473-7314.