BULLETIN
March 1999 Volume LXXV Number 6

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Members Present:
Robert Grimes, Battle Creek
Dennis Kniola, Stevensville
Tom Rashid, Detroit
Dan Flynn, Escanaba
Member Absent:
Michael Shibler, Rockford
Staff Members Present:
Jerry Cvengros, East Lansing
Jack Roberts, East Lansing (Recorder)

Executive Committee Authority and Responsibility - The Executive Committee was reminded of its authority under Article VII of the MHSAA Constitution and specifically its responsibility to consider each application for waiver of an eligibility requirement on its individual merits, determining if the regulation serves the purpose for which it was intended in each case or if the regulation works an undue hardship on any student who is the subject of a request for waiver. (These underlying criteria may not be restated for every subject of this agenda.)
The Executive Committee was reminded that it was the responsibility of each member school involved to provide sufficient factual information about the specific request for the Executive Committee to reach a decision without further investigation. If information is incomplete, contradictory or otherwise unclear or has been received too late to be studied completely, the Executive Committee may deny the request for waiver or delay action. Such requests may be resubmitted to the Executive Committee with additional information at a subsequent meeting or appealed to the full Representative Council.
A determination of undue hardship is a matter addressed to the discretion of the Executive Committee within the educational philosophy and the place of voluntary extracurricular competitive athletics in the academic environment. The Executive Committee was cautioned to avoid making exceptions that would create precedent that effectively changes a rule without Representative Council action or local board of education adoption, which would exceed Executive Committee authority.
Students for whom waiver of a particular regulation is granted must be eligible in all respects under all other sections and interpretations of the regulations prior to participation.
Consistent with rulings of the Attorney General, schools are not bound by the decisions of the Executive Committee, but the Association may limit participation in the post-season tournaments it sponsors to those schools which apply rules and penalties as promulgated by the MHSAA and adopted by each member school's board of education.
Warren-Immaculate Conception High School (Regulation I, Section 1) - Request was made to allow this school of 78 students to be able to involve 8th-grade students of its feeder school in the high school volleyball program.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver for volleyball only for the current season only.
Lake Linden-Hubbell and Dollar Bay High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[E]) - On Dec. 2, 1998, the Executive Committee approved the addition of football to the cooperative agreement that exists between these schools in ice hockey. Lake Linden-Hubbell has sponsored the sport previously and will be the primary school. The current combined enrollment is 279.
Subsequently, the two schools asked the Executive Committee to apply Handbook Interpretation No. 11 so that the cooperative program may be classified for the MHSAA Football Playoffs on the basis of Lake Linden-Hubbell's enrollment only and to do so without limit as to the number of years this could occur.
The Executive Committee approved this cooperative program's participation in Division 8 of the 1999 and 2000 Football Playoffs, after which this matter will be reviewed further.
Wyandotte-Mt. Carmel and Southgate-Aquinas High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[E]) - The Executive Committee approved a cooperative program in football. Both schools sponsored the sport last season. Mt. Carmel will be the primary school and the combined enrollment (321 for 1998-99) will probably place the program in Division 7 of the MHSAA Football Playoffs.
Battle Creek-Central, St. Philip Catholic Central and Pennfield High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - The Executive Committee approved the addition of Battle Creek-Pennfield High School to the cooperative agreement that has existed since 1996 between Battle Creek-Central and St. Philip Catholic Central High Schools in girls swimming and diving for which Central is the primary school. Pennfield and Central already cooperate in girls golf. St. Philip and Central also cooperate in boys swimming and diving.
Buckley High School (Regulation I, Section 7) - Request for eligibility was made on behalf of a 12th-grade student who enrolled in only three classes this semester until it was noticed he would not be eligible for basketball. He then enrolled in one of several classes that allows students to accelerate and test out, which the student is completing.
The Executive Committee concluded that the student becomes eligible when he has completed the course and the school has accepted the credit for its completion.
Watervliet-Grace Christian School (Regulation I, Section 8) - A "Homeschool Program" is operated by this school that has four levels of interaction with and fees to Grace Christian School. At the highest level, curriculum is supplied by GCS, texts are returned to GCS at the end of the year and monthly conferences (one in home, eight on campus) are required by the home teacher with the GCS coordinator. Students graduate from GCS with a regular school diploma and must complete all courses that are required of in-school students.
One specific student attended GCS from kindergarten through 7th grade. For the next 3½ years, he was schooled at home with level 3 interaction with GCS. The school inquired if he must be an in-school student at the start of the second semester of the 1998-99 school year in order to be eligible for soccer next fall (like a transfer student); or if he would be able to participate in soccer next fall without changing his status.
The Executive Committee determined that students enrolled at Grace Christian School through its homeschool program at level 4 may be eligible for interscholastic athletics under Handbook Interpretation No. 44. The Executive Committee also directed that the issues involved here be discussed by the Representative Council at not later than the May 1999 meeting.
Bloomfield Hills-Marian High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 9th-grade student who was a lifelong resident of Birmingham until August 1997 when a job transfer moved her family to Charlotte, NC. Another job transfer returned the family to their same residence in Birmingham. Marian is not the closest nonpublic school but is the school from which an older sister graduated in 1997 and another sister attended before the move to North Carolina where she graduated.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver
Byron Center High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a student who has relocated from her parents' residence, where it is alleged she is the victim of neglect, to the residence of temporary guardians. She will transfer from East Kentwood High School to Byron Center if waiver is granted so she may participate in track and field.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver on the basis of the information available.
Chesaning High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 9th-grade student who previously attended school in Virginia. His parents, who are divorced, are both in the military, his mother being stationed in Kuwait and his father being transferred to Korea. The student is moving to his uncle's residence.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Coloma High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request was made to waive the transfer regulation to permit a 9th-grade student to be immediately eligible at the sub-varsity level after transferring Dec. 14, 1998, from Benton Harbor-Country Side Charter School where he did not participate in school sports.
The Executive Committee granted the request for eligibility for the remainder of the 1998-99 school year at the sub-varsity level only.
Custer-Mason County Eastern High School (Regulation I, Section 9[C]) - Request was made to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility after 90 school days of enrollment at Mason County Eastern for a 10th-grade student from Scottville-Mason County Central who enrolled Nov. 2, 1998.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver, noting the enrollment date is beyond the latest date intended by the Representative Council when it adopted this provision.
Dearborn Heights-Crestwood High School (Regulation I, Section 9[C]) - Request was made to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility after 90 school days of enrollment at Crestwood for a 10th-grade student from Redford-Detroit Catholic Central who enrolled Oct. 13, 1998.
Consistent with similar cases involving transfers shortly after the fourth Friday of Labor Day, the Executive Committee granted the request for waiver effective with the student's 91st school day of enrollment at Crestwood High School.
Jackson-Lumen Christi High School (Regulation I, Section 9[D]) - Jackson High School administration alleged that an 11th-grade student transferred from Jackson High School to Lumen Christi High School primarily for athletic reasons and should remain ineligible for two semesters under Section 9(D) of the transfer regulation. After receiving the response of Lumen Christi administration, MHSAA staff concurred with the allegation, noting that sub-parts 1, 2 and 3 of Section 9(D) are particularly applicable to this student's situation. On Nov. 17, 1998, an administrator of Lumen Christi High School accompanied by the student, one or his brothers and his father, met with the Executive Committee. The Catholic tradition of the family and the importance of academics were stressed in their presentation and discussion with the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee denied the request to waive the second semester of ineligibility, noting that the transfer for Catholic education was delayed two years and occurred only after the student had expressed concern for the basketball program, which was admitted to be the source of the student's academic difficulties.
Subsequently, Lumen Christi High School administration requested a meeting between the family, the administration of Jackson High School and the MHSAA and a review of the process for cases such as this.
The Executive Committee reviewed additional materials submitted by the family through the school. It was not persuaded that the earlier decision — based on the words of the student, his brother and their father — was incorrect. The executive director was requested to communicate that the Executive Committee would not be involved in additional meetings nor require any meetings by others.
Saginaw-Buena Vista High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 12th-grade student who moved from the Bridgeport district to the Buena Vista district in January 1998, and remained at Bridgeport High School until he enrolled at Buena Vista High School on Sept. 9, 1998. He moved with his father, who is not married to his mother, but an Educational Transfer Form and certificate of birth were provided.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Saginaw-Nouvel Catholic Central High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request for immediate eligibility at the sub-varsity level was made on behalf of a 9th-grade student who attended Saginaw-Heritage High School for the first five days of its school year before enrolling at Nouvel Catholic Central High School. She did not participate in interscholastic athletics at Heritage.
The Executive Committee granted the request for eligibility at the sub-varsity level during the first semester of the 1998-99 school year.
South Haven High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who moved with his mother from South Haven to Bangor late in the 1997-98 school year. He completed that school year at South Haven and started the 1998-99 school year at Bangor where he played basketball until he relocated to his father in South Haven and re-enrolled there. His mother and father were never married, so the divorce exception cannot be used. He has lived with his mother from birth until December; he attended South Haven schools from kindergarten until the start of 10th grade. The birth certificate has no father's name, but various other documentation shows the man in question to be his father.
The Executive Committee noted that the student was eligible at Bangor and did not provide a compelling reason for the need to change residences or schools; and the request for waiver was denied.
Lansing-Waverly High School (Regulation I, Sections 9 & 10) - A request was made to waive the transfer regulation on behalf of a student who lived with his grandmother and attended Jackson High School until he enrolled at Waverly High School on Oct. 23, 1998. His father had been incarcerated until August, and the terms of his parole have prohibited his relocation to Lansing. The student moved to an address in the Waverly district that was purported to be the residence of a man, who had been made the student’s guardian, and his son who had transferred from Jackson High School at the start of the 1997-98 school year.
The Executive Committee noted that no compelling reason was provided for the student to change either residences or schools and, in fact, the "Social History for Minor Guardianship" document merely stated the guardianship was necessary "for the proper procedure to enable my child to attend school in the proposed school district of his guardian." The request for waiver of the transfer regulation was denied.
The Executive Committee also concluded that there was a violation of the undue influence section, and specifically Interpretation No. 98, in that, according to the "Social History for Minor Guardianship" document, the father of a Waverly player has assisted with the financial burden of this transfer student. Under Section 10 of the regulation, this student is ineligible until Oct. 23, 1999.
Mackinac Island Public Schools (Regulation III, Section 1) - Request was made to waive the enrollment regulation and specifically Interpretation No. 215 to allow 6th grade girls to participate with 7th and 8th grade girls in middle school volleyball competition in the spring of 1999.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver for middle school girls volleyball in the spring of 1999 only.
Niles-Ring Lardner Junior High School (Regulation IV, Section 10-5) - Request was made for this school to be allowed seven football games, which is required by an Indiana conference which Ring Lardner Junior High has been invited to join.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Millington High School (Regulation V, Section 3[C]) - The Nov. 14, 1998, football game between Chesaning and Millington High Schools was ended by the officials with 1:43 remaining in the game because of a series of personal fouls against Millington, which has submitted a summary report of internal actions which have included public apologies by players, school sanctions against players, development of a school district task force to improve sportsmanship among all constituents, and increased involvement in the Program of Athletic Coaches' Education (PACE).
The Executive Committee requested that the school's administration and head football coach appear at a future meeting, preferably in February, to address more specifically the student sanctions that have been imposed, the steps being implemented to improve sportsmanship among athletes, other students, fans and coaches, the district's expanded involvement in PACE, a report of the first task force meeting(s), and, since many comments were received about the inadequacy of the facility as a contributor to problems, what is being done to address those concerns.
Girls Basketball Finals - After reviewing Representative Council input regarding the site of the Girls Basketball Semifinals and Finals in 1999 and beyond, the Executive Committee affirmed the decision to return the tournament to Rose Arena at Central Michigan University for the next three years.
Football Playoffs - The Executive Committee reviewed and discussed correspondence regarding Football Playoff expansion, as well as proposals to meet the Representative Council's request to develop stronger policies and penalties for schools which terminate valid game contracts without mutual agreement. Staff was requested to circulate the proposals as widely as possible as soon as possible prior to the Council's approval on March 26, 1999.
Pension - The Executive Committee approved a resolution that John E. Roberts is the current trustee of the MHSAA Employee Money Purchase Pension Plan.
Office Park - The Executive Committee reviewed an alternative to selling the last parcel that remains unsold in Ramblewood Park. There was consensus that the concept should be developed further for the Finance Committee and Representative Council.
Next Meetings - The next meetings of the Executive Committee are scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 25, 1999, at 9 a.m. in East Lansing; Thursday, March 25, 1999, at 10 a.m. in East Lansing; Thursday, April 22, 1999, at 9 a.m. in East Lansing; and Saturday, May 1, 1999, at 6 p.m. in Thompsonville.

Members Present:
Keith Alto, Newberry
Russ Bailey, Ewen-Trout Creek
Don Edens, Kingsford
Dan Flynn, Escanaba
Dick Koski, Negaunee
Don Poshak, Calumet
Joe Reddinger, North Dickinson
Staff Member Present:
Jerry Cvengros, East Lansing (Recorder)

1. Assignment of officials to District, Regional & Final Boys Basketball Tournaments
The Committee selected officials for District & Regional Tournaments to be held in the Upper Peninsula.
In addition, Gary McDonald of St. Ignace was assigned a Final game and John Soumis of Chassell a Semifinal game.
2. Time Schedule for Regional Basketball Tournament at Northern Michigan University.
THURSDAY, MARCH 18--Class C (one session)-- 6 & 8 p.m.
FRIDAY, MARCH 19-- Class D (one session)--6 & 8 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 20--(separate sessions)--Class C at Noon; Class D at 3 p.m.
3. Ice Hockey
The committee reviewed the format of the 1999 ice hockey tournament that will include Class A District tournaments. Four U.P. teams are assigned to District 16.
Hancock High School will host Class B-C-D Regional Tournament at MTU with the winner advancing directly to semifinal play in Flint on March 12-13.
4. Track & Field
The committee assigned the following sites for 1999 Track Regionals.
Class A-B - Escanaba & Sault Ste. Marie
Class C - Munising, Calumet, Iron Mountain
Class D - Pickford, Rapid River, White Pine, and Iron Mountain-North Dickinson
Officials assigned to the U.P. Final meet at Marquette are: Ken Myllyla, Escanaba and Walter Lakari of Iron Mountain as starters and Sean Jacques of Calumet and Dee Jay Paquette of Munising as referees.
5. Wrestling
Officials assigned to the 1999 Finals in Menominee are: Joe Brey of Sault Ste. Marie, David Gagnon of Gladstone, Russ Pericolosi of Iron Mountain, Scot Fure of Marquette and George Pond of Iron Mountain.
6. Future Sites:
Girls Tennis: October 8, 1999 Class AB - Marquette; Class CD - Iron Mountain
Cross Country: October 17, 1999 Munising
Wrestling: February 18-19, 2000 Escanaba
7. Future Meetings:
The U.P. Committee will meet in Escanaba on Monday, Sept. 13, 1999.

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In the December-January issue of the Bulletin, the editorial "Time Well Spent" previewed four critical issues of educational athletics — scholarship, sportsmanship, safety and the scope of school sports. This editorial takes the second of these issues — sportsmanship — a bit deeper.

It brings great encouragement to many people in Michigan to have witnessed the enthusiastic response to our first two Statewide Sportsmanship Summits. With statewide and local partnerships, we will accomplish even more in the future.

The first Summit in 1997 had a capacity crowd of 800 persons. For the second Summit, capacity was increased to 1,200, and two weeks before the Sept. 23, 1998 event, space was sold out. At the 1998 event, just over 50 percent of the MHSAA's member high schools were represented at the Summit. Many sent teams of administrators, coaches, parents, boosters and students; and many translated their statewide experience into a local initiative.

No Statewide Summit by the MHSAA is planned for the 1999-00 school year when, instead, the MHSAA will direct its resources to support local and league sportsmanship initiatives. However, an ambitious goal has been set for Sportsmanship Summit III on Sept. 27, 2000: to have 2,000 participants.

During 1999-00, the MHSAA is working with the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association to encourage and support more local initiatives. At its March 1999 Convention and July 1999 Summer Workshop, the MIAAA will attempt to develop ideas for positively affecting adult spectators. The MHSAA will include the MIAAA's work in the revised Sportsmanship Kit that it publishes and distributes annually.

The MHSAA will be making available mini-grants to support the efforts of leagues and local school districts, especially those that are first-time efforts or those which target adult spectators. Schools will be sent this summer the revised and expanded MHSAA Sportsmanship Kit, as well as information and application for the mini-grant program.

It is our belief that the best use of resources is the most local. While the Statewide Summit can create attention and enthusiasm to the sportsmanship issue, it doesn't need to do that every year.

The MHSAA, with the assistance of MIAAA personnel, can help leagues and school districts penetrate local communities with a message of sportsmanship that is appropriate for educational athletics.

REVIEWING THE REGULATIONS

The National Federation has adopted new procedures and forms for sanctioning of interstate athletic events, effective Aug. 1, 1999. If your school hosts invitationals or tournaments which involve athletes/schools from out of state, please familiarize yourself with the procedures.

1. Request for Sanction: Only a member school of an NFHS member state association, or a school approved by such an association, or such an association itself, is eligible to request sanctioning through the NFHS Interstate Sanctioning Program.

2. Interstate Competition: Interstate competition occurs when either teams or individuals who represent their schools travel across state lines to participate in competitive sports events, including but not limited to such events as "shoot-outs," "showcases," "round-robin tournaments," etc. State association and NFHS approval is needed for competition against schools from a foreign country.

3. Bordering State Competition: When all participating schools come from states that border the host state, sanction from the National Federation office is not required, regardless of the number of schools involved. When such events occur in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Ontario or Wisconsin, the state associations of those states will comply with National Federation requirements by using pages 2 and 4 of the National Federation form. This requires approval of invited states and the host state, but not the National Federation.

4. Non-bordering State Sanction Requirement: Each state association shall sanction through the NFHS office interstate competition by a member school involving either: a) Eight or more schools, at least one of which is from a state that does not border the host state; or b) Five or more states, at least one of which does not border the host state.

5. Co-sponsorship Sanction Requirement: Any interstate competition involving two (2) or more schools which is cosponsored by an organization outside the high school community (e.g., a university, a theme park, a shoe company), in addition to being sponsored by a member school, an approved school or a state association, shall require sanction of the NFHS office.

6. Financial Report: When NFHS sanction is required, the host school shall submit a financial report about the event to the NFHS on the attached form within 90 calendar days of the completion of the event.

7. Equal Treatment: Schools participating in interstate competition, as well as the schools' employees and agents, shall be treated equally. Examples of such shall include, but not limited to, the following: a) reduction or waiver of entry fee for one school must result in reduction or waiver of entry fee for all schools; b) appearance fee paid to one school must result in equal amount of appearance fee paid to all participating schools; c) expense reimbursements, if any, must result in equivalent payments to all participating schools, subject to reasonable adjustments for differing distances traveled; d) share of proceeds/live gate paid to one school must result in equal share of proceeds/live gate paid to all participating schools.

8. Names and Addresses: All sanction requests must be accompanied by the names and addresses of all invited/participating schools.

9. Timelines/Fees: Application for sanction must be received by the state association of the host school at least 30 calendar days prior to the event. If the event requires NFHS sanction, a $50 processing fee per application must be included. Method of payment: school or appropriate agency check or money order, made payable to NFHS. Do not send cash.

NOTE: Schools voluntarily join the MHSAA and, to that end, it is necessary that each school district sign each year a Membership Resolution adopting the rules and regulations of the MHSAA as their own and agreeing to primary enforcement of those rules. While a school district is not bound by the decisions rendered by the MHSAA regarding rule violations, the MHSAA may condition eligibility for its tournaments on compliance with its rules and its determinations concerning rules violations and the penalties to be imposed for violations of the rules. See Attorney General Opinions No. 4795 (1977) and No. 6352 (1986).
Many school districts have additional rules that may also apply to the subject matter of this column.

As a service to its member schools and their students, parents, coaches and administrators, and for the purpose of promoting high standards at athletic camps, clinics, combines and competitions for junior high/middle school and senior high school students, the Michigan High School Athletic Association Representative Council adopted the following recommendations on May 5, 1997:

1 — EDUCATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
A. The program should be designed and scheduled to require no loss of classroom instructional time for participants’ travel or actual participation. It should not encourage lengthy travel on school nights to practice or compete. It should not be so lengthy or exhausting on Sundays that students miss school on Monday to recover from competition and/or travel.
B. The program should be designed and scheduled so no interference is created with the practice or competition schedule of a student on his or her school team. It should not discourage students from participation in other school activities.
C. There should be written assurances from the sponsors and organizers that there is compliance with all MHSAA regulations.
D. In addition to the teaching of sports skills and strategies, educational programs should be provided to participants at multi-day events.
E. The emphasis of the program should be to teach skills and to conduct drills rather than to provide competition where participants display skills which have been developed at other times and places.
F. Coaches and counselors should be screened, selected and trained for appropriate interaction with youth. No one who would fail the background check for employees of schools and/or child care facilities should have assignments as either paid or volunteer staff.

2 — FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
A. All participants must be charged the same fee. All teams must be treated the same: if one team receives reimbursement, all must be reimbursed by the same formula.
B. No fees or admissions may be charged to spectators for any portion of a camp, clinic or combine.
C. Merchandise gifts and symbolic awards to participants must not exceed $15 retail value.
D. Equipment and apparel given to participants for use during the program must not be retained by the participants at the conclusion of the program unless the actual cost of those items is included in the fee paid by all participants.
E. No compensation may be paid either directly or indirectly to any person for facilitating the attendance of any participant or group of participants.
F. All participants should be covered by excess accident medical insurance with a deductible no higher than $25,000 and a maximum benefit per injury no lower than $100,000.
G. The program sponsor should have in force a comprehensive general liability policy with a per occurrence limit of $1,000,000 or higher.

3 — PROMOTION
A. Participants must not be solicited or admitted on the basis of past performance or future potential in interscholastic athletics.
B. Promotional literature should not suggest attendance by college recruiters or that participation in the program will enhance the prospects that a participating student may receive an intercollegiate athletic scholarship.
C. Promotional literature should accurately reflect the content and schedule of the program.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association is proud to announce the 20th Annual Officials' Awards and Alumni Banquet to be held on Saturday, April 10, 1999. The Banquet will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, corner of I-496 and Creyts Road, Lansing, beginning at 7 p.m.

We are fortunate to have as our speaker, Harvey H. Alston, a remarkable communicator and one of the most demanded motivational speakers on the circuit. His career has spanned from head football coach of Columbus East High School in Ohio to assistant director of student financial aid at the university level. Alston also served in the business management and supervisory positions in the food and restaurant industry. As supervisor, he was able to help alter the attitudes of employees.

He's authored four books, including Be The Best and Black Males. His unforgettable words of individual responsibility for achievement have improved spirits, spurred growth, and changed lives.
His soul-searching presentation uplifts people to a higher standard.

As part of the program, individualized plaques will be awarded to those officials who have served the MHSAA for 20 and 30 years or more. The "Vern Norris" award will be presented to one official in recognition of contributions made to officiating. The Banquet also gives the 20 and 30-year alumni a chance to renew acquaintances.

Those planning to attend should complete the form below and return it with a check or money order in the amount of $15 per ticket to the MHSAA no later than April 2, 1999. Ticket orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, however, priority will be given to those officials receiving awards. Officials, friends and relatives are also encouraged to attend. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
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(Please detach and return to the MHSAA office before April 2, 1999)

PLEASE PRINT

NAME_________________________________________________________________________
(Last) (First) (Initial)

MAILING ADDRESS____________________________________________________________

CITY_________________________________________ STATE________

ZIP______________

Number of tickets ordered _______________ @ $15 - Payment enclosed: $_______________
(Number)

Please return before April 2, 1999, and make check payable to the Michigan High School Athletic Association, 1661 Ramblewood, East Lansing, Michigan 48823. Tickets will be mailed the week of April 5.

The 1998-99 recipients of the MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Award will be honored in ceremonies during the Boys Basketball Finals at the Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing on March 27.
The program drew 2,784 applications from 504 schools for the 24 $1,000 college scholarships to be presented by Farm Bureau Insurance.
“These young people are those who excel in academics, athletics, and in other school and community programs. They are the leaders of tomorrow,” said John E. “Jack” Roberts, executive director of the MHSAA. “All of the applicants are reaping the benefits of a well-rounded education by sampling as many things as she or he can while in school. That is what makes the Scholar-Athlete Award truly impressive. We’re proud of what all the applicants have achieved, and extend our congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients.”

Winners of the Scholar-Athlete Award for the fall sports of 1998 are: Laura Winkel, Manistique, Girls Basketball; James Michael Shehadi, Sterling Heights, Boys Cross Country; Melissa Renee Gritter, Elk Rapids, Girls Cross Country; D'Juan O'Donald, Detroit Renaissance, Football; John D. Sivey, Merrill, Boys Golf; Stosh Randall Mintek, Allegan, Boys Soccer; Katharine Sophiea, Ferndale, Girls Swimming & Diving, and Bomy Hong, Jenison, Girls Tennis.

Winter sports recipients are: Joe Bagierek, Saugatuck, Boys Basketball; Megan Leigh Glazier, Merrill, Girls Competitive Cheer; Lyndsey B. Vitek, St. Johns, Girls Gymnastics; Justin Barnes, Midland, Ice Hockey; Alexander Theodore Carroll, Roscommon, Boys Skiing; Jennifer R. Steele, Clare, Girls Skiing; Justin C. Bosley, Grosse Pointe South, Boys Swimming & Diving; Erin A. Jury, Houghton Lake, Girls Volleyball; and Adam Baske, St. Joseph, Wrestling.

The spring sports honorees are: Nelson Bowers, Jackson, Baseball; Jennifer Susan Borowiec, Farmington Hills Mercy, Girls Golf; Leslie Ann Barnhart, Ogemaw Heights, Girls Soccer; Katie Lee McCune, St. Louis, Softball; Aashish Shah, Brownstown Woodhaven, Boys Tennis; William John Farmer, Grosse Pointe North, Boys Track & Field; Meghan E. McNeilly, Clare, Girls Track & Field.

Students applying for the Scholar-Athlete Award must carry a 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) grade-point average, and have previously won a letter in a varsity sport in which the MHSAA sponsors postseason competition. Applicants are also required to show involvement in other school/community activities and submit an essay on the importance of sportsmanship in educational athletics.
“The students applying for this award did an outstanding job with their treatment of the essay topic,” Roberts said. “There’s a lot the leaders of our collegiate and professional athletic communities could learn about sportsmanship from these young people.”
Additional information about the Scholar-Athlete Award may be obtained by contacting the principal of an MHSAA member high school, or the MHSAA office at 1661 Ramblewood Drive, East Lansing, 48823, telephone: 517/332-5046. Information also is on the MHSAA Web Site, www.mhsaa.com, under the Services department.

1. Purpose
The committee reviewed the history and purpose of the Classification Committee which was created by Representative Council action in 1986. The goal is to bring together the thinking of a cross-section of school leadership to a broad range of topics related to classification of schools for athletic competition, and to bring recommendations to the Representative Council on those topics where consensus can be formed.
2. Review of 1998 Minutes
The committee reviewed minutes of the 1998 Classification Committee and recommendations for Representative Council action including:
A. Changes in cooperative program application and renewal processes
B. Expansion and reclassification plans in ice hockey, football and golf
3. New Business
A. Concerns regarding reclassification
The committee was apprised of concerns of smaller schools regarding reclassification plans that include equal divisions for competition. It was pointed out that current plans, particularly in soccer, grouped some Class C schools with the smaller Class D schools creating an unacceptable disparity of enrollments within the division. Several remedies were discussed including a suggestion to first set enrollment limitations for the lowest division before dividing the remaining schools into equal divisions.

*The committee recommended that MHSAA staff prepare for Representative Council consideration a system that limits the enrollment range for the division of smallest schools end divides the remaining schools equally into two or three divisions depending on the sport. (10-0 in favor, 1 abstention)

B. The committee reviewed the provisions of MHSAA Handbook Interpretation 11 which allows the Executive Committee to grant cooperative agreements without including secondary school enrollments to class D schools when only "a few" students are involved.

It was pointed out that only one cooperative program application was advanced in 1998 with another scheduled for 1999 and that there were no recommendations for change at this time.

C. The committee reviewed changes on the cooperative program application and renewal form designed to monitor new and existing cooperative programs in class A & B schools. There was unanimous agreement to continue examination of large school programs and their effect on competition.
D. The committee reviewed plans for the 1999 expansion of the football playoffs as they affect classification and fairness of competition. There was general agreement that plans were progressing on schedule.

E. Cross Country & Track & Field
*The committee recommended that the Representative Council approve a plan advanced by the Cross Country and Track & Field Committee to divide both sports into four equal divisions beginning with the 1999-2000 school year. (7-4 in favor)

F. Ice Hockey
Motion to divide ice hockey teams into three equal divisions. (7-4 opposed).

*A subsequent vote was held to divide Class A schools into two equal divisions and keep Class BCD schools as a separate single division (8-3 in favor). The recommendation to implement the plan for the 1999-2000 season will be advanced to the Representative Council.

*Recommendations for Representative Council Action

I. On threatening days, game management should consult with contest officials about steps to be followed if conditions worsen.
II. When suspending an outdoor contest, officials and game management shall follow these guidelines.
A. Lightning necessitates that contest be suspended. the occurrence of lightning is not subject to interpretation or discussion — lightning is lightning.
B. Severe weather in the form of rain or snow may make the field unplayable, creating a safety concern.
III. When a contest is suspended, the home school administration shall attempt to arrange for the security of all participants.
A. Contestants and support personnel shall be moved to appropriate indoor facilities.
B. When lightning is observed and the contest is suspended, contestants shall not return to the playing field until lightning has been absent from the local sky for 15 minutes.
C. Spectators shall be advised of the action being taken to seek shelter. (Some hosts may be able to offer shelter to spectators burt are not required to do so.)
IV. In considering resumption of competition, the following steps should be followed.
A. Suspension for contest scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. should not exceed one and one half hour. Delays for contests scheduled for 7 p.m. or later should not exceed one hour. A postponed contest should be rescheduled on a date/time mutually agreed to by the schools involved.
B. A decision to resume the contest within the time frame must be made by the officials who will consult the home team administration and visiting school administration present at the contest.
C. The home school is responsible for facilities and will be given priority consideration in the final decision if there is not consensus among the three parties.
D. The final decision shall consider liability, safety and conditions of facilities as well as future schedules, need to play the contest and finally the quality of all other options.

NOTE: More restrictive local policies and MHSAA tournament policies would supersede these guidelines and should be shared with the opponents and officials prior to the contest, preferably in writing. Otherwise, and to the extent allowed by the playing rules code, the official(s) will make the final decision regarding game suspension once the game begins.

Following introductions, committee members reviewed minutes of the 1998 Junior High/Middle School Committee meeting and Representative Council action pertaining to recommendations.

New Business:
1. The committee reviewed correspondence from a member junior high school regarding the inequity of the start date in the fall for schools sponsoring football. Because of varying school starts and the requirement for a minimum number of football practices, schools starting in August will begin football practice earlier than schools with a later school start. When teams play in the same conference or geographical area, the later starting teams have difficulty completing a six-game schedule and face a disadvantage in competition.
After a lengthy discussion the committee proposed the following addition to Regulation IV, Section 10(B) with a unanimous vote.
*Section 10(B) - (page 68) -- Add after second sentence:
In football, schools forced by regulation into a later practice starting date than all of their opponents may petition the executive committee for a waiver that allows them to begin practice the same time as their opponents.
2. The committee reviewed correspondence from a member school regarding a proposal to revise regulations on contest limitations to allow Junior High/Middle School teams in sports limited to two competitions per week to schedule three contests in a week when games/days of competition are canceled because of "acts of God." The following proposal passed unanimously.
*Add Interpretation to Regulation IV, Section 10:
Three days of competition in one week in those sports limited to two competitions per week basketball, volleyball, and wrestling will be permitted at the Junior High/Middle School (grades 7-8), for days of competition canceled because of acts of God, providing the rescheduled day of competition is the first available date mutually agreeable to both schools.
3. The committee reviewed Junior High/Middle School sport contest limitations but made no recommendation for changes.
4. A discussion regarding the regulation limiting Junior high students from participation in more than one sport during a season did not result in a proposal for change.

*Recommendations for Representative Council Action

Presidents of Michigan's high school coaches associations and members of the MHSAA executive staff met for the 12th annual dinner meeting in East Lansing on Jan. 25, 1999. The meeting was held at the MHSAA office building on Ramblewood Drive.

Agenda Items
1. MHSAA Executive Director Jack Roberts briefed association members on the gender equity suit brought against the MHSAA in 1998. Association attorneys Ed Sikorski and Bill Azkoul requested input regarding some of the issues in the case. No person supported the change of any sports seasons. Most spoke to the specific benefits to high school athletics generally and female athletes particularly by having different seasons for girls and boys and different seasons for high schools than colleges.
2. Association presidents were updated on the National Federation "Authenticating Mark" Rule. On Dec. 2, 1998, the Representative Council voted not to require MHSAA member schools' compliance during the 1999-2000 school year.
3. Mr. Roberts discussed a proposed MHSAA standardized calendar to go into effect for the 2000-01 school year. The calendar, based on the date of Thanksgiving and corresponding with the National Federation Week numbering system, would more clearly define starting dates and lengths of season by counting weeks from Thanksgiving. He also previewed results of a survey gathering information from schools about preferences for the start of fall sports practices.
4. Dan McShannock, representing Michigan Coaches Association and the National Federation Coaches Association, informed presidents that the Michigan Coaches Association will subsidize each association up to $300 to help cover their expenses if they choose to send one representative to the National Federation Leadership Conference in Kansas City on April 30-May 2, 1999. Mr. Roberts indicated that the MHSAA would contribute $100 for representatives to attend and basically cover most expenses.
5. Representatives of each association reviewed activities and membership updates of the respective organizations.

Members Present:
Jim Coady, Lawrence H.S.
Fred Cromie, Reese H.S.
Peter Dewitt, Britton-Macon H.S.
Bart Estola, Shelby H.S.
Dave Farris, Petoskey H.S.
Jim Feldkamp, Troy Public Schools
Mike Grulke, Posen H.S.
Donald Gustafson, St Ignace
Barry Hobrla, Lowell H.S.
Bruce Kefgen, Bentley Comm. Schools
Doug Kinter, Montrose-Hill McCloy H.S.
Rick Ledy, St. Ignace-La Salle H.S.
Mike Rea, Kingston H.S.
George Sahadi, Harper Woods-Bishop
Gallagher H.S.
Jack Schugars, Muskegon-Oakridge H.S.
Jerry VanHavel, Mason H.S.
Jim Venia, Marysville H.S.
Jim Webb, Cadillac H.S.
Members Absent:
Stephon Thompson, Detroit-Pershing H.S.
Robert Watkins, Baldwin Schools
Staff Members Present:
Jerry Cvengros, East Lansing (Recorder)
Nate Hampton, East Lansing

The committee met for the purpose of reviewing playing rules, regulations and policies concerning high school football rules and Football Playoff procedures. Following is a review of items discussed by the committee as well as recommendations to be presented for Representative Council action.

Football Rules and Procedures

The committee reviewed National Federation football questionnaires and rules changes for the 1999 football season. Some of the items that received attention from the committee include the following:

1. Shoe cleat lengths were discussed relative to abuses to the ½" length limitation. Coaches were reminded of their legal responsibilities in the event that an athlete is injured while wearing illegal equipment.
2. The committee reaffirmed its concern over the possibility of injury during the execution of onside kicks. It was pointed out that the 1999 National Federation questionnaire would contain a question regarding a rule change mandating a requirement that at least four players must be on either side of the kicker when the ball is kicked. The item will be debated at the next National Federation Rules Meeting in January 2000.
3. The committee approved points of emphasis at next summer's rules meetings, including:
a. Infractions at the snap in the neutral zone.
b. Tackling the quarterback while he is faking without the ball.
c. Time management including delays before the game and at halftime.
d. Chop block on defensive ends and linebackers.

Football Playoffs

The committee discussed the following issues for the football playoff regulations and procedures:

1. The committee reviewed an MHSAA proposal regarding consequences to schools involved in breaking football contracts prior to and during the football season. The proposal will be distributed to member schools and with Representative Council approval, will be in effect for the 1999 season.
The Football Committee approved the language that schools dropping opponents without approval would be charged with a "loss-forfeit" and receive no playoff points.
2. The committee reviewed details of the expanded playoff format that will go into effect for the 1999 football season. There was unanimous agreement that the expansion to 256 teams and the basic selection of qualifiers by number of victories was a positive step in the evolution of the football playoffs.
The football General Information Bulletin as it was revised for the new format was reviewed for detail and accuracy. The committee approved revised language throughout the material that will be printed in the August 1999 Bulletin.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE
REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
(All votes were unanimous in favor)

1. Games forfeited for reasons including, but not limited to:
a. Use of ineligible players
b. Refusal to play for any reason
Will be recorded as a win for the aggrieved school and a loss for the offending school. All playoff and bonus points will be awarded even if the game was not played.
2. Schools may continue to choose to play at any higher classification in football, but must do so by April 15. Enrollment figures for schools opting to play in a higher classification will be set at the midpoint enrollment for the higher classification. Playoff points will be based on the higher classification.
3. During the Pre-District and District levels of the playoffs, regardless of the distance between schools, the school with the lower point total will play at the site of the higher rated team.
At the Regional level (third game) if teams are located 200 or more miles apart, the MHSAA will assign a neutral site for the game.
4. Teams will exchange videos/films of their final two regular season games by 9 p.m. Monday following “Selection Sunday” unless both schools agree on another arrangement. The procedure of exchanging videos of the two previous games played prior to the scheduled playoff game will continue throughout the tournament.

A revision in the rule regarding ineligible players downfield was one of five changes made by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Rules Committee at its Jan. 5-6 meeting in San Diego, Calif.

The NFHS Football Rules Committee is composed of one voting member from each NFHS state high school association that uses high school rules. Rex Jones, associate director of the Nebraska School Activities Association, is the chairman of the committee.

"This year's changes are indicative of the excellent work that the committee has done in the previous years," Jones said. "The game of interscholastic football is in excellent shape from a rules standpoint. In addition to these five rules changes, we encourage state associations to focus on the points of emphasis, which include sportsmanship and conduct, player safety and equipment, free-blocking zone and false starts, as well as officials' mechanics."

With a change in Rule 7-5-12, players no longer will be downfield illegally if, for example, on a screen pass the ball goes beyond the line of scrimmage because it is deflected by the defensive team. An offensive player still will be illegally downfield if he has gone beyond the expanded neutral zone before any forward pass — untouched by the defensive team in or behind the neutral zone — is thrown. A player is not downfield illegally, however, if at the snap he immediately contacts a defensive lineman and the contact does not continue beyond the neutral zone.

"Under the current rule, if a screen pass is caused to go beyond the line because the defensive team deflects the ball over the line, the offense's legally designed play could become illegal if there is an ineligible player downfield or there is blocking downfield prior to the pass," said Jerry Diehl, NFHS assistant director and liaison to the Football Rules Committee. "This change would eliminate this situation and make it consistent with the current rule eliminating the possibility of pass interference once the defense has touched the ball."

In other changes, the restraining lines for the team box and the coaches' area will be increased from between the 30-yard lines to between the 25-yard lines, effective with the 1999 season.

Diehl said teams will be given an additional 10 yards due, in part, to the increase in sizes of football squads across the country. There were about 971,000 participants in 11-player football during the 1997 season, according to the annual NFHS high school athletics participation survey, up about 65,000 from the survey conducted five years earlier.

Two other equipment changes were approved by the rules committee, including Rule 1-5-3j, which limits the size of towels used by players to 4 inches by 12 inches. Previously, there was no limit on the size of towels, which are used by some players to keep their hands dry during games. Also, Rule 1-5-1d now requires numbers to be centered horizontally on the front and back of the jersey.

"This change has been made to keep the numbers on jerseys clearly visible for officials and players," Diehl said. "We have not had a problem with this so far, but we have begun to receive calls regarding placement of numbers off center. We want to make sure they remain clearly visible in the middle of the jersey."

Rule 3-3-2 was revised to state that if time for any period expires during a down (clock indicates 0:00), play shall continue until the down ends, even though the signal shall be allowed to sound. Diehl said that many scoreboards have horns that sound automatically and cannot be turned off by the operator.

This change now will allow, by rule, play to continue.

In addition to the five rules changes, the committee identified the aforementioned points of emphasis for the 1999 season. "As has been the case the past few years, sportsmanship and safety remain the top priorities for high school football," Jones said. "The other points of emphasis deal with action in and around the line of scrimmage. We will be producing transparencies and other materials to help coaches and officials in understanding and interpreting these situations."

FOOTBALL RULES REVISIONS FOR THE 1999 SEASON
1-2-3e-- The restraining lines for the team box and coaches' area has been increased from between the 30-yard lines to the 25-yard lines.
1-5-1d1 -- The numbers on a jersey now must be centered horizontally on the front and back.
1-5-3j --Towel size (if used) is 4 inches by 12 inches.
3-3-2 --If time for any period expires during a down (clock indicates 0:00), play shall
continue until the down ends, even though the signal shall be allowed to sound.
7-5-12 -- Provides that if a legal forward pass is touched by the defense ill or behind the
neutral zone and subsequently goes beyond the line of scrimmage, that linemen will not be considered illegally downfield.
MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
1-1-9-- Moved the authority of a referee to forfeit a game to the section listing official's duties.
1-5-3m -- Clarified that if an eye shield is used, it must be clear.
2-6-2 -- Clarified the two types of conferences that may be held.
POINTS OF EMPHASIS
1. Free-blocking zone and blocking restrictions
2. False starts and neutral zone infractions
3. Sportsmanship and conduct
4. Safety and equipment

The finals of the MHSAA Girls Competitive Cheer, Ice Hockey, Lower Peninsula Individual Wrestling, Lower Peninsula Girls Volleyball, and Boys Basketball tournaments will be broadcast to statewide audiences this year.
Television coverage of the events will be distributed by FOX Sports Detroit and the MHSAA Championship Network. FOX Sports Detroit will air the final games of the Boys Basketball tournament live for the second straight year as part of its contract with the MHSAA. Olympia Entertainment, through its contract with FOX Sports Detroit, will televise highlights of the championship matches of the Lower Peninsula Individual Wrestling Finals on a tape-delayed basis.
In addition, FOX Sports Detroit will be running MARCH MAGIC commercials throughout the month of March, promoting all MHSAA championships.
The MHSAA Championship Network will air, on a tape-delayed basis, the Girls Competitive Cheer, Ice Hockey and Lower Peninsula Girls Volleyball Finals on participating cable systems across the state. In addition, the MARCH MAGIC Recap, with highlights of daily action in the Boys Basketball Semifinals and Finals, will air on a network of on-air stations, with WSYM-TV in Lansing serving as the flagship station.
A total of 32 stations are expected to be on the radio network for the Boys Basketball Finals, which is distributed by Michigan Radio Networks of Lansing.
Tom Duke and Mike Stiles of WMSH in Sturgis will call the action of the Class D and A title games; while Brett Bakita and John Kenyon of WBBL in Grand Rapids will announce the Class C and B tilts. Ken Delaney of WTVB in Coldwater will be the sideline annnouncer, and Andy MacDonald and Mike Stump of WATT in Cadillac will serve as the hosts.

Stations on the network are:
Alma - WFYC
Alpena - WHAK-FM
Battle Creek - WBCK/WRCC
Caro - WKYO
Cheboygan - WCBY
Coldwater - WTVB
East Lansing - WVFN
Escanaba - WCHT
Escanaba - WDCB/WYKX-FM
Flint - WFDF
Gaylord - WMJZ
Grand Rapids - WBBL
Grayling - WGRY/WQON-FM
Greenville - WPLB
Hancock - WMPL
Hillsdale - WCSR
Houghton - WCCY
Ironwood - WJMS
Iron River - WIKB
Jackson - WJKN
Ludington - WKLA
Manistique - WTIQ
Marquette - WJPD/WDMJ-FM/WIAN
Mt. Pleasant - WMMI/WCZY-FM
Newberry - WNBY
North Muskegon - WUBR
Ontonagon - WUPY
Petoskey - WMBN/WMKT
St. Ignace - WIDG
Sturgis - WMSH
Tawas City - WKJC-FM/WIOS-AM
Travrese City - WTCM

In addition, the championship games will be available live on the Internet through Michigan Live (www.mlive.com/preps). The 1998 Boys and Girls Finals radio broadcasts are also archived on Michigan Live. Semifinal games will be broadcast locally on WVFN in East Lansing.
Television and radio network sponsors are Farm Bureau Insurance and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan.

The MHSAA Tennis Committee met in East Lansing on Jan. 7, 1999. The purpose of the committee was to review the status of high school tennis and the MHSAA tournament series as well as to review rules changes and select tournament sites.
The following items were discussed:

I. Proposals from the 1997-98 Tennis Committee Meeting and the subsequent action by the Representative Council.

II. Proposals from MHSTeCA:
A. Add fourth doubles to the MHSAA tournament series. (6-2 in favor) There was discussion to add fourth doubles to only the larger divisions. When this seemed to be inconsistent with other activities, the committee changed its vote to 8-0 in favor of the original proposal.
B. Schedule four sites for finals, one division per site. (8-0 in favor)
C. Reduce the break between the second and third set to a maximum of five minutes. (7-1 in favor)
D. Allow scrimmages anytime during the season. (Remove the "only two scrimmages prior to the first match" limitation). (8-0 in favor)
E. Permit up to four seeds in the Regional Tournament. (6-2 opposed) USTA seeding will prevail, i.e. one seed for every four players...
F. Committee approved the placement of seeds in the Final Tournament Draw as follows:
1. If five seeds, draw for Seed No. 5 into Lines 13 or 20.
2. If six seeds, draw for Seed No. 5 and 6 into Lines 13 and 20.
3. If seven seeds, draw by lot for Seeds No. 5, 6, and 7 into Lines 13, 20 or 28.
4. If eight seeds, draw by lot Seeds No. 5, 6, 7 and 8 into Lines 5, 13, 20 and 28.
(8-0 in favor)
G. Decrease the point total needed to advance additional teams. Currently, in a draw of 16, a team needs 15 points to advance. In a draw of eight, 13 team points are needed to advance. The new proposal would lower points needed to 14 points in a draw of 16 and ten points in a draw of eight. (6-1 in favor, 1 abstention)

III. Letter of concern by a tennis parent was discussed.
The letter asked to allow all No. 1 doubles teams who advance to Regional Finals to automatically advance to the finals if their school team does not. (8-0 opposed)

IV. Approval of regional alignments and regional hosts.
The committee approved the maps after some changes were made. Alternate alignments were provided, but they didn't comply with policies of the alignment process.

V. Suggested sites for 1999-2000 school year. (Pending approval of proposal II, B)
Fall 1999--Div. 1 Midland; Div. 2 Holland; Div. 3 K’zoo Coll.; Div. 4 MSU
Spring 2000-- 1 Midland; 2 Kalamazoo College; 3 MSU; 4 Battle Creek

VI. Extend the fall 1999 tennis season by one week. Instead of finals on Oct. 15 & 16, the finals would be on Oct. 22 & 23, 1999. Motion failed.
Committee would like to extend the season by adding one week at the beginning to begin practice on Aug. 9, 1999.

VII. Recommendations to the Representative Council.
A. Add fourth doubles to the MHSAA tournament series.
B. Schedule four sites for the finals, one division per site.
C. Allow scrimmages to be used anytime during the season. Remove "only two scrimmages prior to the first match" limitation.
D. Decrease the point total needed to advance additional teams.
E. Begin the fall season on Aug. 9 in 1999.

VIII. Meeting adjourned.

Officials rating forms for varsity or sub-varsity ice hockey, volleyball, wrestling and boys basketball were sent to all MHSAA member schools sponsoring those sports. The forms are designed to be “read” by a mark sensor scanning device. The ice hockey, wrestling, boys basketball and volleyball ratings forms were mailed late February. Many of the blanks already have been completed and returned. This notice is included in the Bulletin to remind schools to forward them if they have not already done so. The deadline for receiving forms in this office will be March 26, 1999. Rating blanks received after this date will not be processed.
Athletic directors are reminded that only one rating may be submitted for each official regardless of the number of times the official works contests for one school. Each official may receive a varsity and a sub-varsity rating from one school for working more than one level of competition.
The mark sensor forms do require attention and adherence to specific preparation rules.

1. Use only a No. 2 pencil — NO INK.
2. Fully mark each space selected.
3. Print the officials ID number and name in the space provided and fully darken the appropriate spaces under the entry. Officials ID numbers are found in the Officials Directory.
4. Indicate “Varsity” or “Sub-varsity” rating.
5. Print the school ID number in the space provided and fully darken in the appropriate spaces under the entry. School ID numbers are in the School Directory in parentheses following the school name.
6. Use only the original forms sent to your school. Copies of the form cannot be read by our equipment because the carbon properties in the copy machine ink violate the system.
7. Keep forms as neat and free of wrinkles, folds and holes as possible.
8. Athletic directors are asked to review the ratings and make copies of the ratings sent for their files in case problems develop. File copies help solve problems.

It is important that rating forms be reviewed by athletic directors before mailing to insure that they are completely and properly filled out. This procedure allows the athletic director to make file copies and to see that the forms are submitted to the MHSAA on time.
All schools should be positive that EITHER the superintendent OR the principal AND the athletic director OR the coach sign and review the ratings forms and that they be returned to the MHSAA office at the earliest opportunity.

NOTE: When an official receives a rating value of 5, the school must submit an Unsatisfactory Rating Explanation form to the official and to the MHSAA with the Rating Form. WITHOUT THE DOCUMENT the “5” rating will be expunged from the officials rating record.

An official may be rated as varsity and/or sub-varsity only once pre sport, per school, per year.

The committee met for the purpose of reviewing specific National Federation sport rules and MHSAA tournament policies, adoptions, regulations and interpretations that are applicable to Track and Field and Cross Country during the regular seasons and MHSAA tournaments. Following is a review of items discussed by the committee as well as recommendations to staff for inclusion in tournament information and recommendations that will advance for Representative Council consideration.

1. The committee reviewed the National Federation track and field/cross country rules changes for 1999. The rules changes that provided the most import for MHSAA tournament contests involved:
A. Rule 3-5 (Appeal Procedure). The new rule defines a procedure that a coach first notify the referee verbally. If the coach still feels that the term and conditions of competition have been misapplied or the application of the rules misinterpreted, the coach may now go to the jury of appeals with a written appeal. In those meets where no jury of appeal is established, the referee will be the final authority.
In those meets where a jury of appeals is prescribed such as a Regional Meet, Final Meet or League or Conference Championship Meet, the jury of appeals will be the final authority.
Discussion Results: For MHSAA track and field regional and final competitions, a jury of appeals will be active. The jury of appeals will consist of five individuals (to be named by the tournament manager), including two coaches (one boys/one girls), two registered officials (contracted for the meet), and the tournament manager or their designee. (An alternate coach will also be named in case a previously selected coach is involved with the dispute.)
For MHSAA cross country regionals and finals, the jury of appeals will include three persons (to be named by the tournament manager) including one coach (either boys or girls), one registered official (contracted for the meet), the manager or their designee. (An alternate coach will also be named in case the previously selected coach is involved with the dispute.)
B. Rule 4-4-3-b6; 4-3-5; 9-5-1b6 Visible Apparel: "Any visible shirt worn under the jersey/singlet and other visible apparel worn under the shorts must be unadorned and of a single (same, solid) color, but need not be the same color under each item of apparel." This rules change clarifies the undergarment under the jersey to be a shirt which should not be confused with bras or bra straps or other underwear.

2. Regarding 1999 Tournament Sites:
A. Final Sites include: Class A — Midland HS; Class B — Bay City Western HS; Class C — Saginaw HS; Class D — Frankenmuth HS
B. The committee selected regional sites and made school assignments to those sites for the 1999 postseason tournament.
C. During the selection process, committee member Lou Clingman advanced an idea that the Greater Grand Rapids Finals Committee may propose that track and field will permanently or on an extended basis be hosted in the Greater Grand Rapids area, given the number of new facilities already constructed and the anticipated construction of even more first-class facilities. Other committee members shared concerns with the idea of a permanent western finals site. Given that there is still interest in hosting by the Saginaw Bay Area Committee and travel by eastern area schools should be considered.

3. Regarding Track and Field/Cross Country Finals Calendar:
A. The committee was presented with a five year calendar that demonstrated spring practice starting dates. Discussions centered on concerns by coaches involving the delayed practice starting dates established by the Representative Council that involved all spring sports.
B. The committee also received the cross country calendar that compared the current postseason finals tournament that is established on the first Saturday in November, to a calendar that would have the postseason finals tournament the last Saturday in October. Discussion centered on a possible earlier start date. (No Action)

4. Regarding 1998 committee recommendations to the Representative Council, the two issues denied by the Council and having the most concern for the committee involved the following:
A. Request that the regional and final postseason tournaments for track and field be held on the two successive weekends following Memorial Day. Discussions concerned the delayed spring sport starting dates and reported shortened regular season, as well as allowing the regular season and postseason tournaments to be conducted during better weather conditions. With discussions continuing, the committee was apprised of the track and field school survey results which demonstrated little interest in delaying our postseason tournament. (MITCA/Committee recommendations following)
B. Request that track and field and cross country be divided into four equal divisions of sport sponsoring schools. The committee was apprised of the latest progress of this recommendation with the most recent classification committee advancing to the Representative Council a recommendation to adopt divisions for cross country starting in the fall of 1999 and for track and field in the spring of 2000.

5. Regarding other discussions:
A. 1999 track and field standards for advancement to regional and final competition.
B. Girls pole vault order - Alternate order for 1999, boys will vault first in 1999, girls will vault second.
Further discussions considered allowing Friday preliminary competitions for pole vault and high jump at the finals and establishing an earlier starting time for vault and high jump at regional competitions. Request Standards Committee to review standard protocols.
C. In reviewing the March Bulletin for track and field, minor adjustments were made for clarity and explanation of the procedures for advancing athletes from field event preliminaries to final competitions and points awarded in the Upper Peninsula postseason tournament.
D. Regarding 1999 Rules Meeting Agenda, include during the 1999 rules meetings a discussion on the shot put and discus, including entry/exit, taping and adhesive protocols.
E. Regarding ATOM recommendations to remove established jewelry regulations and interpretations, based on surveys conducted at both the MITCA cross country and track clinics, where coaches positively wanted to maintain current regulations, ATOM withdraws removal of jewelry regulation proposals.

6. Regarding Health and Safety issues relating to track and field and cross country:
A. Preseason/early season heat related illnesses and injuries in cross country.
Suggestion: Include information sent to football coaches relating to heat illness/injuries to cross country coaches.
B. Performance-enhancing substances MHSAA/National Federation position/recommendations.

7. 1999 Track and Field/Cross Country Committee Recommendations that will advance to the Representative Council for further consideration:
A. Regarding Track and Field/Cross Country officials, it is recommended by MITCA and supported by the committee to include Track and Field/Cross Country officials in the currently established MHSAA Officials Rating System. (38- 2 in favor)
B. Regarding Track and Field Team Championships, it is recommended by MITCA and supported by the committee that the MHSAA hold a postseason tournament to establish a Team Champion in Track and Field. (24-11 in favor)
C. Regarding Track Regional and Final competition dates, it is recommended by MITCA and supported by the committee that the postseason tournament for Track and Field move to the two weekends following Memorial Day. (1999 dates would be June 5 for Regionals and June 12 for Finals) (26-11 in favor)
D. Regarding sixth-grade competitions, MITCA requests and the committee supports that sixth-grade students be allowed to compete in the sport of cross country at the junior high/middle school level. (21-14 in favor)

8. Recommendations to MHSAA staff:
A. Clarify MHSAA Handbook language regarding maximum distance for junior high/middle school competition. Suggest change..."Cross Country distance is to be limited to 3200 meters..." to ..."the maximum distance is 3200 meters..."
B. Regarding proposed classification by divisions:
1. MITCA strongly favors the proposal to establish member school competition breaks by division. A letter to that effect was presented by the president, Mr. Jim Oakler.
2. Should the proposal for divisions be established for cross country in the fall of 1999, consider 28 total regionals as discussed by committee member Doug Grezeszak and the staff recommendation of 36 total regionals for competition.
3. Regarding Track and Field General Information Bulletin, include note that explains competitor advancement in the field events that will allow seven to advance from prelims to final competition at regionals and nine from prelims to finals competition at the Final Meet. (This formula is based on advancing one competitor more than the number of scoring positions.)

9. Points of Special Consideration:
A. Out-of- season regulations
B. Sportsmanship
C. Safety in field events
D. Officials registration
E. Sanctioning Process

TRACK AND FIELD RULES — The track and field rules as they appear in the 1999 Na tional Federation Edition of the Track and Field Rule Book will be in effect for Regional and Final Meets, except as indicated in this Bulletin.

STARTING TIME REGIONAL MEETS — Field event preliminaries may start one (1) hour before the first track event pre limin aries. WHEN POSSIBLE, MANAGERS CONDUCTING RE GIONAL MEETS ON FRIDAY ARE TO SCHED ULE STARTING TIMES TO MINI MIZE LOSS OF SCHOOL TIME.

Field Event Preliminaries are to start not earlier than 9 a.m. on Saturday. Regional Man a gers will notify competing schools of exact starting times. At the Regional and Final Track Meets the afternoon schedule shall begin one hour after the last semifinal event con cludes, but no earlier than noon.

STARTING TIME — UPPER PENINSULA FINAL MEET —Preliminaries — 10 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time).

STARTING TIME —LOWER PENINSULA FINAL MEET —Session I — 10 a.m.: Session II shall begin one hour after the last semifinal event concludes, but no earlier than 12 noon. NOTE: Pole Vault in all classes may begin at 9 a.m. A minimum of one-half hour must be observed between the last throw of the shot (or discus) and the first throw of the discus (or shot). In addition there must be a minimum of one hour between the boys and girls competition in the following events: discus, high jump, long jump, shot put and pole vault.

ENTRIES — REGIONAL MEETS —Each school may enter a boys’ team and a girls’ team in the Regional Meet only if they have bona fide teams (See Regulation II, Sec tion 1(B)). A maximum of THREE INDIVID UALS may be listed by a school for each bona fide team in EACH INDIVIDUAL EVENT at Lower Peninsula Regional Meets. However, only two may compete unless all three have met the additional qualifier standard. FOUR IN DI VID UALS may be entered and compete in EACH INDIVIDUAL EVENT at Upper Pen in sula Regionals. All Regional Entry Blanks, Entry Cards and Master Eligibility Lists (Form I) are to be in the hands of the Re gional Managers NOT LATER THAN MON DAY, MAY 17, 1999, 4 p.m. There are to be no changes on the Master Elig i bil ity List after this date. Coaches are urged NOT TO ENTER individ uals in events IN WHICH THEY DO NOT HAVE COM PET I TIVE PERFORMANCES.

LATE ENTRIES, accompanied by the $50 FEE WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL 4 P.M. TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1999. The late fee may not be used to change an entry time, height or distance. The only changes which are permitted after 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, 1999, will be scratches.

All efforts submitted to the Regional Meet Man ager shall have been earned prior to the entry due date and time. Late entries may not include efforts which occur after May 17, 1999, at 4 p.m.

[NOTE: Late entries will not be accepted after Tuesday, May 18, 1999-4 p.m.]

SCRATCH — Each regional manager will ac cept scratches before each ses sion is sched uled to begin. Scratches made during these periods will not count in the individuals partic i pation limitations. However, if the competitor is not scratched during these scheduled periods and does not show to the clerking area before that runner’s position is set, the competitor will be disqualified from that event and that event will count toward the com petitor’s personal limit. The Clerk of Course shall form heats fol low ing the last call for that event.

Only two of the three contestants listed in an in di vid ual event on the Regional Entry Blank and for whom an Entry Card (with current season OUT DOOR times, heights and dis tances) is sub mitted are to be allowed to com pete in that in dividual event. (Refer to the following para graph for additional entries.) Should one of the three entries not be scratched during or before the scratch period, the Clerks of Course will have the authority to scratch the last listed individual that has not met the additional qualifier standard.

Only metric times may be submitted to Re gional Manager. A $50 LATE FEE IS RE QUIRED WHEN CHANGES IN A TEAM’S ENTRIES ARE MADE AFTER THE ENTRY DUE DATE AND PRIOR TO 4 PM TUES DAY, MAY 18, 1999. (Entry times, heights or distances may not be changed with a late entry fee after or before the Tues day, May 18, 1999 deadline.)

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES —RE GIONAL MEETS —If three (3) or more entries by a school team in an event have equalled or bettered the average sixth-place (last scoring place Regional performances), compiled from the results of the most recent three-year outdoor seasons, all of these entries may enter and com pete in the Regional Meet in that event. The time or dis tance must have been established in actual meet competition prior to submitting Entry Blanks, and must be verified on the Addi tional Qualifier entry card.

FINAL MEET ENTRIES —Only quali fiers from Regional Meets may compete in the Final Meets.

REGIONAL MEET ENTRY BLANKS —Schools which notified the MHSAA office of their sponsorship of a bona fide track and field team(s) will be sent a Regional Meet En try Blank and a set of Entry Cards. An Entry Blank, a set of Entry Cards and Master Eli gi bil ity List (Form I) are to be completed for each team (boys and girls) and forwarded dir ectly to the manager of the Regional Meet to which the school is assigned. (PRINT OR TYPE FIRST AND LAST NAMES AND GRADE ON ENTRY CARDS.) Regional Meet Man agers will be advised of the schools as signed to respective Regionals and no others are to be allowed to compete at the meet concerned.

FINAL MEET ENTRY BLANKS — Each Re gional Manager will report the qualifiers to the Final Meet Manager. Only those reported Re gional qualifiers will be allowed to compete in Final Meets. The Regional Entry Blank and En try Cards will be in effect for the duration of the time members of that team are qualified to com pete in Regional or Final competition. Coaches are not to send entries to the Final Man ager.

TROPHIES AND MEDALS AT RE GIONAL AND FINAL MEETS — Schools fin ishing in first place at each Regional will re ceive a trophy. Individual medals will be awarded contestants finishing in the first six places in each event in Lower Peninsula Re gionals. No formal awards ceremony will be con ducted. Each manager is to place the school’s medals in envelopes which the coach will pick up at the end of the meet. Extra medals will be provided for tied positions at Regional Meets.

Trophies will be provided for schools which finish in the first two positions at all Final Meets. Individual medals will be awarded con tes tants finishing in the first eight places in each event in Lower Peninsula Final Meets. Re quests for duplicate medals or trophies are the re spon sibility of the Regional or Final Manager.

FINAL MEET EXPENSES — The cost of con ducting Final Meets will be met by the MHSAA, Inc. Any gate receipts realized will be used by MHSAA, Inc., to aid in meeting ad min istrative costs of the meets. LODGING WILL NOT BE PROVIDED BY HOST IN STI TUTIONS. The cost of lodging, trans porta tion, and meals will be met by competing schools.

QUALIFICATION FROM UPPER PEN IN SULA REGIONAL MEETS TO THE UP PER PENINSULA FINAL MEETS —In Classes A-B, C and D Regional Meets there are to be four qualifiers from ALL in dividual track and field events.

The first and second place relay team at each Regional Meet will qualify to the Upper Penin sula Final Meet. In addition, in Classes A-B and C, the best third and fourth-place times from all Regional sites in those classes will also qualify.

QUALIFICATION FROM LOWER PEN IN SULA REGIONAL MEETS TO LOWER PEN INSULA FINAL MEET —The first two places in each event at each Re gional Meet qualify to enter the Lower Penin sula Final Meet in that event. In addition, during the finals of a Regional event, any contestant who equals or betters the three-year average of second-place Regional finishers shall qualify to the 1999 Lower Peninsula Final Meet in that event in that class. Efforts in the preliminary trials of the long jump, shot put, and discus may qualify a contestant to the appro priate Final Meet.

A chart of times, distances and heights for ad ditional qualifications from Regional to Final Meets may be found in this information Bulletin. (For 1999 there will be no additional qualifiers in the Girls Pole Vault.)

300-Meter HURDLES, 400-Meter DASH, 400-Meter RELAY, 800-Meter RELAY AND 1600-Meter RELAY AT LOWER PENINSULA REGIONALS; AND QUALIFICATION TO THE LOWER PENINSULA FINALS — The number of sec tions at Regionals in each event is to be de ter mined by the Meet Managers, depending upon the number of entries in each event. One re lay team or individual per lane constitutes a full section. In the event there is one individual or relay team only for the first section, the team with the slowest time from the second descrip tion will run in the first section. The second section will then have one empty lane. All teams are to be timed in each section and the two fastest times are to qualify from each Lower Peninsula Regional to the Lower Penin sula Final Meets.

800-Meter RUN — There will be a maxi mum of two sections of the 800-Meter Run in each class. The second section is to be scheduled only when the number of entries exceed 20. If two sections are needed the last section will have 16 participants.

1600-Meter RUN, 3200-Meter RE LAY AND 3200-Meter RUN AT ALL LOWER PENINSULA REGIONAL AND FINAL MEETS — There shall be two sections of the 1600-Meter Run only when the number of entries in this event exceeds 24. If two sections are needed, the last section (or fast section) will have 16 participants including ties.

There shall be one section of the 3200-Meter Relay at all Regionals and the Class D Finals. Two sections of the 3200-Meter Relay shall be conducted at the Final Meet for Classes A, B, and C. The teams with the 12 fastest times shall be placed in the last section.

There is to be only one section at each Re gional and Final Meet for the 3200-Meter Run.

All contestants entered in a race or section are to be timed and the six fastest times (eight fastest times for Finals) of the race or of all the sections of each event will be recognized by points and medals.

Qualifiers from Regionals with the fastest times in each event will be placed in the last sec tion at the Final Meet working back to the entries with the slowest qualifying times in the first section. All sections shall be full with the possible exception of the first two sections.

FIELD EVENTS — REGIONALS AND FINAL MEETS — In Regionals and the Upper and Lower Peninsula Final Meets, the follow ing regulations are in effect for conduct ing the field events:

1. HIGH JUMP — The starting height at Lower Peninsula Regionals is to be based on a height three inches less than the additional qualifying standard for Regional and Final Meets. (Rounded to the nearest lesser inch). This height has been adjusted to allow one of the raises to fall on the additional qualifying standard to the final meet.

IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER LOWER PENINSULA MAN A GERS SHALL BEGIN THE HIGH JUMP THREE INCHES BE LOW THE PUBLISHED START ING HEIGHT. The bar then is to be raised three inches the first time and two inches each time thereafter un til there is the number of contestants left equal to or less than the number of places to be a warded. When this number is reached, the bar is to be raised one inch only for each suc cessive jump.

The starting height at Upper Peninsula Re gionals, and the Final Meet, is to be determined by the Meet Manager without reference to Lower Peninsula standards.

2. POLE VAULT — The starting height at Lower Peninsula Regionals is to be based on a height 12 inches less than the additional qual ify ing standards for Regional and Final Meets. (rounded to the nearest lesser inch). The start ing height shall be increased by six inches each time until seven competitors remain. Thereafter the bar shall be raised four inches. (In 1998 there are no additional qualifying standards for the girls pole vault.)

At Upper Peninsula Regionals and the Final Meet, the starting heights of the bar is to be determined by the Meet Manager without ref erence to Lower Peninsula standards.

IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, LOWER PENINSULA MANA GERS SHALL BEGIN THE POLE VAULT 12 INCHES BELOW THE PUBLISHED STARTING HEIGHT. The bar is to be raised six inches the first time and four inches each time thereafter.

The standard raises are included in a chart in this Bulletin.

NOTE: Seven competitors will advance from preliminary to final competition at the Regional level, and nine competitors will advance from preliminary to final competition at the MHSAA Finals.

RELAY ENTRIES — Any student on the Eligibility List may represent his or her school on a relay team in Regional competition, if they are eligible according to meet regulations. Schools qualifying relay teams for the Final Meet may use any eligible contestant in the Final Meet Relay. Final Meet Relay con tes tants are not limited to the four individuals who qualified in a Regional Relay.

200-Meter DASH IS TO BE RUN ON THE CURVE — The 200-Meter Dash is to be started with staggered starts on the straight away and be run through one full curve at all Re gionals and at the Final Meet, where possible.

SEMIFINAL RACES — The Lower Penin sula Final Meet must conduct semifinals in the following events when there are more than 16 entries (18 for a nine lane track) re maining after the scratch sheets are sub mitted: 100-Meter Dash, 200-Meter Dash, 100-Meter 33” Hurdles and 110-Meter High Hurdles.

300-METER LOW HURDLES — The 300-Meter Low Hurdles at all Regionals and Final Meet (where possible) are to be run so that the curve is in the middle of the race.

ALLEY STARTS AND ALLEY PLAC ING OF REGIONAL QUALIFIERS IN THE 800-METER RUN, 1600 METER RUN, 3200-METER RUN and 3200-METER RE LAYS AT ALL FINAL MEETS — The staggered alley starting procedure is to be used at the 1999 Final Meets, and at Lower Penin sula Regionals. Mana gers are requested to place markers on the track at cut-in spots for races run in alleys.

If a second row of contestants is necessary, this same procedure is to be followed for them. NOTE: If narrow tracks at some Re gionals ne ces sitate two rather than three lane alleys, the above procedure will be modified accordingly.

The 1600-Meter Run, 3200-Meter Relay and the 3200-Meter Run will use alley starts and a two turn stagger at all Regional and Final Meets. The cut-in will be at the start of the second straightaway.

The 1600-Meter and 3200-Meter Runs may use the waterfall start at all regular-season meets if there is a desire to do so. Tracks where the waterfall start line is on the curve, athletes will be seeded for their placement from the middle lanes out. The two fastest times in lane 4: the next two fastest times in lane 5, the next two in lane 3, and so on until all lanes are filled. (There should be NO MORE than two athletes per lane, sixteen total placed on the front line).

In the 1999 Regional and Final Track Meets, boys and girls events will alternate order. Girls events will be run first in odd years and boys events will be run first in even years. In 1999 the girls events will be run first.

The 3200-Meter Relay shall be the first final event run prior to the Semifinal heats of the sprint and hurdle events in the Regional and Final meet morning session. The 3200-Meter relay shall not be run prior to 10:30 a.m.

STARTING BLOCKS — If Regional or Final Managers provide starting blocks for con testants, these starting blocks must be used. Schools may furnish their own starting blocks for Regional and Final competition only if man a gers do not include non-traditional standing start blocks. Starting blocks provided by schools must be approved by the Regional and/or Final management.

INQUIRIES — Questions not covered by the above information should be addressed to Regional Managers, Final Managers or to the MHSAA office.

UNIFORMS: Over the past several years, the issue of uniforms have been questioned and debated by all involved with Track and Field.

SITUATION: A1 who is heavy set is competing in the Shot Put and is also entered in the 100 Meter Dash. A1 is wearing a school issued uniform not of the same style as other team members, but is of the basic colors as other team member uniforms. RULING: A1 is considered to be in a legal uniform.

NOTE: Rule 4-3-1, States…Each competitor’s uniform consists of; (A) Shoes, (B) Full Length Jersey (Singlet) and Shorts issued by the school.

1. Shorts may vary in length and style but must be the same color for all team members.

2. The Jersey and Shorts may have the schools identification and the Jersey may have competitors name.

TRACK EVENTS
The 1999 MHSAA Track and Field Committee established that the order of events to be run at all Regional and Final Meets shall be that prescribed in the 1999 National Federation Track and Field and Cross Country Rules Book. The 1999 order of events listed below. In 1999, girls events shall be run first.
3200-Meter Relay (4 x 800)
Girls 100 M.H./Boys 100 M.H.H.
Girls 100 M Dash/Boys 100 M Dash
800 M. Relay (4 x 200)
1600 M. Run
400 M. Relay (4 x 100)
400 M. Dash
Boys 300 M. 36” I.H./Girls 300 M. 30” L.H.
800 M. Run
200 M. Dash
3200 M. Run
1600 M. Relay (4 x 400)

Preliminaries will be run in the following order: Combined boy-girl meets — 100-Meter Dash, 100-Meter 33” Hurdles, 110-Meter High Hurdles, and 200-Meter Dash. Semifinals, when necessary, will follow the same order as preliminaries. There will be no preliminaries at the Upper Peninsula Final Meet.
Additional qualifying standards met in the Preliminaries or Semifinals will not qualify for entry to the Final Meet.
Running of Relays at Dual, Regional, and Final Meets — In 1999, the 800-Meter Relay shall be run in lanes entirely at each Regional and Final Meet.
The 1600-Meter Relay is to be run in lanes from staggered starts around the first two turns. The first exchange is to be made in the same lane in which each team started. The 400-Meter Relay is to be run from a two turn staggered start and in lanes throughout the entire event.
A two-turn stagger is to be used for the first leg of the 3200-Meter Relay. The cut will occur at the start of the second straightaway.

FIELD EVENTS
Discus
Pole Vault
Girls Shot Put — 4 kg. (8 lbs. 13 oz.)
Boys Shot Put — 5.443 kg. (12 lbs.)
High Jump
Long Jump — (NOTE: The takeoff boards used at Regional and Final Meets must be at least 18 inches, up to a maximum of 24 inches.)

ORDER OF FIELD EVENTS
The field events schedule at MHSAA Regional and Final Meets will alternate the order of competition for boys and girls each year:
Even Years: Girls high jump, girls pole vault, and shot put first. (Followed by boys high jump, shot put and pole vault)
Boys discus and long jump first. (Followed by girls discus and long jump)
Odd Years: Boys high jump, boys vault, and shot put first. (Followed by girls high jump, shot put, and pole vault)
Girls discus and long jump first. (Followed by boys discus and long jump)

L.P. Regional Scoring: (10-8-6-4-2-1)
L.P. Final Scoring: (10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1)
U.P. Regional Scoring: (5-3-2-1)
U.P. Final Scoring: (6-4-3-2-1)

NOTE 1: When boys and girls meets are conducted simultaneously, the events listed below are to be used. If meets are not run simultaneously, the events listed for those not participating are to be eliminated. Schools must mutually agree to run the order of events in yards or meters prior to the meets. If schools cannot mutually agree, the host school will decide. Distances may be shortened or events may be eliminated by mutual consent of competing schools before the meet begins.
Boys and girls events will alternate order. Girls events will run first in odd years and boys events will run first in even years. In 1999 girls events will run first.

ORDER OF EVENTS
1. 3200-Meter Run (Two Mile)
2. 55-Meter 30” Hurdles for Girls
(5 hurdles)
55-Meter 33” Hurdles for Boys
(5 hurdles)
3. 800-Meter Relay (880 Yards) Relay
4. 800-Meter Run (880 Yards) Run
5. 1600-Meter Run (Mile)
6. 100-Meter Dash (100 Yards) Dash
7. 400-Meter Dash (440 Yards) Dash
8. 3200-Meter Relay
9. 70-Meter Dash (75 Yards)
10. 200-Meter 30” Hurdles (5 hurdles)
11. 200-Meter Dash (220 Yards)
12. 1600-Meter Relay (Mile)
13. 400-Meter Relay (440 Yards)

FIELD EVENTS
1. Pole Vault
2. Shot Put 4 Kg (8 lb. 13 oz.) for boys; 2.744 Kg (6 lbs.) for girls
3. Running High Jump
4. Running Long Jump

A contestant may compete in any three track and/or field events from the approved list of junior high/middle school order of events.
NOTE 2: The 3200-Meter must be conducted during the field events.
NOTE 3: Both the Boys and Girls 55-Meter hurdles will be over five hurdles spaced as follows: 13 meters to the first hurdle 8.5 meters between the hurdles and 8.0 meters from the last hurdle to the finish.
NOTE 4: One false start shall be permitted in Junior High/Middle School competition (when the above order of events are used).
NOTE 5: Refer to Regulation IV, Section 8 for limitation of competition.

TRACK—SCORING
Dual Meets
Individual events are to be scored 5-3-1. Relays are to be scored 5-0.
SCORING NOTE: By prior mutual agreement of competing schools or by league or conference adoption, teams may score four places in dual meets and five places in triangular meets.
Other Than Dual Meets
Scoring is to be in accordance with the National Federation Edition of the Track and Field Rules Book for the current year.

CROSS COUNTRY
Rules for junior/high middle school cross country are those printed in the National Federation Track and Field Rule Book with MHSAA modifications included in Regulation IV, Section 8 of the MHSAA Handbook.
Cross Country distances may be shortened by mutual consent of the competing schools prior to the date of the meet.

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. at which time the authority of the committee was explained and the minutes of the 1998 committee were reviewed. Special attention was given to the action of the 1998 Representative Council.
Several pieces of correspondence were reviewed and considered, some of which was resolved based on previous action by the assistant director and was considered information:
a) There were comments regarding the action of the Representative Council to not allow school uniforms to be worn during all-star contests. Members of the committee raised issues regarding the posture of the Representative Council. Following an extended discussion, the committee took no action.
b) There was a point of view set forth by the President of the Softball Coaches Association regarding hosting the Softball Final Tournament at Bailey Park. The assistant director shared with the committee several issues that had been brought to the table with regard to the Battle Creek Host Committee and the improvements that could be made with regard to softball. The MHSAA and the Battle Creek Host Committee have met, and will continue to meet, in an effort to make changes that will enhance the site.
The committee was asked if alternative softball sites could be presented which would surpass the Battle Creek facility. During the meeting there were no sites that would be considered equal or superior to the Battle Creek site identified by any committee member.
c) The committee requested that the MHSAA investigate extensive room commitments from the hotel properties in the Battle Creek area. Citing the unavailability of housing, committee members explained that this issue was discouraging to families that had distances to travel in order to attend Semifinal or Final baseball or softball contests. The assistant director has committed to review the housing needs with the hotel community in the Battle Creek area in an effort to set aside a minimum of seven rooms per team involved in the Semifinal and Final Tournament.
d) The start date for spring sports for the year 1999 and beyond was the subject of much conversation. Committee members indicated their concern that coaches were not consulted prior to the decision made by the Representative Council. In addition, it was cited by several members of the committee that a delay in the start date was especially harmful to young arms that were expected to be in condition prior to the opening of the season the first week of April. The committee agreed that getting a throwing arm in shape prior to the season, especially when combating cold weather, was especially difficult and a two-week period to do same was less than desired. By unanimous action the committee requested that the Representative Council review the start date and return it to its original position or provide some opportunity by which coaches could work with multiple players (more than three) out of season directly before the spring start date.
e) It was shared with the committee that the Michigan High School Athletic Association is delaying the adoption of the National Federation Authenticating Mark programs. The MHSAA member baseball and softball high schools would not be obligated to utilize balls with the authenticating mark on them. This is important for school athletic directors in particular because of their need to purchase supplies for the upcoming school year.
f) Finally, discussion of the bat requirements for both baseball and softball was held. As of the date of the committee meeting, the National Federation has not settled on any particular requirements for baseball bats. However, January 2000 is the target date for which the National Federation will have bat requirements established for the upcoming season. Schools are cautioned to be aware of this date that is very important to all. Until the National Federation publishes bat requirements it is recommended that athletic directors consider very seriously the purchase of any bat which may not fall within the "legal" category when January 2000 arrives.
g) The committee spent considerable time reviewing school assignments to tournaments and tournament hosts making especially sure that the very best locations and fields were selected on which to host District, Regional and Quarterfinal Tournaments. Approximately 15 Districts were without hosts and the assistant director was given recommendations with regard to which sites would be most appropriate. The assistant director will recruit hosts for the noted sites and as soon as the tournament assignments have been completed they will be published on the MHSAA Web Page: [email protected].
h) A draw was conducted to determine the Regional Master Draw, the Quarterfinal home team draw and the Final Master Draw for the baseball and softball Semifinals and Finals.

The meeting began with introductions and the attention to administrative activities. A review of the Feb. 3, 1998 Wrestling Committee minutes acquainted the committee with its most recent action. In addition, the committee reviewed the action of the Repre-sentative Council on May 3-5, 1998.
Correspondence received throughout the year since February 1998 was reviewed. Topics included: home weigh-in, recommendations of the National Federation Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, the 1999 National Federation Wrestling Questionnaire, articles regarding Creatine and correspondence regarding officials' selection for tour-naments.

The committee requested the assistant director communicate with the National Federation to advise that the MHSAA Wrestling Committee opposed removal of "unless administration weigh-in procedures are adopted by the state high school association," from Rules 4-5-1 and 4-5-3.
The committee supports the home weigh-in for several reasons, especially since the MHSAA has participated in the home weigh-in procedure for approximately eight years. During this period, the coaches have learned that students flourish in a controlled environment, they benefit from having dinner with their family the night prior to competition, wrestlers are eating well and receiving a good night's sleep prior to competition. On the day of the match, breakfast with the family begins the day. School staff and peers recognize wrestlers as eating lunches during the school day, wrestlers are alert during their classes, they are not using class time to lose weight; not working after school prior to departure or arrival at the other school to lose weight, spitting to lose weight is no longer a major occupation of wrestlers, there is not a need to binge eat, there is an absence of stomach illness prior to competition from binging, parents support the program, road time regarding travel is decreased as teams don't have to arrive as early, and there is little concern by coaches for the weight differences which are experienced. The committee was unanimous in its support of home weigh-in and opposi-tion to the proposed change by the National Federation.

It was further pointed out in the home weigh-in discussion that home weigh-ins are not required but must be agreed to in advance by schools. If schools or coaches do not trust an opponent with regard to the weigh-in, they may simply oppose the home weigh-in and, by rule, the shoulder to shoulder weigh-in will be required. It was pointed out that some leagues have elected not to adopt the home weigh-in procedure and some schools have elected not to allow with their teams to participate. The suggestion that mat-side weigh-in be explored was opposed unanimously by the MHSAA Wrestling Committee, but the committee felt that an exemption for several weight issues ought to be considered for those states which utilize a body fat composition test in determining appropriate weights for participating wrestlers. These points will be communicated to the National Federation Wrestling Committee by the assistant director, as requested by the MHSAA Wrestling Committee.

A discussion of the National Federation Rules Questionnaire recorded several votes regarding each of the items. The committee members expressed extreme satisfaction with the changing of injury time from two minutes to one-and-a-half minutes and the subsequent related changes that occurred. It was the opinion of the committee that fewer time-outs were being utilized and when they were utilized, injuries were truly the reason. In addition to the 25 questionnaires that will be circulated to coaches and 25 questionnaires to be circulated to officials, the assistant director will communicate the committee's responses to the questionnaire along with the other information that has been requested.

The MHSAA Weight Monitoring Program Committee, which met on Tuesday, Jan. 26, put forth five statements for the consideration of the Wrestling Committee. It is pro-posed that No. 2 of the regulation Item 1.A. of the weight monitoring program be changed: "If a junior high/middle school wishes to participate in the minimum program, it permitted provided the assessor or school process the data locally. (18-1 in favor)

A motion to eliminate the parental permission aspect of the program, which was supported by the MHSAA Weight Monitoring Program Committee was opposed 0 yes votes to 19 no votes. The change in Item 3-C of the regulation was proposed:
"Assessors may include mileage charges (IRS current rate) or a service fee ($30 or less) whenever travel is required to a location at which fewer than six subjects are assessed on any given date." (19-0 in favor)

Proposal to add to the skinfold assessor the following language: "Skinfold assessors who have demonstrated two years of successful experience as an MHSAA skinfold assessor may recertify by completing a closed-book examination of up to 100 questions, up to 20 days prior to the first date of the MHSAA assessment period. The registration fee for registration by recertification test is $15. (18-1 in favor)

Finally, with regard to the weight monitoring program, it was proposed: "When a lapse of one year or more occurs or significant performance decline is noted, the asses-sor shall repeat the in-service program described in item E." (19-0 in favor)

Each of these items which received support from the committee will be presented to the Representative Council for approval since the Michigan Weight Monitoring Program is an MHSAA policy.

Several elements regarding the home weigh-in procedure were discussed and voted upon. A discussion to replace the home weigh-in procedure was defeated 19-0 by the committee.
The following adoptions passed by 16-2 included:

In 2-A of the home weigh-in procedure, ". . . no earlier than 3 p.m. and no later than two hours prior to competition."
In 2-B, ". . . shall administer the 'home weigh-in' during the school day after 7 a.m., but before 4 p.m. Specifically, the weigh-in time can be during any one-hour period from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m."
In 2-C, ". . . on a day when school is canceled on which a home weigh-in is sched-uled, schools will observe the 'home weigh-in' procedure 2-A."
These modifications of the home weigh-in procedure will assist schools in clarifying certain issues which have been problematic throughout the school year.
It was proposed that the season summary shall chronicle each competition for a wrestler identified as varsity or sub-varsity. References such as "reserve" or "B-team" are not appropriate. Only regular season matches between competitors who are both varsity wrestlers qualify for seeding consideration in an Individual District Tournament. (17-1 in favor)
The committee viewed a videotape presented by West Virginia Association outlin-ing a plan for calling stalling during a regular match. The proposal to change the stalling procedure was not supported by the MHSAA Wrestling Committee. Comments from the committee indicated that the official is still required to make the call. The demonstration match presented on the tape could have been over much quicker had stalling been allowed to be called in its traditional way. If the demonstration match would have ended without an escape, the "wrong" guy would win. In addition, the committee felt there were no consequences, the wrestler who attacked gained nothing for his effort. The official was required to make nine more judgment calls. It was suggested that it might be more interesting to give points and position choice for stalling, thus creating consequences and an advantage for the attacking wrestler. The final observation was that what we observed in the video was "stalling" identified by a different title.
The committee reviewed the important dates for wrestling for 1999-00 and agreed with the dates presented.

SKINFOLD MEASUREMENT: Monday, Nov. 1, 1999
PRACTICE BEGINS: Monday, Nov. 15, 1999
FIRST CONTEST: Thursday, Dec. 2, 1999
PARENTAL PERMISSION DUE: Monday, Dec. 27, 1999
PHYSICIAN'S CLEARANCE FORMS DUE: (Postmarked on or before the first Monday after Dec. 25)
GROWTH ALLOWANCE: Saturday, Jan. 15, 2000 (For weigh-ins conducted on or after Jan. 15)
FINAL SKINFOLD ASSESSMENTS: Monday, Jan. 31, 2000
(Second Monday prior to entry due date)
ENTRY DATE:
Friday, Feb. 11, 2000
TEAM DISTRICT DRAW:
Feb. 7-11, 2000
TEAM DISTRICT: Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2000 (Divisions 1 & 3) Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000 (Divisions 2 & 4)
INDIVIDUAL DISTRICT: Saturday, Feb. 19, 2000
UPPER PENINSULA FINAL: Friday & Saturday, Feb. 18-19, 2000
TEAM REGIONAL: Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2000
INDIVIDUAL REGIONAL: Saturday, Feb. 26, 2000
TEAM FINAL:
Friday, & Saturday, March 3-4, 2000
INDIVIDUAL FINAL: Thursday, Friday & Saturday, March 9-11, 2000

The final action of the day was a recommendation to the Wrestling Officials Tour-nament Selection Committee suggesting that before an individual official be assigned to officiate a Final Meet, he/she have experience officiating three Regionals of the same type as the Final Tournament to be assigned. In addition, the committee suggests that 24 of the 32 Final officials be assigned on merit while three to eight of the remaining of-ficials be new or previously non-Final assigned officials. And finally, that all officials assigned a Final Tournament have a minimum of 75 ratings. (17-1 in favor)

It was further recommended by the committee that the distribution of Final assign-ments be equitably apportioned among the eight zones which define Michigan officiating and competition areas. (10-8 in favor)

The meeting was adjourned at 4 p.m.

The Committee was presented with the entire list of approved officials in Boys Basketball who had completed availability forms at the MHSAA rules meetings in the fall. Assignments were made for the tournament on the basis of recommendations and availability of the officials.
Minimal ratings required included 2.1 for Final officials; 2.5 for Semifinal and Quarterfinal officials; 2.7 for Regional and District officials. Officials recommended by two or more leagues/conferences and/or officials associations were qualified to the next rating level.
All officials selected at each tournament level were sent "Assignment Response" forms from the MHSAA. Officials were assigned to work only one game per day in any tournament competition. At Regional Tournaments, officials work one date/game of the tournament.
Seven hundred seventy (770) officials indicated their availability for Lower Peninsula Tournament assignments. Of this number, 584 were assigned to the 1998-99 Districts. Regional assignments for officials totaled 188. Forty-eight (48) officials were selected to work the First-Round games (Quarterfinals); 24 officials were selected to work the Semifinal contests and 12 in the Championship Games.

I. IF THERE IS A WATCH OR WARNING AT A TOURNAMENT SITE —
A. Watch or warning issued at least three hours prior to the event:
1. If the local district policy closes the tournament facility, all participating teams must be called and informed of postponement with information pertaining to next playing date and time included in the call.
2. If the host district policy does not close the facility, all participating schools who have not called the host must be called to be sure all who are scheduled to play will be present. (The participating school local policy must prevail).
a. If one team of a dual type competition (i.e. Baseball Tournament) cannot be present by their policy, no contest will be held. The competition for that day/night must be rescheduled on the next possible day, not including Sunday.
b. If the competition is multiple team type (i.e. Track, Tennis), the meet will be conducted as long as a reasonable number of teams (60%) can be present.

B. Watch or warning less than three hours before event:
1. If the competing teams are en route, no decision can be made and until both teams in a bracket have arrived or contact has been made, unless local policy forbids use of facility once the watch or warning has been issued.
2. If competing teams arrive, are on the premises, and local policy permits, play the contest when and if time permits.
3. If it is not possible that date, reschedule for next playable date, not including Sunday.
4. Local policy will always prevail.

C. Watch or warning during contest:
1. Suspend play.
2. Take necessary steps and precautions as directed by local policy.
3. Resume play at the point of suspension as soon as permitted. If not that day/night, then reschedule for the next possible date, not including Sunday.

II. IF THE WATCH OR WARNING IS IN AN AREA OF ONE OR MORE COMPETING SCHOOLS AND NOT AT A TOURNAMENT SITE:
A. It shall be the responsibility of the competing school to inform the manager of the tournament immediately.
B. The decision as to play or not to play will be made by the Tournament Manager, based on the information presented and the type of sport event involved.
1. If one or more local policies do not permit travel or competition, the game, games, or tournament will be postponed.
2. If the scheduled competition is of a multiple team nature (i.e. Track and Field), the competition may take place even though all teams are not able to be present. (60% is suggested guideline).
3. The rationale for No. 1 and No. 2 hinges on the fact that in No. 1, both teams of a dual type competition must be present if a contest is to take place. Number 2 permits competition, even though all teams cannot be present.
C. If one or more schools are on the road to the tournament site at the time of watch or warning, no decision shall be and until contact has been made with all concerned. (An authorized person from the assigned schools).
D. If one school arrives on site and the opponent cannot travel due to local policy, the game shall be postponed and rescheduled on the next possible date, not including Sunday.

GENERAL GUIDELINE: The local Tournament Manager has full jurisdiction over the policies of the tournament site. If the above guidelines do not cover a certain situation, the decision on the matter shall be that of the Tournament Manager.

MHSAA and National Federation Sanctioning Procedure

The following situations must be approved by the MHSAA before any meet or tournament held:

1. Those events which are sponsored by other than member schools and held within the state.

2. Those events between member schools of Michigan and bordering states (regardless of the number of schools involved) and hosted by a member school. The bordering state association must also grant approval for such event through the MHSAA.

National Federation Sanctioning is required for:

1. any interstate contest involving three or more states or four or more schools where one or more of the schools is from a state which does not border Michigan; and
2. any interstate contest sponsored by a non-school organization;
3. any international contest.

Application for sanctioning of such meets must be made through the MHSAA at least 30 days prior to the contest. All sanctioned or approved meets are listed below. (Includes requests received and approved by February 1999 for events to be held in March.

*Dates preceded by an asterisk are National Federation sanctioned.
**Dates preceded by two asterisks are border state approved.

March:
16 - Boys Indoor Track & Field, GRCC, Grand Rapids
17 - Girls Indoor Track & Field, GRCC, Grand Rapids
20 - Girls Huron River Relays - EMU, Ypsilanti
26 - 13th Annual Boys Tennis, East Lansing

April:
10 - Dowagiac Softball

May:
1 - Fitch High School Softball Tournament, Austintown, Ohio
1 - Illinois School for the Deaf - Track
14-15 - St. Charles Scocer Tournament
20 - Muskegon Chronicle Track Meet, Muskegon