BULLETIN
September 2000 Volume LXXVII Number 2

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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 these minutes.)
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 secondary role 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 their participation.
Consistent with rulings of the Attorney General and Michigan Supreme Court, 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. The MHSAA exercises no independent authority over schools or students during regular season.
Summary of 1999-00 Waiver Requests - During the 1999-00 program year, there were 311 requests by member schools to waive regulations (versus 255 in 1998-99) of which 209 (67 percent) were granted by the Executive Committee (versus 158 [62 percent] in 1998-99). Of the total, 200 requests involved the transfer regulation (versus 154 in 1998-99), of which 131 (65.5 percent) were granted (versus 91 [59 percent] in 1998-99).
Rationale for Transfer Regulation - The Executive Committee reaffirmed the following rationale for the transfer regulation first established by the Executive Committee on Aug. 6, 1985 and last reviewed Aug. 18, 1999:
A. The rule tends to insure equality of competition in that each school plays students who have been in that school and established their eligibility in that school.
B. The rule tends to prevent students from "jumping" from one school to another.
C. The rule prevents the "bumping" of students who have previously gained eligibility in a school system by persons coming from outside the school system.
D. The rule tends to prevent interscholastic athletic recruiting.
E. The rule tends to prevent or discourage dominance of one sport at one school with a successful program, i.e., the concentration of excellent baseball players at one school to the detriment of surrounding schools through transfers and to the detriment of the natural school population and ability mix.
F. The rule tends to create and maintain stability in that age group, i.e., it promotes team stability and team work expectation fulfillment.
G. The rule is designed to discourage parents from "school shopping" for athletic purposes.
H. The rule is consistent with educational philosophy of going to school for academics first and athletics second.
I. It eliminates family financial status from becoming a factor on eligibility, thus making a uniform rule for all students across the state of Michigan (i.e., tuition and millage considerations).
J. It tends to encourage competition between nonpublic and public schools, rather than discourage that competition.
K. It tends to reduce friction or threat of students changing schools because of problems they may have created or because of their misconduct, etc.
Adrian-Madison and Sand Creek High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[E]) - The Executive Committee approved a cooperative program in wrestling between these schools. Adrian-Madison sponsored the sport previously and will be the primary school. Combined enrollment will be 538 (Division 3).
Bloomfield Hills-Andover and Lahser High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[E]) - Request was made to waive the enrollment limitation for a cooperative program in wrestling for these high schools, both of which have sponsored the sport previously.
Noting that it would exceed its authority to make an exception to the specific enrollment limitation established by the Representative Council, the Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Brighton, Howell and Pinckney High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - Because of the absence of the required supporting league resolution, the Executive Committee tabled the application to add Pinckney High School to the cooperative program in girls gymnastics that has existed between the other two schools since 1998. Pinckney has not sponsored the sport previously. Combined enrollment would be 5,601.
Burton-Bentley, Burton-Atherton and Genesee High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[E]) - Request to waive the Aug. 15 application deadline was made by these schools which are hoping to complete procedures for a cooperative agreement in wrestling.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver until not later than Sept. 6, 2000.
Calumet High School (Regulation I, Section 1) - Request was made to waive the Aug. 15 application deadline for a cooperative program in skiing which the school is considering with Hancock High School.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver until not later than Sept. 6, 2000.
Escanaba, Gladstone and Bark River-Harris High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - The Executive Committee approved the addition of Bark River-Harris High School to the cooperative agreement in ice hockey that has existed between the other two schools since 1992. Escanaba will remain the primary school. The combined enrollment for MHSAA tournament purposes will be 2,001 (Division 1).
Grand Rapids-Creston and Central High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - The Executive Committee approved a cooperative program in boys swimming and diving for these schools. Both schools sponsored the sport previously. Their combined enrollment will be 2,590 and will reduce by one the number of schools in the MHSAA Class A tournament. The primary school will be Creston.
Grand Rapids-Kenowa Hills and Grandville High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - The Executive Committee approved cooperative programs in boys swimming and diving and girls gymnastics. Kenowa Hills will be the primary school for both sports. Kenowa Hills has sponsored girls gymnastics previously; Grandville has sponsored boys swimming and diving. The combined enrollment for MHSAA tournament purposes will be 2,722.
Haslett and Williamston High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - The Executive Committee approved a cooperative program in ice hockey. Neither school has sponsored the sport previously. Haslett will be the primary school. Combined enrollment will be 1,488 (Division 2).
Holly and Oxford High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - Because of a condition in the cooperative program resolution to limit the number of Oxford students who may participate, the Executive Committee tabled a request to approve a cooperative program in boys and girls skiing between these schools. Holly has sponsored the sports previously and would be the primary school. The combined enrollment for MHSAA tournament purposes would be 2,399 (Class A).
Lansing-Catholic Central and Lansing Christian High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[E]) - Because of the absence of the required supporting league resolution, the Executive Committee tabled a request to approve a cooperative program in ice hockey for Catholic Central, which has sponsored the sport previously, and Christian, which has not. Combined enrollment would be 724 (Division 3).
Livonia Public Schools (Regulation I, Section 1) - Request was made to waive the Aug. 15 deadline for completing the application for a cooperative program in girls gymnastics by Livonia-Churchill, Franklin and Stevenson High Schools.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver until not later than Sept. 6, 2000.
Livonia-Ladywood and Bloomfield Hills-Academy of the Sacred Heart High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[E]) - The Executive Committee approved a cooperative program in girls skiing. Ladywood will be the primary school. Combined enrollment for MHSAA tournament purposes will be 1,310 (Class A). Neither school has sponsored the sport previously.
Lowell and Caledonia High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - The Executive Committee approved a cooperative program in ice hockey for these two schools which have not sponsored ice hockey previously and whose combined enrollment will be 1,995 (Division 1). Lowell will be the primary school.
Mattawan and Kalamazoo-Hackett Catholic Central High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - Because of the absence of the required supporting resolution from the Big Eight Conference in which this program would compete in 2001-02, the Executive Committee tabled a request to approve a cooperative program in boys swimming and diving between these schools. Hackett has sponsored the sport previously but Mattawan would be the primary school for a program that would have a combined enrollment of 1,465 for MHSAA tournament classification purposes (Class A).
Onekama, Bear Lake and Frankfort High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[E]) - Because of the absence of the required supporting league resolution, the Executive Committee tabled a request to approve the addition of Frankfort to the cooperative agreement in boys and girls skiing that has existed for the other two schools since 1988. Onekama would remain the primary school and the combined enrollment would be 324 for MHSAA tournament classification purposes (Class B-C-D).
Traverse City-St. Francis, Kalkaska, Elk Rapids and Suttons Bay High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - The Executive Committee approved a cooperative program in ice hockey for these four schools, whose combined enrollment will be 1,758 (Division 1). None has sponsored the sport previously.
Waterford Kettering, Waterford Mott and Auburn Hills-Avondale High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - The Executive Committee denied approval for a cooperative program in boys and girls skiing between these schools. Kettering and Mott have sponsored the sports previously with 11 and 9 students, respectively. The combined enrollment of the three schools would have been 3,979 for MHSAA tournament purposes (two Class A programs would become one).
Wayland Union and Byron Center High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - Because of the absence of the required league resolution of support, the Executive Committee tabled the application for a cooperative program in ice hockey between these schools. Wayland Union sponsored the sport previously and would be the primary school. Combined enrollment would be 1,602 for MHSAA tournament purposes (moving the program from Division 3 to Division 1).
Wyoming-Godwin Heights, Kelloggsville, Rogers and Wyoming Park High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - The Executive Committee approved a cooperative program on behalf of these four schools in boys swimming and diving. Previously, Godwin Heights cooperated with Kelloggsville and Rogers cooperated with Wyoming Park. Rogers will be the primary school and the combined enrollment will be 2,805.
Glen Arbor-The Leelanau School (Regulation I, Sections 4 & 5) - Request to waive the maximum semesters sections of the eligibility regulation was made on behalf of a student who repeated 9th grade when he enrolled as a boarding student at The Leelanau School in September 1997.
Noting the student had the maximum opportunity afforded all students, the Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Berrien Springs High School (Regulation I, Section 7) - Request was made to waive the previous semester record regulation on behalf of a student who withdrew from school during the second semester of the 1999-00 school year (11th grade) to help support his family during the illness (diabetes) of his father.
The Executive Committee granted the request to waive the previous semester record regulation but noted that the second semester of the 1999-00 school year must count as one of the eight semesters allowed. The student's remaining interscholastic athletic eligibility is for the two semesters of the 2000-01 school year only.
Adrian-Madison High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who previously attended a Port Huron school where she did not participate in interscholastic athletics as a 9th-grader during 1999-00.
The Executive Committee granted the request for eligibility at the subvarsity level only during the first semester of 2000-01.
Alpena High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - A late request to waive the specific language of exception (3) of the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a student who was expelled from his previous school and was made a ward of the state. He resides with a relative in the Lincoln-Alcona School District but will be transported daily to the Turning Point Program in Alpena, taking course work at Alpena High School.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Belding Area High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation and specifically Interpretation No. 71 was made on behalf of an 11th-grade student who is moving with his family from Merrill. His father's employment was transferred to Grand Rapids and his mother is employed in Belding. They are renting an apartment in Belding while their residence remains partially furnished and unsold in Merrill.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver if the school is satisfied that the family has removed all personal belongings (not furniture) from the Merrill residence and is not using that residence even intermittently for residential purposes.
Bloomfield Hills-Lahser High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility at the subvarsity level only during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who attended Andover High School during most of the 1999-00 school year where he did not participate in school sports.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver at the subvarsity level only during the first semester of 2000-01.
Bloomfield Hills-Lahser High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - A late request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of an 11th-grade student who attended Orchard Lake-St. Mary Preparatory High School after attending Bloomfield Hills Public Schools through middle school.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Brownstown-Woodhaven High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - A late request to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who previously attended Foundations Learning Center and Academy where he participated in interscholastic basketball.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Byron Center High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student whose parent is a new administrator at Byron Center High School and whose family is in the process of building a house in Byron Center but still resides in Jenison.
Noting the reasonable and soon-to-be-completed building schedule and progress that is ahead of the schedule, the Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Carrollton High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who attended Saginaw-Michigan Lutheran Seminary as a 9th-grader in 1999-00 where he did not participate in interscholastic athletics.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver at the subvarsity level only during the first semester of 2000-01.
Center Line-St. Clement High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request was made to waive the transfer regulation and specifically Interpretation No. 69 on behalf of a 9th-grade student who attended a St. Clement feeder school in Hazel Park through 8th grade but practiced football one day with Royal Oak-Kimball on Aug. 7.
Noting the connection to St. Clement and the brevity of involvement at Royal Oak-Kimball, the Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Charlotte High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who began 9th grade at Charlotte High School where she competed in cross country, and she enrolled at Potterville High School during the second semester. There was not a change of residence.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Clarkston High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request was made to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year for a 10th-grade student who previously attended Pontiac-Notre Dame Preparatory where she played basketball.
Noting the Representative Council's specific requirements for waiver, the Executive Committee denied the request.
Climax-Scotts High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who attended Galesburg-Augusta as a 9th-grader. His enrollment at Climax-Scotts was delayed until after the graduation of a student who was convicted of assault on this student's sister when she was a student at Climax-Scotts High School.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Detroit-Benedictine High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a student who formerly attended Redford-Thurston High School and is relocating with his family to Detroit to a home which is essentially equidistant from Benedictine High School and another Catholic high school.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Detroit-U of D Jesuit High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year on behalf of a 10th-grade student who in 1999-00 attended 9th grade at Ann Arbor-Gabriel Richard High School where he did not participate in interscholastic athletics.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver at the subvarsity level only during the first semester of 2000-01.
Ferndale High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student whose father is a very recent administrative hire of the Ferndale School District. He is residing in a Residence Inn in Southfield while seeking permanent housing. The student remains in Ohio pending a determination of eligibility.
Inasmuch as the student is not enrolled in the requesting school and in the absence of information that would provide certainty that the student and his parents would reside in Ferndale during the current season if at all, the Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Grand Rapids-Catholic Central High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who is transferring from East Grand Rapids High School as he is relocating with his 9th-grade brother between the residences of his divorced parents. The Educational Transfer Form is being utilized, but there is a Christian school closer to their new residence than Catholic Central. Both attended Catholic schools for elementary school during the years they lived in Michigan.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Grand Rapids-Kenowa Hills High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request was made to waive the transfer regulation and Interpretation No. 77 on behalf of four students placed at Kenowa Hills High School by a foreign exchange program which was denied listing by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel for 2000-01 after the students had committed to the program.
The Executive Committee noted that the exchange program involved was given a "conditional" listing by CSIET in mid-1999 with a lengthy letter of advisories and clear warning that it would be dropped from the list if improvements were not made in the identified areas of deficiencies. In December of 1999, the CSIET Evaluation Committee notified this program of its deficiencies. In March of 2000, CSIET notified the program that it would not be listed for 2000-01. In April 2000, the program appealed to CSIET's Accreditation Committee, which denied the appeal. In May 2000, the program appealed to CSIET's Due Process Committee, which denied the appeal. In early June 2000, the program appealed to CSIET's Board of Directors, which denied the appeal. In late June, the program resorted to the judicial system but a temporary restraining order was denied.
Expressing support for CSIET and respect for its process and noting that the students were innocent victims of the exchange program's lack of disclosure to prospects, the following determinations were made by the Executive Committee:
1. Foreign exchange students already placed by this program in MHSAA member schools for 2000-01 will be eligible immediately and for a maximum of this semester and the next, insofar as the transfer regulation is concerned.
2. No students from this exchange program will qualify for exception (4) of the transfer regulation in 2001-02, whether or not listed by CSIET; and the status of students placed through this program for 2002-03 and beyond will be subject of a later determination of the Executive Committee.
3. These decisions are to be communicated promptly to (a) national and regional representatives of this exchange program, (b) all MHSAA member schools, (c) CSIET, and (d) the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals.
Harper Woods-Lutheran High School East (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility at the subvarsity level only during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who previously attended North Star Academy, where he did not participate in school sports.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver only for the subvarsity level during the first semester of 2000-01.
Hartland High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of an 11th-grade student who previously attended Burton-Thomas Moore Academy, which does not offer an interscholastic athletic program.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Hillman High School (Regulation I, Section 9[D]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation to permit immediate eligibility at Hillman High School was made on behalf of a student who entered Hillman on Feb. 28, 2000.
The Executive Committee denied the request for immediate eligibility but granted eligibility on the 91st school day of enrollment at Hillman High School.
Houghton High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of an 11th-grade student who previously attended a small MHSAA member nonpublic school which has limited academic offerings.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Howell High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility at the subvarsity level only during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who attended Redford-Detroit Catholic Central High School as a 9th-grader in 1999-00 where he did not participate in interscholastic athletics.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver only for the subvarsity level during the first semester of 2000-01.
Hudsonville-Freedom Baptist High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of an 11th-grade student who previously attended Caledonia High School and chose the new school for religious reasons.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Hudsonville-Freedom Baptist High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Late requests to waive the transfer regulation were made on behalf of . . .
A. A 10th-grade student who last year attended Grand Rapids Baptist where he participated in athletics. His father accepted a position at Freedom Baptist which requires enrollment of his children as a condition of employment. The change of residence is not complete; they have engaged a builder but cannot begin construction until their current home sells.
B. 10th and 11th-grade sisters whose family is in transition between residences to get closer to their father's employment.
The Executive Committee tabled both matters.
Kalamazoo Central High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 12th-grade student from an unstable home who relocated from Kalamazoo to Indianapolis in the summer of 1999 with a friend who had recently graduated from Kalamazoo College. She attended school and played basketball there. She then relocated to Kalamazoo to live with married friends.
Noting that neither parent is providing room for the student to live in their residences and that the relocation to the original town with stable friends and the transfer to the original school are in the student's better interests, the Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Lake Fenton High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request was made to waive the transfer regulation and specifically Interpretation No. 69 on behalf of a 9th-grade student who moved with his father to Traverse City and attended one day of football practice at a Traverse City school before returning to Lake Fenton to live with his mother and twin brother.
Noting the brevity of involvement at the Traverse City school and the connection to Lake Fenton, the Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Manistee High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who previously attended Manistee-Catholic Central High School where he played football. There wasn't a change of residence. The family's financial situation had been impacted by medical problems.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Middleton-Fulton High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request was made to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year on behalf of a 10th-grade student who attended 9th grade in 1999-00 in Florida where he did not participate in interscholastic athletics.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver only at the subvarsity level for the first semester of 2000-01.
Saginaw-Valley Lutheran High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year for a 10th-grade student who previously attended Saginaw-Arthur Hill High School where he played soccer.
Noting the Representative Council's specific requirements for waiver, the Executive Committee denied the request.
Sparta High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of two students placed at Sparta High School by a program that has been removed from the list provided by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel for 2000-01 after the students had been placed with host families.
The Executive Committee determined to grant waiver for the same reasons and with the same follow-up actions as decided in the matter submitted by Grand Rapids-Kenowa Hills.
Stanton-Central Montcalm High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who attended Cornerstone Academy as a 9th-grader in 1999-00 where he did not participate in interscholastic athletics.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver only for the subvarsity level during the first semester of 2000-01.
Suttons Bay High School (Regulation I, Section 9[C]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a student who attended Northport High School during 1999-00 and participated in the cross country cooperative program with Suttons Bay, to which she has transferred for 2000-01.
The Executive Committee granted the request for cross country only during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year.
Vicksburg High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of an 11th-grade student who attended Vicksburg from 7th through 9th grades. He relocated to Marcellus with his parents, who subsequently separated and each moved in with another. Abandoned, the student relocated to his brother's residence in Vicksburg.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Walled Lake Central High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request was made to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level for a 10th-grade student who attended White Lake-Lakeland High School in 1999-00 where he played freshman football. He moved from his parents' to his aunt's residence after experiencing difficulties with peers at Lakeland High School.
Noting the Representative Council's specific requirements for waiver, the Executive Committee denied the request.
Walled Lake Western High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 12th-grade student who has lived in the Walled Lake School District since Nov. of 1991, attended Walled Lake Schools through the 7th grade, and had attended Southfield Christian Schools since then, participating in three sports.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver, noting that the educational testing of this student identified that he was above grade level and needed minimal special education services, that this was known to the parents when they removed their son from public to private school three years ago, and that there was no sudden and compelling reason presented to require a change of school for 12th grade.
Warren-Cousino High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who attended Warren-De La Salle Collegiate High School in 1999-00 where he participated in freshman sports. The family relocated from one residence to another within the Cousino district and has a 9th-grade daughter who will attend Cousino.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver, noting that the family was aware when they enrolled their son at all-male De La Salle Collegiate High School that their son and daughter would not be able to attend high school together, and that there was no sudden and compelling reason presented to require that to occur one year later.
Warren Woods-Tower High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Requests were made to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year for 10th-grade students who:
A. who attended Harper Woods-Regina High School where she did not participate in school sports.
B. who attended Center Line High School where he did not participate in school sports.
The Executive Committee granted the requests for waiver only at the subvarsity level during the first semester of 2000-01.
Westland-Huron Valley Lutheran High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who as a 9th-grader attended Livonia-Stevenson where she did not participate in high school athletics. Valley Lutheran does not have a subvarsity team.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Adrian-Madison and Sand Creek Middle Schools (Regulation III, Section 1 - The Executive Committee approved a cooperative program in wrestling between these schools. Adrian-Madison will be the primary school.
Hancock and Chassell Middle Schools (Regulation III, Section 1) - The Executive Committee approved a cooperative program in junior high/middle school football. Hancock will be the primary school.
Lake Leelanau-St. Mary School (Regulation III, Section 1[C]) - Request was made to waive the enrollment regulation to permit 6th grade girls to participate in the 7th and 8th-grade basketball program during the 2000-01 school year.
The Executive Committee granted the request for girls basketball in 2000-01 only.
Waverliet-Grace Christian School (Regulation III, Section 1[C]) - Request was made to permit involvement of 6th-graders with 7th and 8th-graders in girls volleyball, boys soccer, girls basketball and boys basketball.
The Executive Committee granted the request for these four sports in 2000-01 only.
Buchanan Middle School (Regulation IV, Section 10[B]) - The school requested the Executive Committee approve an Aug. 22 start for football practice for Buchanan Middle School, whose first day of class is Aug. 28 but whose first game is Sept. 13 vs. Cassopolis, which begins classes on Aug. 22.
The request for waiver was granted.
St. Joseph-Upton Middle School (Regulation IV, Section 10[B]) - The school requested the Executive Committee approve an early start for football practice for Upton Middle School, which begins school on Aug. 28, and Stevensville-Lakeshore Middle School, which begins school on Aug. 23. Each would have to begin practice on Aug. 22 in order to have 14 days of practice prior to the first scheduled game, Sept. 13, 2000.
The request for waiver was granted.
Vestaburg High School (Regulation V, Section 3[A]) - On May 4, 2000, the coach of the Vestaburg High School varsity baseball team removed his team from the contest in the top of the 7th inning of a 12-7 game, in protest of an umpire's call. At its June meeting, the Executive Committee reviewed the school's written responses, was not satisfied with the school's response and directed that the school's specific description of actions and results be requested by staff. The school's response, which included termination of personnel, was received.
The Executive Committee accepted the school's action and report.
New Schools - Pursuant to the MHSAA Constitution adopted by member schools and according to procedures for MHSAA membership as established by the Representative Council March 21, 1997, the Executive Committee approved membership for Benton Harbor-Countryside Charter School at the junior high/middle school and high school levels. The high school will have grades 9, 10 and 11 in 2000-01 (enrollment 71) and expects to add 12th grade in 2001-02. Boys and girls cross country are the only sports anticipated for 2000-01.
The Executive Committee also approved membership for Burton-Faithway Christian School which sought membership at the junior high/middle and high school levels. The high school has 50 students in grades 9-12. It anticipates sponsoring boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer and girls volleyball in 2000-01.
Membership was also approved for Detroit-Weston Technical Academy, a charter school which sought membership at the junior high/middle school and high school levels. The high school has 160 students in grades 9-11. It anticipates sponsoring boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, girls volleyball, baseball and girls softball in 2000-01.
2000-01 Committees - The Executive Committee approved dates and appointments for most MHSAA committees for the 2000-01 school year. The committee also approved the date and appointments for the newest standing committee, the Officials Review Committee, which will consist of 16 people, 8 recommended by leagues/conferences and 8 recommended by Approved Officials Associations. Appointments were approved for three special study groups: the ad hoc committee on the 3-person rule, ad hoc committee on out-of-season issues, and a panel on coaches, spectators and officials.
Gas Prices - In response to rising gas prices, in June the executive director requested input from Council members regarding several areas of association expense and requested the bookkeeper determine the cost of several policy changes that might be considered. In view of the unbudgeted impact of these proposals and the recent "normalization" of gas prices, no action was taken at this time except to refer these issues to the Finance Committee's February meeting.
National Federation - The Executive Committee discussed the schedule and reimbursement policies for the National Federation Annual Meeting in 2001.
Personnel Matters - The Executive Committee approved the executive director's contract extension through July 31, 2003, and requested that his 2000-01 Standards of Performance be distributed to other Council members for written comment by Sept. 6, 2000.
"Blue Ribbon" Panel - The Executive Committee reviewed reports from the first meeting of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Gender Equity in High School Athletics. Questions were raised regarding the Panel's origins, purpose, administration, make-up, schedule, necessity and value.
Next Meetings - The next meeting of the Executive Committee is Wednesday, Sept. 13, at 9 a.m. in East Lansing. Thereafter, the committee will meet Wednesday, Oct. 11, at 9 a.m. in East Lansing; Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 9 a.m. in East Lansing; and Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 8:30 a.m. in Traverse City.

Like many Americans, I have helped keep Tom Brokaw's book, The Greatest Generation, on the "bestseller" lists for many months. It's a stirring tribute to the sacrifices and successes of my parents' generation. In fact, Brokaw's prototype for the generation was born in 1920, the year of my father's birth.

When they might have enjoyed a teenager's foolishness, they had the great depression. When they might have turned college degrees into job offers, they had World War II.

Subsequent generations know nothing of the suffering, fear and delayed gratification that forged discipline, dedication and persistence that we don't really fully appreciate.

Maybe that's part of the reason my generation has been so lousy about our kids and their sports.

The youth sports image of parents today is that, against all odds, we believe our child has a college athletic scholarship in his or her future; we criticize our children, even publicly, for every idle moment or any momentary lapse of focus or proficiency in competition; we challenge the coach regarding decisions on position, playing time and strategy; and we loudly chastise officials for cheating our kids.

Of course, the kids need none of this. Here's what they really need.

Jim Abbott was born without a hand but went on to be a star high school athlete in Flint, Michigan, and to pitch for the University of Michigan baseball team, pitched the United States to a Pan American Games gold medal, and pitch successfully in Major League Baseball. When asked what his father did to prepare him for a major league baseball career, Abbott said: "My dad and I did what was necessary to play catch. We didn't form the basis for a major league career. We just played catch."

What do kids need from us? To just play catch.

They just need a fan. They need a fan, not a fanatic; they need an encourager, not an embarrasser.

They need us to let them live their lives, not relive our lives with all the rough spots smoothed out. They need us to delay our gratification in their lives permanently.

I didn't make this up. This is what my kid told me.

There is little resemblance between the schools involved in MHSAA cooperative programs today compared to the lineup of schools during the first year cooperative programming was allowed. During that first year, 1988-89, there were seven cooperative programs that involved 13 Class D schools. In 1999-2000 there were 137 senior high school programs with Class A schools being named the primary school in 58 of the programs. There are currently 29 Class D cooperative programs.
When the Representative Council first approved the cooperative program concept in 1987, only Class D schools could be represented and the combined enrollment of the schools could not exceed the maximum limitations for Class D. That limitation was raised to include Class C schools in 1991 and Class B in 1994. In 1992-93 the Council approved schools of any size to combine in sports that were sponsored by 250 or fewer schools. This enabled Class A schools to participate in cooperative programs for the first time.
The idea of allowing schools to combine sports teams for athletic competition purposes was an idea borrowed from other states in the Midwest. Many small schools struggling to maintain programs and many other small schools without a particular sports program sought assistance from the MHSAA to allow variances of residency and enrollment regulations to allow more opportunities for their students. As expected, schools of higher classifications requested participation at their level and the program opportunities expanded.
With the proliferation of cooperative programs, particularly as they apply to large schools, the Representative Council has become increasingly concerned with the possibility that smaller single school programs will be placed in disadvantaged competitive positions. Three years ago the MHSAA conducted a survey of large school cooperative programs to determine whether students were being "cut" or whether cooperative programs were dominating particular sports. Most popular sports for Class A cooperative programs are gymnastics (33), boys swimming (33), girls swimming (26), and ice hockey (24). The results were inconclusive but the monitoring continues through the renewal process every two years. The Council has reaffirmed its preference that Class A & B schools sponsor separate teams rather than continue to renew cooperative programs over a period of years without careful evaluation.
The MHSAA added junior high/middle school cooperative programs in 1990-91 and currently 52 programs are active throughout the state. Although most (112) senior high school programs combine public schools, junior high cooperatives are almost equally divided at 26 public with public and 21 public with non-public schools.
MHSAA Handbook Regulation 1, Section 1(e) addresses the concept of cooperative programming. Senior High Schools must complete an application form that addresses many of the concerns of combining programs. Forms must be signed by representatives of the boards of education and administration of all cooperating schools. In addition a resolution of support by each league or conference in which the cooperating schools participate must be included with the application.
Deadline dates for return of senior high school applications are:

April 15 for fall sports
August 15 for winter sports
October 15 for spring sports

In 1992-93 the Council approved a formal renewal process for senior high cooperative programs. After two years, each program must be renewed by all cooperating schools on a single renewal form sent by the MHSAA in April. Class A & B schools involved in the renewal program must address several questions regarding numbers of players, team records and also include another league resolution. Junior high cooperatives do not have a formal renewal process and continue until dissolved by the schools involved.
Cooperative programs are agreements for a minimum of two years but may be voided at any time by resolutions of all cooperating boards of education. Deadlines for dissolution of cooperative programs are May 1 for football and August 15 for all other sports. No other cooperative agreement in the same sports may be made with another school until the original two-year period lapses.
Junior high/middle school applications are not as extensive as the senior high school application, but they do address similar concerns. Applications should be submitted to the MHSAA 90 days prior to the first competition.
All cooperative program applications, junior high and senior high school, must be approved by the MHSAA Executive Committee at a regularly scheduled meeting. The Committee reviews the entire application and board resolutions for accuracy as well as statements from conference schools and opponents before validating the program.
Cooperative programs have been successful in Michigan when they provide opportunities for students who otherwise would not have chances to play on a specific sport team. The MHSAA is aware of potential abuses as it monitors the continued growth of combined programs. Schools should always explore the possibility of sponsoring their own programs first, but cooperative programs are possible ways to enhance participation for students.

The buzzword of the 81st Annual Meeting of the National Federation of State High School Associations during the first week of July 2000 in Minneapolis was "proactive." It is well past time, said state and national leaders, to stop reacting to the changes and challenges before us and to come together for proactive efforts to shape events before they shape us.
Among the actions proposed by speakers at the national and state levels in formal general sessions and informal workshops and round tables were pursuing national eligibility rules and national programming, boycotting "rogue schools" which operate outside high school association rules, rejecting team or coach specific corporate funding at the high school level, and initiating federal legislation to control the influx of foreign athletes and the erosion of amateur standards.
As Michigan's delegation listened to these suggestions, we wondered about the definition of "proactive," or the distinction between proactive and reactive. It seemed that all the initiatives proposed were, in fact, reactions to problems. And it seemed that all of the problems described were, in fact, the result of an absence of resources or resolve on our part to retain the policies and procedures that set forth and for years preserved the educational foundation and environment of voluntary, competitive interscholastic athletics.
Radical and disturbing proposals by a subcommittee of the National Collegiate Athletic Association to redefine an amateur athlete and deregulate amateur standards brought calls for nationwide standardization of high school association awards and amateur rules. To the extent that the effort would be toward agreement of general principles, we are supportive; but the MHSAA would oppose any effort to prescribe details to state associations through playing rules codes or other coercive means. It would be impractical, reactive and wrong.
Any effort to proscribe details will be like water seeking the lowest level. The lowest common denominator will prevail because those states which provide the most freedoms know they cannot get back the restrictions they gave away. States with the highest standards are most disadvantaged in negotiations for national standards.
Moreover, those with the highest standards have observed their proactive effect. For example, when Adidas and NIKE learned that their lavish gifts at elite basketball camps violated awards/amateur rules of Michigan, Missouri and several other states, those camp sponsors changed their practices to conform to our rules. State associations did not have to react, the sponsors did.
Furthermore, state associations have obligations to their member schools that exceed obligations to other state associations. If 75 percent of member schools of the MHSAA do not want the awards limit increased from $15, it won't matter than 75 percent of other state high school associations want a higher limit as a national standard. Moreover, in some states the high school association rules are a matter of state law that no national consensus can change.
Rogue schools, those which travel the nation in pursuit of national rankings (usually in basketball), are not a problem for Michigan. There are none in this state, and MHSAA member schools don't play them from other states. They can't play them because of their agreement to a rule to not engage in interstate competition where any team at the venue has traveled more than 600 miles round-trip. This has kept out of Michigan many of the problems experienced in many other states for excessive promotion, travel and recognition to school teams associated with national scope tournaments. Interstate travel limitations have prevented problems (and other states might solve them by reacting now with the very same proactive policy that has existed in Michigan, Missouri and a few other states for a decade or longer).
In a few places recently, certainly it is not a nationwide epidemic deserving federal intervention, an influx of foreign students to a single school has tipped the balance of competitive equity in a state. Federal legislation would not be a proactive initiative, but an over-reaction to a lack of commitment to the standards and published listings of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), a proactive initiative started many years ago, and/or a lack of commitment to adopt or enforce undue influence or recruiting rules, and/or a lack of commitment to a transfer rule that treats foreign students the same as domestic students. The solution to this problem is internal, not external; it is local, not federal.
More than ten years ago, Michigan schools also agreed to adopt policies which prohibit both faculty and nonfaculty coaches from receiving compensation for interscholastic coaching duties except through the school, and such compensation may not exceed limitations which are commensurate with compensation to classroom teachers. Prohibited payments to coaches include, but are not limited to:
a. compensation to supply team members with equipment, supplements, uniforms, shoes or warm-ups;
b. compensation to encourage or facilitate students' enrollment at a particular college or university;
c. compensation as an inducement for the school team to be scheduled for a game or tournament;
d. compensation as an inducement to obtain the presence of one or more students of the school to participate in a camp, clinic, combine, game or tournament sponsored by any entity.
We don't know if such policies are proactive, reactive or over-reactive, but they seem to work.
There certainly are some serious challenges before school sports in the U.S. They require that we think in both proactive and reactive ways, and we must act in both protective and progressive ways, at both the local and national levels. n

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.

BASEBALL
I. 4-3-1 Note 1 -- A regulation called game where a winner cannot be determined, shall be counted as 1/2 game won and 1/2 lost for each team. (MHSAA allowed -- requires league adoption)
II. 4-3-1 Note 2 -- A game called for any reason where a winner cannot be determined, or any game called at anytime for mechanical failure (i.e. artificial lights, water system, etc.) will be treated as a suspended game. If the game is to be completed, it will be continued from the point of suspension, with the lineup and batting order of each team the same as the lineup and batting order at the moment of suspension, subject to the rules of the game. (Reg. II, Sec. 11(H)2 NOTE: Use of option 1 or 3 may impact the season 56 game/date limit allowed baseball and softball by MHSAA Regulation II, Section 11(A).)
SUGGESTED SPEED-UP RULES
III. Courtesy Runners
A. At any time the team at bat may use courtesy runners for the pitcher and/or the catcher. The same runner may not be used for both positions. Neither the pitcher nor the catcher will be required to leave the game under such circumstances.
B. Players who have participated in the game in any other capacity are ineligible to serve as courtesy runners.
C. A player may not run as a courtesy runner for the pitcher or the catcher and then be used as a substitute for another player in that half inning.
IV. 4-2-4 - The four options listed are the only permitted game-shortening procedures allowed for baseball and softball games at the varsity and sub-varsity levels. (Schools, leagues or invitational tournament management shall determine which are to be utilized with prior mutual written consent):
A. Require games to be terminated when there is a 15-run difference after three innings or a 10-run difference after five innings
B. Allow a team to discontinue play any time it trails by more than 15 runs
C. Establish shortened games of five or six innings
D. Establish a time limit to terminate games of regular season varsity tournament events and any sub-varsity game (one hour, 45 minutes recommended).
V. Double First Base -- NOT ADOPTED
VI. Navy umpire shirt with white/red accent stripe -- optional regular season 1999-00 as long as all umpires wear same. Required 2000 MHSAA tournament series.

BASKETBALL
I. Mercy Rule Adoptions -- When in the second half a point differential of 40 points is established, a running clock will be in effect for the remainder of the game. The clock shall be stopped as normal for all timeouts, including injury and the third-period break.
The clock will revert to regular time schemes when the score is reduced to a 30-point differential or less.

FOOTBALL
I. Pregame coin toss may be held on the field 20 minutes prior to kickoff.
II. The running clock, 35-point margin mercy rule will be used for all football games, play-offs and regular season, varsity and sub-varsity, high school and junior high/middle schools.
III. The 10-yard-line overtime procedure published in the National Federation Rules Book will be used in all regular season and playoff games for varsity teams only.
IV. Junior high/middle school football teams may schedule games with non-school teams as is currently allowed in all other sports. The Regulation does not apply to senior high school teams.

GIRLS COMPETITIVE CHEER
No props or music are allowed during competition.

GYMNASTICS
Requirements for Regular-Season Meets

I. Dual Meets
A. Exhibition gymnasts are prohibited.
B. There can be no more than six competitors per team event when two judges are contacted.
C. There can be no more than seven competitors per team per event when four judges are contracted simultaneously.
II. Tri Meets
A. Exhibition gymnasts are prohibited.
B. There can be no more than five competitors per team per event when two judges are contracted.
C. There can be no more than seven competitors per team per event when four judges are contracted and two events are conducted simultaneously.
III. Double Dual Meets or Quad Meet
A. Exhibition performances ARE PROHIBITED.
B. No more than six (6) competitors per team can compete in each event.
C. There can be no more than six (6) competitors per team per event and four judges are contracted in which two events are conducted simultaneously.

ICE HOCKEY
I. Mercy Rule
By mutual agreement, games may be terminated after two periods or during the third period when a team leads the opposing team by 10 or more goals.
The 10-goal mercy rule will be used during the MHSAA Tournament at the Regional level only.
II. Overtime Procedure
In MHSAA tournaments only, the overtime procedure published in the National Federation Rule Book (6-38) will be altered to allow additional "sudden death" eight-minute periods as necessary.

SOCCER
The MHSAA has received approval to:
I. Require players to sit out 10 minutes for a yellow card offense.
II. Use two 15-minute sudden victory overtime periods for regular and tournament season games.
III. Allow players to wear soft and yielding caps during inclement weather. Caps must be alike in color.
EXCEPTION (1): The goalkeeper may wear a head protector made of closed-cell, slow recovery rubber or other similar material that stays soft in its final form. This head protector shall not have a bill, or other protruding design. It shall not cover the face, other than the forehead, and shall be secured by a chinstrap.
EXCEPTION (2): The goalkeeper may wear a soft-billed baseball type hat or soft-billed visor. If worn in conjunction with a head protector, it is to be worn outside and may not be attached to the head protector.
EXCEPTION (3): By state association adoption, players may wear soft and yielding caps during inclement weather.
IV. Require officials to use signals published prior to 1995-96.
V. A disqualified player, coach or bench personnel under Rule 12, Sec. 8, Article 3 will be barred from participating in the next day of competition for that team.

SOFTBALL

I. 1-1-5 Note 1 -- All players on a team shall wear uniforms consisting of shirts, shorts and/or pants. (MHSAA adopted)
II. 10-4-2 Note -- Light gray slacks may be worn. (MHSAA adopted)
III. Courtesy Runner Rules:
A. The team at bat may use courtesy runners for the pitcher and/or the catcher as soon as they reach base. The same runner may not be used for both positions. Neither the pitcher nor the catcher will be required to leave the game under such circumstances.
B. Players who have participated in the game in any other capacity are ineligible to serve as courtesy runners.
C. A player may not run as a courtesy runner for the pitcher or the catcher and then be used as a substitute for another player in that half inning.
D. The courtesy runner is not permitted to run as a courtesy runner for the Designated Hitter (DH), if the DH is batting for the pitcher or catcher.
E. Once a courtesy runner is designated for that half inning, no other courtesy runner or the catcher or pitcher may return to run for original courtesy runner. EXCEPTION: Should an injury occur, another courtesy runner or the pitcher or catcher may run until she scores or is put out.
IV. 4-2-3 -- The four options listed are the only permitted game-shortening procedures allowed for baseball and softball games at the varsity and sub-varsity levels. (Schools, leagues or invitational tournament management shall determine which are to be utilized with prior mutual written consent):
1. Require games to be terminated when there is a 15-run difference after three innings or a 10-run difference after five innings;
2. Allow a team to discontinue play any time it trails by more than 15 runs;
3. Establish shortened games of five or six innings;
4. Establish a time limit to terminate games of regular season varsity tournament events and any sub-varsity game (one hour, 45 minutes recommended).
V. Double First Base -- NOT ADOPTED
VI. Navy umpire shirt with white/red accent stripe -- optional regular season 1999-00 as long as all umpires wear same. Required 2000 MHSAA tournament series.

SWIMMING

I. MHSAA recommends five feet of water when using starting platforms and mandates at all MHSAA venues.
II. Definition for in-water starts
III. Step-Up starts will be used.

TENNIS - USTA

I. Schools may use no-ad scoring or play pro-sets or shorten the rest period between a split set.
II. Cumulative Point Penalty System between regional and final (for unsportsmanlike conduct, the regionals and finals are considered one event.)
III. For unsportsmanlike conduct after a match is completed (Regional or Final), player is defaulted for the rest of the tournament and one point is subtracted from the team total.
IV. Minimum requirement is an unaltered shirt with sleeves, preferably in school colors or with school identification. Exception: females may wear a sleeveless dress/shirt if it is tailored to be sleeveless. Team shorts/skirts are required and should be the same color. Penalty: Match will not start unless the individual/team has uniform on. Point Penalty system for lateness will be used.

TRACK & FIELD/CROSS COUNTRY

I. The only head attire that may be worn during competition will be a knit stocking cap, sweat band or ski band; all must be unadorned, single-colored cloth.
II. Except for traditional wedding bands and medical alert necklaces or bracelets, jewelry is prohibited in all competition. This will include, but is not limited to pierced earrings, barrettes made of hard plastic, leather, cloth, metal and plastic bracelets. Elasticized ponytail holders having metal parts are legal. Ponytail holders do not have to be a single color. Multiple ponytail holders may be worn and do not have to be a single color of the same color. Watches will not be worn in any competition.
III. Ribbons worn to secure the hair do not have to be a solid color. If multiple ribbons are worn they must be the same color.
IV. Interpretations for Track & Field and Cross Country:
1. Sunglasses may be worn in competition only if they are prescription glasses or there is a medical release signed by a physician.
2. Competitors may not wear temporary body adornment (painted or fastened) during competition.

VOLLEYBALL

I. Rally scoring may be used during invitational tournaments or in the deciding game of a best-of-five match.
II. Teams may play best-of-five match.
III. The third game of a match may be played even though one team wins the first two.
IV. Pool play during invitational tournaments may use any of the following:
1. Rally scoring
2. 15 pt. games
3. 11 pt. games

WRESTLING

I. Assistant referee allowed
II. 215 pound weight classification adopted
III. MHSAA tournament weigh-in procedures may be used
IV. Growth allowance of two pounds on January 15
V. Home weigh-in permitted by MHSAA exception to National Federation Rule.

All Sports Film/Videotape Policy

Representative Council action of May, 1998, eliminated the prohibition of third party videotaping (scouting) without permission of competing teams in all MHSAA sponsored sports including intersquad scrimmages, regular season and MHSAA tournament contests.

It is to be understood that videotape scouting does not include press box or preferred seating status without prior consent of the host school.

Schools may deny videotaping (scouting) at intrasquad scrimmages only.

BASEBALL
UNIFORMS of all team members should be of the same color and style. Caps and shoes are required equipment (no track spikes allowed). When a player is required to wear a head protector, it replaces the cap as mandatory equipment. For individual players, uniform sleeve lengths may vary. However, sleeves of each individual player shall be approximately the same length and shall not be ragged, frayed nor slit. If the pitcher's undershirt sleeves are exposed, they shall not be white nor gray. A uniform shall not have any dangerous or reflective buttons or ornaments. Each player shall be numbered on the back of his shirt with a plain number of solid color contrasting with color of shirt. The number shall be at least 8" high and no players on the same team shall wear identical numbers. A number may have a border of not more than one-quarter inch in width. One American flag 2" x 3" may be worn on each item of uniform apparel. The school's official uniform (including uniform pants, jersey, visible undergarments, socks, stockings, caps and headwear) may bear only a single manufacturer's logo (partial or whole) or trademark that does not exceed 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" square.
It is mandatory for each on-deck batter, batter, runner, retired runners, players/students in the coaches boxes as well as non-adult bat/ball shaggers to wear a batting helmet that meets the NOCSAE standard. The batting helmet shall have extended ear flaps that cover both ears and temples and also display the NOCSAE stamp and the exterior warning statement. The warning statement may be affixed to the helmet in sticker form, or it may be embossed at the time of manufacture. A face mask may be attached to a batting helmet at the time of manufacture. A face mask specifically designed for a particular helmet model may be attached after manufacture, provided that procedure is approved by the manufacturer. When an umpire observes anyone who is required to wear a batting helmet deliberately remove his batting helmet while in live ball territory and the ball is alive (non-adult ball/bat shaggers required to wear batting helmet in live ball area even if ball is dead), the umpire shall issue a warning to the coach of the involved team, unless the ball becomes dead without being touched by a fielder or, after being touched, goes directly to dead ball area. A subsequent violation of the rule shall result in ejection.
EXCEPTION: A violation by a non-adult bat/ball shagger shall result in a warning to the coach of the team and the individual. A subsequent violation may result in the individual not being allowed on the field. The catcher shall wear, in addition to a head protector, a mask, body protector, protective cup and baseball protective shin guards. A throat protector, which is either a part of, or attached to, the catcher's mask, is mandatory. A throat protector shall adequately cover the throat. The commercial manufactured catcher’s head, face and throat protector may be a one-piece or multi-piece design. Any player warming up a pitcher at any location shall wear a protective cup and a mask with a throat protector. Failure by a player to wear proper equipment after being so ordered by the umpire, shall result in ejection. If the pitcher wears a head protector, its entire outer cover shall have a nonglare surface. A pitcher shall not wear any item on his hands, wrists or arms which may be distracting to the batter.

I. All casts, splints and braces must be padded. No protective equipment shall have exposed metal or any other hard material. Prostheses may be worn.
NOTE: Any equipment judged by the umpire to be potentially dangerous is illegal. Jewelry is prohibited (See 3-3-1c). Medical alert bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewelry. If worn, they must be taped to the body so as to remain visible.
II. Prior to the start of the game, the head coach shall be responsible for verifying to the umpire-in-chief that all his players are equipped in compliance with the above rules. Any questions regarding legality of a player's equipment shall be resolved by the umpire-in-chief.
III. Non-traditional playing equipment must be reviewed by the National Federation Baseball Committee before used in a contest.

BASKETBALL
I. Team shirts, and undershirts if worn, shall be of the same solid color front and back. Undershirts shall be similar in color to the shirt and shall not have frayed or ragged edges. If the undershirt has sleeves, they shall be the same length.
The American flag may be worn on the shirt provided it does not exceed 2" x 3" and does not interfere with the visibility of the player's number.
Decorations such as mascots, stars, commemorative, memorial, or recognition patches or insignias and logos are not permitted on the undershirt.
II. Change in limitations of team shirts: (Jerseys manufactured for the 2000-01 season and Beyond shall meet these additional requirements).
• The number shall be centered vertically and horizontally.
• Torso of shirt shall be a single, solid color from the base of the neck to the bottom of the shirt.
• No restrictions in the area of the shirt from the base of the neckline to the shoulder seam. If a back panel is used, it must be of the same size and color as the corresponding front area.
• Team/player names or abbreviations shall not be placed within 1 inch of the top or bottom of the number.
• Any form of decorative emphasis (e.g., paw, halo, crown, star) on an identifying name or abbreviation is only permitted if the name or abbreviation is located above the number.
• If a tail is used in the lettering of an identifying name or abbreviation, the name or abbreviation must be located below the number.
• Side inserts, including trim, of no more than 4 inches (2 inches on each side of seam), centered vertically below the armpit are permitted.
• Side panels for all shirts must be the same width.
• Any type of commemorative/memorial patch may not be worn on a team shirt.
• If names or abbreviations are used above or below the number, the decorative emphasis must be above the name or abbreviation in the upper position or below the name or abbreviation in the lower position.
Logo/trademark shall not exceed 2 1/4 square inches nor exceed 2 1/4” in any dimension.
III. Each player shall be numbered on the front and back of the shirt with plain Arabic numbers.
A. The following numbers are legal: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 00, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55.
NOTE: Beginning in 2000, a team squad list shall not have numbers 0 and 00.
B. The number shall be at least 6" high on the back and at least 4" high on the front and not less than 3/4" in width excluding the border(s).
C. No more than three colors may be used. The style of the number must be clearly visible and conform to one of the following:
1. A solid contrasting color with no more than two solid color 1/4" borders. If the shirt color is used as a border it must be counted as one of the allowed colors.
2. The shirt color itself when bordered with no more than two 1/4" solid border(s) contrasting with the shirt color.
3. A solid contrasting color with a "shadow" trim of a contrasting color on part of the number not to exceed 1/2” in width.
D. The number(s) on the front and back of the shirt shall be the same color and style. This requirement becomes effective with shirts worn beginning with the 1997-98 season.
Ques. (1) -- If contesting teams have uniforms of the same color, what shall be done?
Ans. -- If possible, each team should have two sets of uniforms, one of light color and the other dark. The light color is for home games. The team, which violates this policy, should change. If there is doubt, the officials should request the home team to change; on a neutral floor the officials decide.
Ques. (2) -- What is the penalty for wearing an illegal number or a shirt with diagonal on tailed lettering?
Ans. -- The penalty is a technical foul for each designated starter and for each substitute who enters the game, and the infraction is discovered before the ball becomes alive. Each illegal shirt infraction may be penalized only one time.
IV. A player's shirt designed to be worn inside the pants shall be tucked inside the pants and the pants shall be above the hips and worn properly. A player not conforming to this uniform policy shall be directed to leave the game.
V. The referee shall not permit any player to wear equipment which, in his or her judgment, is dangerous or confusing to other players or is not appropriate. Examples of illegal items are, but not limited to:
A. A guard, cast or brace made of hard and unyielding leather, plaster, pliable (soft) plastic, metal or any other hard substance – even though covered with soft padding – when worn on the elbow, hand, finger, wrist or forearm.
NOTE: Each state association may authorize the use of artificial limbs which in its opinion are no more dangerous to players than the corresponding human limb and do not place an opponent at a disadvantage.
B. Head decorations, headwear and jewelry
EXCEPTION (1): State associations may be an individual basis allow a player to participate while wearing a head covering if it meets the following criteria: (MHSAA Adoption)
1. For medical or cosmetic reasons -- In the event a participant is required by a licensed medical physician to cover his or her head with a covering or wrap, the physician's statement is required before the state association can approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard, or dangerous to any other player and which is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely that it will come off during play.
2. For religious reasons -- In the event there is documented evidence provided to the state association that a participant might not expose his or her uncovered head, the state association may approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard, or dangerous to any other player and which is attached in such a way it is highly unlikely it will come off during play.
EXCEPTION (2): A headband no wider than 2" and made of nonabrasive unadorned single-colored cloth, elastic, fiber, soft leather or rubber may be worn. Rubber/cloth (elastic) bands may be used to control hair.
C. Equipment which is unnatural and designed to increase a player's height or reach or to gain an advantage
D. An illegal undershirt
E. An undergarment or tights which extend below the pants
EXCEPTION: Compression shorts may be worn if the length is above the knee and they are of a single color similar to the predominant color of the pants.
VI. One visible manufacturer's logo/trade name is permitted on the pants, compression shorts, socks, sweatbands and headband and shall be limited to 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" square on each item. No visible manufacturer's logo-trade name is permitted on the shirt or undershirt.

VII. Players will not be allowed to participate while wearing illegal apparel other than shirts and pants. Wearing illegal pants by a player is penalized with a technical foul.
VIII. The referee shall not permit any player to participate if in his or her judgment, items such as a player's fingernails or hairstyle may constitute a safety concern.

COMPETITIVE CHEER
Uniforms shall be identical and matching and shall consist of:
Tops -- Sweaters or warm-up jackets or button down vests or T-shirts or vest/shell
Bottoms -- Skirts with briefs, or pants, or jumper with briefs, or shorts
Footwear shall consist of appropriate athletic-type shoes (no hard soles) of the same color. Socks/hose/footies are required and must be matching in color. Each team member must wear the same style sock; knee-high, calf length, ankle or footie.
Allowable Optional Accessories
Turtle necks, body suits, leotards, nylons/panty hose, suspenders
Hair -- Hair shoulder length or longer must be tied back and secured for safety reasons.
Hair Control/Adornment Devices -- must be secure in hair and must be made of soft material. If hair items are worn, they must be matching in color amongst team members.
Manufacturers logo shall not be more than 2 1/4 square inches with no dimension exceeding 2 1/4 inches.
JEWELRY AND SAFETY PINS ARE PROHIBITED
PATCHES, SPIRIT BUTTONS OR CHEVRONS ON UNIFORMS ARE PROHIBITED

FOOTBALL
I. Mandatory equipment Each player shall wear the following pieces of equipment which shall be professionally manufactured and not altered to decrease protection:
A. A facemask which met the NOCSAE test standard at the time of manufacture. The multiple bar type is recommended. The facemask shall be made of material designed to be nonbreakable with rounded edges, and those constructed of metal shall have the surface covered with resilient material designed to prevent chipping, burrs or abrasiveness which would endanger players.
B. A helmet which met the NOCSAE test standard at the time of manufacture and has a visible exterior warning label regarding the risk of injury The helmet shall be secured by a properly fastened chinstrap.
C. Hip pads with tailbone protector.
D. A jersey with clearly visible Arabic block or Gothic numbers 1-99 inclusive on the front and back.
NOTE: Beginning with the 1999 season, the jersey shall be long enough to reach the top of the pants and shall be tucked in if longer.
1. The numbers shall be at least 10" and 8" high in back and front respectively, and with bars or strokes about 1 1/2" wide.
2. The color and style of the number shall be the same on the front and back.
3. The body of the number shall be either a color(s) contrasting with the jersey color, or the same solid color(s) as the jersey with a minimum of one border that is at least 1/4 inch in width of a solid contrasting color.
4. Jerseys of the opposing teams must be of contrasting colors. The home team shall wear its dark color and the visiting team shall wear its light color. The visiting team is responsible for avoidance of similarity of colors, but if there is doubt, the referee may require the home team to change.
NOTE: An American Flag, not to exceed 2 by 3 inches, and either a commemorative or memorial patch, not to exceed 4 square inches may be worn on the sleeve, shoulder or front (above the numbers) of the jersey.
E. Knee pads worn over the knee and under the pants and at least 1/2" thick or 3/8" thick if made of an approved shock-absorbing material.
F. Pants which cover the knees and knee pads.
G. Shoes shall be made of a material which covers the foot (canvas, leather, or synthetic) attached to a firm sole of leather, rubber, or composition material which may have cleats or which may be cleatless. Among the items which do not meet these requirements are gymnastic slippers, tennis shoes cut so protection is reduced, ski and logger boots and other apparel not intended for football use:
1. Removable cleats must conform to the following specifications:
a. Constructed of a material which does not chip or develop a cutting edge. Legal material includes leather, nylon, certain plastics and rubber. Cleats may be tipped with leaded steel such as C12, L14 or B113L or steel equivalent to SAE 1070 hardened and drawn to Rockwell C scale 42-45; the use of aluminum or ceramics is not permissible.
b. The base and the tip of the cleat must be parallel. The free end may be rounded in an arc with a radius of not less than 7/16 inch provided the overall length is not more than 1/2 inch measured from the tip of the cleat to the shoe. The cleat may be attached to a raised platform which is molded to the shoe. The platform may be no more than 5/32 inch in height and must be wider than the base of the cleat. The widest part of the cleat must be in direct contact with the platform.
The 5/32 inch raised platform must be wider than the base of the cleat and must extend across the width of the sole to within 1/4" or less of the outer edges of the sole. A single toe cleat does not require a raised platform that extends across the width of the sole The raised platform of the toe cleat is limited to 5/32" or less. The 5/32" platform is measured from the lowest part of the shoes sole.
c. An effective locking device which prevents the exposure of metal posts must be incorporated.
d. The cleat wall must be at least 3/16" in diameter.
e. The sides of the cleat shall taper uniformly from a minimum base of 3/4" in diameter to a minimum tip of 3/8" in diameter.
2. Nonremovable cleats are limited to studs or projections which do not exceed 1/2" in length and which are made with nonabrasive rubber or rubber-type synthetic material which does not have and will not develop a cutting edge.
H. Shoulder pads fully covered by a jersey.
I. Thigh guards which must have any hard surface covered with material such as closed-cell vinyl foam which has a minimum compression resistance of four to eight pounds for 25 percent compression or other material with equivalent specifications and is at least 1/4" thick on the outside surface and at least 3/8" thick on the inside surface and the overlap of the edge. Shinguards, if worn, must meet these specifications.
J. A tooth and mouth protector (intra-oral) which includes an occlusal (protecting and separating the biting surfaces) and a labial (protecting the lips) portion and covers all upper teeth. It is recommended the protector be:
1. Constructed from a model made from an impression of the individual's teeth.
2. Constructed and fitted to the individual by impressing his teeth into the tooth and mouth protector itself.
II. Legal if approved by the umpire. The following auxiliary equipment may be worn if sanctioned by the umpire as being soft, nonabrasive, nonhardening material:
A. Forearm pads, hand pads or gloves which may be anchored on each end with athletic tape.
B. Tape, bandage, or support wrap on the hand or forearm to protect an existing injury.
EXCEPTION: Tape, bandage, or support wrap not to exceed three thicknesses, and sweatbands, when worn on the wrist beginning at the base of the thumb and extending no more than inches toward the elbow, are legal without inspection or approval.
C. Gloves, even though modified, must have a securely attached label or stamp (NF/NCCA Specifications) indicating voluntary compliance with test specifications on the file with the Sporting Goods Manufacturer's Association as of January 1, 1994, unless made of unaltered plain cloth.
NOTE: A glove is a covering for the hand having separate sections for each finger and thumb completely covering each finger and thumb.
D. Each state association may authorize the use of artificial limbs which in its opinion are no more dangerous to players than the corresponding human limb and do not place an opponent at a disadvantage MHSAA allows the use of artificial limbs.
III. Illegal equipment. No player shall be permitted to play while wearing illegal equipment. This applies to any equipment, which in the opinion of the umpire is dangerous, confusing, or which is inappropriate. Illegal equipment shall always include but is not limited to:
A. Ball-colored helmets, jerseys, patches, pads or gloves, penalty-flag colored pads or gloves. Any transverse stripe on the sleeve below the elbow.
B. Computers or any other electronic or mechanical devices for communication
NOTE 1: By state association adoption a team totally composed of deaf or partially deaf players, may use a drum to establish a rhythmic cadence following the ready-for-play signal.
NOTE 2: Each state association may authorize the use of a hearing instrument to enhance the efficiency of a required hearing aid prescribed by a licensed medical physician, provided it is not dangerous to the wearer or any other player.
C. Hard substance in its final form such as leather, rubber, plastic, plaster or fiberglass when worn on the hand, wrist, forearm or elbow unless covered on all exterior surfaces with no less than 1/2" thick, high-density, closed-cell polyurethane, or an alternate material of the same minimum thickness and similar physical properties to protect an injury as directed in writing by a licensed medical physician.
D. Knee braces made of hard unyielding material, unless hinges are covered on both sides and all edges overlap and the brace is worn under the pants. Unless covering is provided by the manufacturer, any portion of the brace made of hard material and extending below the pants must be covered. Any other hard substance across the front of the leg must be covered with at least 1/2" of closed-cell slow-recovery rubber or other material of the same minimum thickness and having similar physical properties.
E. Metal which is projecting or other hard substance on clothes or person.
F. Plastic material covering protective pads whose edges are not rounded with a radius equal to 1/2 the thickness of the plastic.
G. Rib pads and back protectors unless fully covered by a jersey.
H. Slippery or sticky substance of a foreign nature on equipment or exposed part of the body.
I. Tear-away jerseys or jerseys that have been altered in any manner which produces a knot-like protrusion or creates a tear-away jersey.
J. Uniform adornments other than one white towel without markings and sized less than 4 x 12 inches or greater than 18 x 36.
K. Jerseys and pants manufactured after January 1, 1996 that have:
1. More than one manufacturer's logo/trade name on the outside of each item (jersey and pants) whether visible or not.
2. A visible logo/trade name exceeding 2 1/4" square and exceeding 2 1/4" in any dimension (jersey and pants).
3. Sizing, garment care or other non-logo labels on the outside of either item (jersey and pants).
NOTE: The American flag may be worn on the uniform provided it does not exceed 2" x 3" and does not interfere with the visibility of the jersey number.
L. Jewelry
M. Eye shields that are non-rigid, non-molded and have less than 100% allowable light transmission.
IV. Prior to the start of the game, the head coach shall be responsible for verifying to the referee and umpire that all of his players are equipped in compliance with these rules. Any questions regarding legality of a player's equipment shall be resolved by the umpire.
V. When any required player equipment is missing or when illegal equipment is found, correction shall be made before participation. An official's time-out shall be declared to permit prompt repair of equipment which becomes illegal or defective through use.
VI. Each player shall properly wear the mandatory equipment while the ball is alive.

GOLF
MHSAA Tournament Series Dress Code

Proper golf attire including a golf shirt will be required at all MHSAA tournament series matches. Bermuda shorts are permitted. Short-shorts, cut-offs, jeans and tank tops are NOT permitted.

GYMNASTICS
I. The proper uniform shall be a one-piece leotard of moderate proportions with matching colored briefs/undergarments. Sports bras shall not be exposed.
II. Only gymnastics footwear of a neutral color may be worn.
III. Jewelry shall not be worn in competition except for a religious or medical medal which must be taped to the body.
IV. Hair devices which are safe and reasonably secured may be worn to keep the hair away from the gymnast's eyes and face.
V. Casts on any body parts are prohibited.
NOTE: Cast-braces/braces are permitted provided any hard parts are covered to protect the gymnast and the equipment.
VI. Body paint and glitter shall be removed.

ICE HOCKEY
I. Skates. Skates shall be worn by all players and shall be free from points or dangerous extensions. It shall be considered dangerous if the blade extends more than three-quarters of an inch (1.91cm) beyond the shoe at either toe or heel. The ends of the skates (both toe and heel) shall be rounded and blunt (covered with replaceable tips if necessary) so that there are no points which might cause injury.
Sticks. Sticks shall be made of wood, wood and aluminum or covered by a non-metal protective covering. Sticks shall not be more than 63 inches (160 cm) long and the blade shall not be more than 12 1/2 inches in length and no more than 3 inches nor at the tip less than 2 inches high. The curvature shall not exceed 1/2 inch toe to heel.
It is required that all players be numbered with at least 10-inch high Gothic, colored numbers on the back of their jerseys and the same numbers at least four inches in height on both sleeves. The color of the numbers shall contrast with the jersey color. All members of a team shall wear identical uniforms relative to color of helmets (except goalkeepers), jerseys, socks, pants and length of pants. Visiting teams are required to wear dark-colored uniforms.
II. Goalkeeper's Equipment
1. Required equipment for goalkeepers shall include gloves, skates, stick, protective face mask, throat guard, leg pads and helmet which protect the entire crown, front, temple and back of the head. A dental guard is required. Throat guards must be commercially manufactured, unaltered and properly attached to the helmet, "face mask or neck.
2. The goalkeeper shall not wear or use any garment or equipment which would provide undue assistance. Webbing or aprons, extending more than 3" (7.62cm) below the crotch are not permitted. The goalkeeper's leg pads shall not be wider than 12" (30.48cm) each.
3. Protective padding attached to the back or forming a part of goalkeeper's gloves shall not exceed 9" (22.86cm) in width at any point, nor shall it exceed 17" (43.18) in length.
4. If a team challenges the opposing team's goalkeeper equipment, and the equipment is found to be legal, the challenging team shall be penalized.
5. The widened portion of the goalkeepers stick extending up the shaft shall not extend more than 26 inches from the heel and shall not exceed more than 3 1/2 inches in width. The length of the blade shall not exceed 15 1/2 inches.
III. Protective Equipment
1. Recommended equipment includes: shin pads, thigh pads, hip pads, protective cup, elbow pads, shoulder pads, and throat/neck protector. shin, elbow, shoulder, thigh and hip pads must be worn under outer clothing. Each player is personally responsible to wear protective equipment for all games.
2. Required equipment for players, other than goalkeepers, shall include an ice hockey helmet with chin straps securely fastened to the head, gloves, skates, stick, full face mask and dental guard. Beginning in 1999-00, throat/neck protectors must be worn by all players as standard/required equipment.
3. Required equipment shall be worn by all players and goalkeepers on the ice during warm-ups before the game, between periods and during each period. No team personnel shall be permitted on the ice for warm-up or play who is not wearing the required equipment specified in this section or who is wearing anything which is liable to cause injury to self or other players.
4. All players, including goalkeepers, shall wear a dental guard, which should cover all the remaining teeth of one jaw. Dental guards shall not be altered from original manufacturer specifications, except with the prescription of a medical authority. It is required that dental guards be attached to the facemask. Dental guards must be made of colored, non-clear material.
5. All players, including goalkeepers, shall wear facemasks, which meet HECC/ASTM standards at the time of manufacture It is recommended that all players, including goalkeepers, shall wear helmets, which meet current HECC/ASTM standards at the time of manufacture (required for 1995-96). Face masks and helmets shall not be altered from original manufacturer specifications. Helmets must include ear guards.
NOTE: When a new HECC/ASTM standard is established, players will have a three-year grace period to purchase helmets and face masks which comply with the new standard.
6. A glove from which all or part of the palm has been removed or cut to permit the use of the bare hand shall be considered illegal equipment.
7. An immediate whistle must be blown when a player’s helmet or facemask becomes dislodged. That player must leave the ice and cannot return until after play resumes.
8. All players are required to wear helmets while in the players' or penalty box.
IV. Dangerous Equipment
1. Casts and splints made of hard and/unyielding material are legal if properly padded and physical certified.
2. Artificial limbs which, in the judgment of the rules administering officials (state association office), are no more dangerous to contestants than the corresponding human limb and do not place an opponent in disadvantage, may be permitted.
3. Jewelry shall not be worn, except for religious or medical medals which shall be taped to the body under the uniform so as to remain visible.
V. All members of a team shall wear identical uniforms relative to color of helmets (excluding goalkeepers), jerseys, socks, pants, and length of pants.
It is required that the visiting team wears dark colored uniforms.
One manufacturer's logo/trademark (2 1/4" square maximum and not exceeding 2 1/4" in any dimension) and one American flag (2" [5.08cm] x 3" [7.62cm] maximum) may be worn on each item of uniform apparel.

SOCCER
I. Jerseys and stockings of opposing teams shall be of contrasting colors and, in the event of a similarity of color, the home team shall be responsible for making the necessary change. The home team shall wear white or light jerseys and stockings, and the visiting team shall wear dark jerseys and stockings. Both stockings shall be the same color with a single dominant color, but not necessarily the color of the jerseys. If visible apparel is worn under the jersey, it shall be of a similar length all alike and of a solid color. If visible apparel is worn under the shorts, it shall be of a similar length, all alike and of a solid color the same basic color of the uniform shorts. One manufacturer's logo/trademark not exceeding 2 1/4" square and not exceeding 2 1/4” in any dimension, and one American flag not exceeding 2" x 3", are permitted.
II. Except for the uniform of the goalkeeper, jerseys, shorts and stockings of teammates shall be of the same color, design and pattern.
A. All jerseys, except those worn by goalkeepers, shall be numbered on the back with a different Arabic or Gothic number at least 6" (0.15m) in height and on the front (jersey or shorts) with the same number which shall be at least 4" (0.10m) in height. Numbers shall be of contrasting color to the jersey (or shorts) and clearly visible.
B. The jersey of the goalkeeper shall be distinctly different from that of any official, teammate or opponent, except the other goalkeeper. The shorts and stockings of the goalkeeper are not required to be the same color as his/her teammates.
III. Shoes shall meet the following standards:
A. Be constructed of a material which does not chip or develop a cutting edge:
B. All cleats, studs or bars shall be not less than 1/2" (1.27 cm) in diameter or width, and they shall not project from the sole or heel of the shoe more than 3/4" (1.9 cm). Aluminum, leather, rubber, nylon or plastic cleats with steel tips are legal if they conform to the width and length specifications.
EXCEPTION: A molded sole with multiple cleats, studs or bars less than 1/2" (1.27 cm) in diameter or width that do not extend more than 1/2" (1.27 cm) from the sole and are not of an extreme conical design is permissible.

ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT

I. Illegal equipment shall not be worn by any player. This applies to any equipment which, in the opinion of the referee, is dangerous or confusing. Types of equipment which are illegal include the following:
A. Projecting metal or other hard plates, or projections on clothing or person; medical medals shall be taped on the body;
B. Head, arm, thigh or hip pads containing sole leather, fiber, metal or any unyielding materials, even if they are covered with soft padding;
C. Casts, splints or body braces made of a hard substance in its final form such as leather, rubber, plastic, plaster or fiberglass unless covered on all exterior surfaces with no less than 1/2 inch thick, high-density, closed-cell polyurethane, or an alternate material of the same minimum thickness and similar physical properties to protect an injury. A medical release for the injured player signed by a licensed medical physician shall be available at the game site. Body or torso braces/casts made of unyielding materials are illegal.
D. Shin guards which have exposed sharp edges
E. Face or spectacle guards
F. Helmets, hats, caps, or visors
NOTE: Michigan has adopted this exception allowing players to wear soft and unyielding caps during inclement weather. The following criteria must be met: (a) the cap can only be a ski cap type, (b) the cap must be solid color, (c) any design, pom pon or other ornamentation is prohibited, (d) any number of players may wear a cap, (e) it cannot be secured by tying it under the chin.
EXCEPTION (1): The goalkeeper may wear a head protector made of closed-cell, slow-recovery rubber or other similar material that stays soft in its final form. This head protector shall not have a bill, or other protruding design. It shall not cover the face, other than the forehead, and shall be secured by a chin strap.
EXCEPTION (2): The goalkeeper may wear a soft-billed baseball type hat or soft-billed visor. If worn in conjunction with a head protector, it is to be worn outside and may not be attached to the head protector.
EXCEPTION (3): By state association adoption, players may wear soft and yielding caps during inclement weather. Caps must be alike in color;
G. Knee braces made of hard unyielding material, unless hinges are covered on all sides, and all of its edges are overlapped; any other hard substance shall be covered with at least 1/2" of closed-cell slow-recovery rubber or other material of the same minimum thickness and having similar physical properties;
H. Ankle braces, unless covered by a stocking or other suitable material.

SOFTBALL
Uniforms of all team members should be of the same color and style. The school's official uniform (including uniform jersey, pants, shorts, visible undergarments, socks, stockings, caps and head wear excluding head bands) may bear only a single manufacturer's logo (partial or whole) or trademark that does not exceed 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" square. One American flag (2" x 3" maximum) may be worn on each item of uniform apparel. Caps, visors and headbands may not be mixed. If worn, they must be the same. Plastic visors are prohibited. If worn, a headband must be one piece, unadorned and a single solid color. For individual players, uniform sleeve lengths may vary. However, sleeves of each individual player shall be approximately the same length and shall not be ragged, frayed or slit. Exposed undergarments, if worn, are considered part of the official uniform. Exposed upper body undergarments, such as undershirts, do not have to be the same color as exposed undergarments worn on the lower body. However, all exposed upper body undergarments shall be the same color. All exposed lower body undergarments shall be similar in color to the predominant color of the uniform shorts. A pitcher's exposed upper body undergarments may be white or gray if she is the only team member wearing the same color. A uniform shall not have any dangerous or reflective buttons or ornaments. A pitcher shall not wear any item on the pitching hand, wrist, arm or thighs which may be distracting to the batter. Each player shall be numbered on the back of the shirt with a plain number of solid color contrasting with color of shirt. The numbers may have a contrasting color border, which shall not exceed 1/4". No players on the same team shall wear identical numbers. It is recommended that uniform numbers be at least 6" high. Beginning in 1996, all uniform numbers shall be at least 6" high.
NOTE 1: By state association adoption, all players on a team shall wear uniforms consisting of shirts, shorts, and/or pants.
NOTE 2: By state association adoption, any number of players on a team may be required to wear appropriate headwear.

I. A batting helmet bearing the NOCSAE stamp and exterior warning label is mandatory for each batter, on-deck batter, players/students in the coaches boxes, runners, retired runners and non-adult bat/ball shaggers while in live ball area. The batting helmet shall have extended ear flaps which cover both ears and temples. Batting helmets that are broken, cracked, dented, or that have been illegally altered are prohibited from use. A commercially manufactured face mask may be attached to a batting helmet, provided it is attached by the manufacturer; or a face mask may be attached to a helmet that does not have a face mask, provided the attachment procedure is approved by the manufacturer. If a pitcher wears a batting helmet, its outer covering shall have a non-glare surface. NOTE: The exterior warning label may be affixed to the helmet in either sticker form or embossed (at the point of manufacture) and must be clearly visible.
II. The catcher shall wear a head protector, a protective mask with throat protector that is part of or attached to the mask. A throat protector that is part of the mask shall extend far enough to adequately protect the properly attached, unaltered and worn properly. A catcher also shall wear a body protector, baseball/softball protective shin guards, and the male catcher or player warming up a pitcher shall wear a protective cup. The commercial manufactured catcher’s head, face and throat protector may be a one-piece or multi-piece design. In (F.P.), any non-adult warming up a pitcher at any location within the confines of the field shall wear a mask and throat protector.
III. Shoes are required equipment. Shoe sole or heel projections other than the standard shoe plate are prohibited. Metal cleats and metal toe plates are prohibited.
IV. Players in the game are prohibited from wearing jewelry such as rings, watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces (including cloth or string types), barrettes or other cosmetic or decorative items judged by the umpire to be unsafe. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces are not considered jewelry. If worn, they must be taped to the body, so as to remain visible. All casts, splints, and braces must be padded. Prostheses may be worn. Any equipment judged by the umpire to be potentially dangerous is illegal.
V. Prior to the start of the game, the head coach shall be responsible for verifying to the umpire-in-chief that all his/her players are equipped and in compliance with all National Federation rules.
VI. Non-traditional playing equipment must be reviewed by the National Federation Softball Rules Committee before it will be permitted.

SWIMMING & DIVING
I. It is recommended all swimmers and divers on the team wear suits of identical coloring and pattern. A competitor shall not be permitted to participate wearing a suit that is not of decent appearance. Boys shall wear trunks which cover the buttocks. Girls shall wear suits which cover the buttocks and breasts.
Competitors shall not be permitted to compete in attire (suits, caps or goggles) which includes advertising or a name other than the name of the competitor, school or mascot (except a national flag no more than 2" x 3" in size). A single partial/whole manufacturer's logo or trademark no more than 2 1/4 square inches, with no dimension exceeding 2 1/4 inches square in size is permitted on each piece of attire.
II. Competitors shall not wear or use any device to aid their speed or buoyancy. Goggles are permitted and a foreign substance may be applied to the body. The referee shall require a competitor using an excessive amount of a foreign substance to remove it before competing.
III. A competitor with a disability may use equipment provided, in the judgment of the state association, no advantage is gained. The written approval from the state association must be made available to the referee.

TENNIS
Although USTA does not address uniform requirements, MHSAA adoptions include the following:
The minimum requirement for a team uniform is an unaltered shirt with sleeves, preferably in school colors or with school identification. Each individual must wear such shirt throughout the match. If a player changes shirts, he/she must have another tennis team shirt.
Exception: Females may wear a sleeveless top if it is tailored by the manufacturer to be sleeveless.
Compression shorts may be worn under the shirt/shorts, but no boxer shorts, cut-off leotards, etc. are allowed.
Team shorts/shirts are required. They must all be the same color and an appropriate style for tennis.
PENALTY: If a student-athlete does not have the school team uniform on, the USTA point penalty system for lateness will be used. (After 15 minutes, the player will be defaulted.)

TRACK & FIELD & CROSS COUNTRY
I. The complete track and field uniform consists of shoes, school-issued shorts and full-length jersey. Any visible shirt worn under the jersey or visible apparel worn under the shorts must be of a single (same solid) color. Undergarments visible under the jersey need not be the same color as undergarments visible under the shorts. The jersey and shorts may have school identification. Also, a single manufacturer's logo or trademark, not to exceed 2 1/4" square is permissible per each item of uniform apparel. The American Flag may be worn on the uniform and shall not exceed 2" x 3". The looser fitting boxer-type shorts are an approved short for boys and girls, while the closed-leg briefs are also acceptable for girls competition. Shorts may vary in length and style, but must be of the same color for all team members. Bicycle shorts, thigh huggers, abbreviated thigh huggers, leotards, body suits, abbreviated briefs (French or high cut) and similar apparel may be worn under the track shorts, but not in lieu of them.
II. The waistband of a competitor's shorts shall be worn above the hips.
III. A shoe is a covering for the foot. It must have an upper and definitely recognizable sole and heel. The upper must be designed so that is can be fastened securely to the foot by laces and/or velcro. Track spikes may not exceed 1/2" in length measured from the sole to the tip of the spike. The use of slippers or socks does not meet the requirements of the rule. Meet management shall determine approved footwear in the javelin event.
Note: Unless deemed unsuitable by meet management, track spikes, up to a maximum of 1" in length, may be used in cross country competition.
IV. A competitor must be in the complete track uniform and displaying his/her assigned contestant number, when numbers are used.
V. In relay races (and cross country competition) each team member shall wear the same color and design school uniform (jersey and trunks). When other apparel is worn under the school uniform, it shall be of the same color for all teammates choosing to wear them.
VI. A competitor who competes with an illegal uniform shall be disqualified from that event.

ADOPTIONS AFFECTING COMPETITORS IN TRACK AND FIELD
AND CROSS COUNTRY
1. The only head attire that may be worn during competition will be a knit stocking cap, sweat band or ski band; all must be unadorned, single-colored cloth.
2. Except for traditional wedding bands and medical alert necklaces or bracelets, jewelry is prohibited in all competition. This will include, but is not limited to pierced earrings, barrettes made of hard plastic, leather, cloth, metal and plastic bracelets. Elasticized ponytail holders that have metal parts are legal. Ponytail holders do not have to be a single color. Multiple ponytail holders do not have to be the same color.
• Watches will not be worn in any competition.
3. Ribbons worn to secure the hair may be of any solid color.
4. Interpretations for Track and Field and Cross Country:
• Sunglasses may be worn in competition only if they are prescription glasses.
•Competitors may not wear temporary body adornment (painted or fastened) during competition.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
I. All players on a team shall wear like-colored uniforms consisting of shirts and shorts, pants or skirts, in one or two pieces.
II. Each player shall be identified by a number on the uniform top which is not a duplicate of a teammate's number.
III. The number shall be:
A. Permanent and clearly visible:
B. Not more than two digits;
C. A plain, Arabic numeral of a solid color contrasting with the color of the surrounding colors and the color of the uniform top and not less than 3/4" in width;
D. Located on the upper front and back of the uniform top;
E. At least 4" high on the front of the top and at least 6" high on the back of the top;
F. Placed so the top of the number on the front of the uniform shall be no more than 5" down from the shoulder seam.
The number may have a single contrasting border or shadow not to exceed 1/2". It is recommended that a 2" number be placed on each sleeve near the shoulder
seam.
IV. If a visible number is worn on the uniform bottom, it shall be the same number as on the uniform top.
V. Appropriate playing shoes shall be worn.
VI. If undergarments such as t-shirts, body suits, sports bras, etc. are worn in such a manner that they are exposed, they shall be of a single color similar to the predominant color of the uniform top.
VII. Players shall not wear undergarments or tights which extend below the uniform bottom. EXCEPTION: Compression shorts which are unadorned and of a single color similar to the predominant color of the uniform bottom.
VIII. A single partial/whole manufacturer's logo/trademark (no more than 2 1/4 square inches with no dimension more than 21/4 inches) and/or one American flag (no more than 2" x 3" in size) is permitted on each piece of the uniform provided placement does not interfere with the visibility of the number.
PENALTY FOR ILLEGAL UNIFORM:
1. When a player wearing an illegal uniform attempts to enter the game, unnecessary delay shall be assessed. The player shall not enter the game until the illegal uniform is replaced or made legal.
2. When a player wearing an illegal uniform is discovered in the game, unnecessary delay shall be assessed the team.
If the team has a time-out remaining, the player may remain in the game provided the illegal uniform is replaced or made legal during the time-out period. If the team has no time-out remaining, a point or side-out shall be awarded the opponent.
The player shall be removed unless the illegal uniform is replaced or made legal immediately.
3. For subsequent violations by the same team during the match, a point or sideout shall be awarded the opponent. The player shall be removed unless the illegal uniform is replaced or made legal immediately.
4. When a team cannot begin the match with six players wearing legal uniforms, a point or side-out shall be awarded the opponent of the beginning of the match, and the state association shall be notified.

WRESTLING
I. Wrestler shall wear (a) a sleeveless shirt fastened down at the crotch and cut no lower in the back or front than the level of the armpits and under the arms no lower than one half the distance between the armpit and the belt line; (b) either full-length tights with stirrups and close fitting outside short trunks or a properly cut one-piece uniform with a minimum 4" inseam and a maximum length of above the knee; (c) legal uniform now includes, (is allowed) full length singlet and wrestling uniform with female cut. If no tights are worn, a suitable undergarment shall be worn. The uniform shall be a school issued uniform.
While full-length tights are acceptable under a one-piece uniform, Bermuda-length tights and other accessories that extend beyond the inseam of a one-piece uniform are not permitted.
NOTE: The rules do not allow a contestant to wear anything under the shirt, except when there is good and sufficient reason as determined by the referee. (The MHSAA allows snug fitting T-shirts or leotards in a color similar to the uniform predominate color.)
II. Any manufacturer's logo/trademark that appears on the wrestling uniform can be no more than 1 1/2" by 1 1/2" square in size and may appear no more than once on each item of uniform apparel. Effective immediately it is permissible for the American flag to appear on the uniform with a maximum size of 2" by 3".
III. Wrestler shall wear light heelless wrestling shoes, reaching above the ankles and laced above the ankles by means of eyelets.
IV. Wrestlers shall wear protective headgear which provides (a) adequate ear protection (b) no injury hazard to the opponent, and (c) an adjustable locking device to prevent it from coming off or turning on the wrestler's head. (The MHSAA expects the headgear to be in a condition which is undamaged and unmodified.)

1. L.P. ENTRY BLANK — The official entry for CROSS COUNTRY REGIONALS WILL INCLUDE THE ENTRY BLANK and MASTER ELIGIBILITY LIST which must be in the hands of the L.P. Regional Manager NOT LATER THAN 4 P.M., WEDNESDAY, OCT. 18, 2000. LATE ENTRIES REQUIRE A $50 LATE FEE.
U.P. ENTRY BLANK — Due date 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, 2000.
2. ALPHABETICALLY LIST — List individuals on the Entry Blank in order of best performance.
3. Individuals or teams shall be accompanied to the event by the coach, administrator or appointee of the school in order to participate in an MHSAA event. NOTE: If your school is not planning to enter the Regional Run, please notify the Manager of the Run as soon as possible.
4. NUMBER OF COMPETITORS FROM EACH SCHOOL — A school may compete with a maximum of seven entries and a minimum of one entry. At least five individuals must finish in order to be considered a complete team. Only complete teams will be scored. Individuals on the Eligibility List may be used as substitutes for TEAM entries. There are no substitutes for those entered in the individual run in the Finals.
5. NOTE: The Final Meet Manager of each class shall establish and distribute the protocol and schedule for previewing the Final Meet course if it is to be allowed by the meet management.
6. UNIFORMS FOR CROSS COUNTRY — Each team member shall wear the same color and design school uniform (jersey and trunks). When other apparel is worn under the jersey or the trunks, by more than one team member, that apparel must be the same solid color. Although members of teams must comply with this rule, boys teams and girls teams, from the same school, are not required to be attired alike. This rule applies equally to team and individual runs. All team members need not wear undergarments if one team member elects to do so. A company logo may be no larger than 2 1/4” x 2 1/4” in any direction. The only head attire that may be worn during competition will be knit stocking caps (watch caps), a sweat band not more than two inches wide, or a ski band, all must be unadorned, single-colored cloth. If more than one team member wears either a ski band or knit stocking cap or sweat band they do not have to be the same solid color.
OTHER INTERPRETATIONS:
• Sunglasses may be worn in competitions only if they are prescription glasses.
• Competitors may not wear temporary body adornment (painted or fastened) during competition.
7. JEWELRY — Except for traditional wedding bands and Medical Alert necklaces or bracelets, jewelry is prohibited in all competition. This will include, but is not limited to pierced earrings, barrettes made of hard plastic, leather, cloth and plastic bracelets. Elasticized ponytail holders having metal parts are legal. Multiple ponytail holders do not have to be the same color. (Watches may not be worn during competition.)
8. STARTING TIME AND ORDER OF COMPETITION FOR REGIONAL AND FINAL CROSS COUNTRY RUNS:
A. Girls Regional and Final Cross Country Runs are to be conducted first during even numbered years. Boys Regional and Final Cross Country Runs are to be conducted first during odd numbered years. (2000 - Girls Run First)
B. At L.P. Regional and U.P. Final Runs, the first run will start at 11 a.m. (except for LP Regionals 6-1 and 18-2). Where there are two different divisions, the smallest division will compete first and will be followed by the same sex of the larger division. Example: (Section 1 will precede Section 2, or Girls Division 3 Run, Girls Division 2 Run; Boys Division 3 Run, Boys Division 2 Run)
C. In the L.P. Finals, the team and individual runs will be combined (Girls Division 3 Team Run combined with Girls Division 3 Individual Run; Boys Division 3 Team Run combined with Boys Division 3 Individual Run.
D. Proposed Schedule — Included with regional entry materials.
9. COMPETITOR NUMBERS — Each competitor shall be provided a number by the Meet Manager. The Cross Country Committee requires that the number be worn. Placement of the number on the back or front of the contestant’s jersey will be at the discretion of the meet manager.
10. SCORING AND TIES — At Regionals and Finals — See Rule 9, Section 2 of the 2000 National Federation Track and Field Rule Book Reminder: All contestants are expected to run through the final line and maintain their position in the chute until released. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
NOTE: Ties will be scored according to Rule 9, Section 2 of the National Federation Track and Field Rules Book.
11. LENGTH OF COURSE — The length of the course at Regional and Final Runs will be 5000 Meters.
12. EXPENSES OF COMPETING TEAMS — Schools will defray their own expenses both at Regional and Final Runs.
13. SUPERVISION OF TEAMS — Coaches and/or other school officials are responsible for the supervision of team members at the Cross Country Runs. Help retain the good will of the persons managing the runs, as well as schools, park departments and golf courses or country clubs. Use proper receptacles for used tape, bandages and other debris.
14. COACHES RESPONSIBILITIES—
A. Checking-in at the Final Run — The coach from each competing school (teams or individuals) will check in with the Final Manager immediately upon arrival at the Final Run site.
B. Coaches are to inform their contestants that radios, tape players, stereo boxes, or similar appliances will not be allowed at MHSAA Cross Country Meet sties.
15. ASSIGNMENT OF SCHOOLS TO REGIONALS (L.P.) — Teams have been assigned to Regional sites using the following criteria:
A. Approximately the same number of schools at each Regional site.
B. Each site will require reasonable travel. Efforts were made so schools would not cross paths in traveling to the Regional site.
C. When two or more Regionals of the same class are held at the same site with a difference of five or more teams, a drawing shall be conducted on the first school day after the entry due date to determine which teams will compete in each Regional.
15b. ASSIGNMENT OF SCHOOLS (U.P.) — A Final Run will be conducted in Divisions 1, 2 and 3 for boys and girls. An entry blank is being sent to all Upper Peninsula schools which indicated sponsorship of Cross Country on their classification information cards.
16. TEAM QUALIFICATION FROM REGIONAL RUNS TO THE FINAL RUN (L.P.) –
A. Coaches of qualifiers: obtain information packets regarding Final Runs from Regional Managers.
B. Five runners must finish a Regional Run for a school if that school is to qualify a team to the Final Run.
C. Three teams will qualify from The Regional to the Final Run. THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF TEAMS QUALIFYING FROM A REGIONAL CANNOT EXCEED FOUR. (Determined as indicated below.)
D. The maximum number of runners to represent a qualifying team at the Final Meet is seven.
F. If a school finishes fourth in the Regional Meet and has four or more runners who qualified for the Final Meet as individuals, that team must be listed as the fourth school qualifying a full team.
G. Qualifications of an additional team may result in an adjustment to the list of individuals qualifying to the Final Meet as outlined in 18A.
17. ADMISSIONS — There will be a $3 admission at Regional sites and $5 at the Final site (includes parking at Finals only).
A. Each team entered at the Regional or qualified for the Final Meet shall be allowed admission for 12 team members in uniform.
B. Schools qualifying individuals to the Final Meet will be provided admissions for those qualifiers only.
C. Each team or individual represented at the Final Meet will be provided admissions for three other persons including the coach, a manager or other support personnel.
NOTE: Animals (dogs, cats, etc.) on leashes or not, will NOT be permitted at MHSAA Regional or Final sites.
18. INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS FROM REGIONAL RUNS TO THE FINAL RUN (L.P.):
A. All medalist finishers who are not members of a qualifying team will qualify to the Final Run as individuals.

19. REPORTS OF QUALIFIERS — The Regional Meet Manager will forward the names of qualifying teams and individuals and their Eligibility List to the Final Meet Manager. Changes on the list of contestants for the Finals, must be made to the Regional Manager immediately after the Regional Run. If changes are not made by the coach, the names on the Regional Entry Blank will be submitted to the Final Manager.
20. AWARDS (L.P.) — It is recommended that the awards are to be presented following the conclusion of the fourth or last race and in the same order the races were run.
Regionals — 1 trophy First Place Team
7 team medals First Place Team
15 medals First fifteen (15) individuals in each division/section
Finals — 1 trophy First Place
1 trophy Second Place
7 medals First-Place Team
30 medals Top 30 Finishers

20b. AWARDS (U.P.) — Winner and runner-up schools in each division at the Final Run will receive trophies provided three or more schools compete in a division. Medals will be awarded to the first fifteen (15) individuals in each division at the Final Run. There also will be seven (7) medals awarded to members of the winner and runner-up schools in each class.
BY REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL ACTION, ONLY MHSAA APPROVED AWARDS MAY BE PRESENTED.
21. GAMES COMMITTEE — A Games Committee of three is to serve at all Regional and Final Meets and is to be comprised of the Meet Manager, and two coaches; one representing boys teams, one representing girls teams. This committee shall serve as final authority with regard to rules conflicts.
All Regional and Final Cross Country Run Managers are to invite three area coaches to review the course layout prior to printing the map of the course and prior to competition. These three coaches are to meet, if possible, and review the course as a group. The names of these individuals are to be listed in the Regional information which is distributed to competing schools.
22. IT IS THE OPINION OF THE CROSS COUNTRY COMMITTEE THAT THE CROSS COUNTRY “GENERAL INFORMATION BULLETIN” SHOULD BE USED TO SET UP DUAL AND INVITATIONAL CROSS COUNTRY RUNS EACH REGULAR SEASON.
23. MINIMUM CROSS COUNTRY MEET STANDARDS — IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ALL CROSS COUNTRY RUNS OBSERVE THESE STANDARDS.
A. Review the 2000 National Federation Track and Field Rule Book. NOTE: The chute is to be at least 150 feet long.
B. The awards ceremony should be staged in an elevated area so that it may be witnessed by spectators.
C. Team scores should be posted in large figures and elevated so they are easily visible.
D. A map of the 5000-meter course shall be distributed to all competing schools on or before the day of competition.
E. A visible curved starting line will be used where advisable. Space should be sufficient so that five runners from each team may be on the front line. Recommend each box be eight (8) feet wide. A 10-yard spectator restraining line should be in place.
F. An equal number of teams are to be assigned, by draw, to positions on either side of the center of the course at the starting line.
G. Rope off the area around the chute to prevent spectators from interfering with chute personnel and contestants.
H. When possible, all runs shall go around natural or man-made barriers on level ground. Course markers, such as flag poles, should extend approximately six feet above ground level and be constructed of a rigid and non-flexible material.
I. There shall be no sharp turns.
J. There shall be no turns within 400 meters of the finish line.
K. There must be an above ground finish line to mark the termination of the race.
L. Markers shall be used to designate the 1600 meter and 3200 meter points on the course.
M. Instructions for all runs are to be given ten minutes before the start of each run. Use of a bull horn or P.A. system is advisable. Runners are to remain in sweatsuits for these instructions. Immediately following the conclusion of the instructions, each runner will remove sweatsuits and report to assigned position on the starting line.
N. Courses need to be marked extensively and clearly with signs and flags, supplemented with a painted or chalked line. Where possible, the course is to be double marked by lines and flags. Flag designations: a red flag indicates a turn to the left, a yellow flag indicates a turn to the right and a blue flag indicates a course straight ahead. Flags marking the course are required.
O. Competing schools are encouraged to notify the MHSAA, in writing, of all improperly marked courses.

24. TOURNAMENT MANAGEMENT EXPENSES — The MHSAA will reimburse host schools for the cost of administering the run. Parking fees are permitted only when attendants are necessary to control parking. The fee charged should be for the purpose of covering costs of the parking attendants. Cost for parking shall not exceed $2.

25. PRESS — Adequate arrangements should be made to take care of working or other press representatives at the Meets.

26. PUBLICITY — It is suggested that Tournament Managers inform local media about teams competing in their tournament for purposes of publicity and interest. Local and nearby media may be interested in carrying information supplied by the Tournament Manager. EACH COACH IS ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE HIS LOCAL MEDIA WITH REGIONAL RUN RESULTS.

27. TOURNAMENT WITHDRAWAL POLICY — Tournament management is to contact the MHSAA office if a school withdraws or fails to show for scheduled competition after the draw is completed for team sports or the pairings, heat assignments or flights are determined for individual sports of the first level of the MHSAA tournament in that sport.
The MHSAA staff person responsible for the sport will request from the school principal written explanation for the no-show/withdrawal. If the reason is determined to be unacceptable by the MHSAA staff, the MHSAA executive director will place the school on probation for the next two school years. A second offense within the two-year probationary period will cause the school to be prohibited from tournament play in that sport for the two years following the second offense.

28. SOUVENIR PROGRAMS — The MHSAA will provide souvenir programs for sale at Final Tournament sites. You will receive information about souvenir programs from Communications Director John Johnson in a separate mailing. Please direct any questions about programs to his attention.

29. INCLEMENT WEATHER — When teams are delayed in arriving at tournament sites because of inclement weather:
1. Management is encouraged to consider delaying competition for a few hours and/or playing games/matches in brackets of teams/individuals who are present and prepared to participate.
2. If, after a reasonable delay, fewer than 60% of the scheduled teams/individuals have not arrived, the tournament must be re-scheduled.
3. If 60 percent or more of the scheduled teams/individuals are present, the tournament is to be conducted on the day scheduled.

30. SUSPENSIONS/DISQUALIFICATION PROCEDURES AT MHSAA TOURNAMENTS
1. COACH
A. General — Unless a school applies additional conditions, suspension from coaching requires at least that the coach not be at or near the team bench before, during or after the contest, not be in or near the locker room before, during or after the contest, and not give instructions directly or indirectly to coaches or players from any position in or near the gymnasium or field of play.
If a school fails to enforce a suspension which is required by the MHSAA, tournament management shall require the coach to comply with the terms of suspension and shall report the school to the MHSAA for further action.
If the coach fails to comply with the terms of suspension, tournament management shall report the school and coach to the MHSAA, which shall prohibit the school from the remainder of the current tournament and impose additional penalties as circumstances warrant.
Note: Suspensions are required for violations of Regulation I, Section 9(C) and Regulation II, Section 13(A), and may be imposed under Regulation V in all other circumstances.
B. Unsportsmanlike Conduct in Previous Contest — A coach who is ejected during a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be prohibited by his/her school from coaching at or attending at least the next contest/day of competition for that team. This is true even if the coach is a parent of a player.
If a school fails to enforce the subsequent disqualification with respect to its coach or the coach fails to comply, the tournament manager or any registered official or representative of a member school who becomes aware of the violation shall report it to the MHSAA, which shall prohibit the school from the remainder of the current tournament.
Note: Reference Regulation V, Section 3(D).
2. PLAYER
A. General — Unless a school applies additional conditions, a suspended player is treated as an ineligible player, which means that student shall not participate. It is permissible, but is not recommended, that the player may sit with the team, even in uniform. The minimum requirement is that the suspended student shall not enter the contest as a participant.
If a school fails to enforce a suspension with respect to one of its students, which is required under MHSAA regulations, tournament management or any representative of a member school who becomes aware of the violation shall report it to the MHSAA for further action, which shall include (but not be limited to) forfeiture of the contest and thus elimination from the remainder of the tournament.
Note: Suspensions are required for violations under Regulation I, Sections 10, 11 and 12, and may be imposed under Regulation V in all other circumstances.
B. Unsportsmanlike Conduct in Previous Contest — A player who is ejected during a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct shall be withheld by his/her school for at least the next contest/day of competition for that team.
If a school fails to enforce the subsequent disqualification with respect to one of its students, the tournament managers or any registered official or representative or a member school who becomes aware of the violation shall report it to the MHSAA, which shall prohibit the school from the remainder of the current tournament.
Note: Reference Regulation V, Section 3(D).
C. MHSAA Tournament — Any coach who is disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct two or more times during a season and any player who is disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct three or more times during a season is not eligible to participate in the MHSAA tournament for that sport that season. If the tournament disqualifying ejection for that individual occurs during the MHSAA tournament, that player or coach is ineligible for the remainder of that tournament.