BULLETIN
September/October 1998 Volume LXXV Number 2

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
East Lansing, Aug. 12, 1998
Members Present:
Robert Grimes, Battle Creek
Dennis Kniola, Stevensville
Tom Rashid, Detroit
Dan Flynn, Escanaba
Dewayne Jones, Ferndale
Staff Members Present:
Jerry Cvengros, East Lansing
Jack Roberts, East Lansing (Recorder)

Executive Committee Authority and Responsibility - The Executive Committee was reminded of its authority under Article VII of the MHSAA Constitution and specifically its responsibility to consider each application for waiver of an eligibility requirement on its individual merits, determining if the regulation serves the purpose for which it was intended in each case or if the regulation works an undue hardship on any student who is the subject of a request for waiver. (These underlying criteria may not be restated for every subject of this agenda.)
The Executive Committee was reminded that it was the responsibility of each member school involved to provide sufficient factual information about the specific request for the Executive Committee to reach a decision without further investigation. If information is incomplete, contradictory or otherwise unclear or has been received too late to be studied completely, the Executive Committee may deny the request for waiver or delay action. Such requests may be resubmitted to the Executive Committee with additional information at a subsequent meeting or appealed to the full Representative Council.
A determination of undue hardship is a matter addressed to the discretion of the Executive Committee within the educational philosophy and the place of voluntary extracurricular competitive athletics in the academic environment. The Executive Committee was cautioned to avoid making exceptions that would create precedent that effectively changes a rule without Representative Council action or local board of education adoption, which would exceed Executive Committee authority.
Students for whom waiver of a particular regulation is granted must be eligible in all respects under all other sections and inter-pretations of the regulations prior to participation.
Consistent with rulings of the Attorney General, schools are not bound by the decisions of the Executive Committee, but the Association may limit participation in the 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.
Summary of 1997-98 Waiver Requests - During the previous academic year, there were 237 requests of member schools to waive regulations, of which 67.5 percent were granted by the Executive Committee. Of the total, 146 requests involved the transfer regulation, of which 56 percent were granted by the Executive Committee.
Rationale for Transfer Regulation (Regulation I, Section 9) - Because of the frequency and variety of requests to waive the transfer regulation, the Executive Committee reviewed and reaffirmed the rationale for the transfer regulation established by the Executive Committee on Aug. 6, 1985, and most recently reaffirmed on Aug. 12, 1997.
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.
Model Transfer Policy - Pursuant to Representative Council action in May, staff and legal counsel had drafted a brief model policy for schools to consider when students transfer following student/athletic code violations. This was discussed by the Executive Committee, which determined that the draft policy should be distributed to the Representative Council for its December meeting agenda.
Detroit Urban Lutheran School (Regulation I, Section 1[D]) - Request was made to allow this school to involve 8th-grade students in its high school interscholastic athletic program. Last February, the school reported 57 students in grades 9 through 11 and plans to add a 12th grade. It was therefore requested to estimate its incoming 9th-grade class, to be added to 57 to provide a four-year enrollment basis comparable to other MHSAA member schools. The estimate was 20, for a total of 77. Actual enrollment is 74, which would allow the school to utilize 8th-grade students.
The Executive Committee granted the request for the 1998-99 school year.
Napoleon, Jackson-Vandercook Lake, Brooklyn Columbia Central and East Jackson High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[E]) - The Executive Committee approved the addition of East Jackson High School to a cooperative program in girls gymnastics that has existed since 1996 between Napoleon, Vandercook Lake and Columbia Central High Schools. Napoleon will serve as the primary school.
Negaunee and Ishpeming High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[E]) - The Executive Committee approved a cooperative program in girls gymnastics between these two schools, whose combined enrollment will be 863. Negaunee conducted the sport last year and will be the primary school.
Newberry and Engadine High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[E]) - Request was made to waive the August 15 deadline for winter sports cooperative programs for these high schools which are awaiting action of their boards of education with respect to the sport of wrestling.
The Executive Committee granted the request until not later than Sept. 1, 1998.
Kalamazoo Central, Parchment and Kalamazoo-Comstock High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - The Executive Committee approved the addition of Comstock High School to a cooperative program that has existed since 1996 between Parchment and Kalamazoo Central High Schools in girls and boys swimming and diving. Kalamazoo Central is the primary school. The combined enrollment will be 2,470.
Negaunee, Ishpeming, Ishpeming-Westwood, Gwinn and Republic-Michigamme High Schools (Regulation I, Section 1[F]) - The Executive Committee approved a cooperative program in ice hockey between these five schools, none of which sponsored the sport last year. Negaunee will be the primary school, and the combined enrollment of 1,911 will place the school in Class A of the MHSAA Ice Hockey Tournament.
Powers-North Central High School (Regulation I, Sections 1 & 8) - Request to waive the enrollment and current semester record regulations was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who attends Phoenix Community High School which is a consortium program of three districts including North Central and Bark River-Harris where he resides. Phoenix is in the Central time zone and Bark River-Harris is in the Eastern time zone, so the student is not able to make practice for Bark River-Harris. He rides North Central buses to school.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver, allowing the student to be eligible at North Central High School.
Taylor-Baptist Park Christian High School (Regulation I, Sections 4 & 5) - Request to waive the semesters of enrollment and competition sections of the regulation was made on behalf of a student who has completed eight semesters. He attended Lincoln Park as a 9th-grader in 1994-95, transferred to Baptist Park in December of 1995 and was placed in the 9th grade, and has progressed through 11th grade in 1997-98.
The Executive Committee found that the student had received grades and credits in eight semesters, the maximum afforded any student; and the request for waiver was denied.
Traverse City West High School (Regulation I, Sections 4 & 5) - Request to waive the semesters of enrollment and competition sections of Regulation I was made on behalf of a student who attended 9th grade in 1994-95 at Traverse City West Junior High with special education services; in 1995-96 was a 10th-grader at Traverse City Senior High without special education services, earning only one credit; in 1996-97 enrolled in the alternative high school and then completed his 10th-grade requirements at Traverse City Senior High; and in 1997-98 was assigned to Traverse City West Senior High as an 11th- grader, was successful in the alternative education program and participated for the first time in football. The request was for eligibility for another semester, the fall of 1998-99.
The Executive Committee found that the student had received grades and credits in eight semesters, the maximum afforded any student; and the request for waiver was denied.
Grand Rapids-Ottawa Hills High School (Regulation I, Section 7) - Request to waive the previous semester record regulation was made on behalf of a 12th-grade student whose academic performance declined after his father's death in November 1997 and related events.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Hopkins High School (Regulation I, Sections 7 & 9) - Request to waive the previous semester and transfer regulations was made on behalf of a 12th-grade student who lived in Minnesota until the death of his father in 1997 when his family moved to Wayland. The student returned to Minnesota in the spring of 1998. When he was told he wouldn't receive any academic credit in Minnesota, he returned to live in Wayland. He has enrolled at Hopkins High School, without family change of residence to that district, for the start of the 1998-99 school year. His last academic credit is for the first semester of 1997-98.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waivers.
Allegan High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th -grade student who has always resided in Allegan and who attended Holland Christian High School as a 9th-grader in 1997-98. The student's mother died at the end of 1996. Since last year, her father's work has relocated from Holland to Kalamazoo and her older brother graduated from Holland Christian.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Bark River-Harris High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - The school requested MHSAA approval for continuing eligibility under Interpretation No. 68 for a student who moved into the district from Escanaba with his mother and enrolled at Bark River-Harris High School on March 30, 1998. The student and mother are unable to remain in a rented residence and are actively seeking another residence within the district, but the student will remain at Bark River-Harris regardless of their final location.
The Executive Committee approved the student's eligibility under Interpretation No. 68.
Belding High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a student who previously attended East Kentwood High School. He has moved from his parents' home to his aunt and uncle's residence in an attempt to disassociate with a negative peer group which allegedly influenced school absences for a student who had almost perfect school attendance in previous years.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Calumet High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of an 11th -grade student who previously attended Howell High School and has relocated with her family within the Lake Linden-Hubbell school district.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Canton-Plymouth Canton High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of an 11th-grade student who has transferred from Dearborn-Divine Child High School for personal and academic reasons.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Charlotte High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request was made on behalf of two 10th-grade students who previously attended a local Christian school that provided on an interscholastic level only basketball for 5th through 9th-grade boys. The request was that they be allowed to participate at the sub-varsity level at Charlotte High School during the first semester of the 1998-99 school year. One of the two boys played on the previous school's basketball team last year.
The Executive Committee granted immediate eligibility at the sub-varsity level during the first semester of the 1998-99 school year only for the student who did not participate at all in any interscholastic sport at the previous school after 8th grade.
Detroit-Loyola 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 Detroit-Mumford High School and Beaubian Middle School as a 9th-grader in 1996-97. He was court-placed at Maxey Youth Detention Facility and Boysville of Michigan in Monroe. The student is returning to his parents' home in Detroit which is 2.5 miles closer to University of Detroit High than Loyola.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver, noting that it should not provide waiver to this student who had been incarcerated when such would not be granted to a student who had not caused such to occur.
Detroit-Loyola 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 Detroit-Frederick Douglass Academy as a 9th -grader for most of the 1996-97 school year. He was court-placed at Starr Commonwealth, a residential school-youth treatment center near Albion. He has returned to his mother's residence in Detroit, which is about 1.5 miles closer to Benedictine than Loyola.
Noting again that it would be inappropriate to grant waiver for students with legal difficulties that are not afforded other students, the Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Ferndale High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation to permit immediate eligibility at the sub-varsity level was requested on behalf of a 10th-grade student transferring from Birmingham-Eaton Academy where he did not participate in interscholastic athletics.
The Executive Committee granted the request for eligibility at the sub-varsity level during the first semester of the 1998-99 school year.
Holt High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request was made to waive the transfer regulation to allow immediate eligibility at the sub-varsity level for a 10th-grade student who previously attended Lansing Christian High School where he did not participate in interscholastic athletics.
The Executive Committee granted the request for eligibility at the sub-varsity level during the first semester of the 1998-99 school year.
Iron Mountain-North Dickinson High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who had attended North Dickinson schools through 8th grade and Crystal Falls-Forest Park High School for 9th grade in 1997-98 when he is alleged to have been a victim of hazing and harassment.
The Executive Committee found insufficient documentation to provide the basis for waiver, which was denied.
Lake Orion High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - A late request was made to waive the transfer regulation on behalf of an 11th -grade student, who previously attended Auburn Hills-Oakland Christian High School, so that he might pursue a curriculum more appropriate for a career in engineering.
Reaffirming its previous position that it cannot be placed in the position of comparing curricula of member schools, the Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Linden High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - A late request was made to waive the transfer regulation on behalf of a 10th -grade student who was suspended from Linden Middle School in March of 1997, enrolled at Flint-Powers Catholic High School in August of 1997, and played JV soccer. He is returning to Linden High School for 1998-99.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Linden High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - A late request was made to waive the transfer regulation on behalf of a 10th -grade student who attended Linden Middle School through the 8th grade, during which time his father died. He attended St. Thomas Academy for 9th grade, participating briefly in interscholastic basketball. He seeks to play junior varsity soccer.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Macomb-Lutheran High School North (Regulation I, Section 9) - A late request was made to waive the transfer regulation on behalf of a 12th-grade student who attended Lutheran High School North through the first semester of 11th grade. Financial difficulties required a transfer to Warren-Cousino. Proceeds from a grandfather's life insurance policy have made it possible for the student to re-enroll at Lutheran High School North, which his sister had previously attended for four years. Except for last semester, this student had attended Lutheran schools for his entire education.
Reaffirming its previous position that it will not allow financial status to affect eligibility decisions, the Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Manistee High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - A late request was made to waive the transfer regulation on behalf of a student who, at Manistee High School's suggestion, attended Casman Academy during the second semester of the 1997-98 school year. Casman Academy is a public school academy in the same facility that Oakridge Alternative School previously occupied. Oakridge was the alternative education consortium in which Manistee High School participated through 1996-97. Manistee's students remained eli-gible at Manistee High School during their attendance at Oakridge and after their return. Because of the change in status of the pro-gram to a charter school, the transfer regulation prohibits the student's immediate eligibility upon his re-enrollment at Manistee High School.
The Executive Committee determined it was necessary to treat transfers from charter public schools like transfers from other kinds of schools, and it denied the request to waive the regulation.
Ottawa Lake-Whiteford High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - A late request was made to waive the transfer regulation on behalf of an 11th-grade student whose parents have divorced and who has relocated to the residence of his paternal grandmother who is recovering from a stroke. Both parents live in Ohio. The father played for Whiteford High School's coach.
The Executive Committee saw this as a matter of choice, not hardship, determined that the rule serves its intended purpose, and denied the request for waiver.
Paw Paw High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th -grade student who attended Paw Paw Middle School for 6th through 8th grades. For 9th grade in 1997-98, he attended Kalamazoo-Hackett Catholic Central High School where he played JV soccer, basketball and baseball but experienced difficulties with peers, some of whom received school discipline because of their actions toward this student.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Pellston High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request was made to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility after 90 school days of enrollment for a 10th-grade student who transferred from Rudyard High School and enrolled March 16, 1998, at Pellston High School because of school discipline and academic problems. He will relocate from the residence of his mother to that of his grandmother.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver effective with this student's 91st school day of enrollment at Pellston High School.
Portland High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - A late request was made to waive the transfer regulation on behalf of a 12th-grade student who transferred during the 1997-98 school year from Holland-West Ottawa High School to Ann Arbor-Huron High School because of difficulties with the basketball coach at West Ottawa. She played AAU basketball and softball at Huron High School. However, an Educational Transfer Form was not completed for this student's transfer under the divorce exception as she relocated from her mother to her father's residence. Because of alleged alcoholism and abuse by her father, the student is returning to live with her mother whose residence is now in Portland.
The Executive Committee determined that the student may become eligible at Portland High School on Oct. 5, 1998, or as soon after as an Educational Transfer Form has been completed. Contests in which this student participated at her previous school must be forfeited.
Redford-Detroit Catholic Central High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of 10th and 11th-grade students who have returned with their parents to the Detroit area after ten years in Atlanta. They have purchased a residence in Farmington, the town in which they lived previous to Atlanta. The closest nonpublic school is Redford-St. Agatha. It is asked that the 10th-grader be eligible immediately at the sub-varsity level in football which he did not play as a 9th-grader, and that the 11th-grader be eligible immediately without restriction as to level in cross country in which he has participated as both a 9th and 10th-grader.
The Executive Committee denied both requests for waiver.
Redford Union High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation to permit immediate eligibility at the sub-varsity level was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who attended Redford-Catholic Central High School in 1997-98 where he did not participate in any interscholastic athletic program. He attended Redford Union schools through 8th grade.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver to permit eligibility at the sub-varsity level during the first semester of the 1998-99 school year.
Regulation II, Section 7(B) - The Executive Committee reviewed the circumstances of five schools that had been requested to show cause why they should not be prohibited from MHSAA tournament participation and 14 other schools whose records have more recently placed them in the same situation for repeated failures to rate any officials for several years in several sports where ratings are required.
With the exception of Detroit-Redford High School, the Executive Committee instructed staff at this time to avoid assessing penalties that would prohibit tournament participation when the violations were exclusively Regulation II, Section 7(B).
The Executive Committee requested that the Representative Council agenda of December include discussion of the possibility of publishing in the MHSAA Bulletin the names of schools which fail to rate any officials at all in a sport for two consecutive years.
Detroit-Central High School (Regulation II, Section 7[B]) - Pursuant to regulation V, Section 4(A), the school was placed on probation during 1997-98 for failure to rate any officials in boys basketball and girls volleyball. Then in the winter of 1997-98, the school failed again to rate any officials in girls volleyball; and the school was advised on May 22, 1998, that probation would continue through the 1998-99 school year with the stipulation that the school must show cause by Aug. 1, 1998, why it should not be prohibited from participation in the MHSAA tournament during 1998-99 in any sport where there is a violation of this regulation during 1997-98, meaning the school at this time may not participate in the 1999 MHSAA Girls Volleyball Tournament.
The school's response of July 18, 1998, was that several administrative changes caused the rating forms not to be issued to or completed by coaches.
The Executive Committee determined that this response was not sufficient, but that further action would be subject to the Executive Committee's action regarding this topic earlier in this meeting and Representative Council response.
Detroit-Redford High School (Regulation II, Section 7(B) - Pursuant to Regulation V, Section 4(A), early in 1997, Redford High School was placed on probation for the 1997-98 school year for failures to rate any officials for two years in boys basketball and one year in girls basketball; and when the school failed to rate any baseball officials later that spring, the school was contacted in writ-ing that loss of MHSAA tournament participation privileges might follow future violations. Then, in the fall of 1997, the school failed again to submit any ratings for girls basketball officials. So on March 31, 1998, the school was placed on probation for the 1998-99 school year with the stipulation that it must show cause by Aug. 1, 1998 why it should not be prohibited from participation in the MHSAA tournament in any sport where there is a violation of this regulation during 1997-98, meaning that the school at this time may not participate in the 1998 MHSAA Girls Basketball Tournament.
The school's response of April 23, 1998, stated the school was without an athletic director some of the 1997-98 school year, and it included assurances that Redford High School will be represented at all future coaches meetings (which is not the regulation at issue here). The school failed to submit any ratings for girls volleyball this past winter, suggesting that the problems may continue. Pursuant to earlier notice by staff, the school was given notice on May 22, 1998, that it would not be permitted participation in both the MHSAA Girls Basketball and Volleyball Tournaments in 1998-99 unless it conveyed a satisfactory response by Aug. 1, 1998.
At its June 10, 1998, meeting, the Executive Committee found the school's response to be deficient and determined that, as a condition for participation in the 1998 MHSAA Girls Basketball Tournament, the school's administration must meet with the Executive Committee Aug. 12, 1998, to show cause why it should not be prohibited from tournaments where violations of this regulation continue. The school failed to attend.
For its multiple violations and failure to meet as requested with the Executive Committee, the school was directed to attend the Sept. 10, 1998, Executive Committee Meeting; and meanwhile, the staff's action prohibiting the school from MHSAA tournament participation in girls basketball and volleyball will continue to apply.
Saginaw High School (Regulation II, Section 7[B]) - Pursuant to Regulation V, Section 4(A), Saginaw High School was placed on probation for the 1996-97 school year for failure to rate any boys soccer, volleyball, baseball or softball officials during the 1995-96 school year. The probation was extended to the 1997-98 school year for failure to rate any officials in volleyball, wrestling and softball during the 1996-97 school year. Then in the fall of 1997, the school failed to rate any boys soccer officials and was notified March 31, 1998 that probation would continue for the 1998-99 school year with the stipulation that the school must show cause by Aug. 1, 1998 why it should not be prohibited from participation in the MHSAA tournament in any sport where there is a violation during 1998-99, meaning that the school at this time may not participate in the 1998 MHSAA Boys Soccer Tournament. Subsequently, the school failed to rate any officials in girls soccer, meaning that the status of girls soccer is the same as boys soccer for 1998-99.
The school's response was that the boys soccer coach was hospitalized during the season and that there were three different coaches for the girls team, which eventually withdrew from the 1998 MHSAA Girls Soccer Tournament.
The Executive Committee directed staff to reemphasize that the obligation to rate officials is a duty of the member institution, not just coaches. However, the Executive Committee accepted the school's explanation. The school will remain on probation through the 1998-99 school year, but without loss of tournament participation privileges, while its compliance record is monitored.
Warren-Mott High School (Regulation II, Section 7[B]) - Pursuant to Regulation V, Section 4(A), Warren-Mott High School was placed on probation for 1996-97 for failure to rate any boys basketball officials for two years and any volleyball and softball offi-cials during the 1995-96 school year. The probation was extended through 1997-98 for failure to rate any wrestling officials in 1996-97. Then in the fall of 1997, the school failed to rate any football officials and was notified March 31, 1998, that probation would con-tinue for the 1998-99 school year with the stipulation that the school must show cause by Aug. 1, 1998 why it should not be prohibited from participation in the MHSAA tournament in any sport where there is a violation during 1997-98, meaning that the school at this time may not participate in the 1998 MHSAA Football Playoffs.
The school's response of July 1, 1998 explained a controversial change in football coaches for the 1997 season and the reas-signment of the athletic director by the district to another school during the end of the football season. Both the volleyball and boys basketball coaches involved in the earlier violations have been replaced. The wrestling coach is nonfaculty and may be replaced. A new system of follow-up will be implemented.
The Executive Committee accepted the school's explanation and internal action. The school will remain on probation through the 1998-99 school year, but without loss of tournament participation privileges, while its compliance record is monitored.
Ypsilanti-Lincoln High School (Regulation II, Section 7[B]) - Pursuant to Regulation V, Section 4(A), Lincoln High School was placed on probation through the 1996-97 school year for failure to rate any officials in boys basketball, girls volleyball, girls soccer and girls softball. Probation was extended through 1997-98 for the same violation in football in 1996. In the fall of 1997, the school failed to rate any boys soccer officials; so on March 31, 1998, probation was extended through the 1998-99 school year with the stipulation that the school must show cause by Aug. 1, 1998 why it should not be prohibited from participation in the MHSAA tournament during 1998-99 in any sport where there is a violation of this regulation during 1997-98, meaning at this time the school may not participate in the 1998 MHSAA Boys Soccer Tournament.
Subsequently, the school had a violation of Regulation II, Section 8(B) (failure of head coach to attend a rules meeting or pass the examination) in girls soccer, as well as the failure to rate any officials in girls soccer.
The Executive Committee found the explanation and action of the school to be inadequate. However, further action would be subject to the Executive Committee's action on this topic earlier in this meeting and the Representative Council's response.
Buchanan and Mendon High Schools (Regulation II, Section 9) - These schools requested permission to play their first football game a week early in 1998 (Aug. 28). Buchanan has only seven other games.
The request for waiver was granted for 1998.
Marenisco School District (Regulation III, Section 1) - Request was made to waive the enrollment regulation and specifically Interpretation No. 215 to allow 6th-grade students to participate on 7th and 8th-grade basketball teams, as has occurred previously at this school.
The request for waiver was granted for the 1998-99 school year.
New Buffalo Area Schools (Regulation III, Section 1) - The Board of Education of the New Buffalo Area Schools requested that the requirement of the MHSAA Constitution that member schools have at least 15 students be waived for New Buffalo-St. Mary of the Lake School so that a cooperative program could be formed between that school and New Buffalo Middle School in some sports.
The Executive Committee determined it did not have authority to waive a provision of the MHSAA Constitution; so such request was denied.
White Pine School District (Regulation III, Section 1) - Request was made to waive the enrollment regulation and specifically Interpretation No. 215 to allow 6th-grade girls to compete on the 7th and 8th-grade girls basketball team and to allow 6th-grade boys to compete on the 7th and 8th-grade boys basketball teams at White Pine Junior High School (enrollment 30; high school enrollment is 54).
The request for waiver was granted for the 1998-99 school year.
Taylor-Kennedy High School (Regulation V, Sections 2 & 3) - The school refused to start a girls varsity soccer game on May 15, 1998, because of the coach's attitude toward the officiating style of the referee. The school's report of its inquiry includes that the coach will be relieved of the assignment to coach girls soccer and his conduct as boys soccer coach will be monitored by three administrators.
The Executive Committee accepted the school's internal action.
Trimesters - Chesaning, Durand and Ovid-Elsie High Schools have submitted proposals to allow schools to interpret the wording of Regulation I, Sections 4, 5 and 7 to be more accommodating to students in schools with trimesters.
It was noted that the effect of the request would be to change to a season approach to academic ineligibility for students in schools with trimesters and to shorten ineligibility from approximately 90 days to just 60 days for such students, thereby moving them from their current disadvantage under the rules - ineligible for two trimesters (approximately 120 days) – to an advantage – ineligibility for one trimester (60 days) – in comparison to the student at a school with semesters.
The Executive Committee recalled that the Representative Council was aware of the effect on students enrolled at schools with trimesters when it clarified the MHSAA Handbook for 1998-99. While the Executive Committee has authority to interpret Handbook regulations, it does not have the authority to change them, which would be the effect of approving this recommendation.
Instead, the Executive Committee will request that the Representative Council discuss these issues at its meetings in December and/or March and then in May vote on one or more of these possibilities:
1. No change.
2. Different rules for schools with trimesters than schools with semesters.
3. A 90 school day period of ineligibility for all students who are academically ineligible after either a trimester or semester.
River Rouge High School - At its Nov. 19, 1997, meeting, the Executive Committee reviewed a two-year history of MHSAA Handbook violations that had placed the school on probation and more recent allegations and investigations into the eligibility of several students, most of those of whom are associated with the school's boys basketball program. The Executive Committee deter-mined that if the school did not respond completely in advance of its next meeting to the Executive Director's requests for information, internal investigation and action, the school would be required to show cause why its membership privileges, including the current year's winter and spring MHSAA tournament opportunities, should not be reduced.
On Dec. 10, 1997, the Executive Committee reviewed a chronology of concerns and copies of correspondence involving River Rouge High School since 1995 and the status of transfer students on the current boys basketball team roster. Because of the number of transfer students and allegations suggesting that school funds have been spent in ways that might violate MHSAA regula-tions, the Executive Committee was under the impression that transfer, undue influence, amateur and awards rules violations may have occurred and may continue to occur. The Executive Committee directed the Executive Director to make additional requests for proofs and information from River Rouge administration, with responses to be received not later than January 7, 1998; and the Executive Committee indicated that failure of the school to comply would result in further action by the Executive Committee.
On Jan. 14, 1998, the Executive Committee reviewed incomplete follow-up by River Rouge administration to requests for information in response to the Executive Committee's concern that transfer, undue influence, amateur and awards rules violations may have occurred or may continue to occur. The Executive Director was requested to require from the school that information and documentation which would complete the responses to previous inquiries, to seek answers to several additional questions, and to require those actions by the school that would remedy violations or the appearance of violations.
Pursuant to the directive of the Executive Committee the Executive Director gave the school a Jan. 31, 1998, deadline for compliance with previous requests and additional information. Receiving no response, the Executive Director faxed a reminder to the school on Feb. 5, 1998. Still in receipt of no response, the Executive Director faxed to the school on Feb. 10, 1998, the decision regarding two of the most pressing of many issues outstanding between the River Rouge School District and the MHSAA, namely, the status of two transfer students. It was the Executive Director's decision that these two students be prohibited from participating in MHSAA tournaments during the remainder of the 1997-98 school year or, in the alternative, until the school district provided to the MHSAA's satisfaction documentation that the prior residence of each of these students had been visited and the criteria of Handbook Interpretation No. 63 had been met.
Later on Feb. 10, the school district faxed copies of reports – dated January 30 and February 2 – regarding visitations to the prior residences of these two students, which were found by the Executive Director to be satisfactory in content if not timeliness.
On Feb. 17, the school district faxed more information but not complete responses to the December requests. Among the information provided was confirmation that the school district violated MHSAA regulations to the extent that the River Rouge Alumni/Booster Association donated $7,200 toward a 1997 trip to Las Vegas for a basketball tournament that involved nine persons who were or who later transferred to become River Rouge High School students and at which the River Rouge High School athletic director and varsity head boys basketball coach were also in attendance.
The letter also revealed that three River Rouge High School athletic staff members and eight parents attended a 1996 summer tournament in Las Vegas, after which one student who participated there transferred to River Rouge High School.
That letter also included the principal's recommendations to the superintendent for internal disciplinary action regarding the athletic director, the varsity head boys basketball coach and the assistant varsity boys basketball coach.
The Executive Committee reviewed the school's history of non-compliance with Regulation II, Sections 7 and 8 – including 12 violations in nine sports over two school years – which caused the school to have been placed on probation for the 1996-97 and 1997-98 school years.
Also reviewed were six students who were recent transfers, five of whom are participants for the River Rouge boys basketball team, four of whom transferred from nearby school districts, three of whom were permitted eligibility immediately, and two who were permitted eligibility after one semester of enrollment. In spite of several specific requests by the MHSAA, in two cases this school district failed to fulfill its responsibility on a timely basis to assure that the students and their parents had entirely vacated their previous residences.
The Executive Committee's review identified that while the most serious allegations are related to the boys basketball program, the confirmed violations have occurred in many sports and identify a systemic problem that shall prohibit the school's membership in the MHSAA for 1998-99, unless, in addition to those actions proposed in the principal's letter of Feb. 17, 1998, the following actions occur to the satisfaction of the Executive Committee prior to receipt of the school's 1998-99 MHSAA Membership Resolution:
(1) The principal, superintendent and board of education secretary must meet with MHSAA staff before March 2, 1998, regarding the status of the school in the 1998 MHSAA Boys Basketball Tournament.
(2) The school district allows no further violations of Regulation II, Sections 7 and 8 in any sport.
(3) The person in charge of interscholastic athletics affirms in writing that the athletic director and the child accounting coordinator will no longer be the same person and that no child accounting personnel or a paraprofessional reporting to that personnel will have any role in the athletic department or any of its sports teams.
(4) The person in charge of interscholastic athletics affirms in writing that no school personnel will be permitted to attend any basketball events involving high school age or younger persons in Nevada, New Jersey or Florida in 1998 through July 31, 1999.
(5) The person in charge of interscholastic athletics affirms in writing that boys basketball coaches at River Rouge High School will be limited to a total of five days when they may coach more than three River Rouge School District students in organized competition during each summer, 1998 and 1999.
(6) The school district contracts for and submits to an independent audit by a certified public accounting firm regarding all financial matters relating to interscholastic athletic teams, facilities, equipment, transportation and personnel for 1996-97 and 1997-98 fiscal years of the school district, and shares the completed written audit with the MHSAA Executive Committee.
(7) When (1) through (6) above are completed, the person in charge of interscholastic athletics and the board of education secretary meet with the MHSAA Executive Committee to show cause why River Rouge High School has not been in violation of its Membership Resolution and how it will assure compliance with its Membership Resolution in the future.
Submitted to the MHSAA in advance of this meeting were the new principal's letters of July 17 and 28, 1998, detailing the school's required and additional follow-up.
Meeting with the Executive Committee were the new superintendent, new middle school/high school principal, the director of curriculum/Federal programs, the new board of education secretary and the board of education president.
It was confirmed that the conditions of items 1 through 5 above had been met. With respect to item 6, the Executive Committee was presented the professional audit and management letter for the audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 1997 and the commitment that the audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998 would be provided as soon as it is completed.
It was confirmed that the previous booster club had been dissolved and a new one created with appropriate school district over-sight and accountability. Discussion occurred regarding investigations by the board of education and police into the operations and records of the previous booster club.
It was confirmed that the personnel actions outlined by the school district on Feb. 17, 1998 had been completed or were on schedule.
It was confirmed that no AAU basketball programs had been permitted to practice or compete at River Rouge School District facilities.
The Executive Committee determined that the school's 1998-99 Membership Resolution should be accepted, pending receipt of the completed audit for 1997-98 and written reports of the district's investigations. The school will remain on probation during 1998-99 with the direction that the school district continue to monitor and report on those matters previously requested by the MHSAA.
New School - Pursuant to procedures approved by the Representative Council in March 1997, the Executive Committee ap-proved the membership of Detroit Community High School, a public school academy of approximately 150 students in grades 9-12 which intends to sponsor girls volleyball, girls track and field, girls competitive cheer, boys basketball, boys baseball and boys track and field.
Tournament Balls - The Executive Committee reviewed a recent request by a company to provide the tournament ball for the MHSAA Volleyball Finals for five years commencing with the 1999-2000 school year. The Executive Committee's consensus was to continue in volleyball to accept a proposal only for one year and only for supplying the ball for the MHSAA Semifinals and Finals, with the designation only that the product is the game ball for these events, not the official ball of the MHSAA.
1998-99 Committees - The Executive Committee approved appointments for most MHSAA committees for the 1998-99 school year.
Personnel - The Executive Committee reviewed 1998-99 salaries and the executive director's 1998-99 Standards of Performance. The committee extended executive director's contract through July 31, 2001.
Legal Defense Fund - The Executive Committee authorized the use of this designated fund if necessary in matters related to current litigation.
Next Meeting - The next meeting of the Executive Committee is Sept. 12, 1998, in East Lansing at 9 a.m.

In response to the recent focus on the use of food supplements, specifically creatine, the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee has issued a position statement on the use of drugs, medicine and food supplements in interscholastic sports. Text of the committee's statement follows:
"School personnel and coaches should not dispense any drug, medication or food supplement except with extreme caution and in accordance with policies developed in consultation with parents, health-care professionals and senior administrative personnel of the school or school district.
"Use of any drug, medication or food supplement in a way not prescribed by the manufacturer should not be authorized or encouraged by school personnel and coaches. Even natural substances in unnatural amounts may have short-term or long-term negative health effects.
"In order to minimize health and safety risks to student- athletes, maintain ethical standards and reduce liability risks, school personnel and coaches should never supply, recommend or permit the use of any drug, medication or food supplement solely for performance-enhancing purposes."
Jerry Diehl, assistant director of the NFHS and staff liaison to the Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, said the committee issued this statement in response to requests from member state high school associations to address the increased use of food supplements such as creatine.
The Sports Medicine Advisory Committee is composed of four state association representatives and six members of the medical community, and is chaired by Don Herrmann of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association.

From The Executive Director

Some in the National Federation of State High School Associations are trying to develop a proposal for a national summer basketball tournament between all-star teams of all 50 states and the District of Columbia. They color it as a camp program but call it "Best of State." It would involve over three weeks in July statewide camps and the selection of teams to participate in a regional tournament and, if victorious, in a national tournament.

The party line is that this effort will promote the educational purposes of interscholastic athletics and the good things we do in school sports, provide a healthier alternative to existing summer camp and competition experiences for students, and restore the role of high school coaches in the recruiting process for intercollegiate athletics.

However, the source of the proposal is an ad hoc marketing committee, a group whose function has been to study ways to market the National Federation, make money for the National Federation and promote the "national presence" of the National Federation. The Best of State proposal, regardless of the window dressing of other reasons, will forever be tainted with those commercial and crass pri-mary objectives.

Moreover, the window dressing will not be accomplished. Best of State will not eliminate AAU programs, will not reduce NIKE and Adidas influence on school and college basketball, will not remove agents, promoters and recruiting abuses, and will not restore high school coaches to a place of prominence in the recruiting process.

Only when the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the National Association of Basketball Coaches change the policies that caused the problem -- only when they eliminate summer recruiting and, while they're at it, eliminate freshman eligibility and early signing -- will that problem be properly addressed and potentially solved.

The Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan has studied the problem of summer recruiting abuses and loss of influence of the school coach in the recruiting process, and BCAM has published a position paper that concludes with only one recommendation: BCAM does not want the summer basketball camp and tournament program; and BCAM proposes elimination of summer recruiting as the only solution that will really solve the problem.
BCAM is correct. The only solution to summer recruiting abuses is the elimination of summer recruiting and evaluation periods. And as long as the National Federation is discussing this Best of State concept, the NCAA and NABC don't have to get really serious. They won't have to solve the problem they created.

We doubt the National Federation's Constitution and Bylaws give the National Federation authority to conduct a summer basketball tournament; and to do so would cause the National Federation to violate its founding principles. Many National Federation Hand-book changes would have to be made.

Many changes in the Michigan High School Athletic Association would also have to occur. Whole pages of the MHSAA Handbook would have to be ripped out and thrown away. And after all of these changes in philosophy and policy, and all the additional staff time and expense to run these camps and select these all-star teams, what would we really have?
• More exposure for state high school associations and the National Federation? Yes.
• Fewer basketball camps? No, there would be more.
• Requests for the same kind of program in other sports? Absolutely, including most obviously volleyball and soccer.
• Less AAU involvement? Unlikely. Less NIKE and Adidas influence? Unlikely. Fewer agents and promoters? Unlikely.

We seriously doubt the NCAA could adopt a rule which limits summer recruiting to only the events run by state high school associations and the National Federation. And if such a rule were adopted, we are even less sure the NCAA could keep such a rule in the face of political, legislative and judicial scrutiny. The NCAA will lose another anti-trust suit, and this time we would be co-conspirators.

These plans should be scuttled, and we should send this message to the NCAA and NABC: "Solve this problem that you caused, and only you can fix. Return recruiting to the school year; prohibit recruiting in the summer."
Of the 700 plus high schools which sponsor basketball in Michigan, fewer than 70 have anything close to a Division I basketball prospect, and most of them have only one such prospect. For more than 90 percent of our schools and more than 99 percent of our basketball players, this initiative is irrelevant and meaningless.
Moreover, a national summer all-star basketball tournament not only will not promote local, school-year, school-based basketball programs, it would contradict the essence of programs.

The Best of State is an initiative to promote a national organization more than local programs. It is not an initiative that alleviates a significant problem for a significant portion of our constituency. Summer basketball recruiting abuses is not a problem that affects the heart and soul of high school basketball across most of Michigan.
In Michigan, as in most of America, the problem the National Federation is pretending to fix does not exist. This is a problem for a few elite college-bound basketball players; so the college authorities ought to fix it. They caused the problem by allowing summer recruiting and evaluation periods. They can solve the problem by eliminating those periods.

As for the interscholastic level, the need is for meaning more than money; for a clear message about our pure, wholesome, local programs, more than marketing of a national organization.

Best of State is a bad idea . . . one of the worst ideas in the history of the National Federation, which was formed to halt others from doing the very sort of thing it's now talking about doing itself: namely, exploiting students for corporate gain. Educational athletics are not made more wholesome by conducting under the label of schools what we oppose under the label of private promoters.

In 1937, Lawrence University President Henry Merritt Wriston said, "The institution which exploits youth for profit or publicity betrays its calling; it impairs or destroys its capacity to fulfill its function."
Addressing college athletics today (including the debasing recruiting process and the year-round pressures on coaches and athletes), Drury College Soccer Coach Rick Burns wrote in the June 29, 1998 NCAA News: "We are losing our way. We need to find a way back from this athletics excess . . . It's unheard of in our society for someone to say, 'Stop now, that's enough'."

For high school athletics in Michigan, and we think in many other states, we are still able to say, "Stop now, that's enough."

The lines between the school season and non-school summer programs become less clear in sport after sport, year after year. It need not be so.
The basic philosophy is that students may do pretty much what they please outside the high school season, subject to amateur and awards rules. An individual student-athlete may obtain any amount of coaching from his or her coach any time, year-around.
The limitations are on coaches more than kids.
1. Outside the school season during the school year, school coaches are prohibited from providing coaching at any one time to more than three students of the school district in grades 7-12. This applies only to the specific sport coached by the coach, but it applies to all levels and both genders, whether the coach is paid or volunteer (e.g., a volunteer JV boys soccer coach may not work with more than three girls in grades 7-12 outside the girls soccer season during the school year).
2. Outside the school season during the summer when school is not in session, there are fewer limits.
A. During the summer prior to Monday the week of Aug. 15, coaches are limited to 15 days when they can coach in competition students in grades 7-12 of their school district if the teams involve more than the following number of players:
Soccer - 7; Basketball - 3; Volleyball - 3; Ice Hockey - 3
In football, a maximum of seven players at one time may engage in organized competition with their school coach present for a maximum of seven days.
B. In addition, from Aug. 1 to Monday the week of Aug. 15, coaches of fall season team sports are subject to these player limitations as they coach students in grades 7-12 of their school district:
Football - 7; Boys Soccer - 7; Girls Basketball - 3
There is to be no competition between school teams with their school coaches in these sports during this period.
The limitations are also on schools.
At no time out of season may school transportation be used. There may be no use of school owned and issued warm-ups and/or uniforms. The school may not allow the out-of-season activity to be mandatory or to be any part of the basis for selection of the school team.
School operating funds may not be used in any way to support out-of-season activities; and funds from school-approved activities of booster clubs, school teams, student groups and community, civic or service groups may only be used to pay entry fees for individuals on some basis other than athletic ability or potential (qualification for federal school lunch program is a solid criterion).
Because kids and coaches have assembled from the same school, there is a natural tendency at summer camps and in summer leagues to call teams by their school names, but it must be understood they are not school-sponsored teams. They can't be. And to assure there are not misunderstandings about the school's authority and responsibility (including liability for injuries), the following should occur:
• School administration should not allow camp and league organizers to use the school designations. "Lansing" would be okay, it's a town; but not "Lansing Everett" or "Lansing Catholic Central" which are the names of schools.
• School administration should not allow summer teams to wear apparel which in any way identifies the school: not the nickname, mascot or colors.
• School administrators should not allow school public address announcements, school newspaper coverage or school yearbook coverage to any non-school sports activity or accomplishment that is not typical of promotion given to non-athletic non-school activities of students.
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 half game won and half 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).

FOOTBALL
I. Pregame coin toss may be held on the field twenty minutes prior to kickoff.
II. The running clock, 35-point margin mercy rule will be used for all football games, playoffs and regular season, varsity and sub-varsity, high school and junior high/middle schools.
III. By mutual agreement of competing schools or by league adoption schools may establish, for regular season varsity games only, the 10-yard line overtime procedure published in the National Federation Football Rules Book. The procedure will be used in all playoff games.
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 contracted.
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.

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. Allow leagues and individual schools to use the three-whistle officiating system.
II. Require players to sit out 10 minutes for a yellow card offense.
III. Use two 15-minute sudden victory overtime periods for regular and tournament season games.
IV. 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. Caps must be alike in color.
V. Require officials to use signals published prior to 1995-96.

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 for 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).

SWIMMING
I. MHSAA recommends 5 ft. 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
III. For unsportsmanlike conduct after a match is completed (Regional or Final), the player is defaulted for the rest of the tournament and one point is subtracted from the team total.
IV. Minimum uniform 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 must be a single color. Multiple ponytail holders must be the same color. Watches will not be worn in any competition.
III. Ribbons worn to secure the hair must be a solid color. If multiple ribbons are worn they must be the same color.
IV. Interpretations for Track & 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.

VOLLEYBALL
I. Rally scoring may be used during invitational tournaments or in the deciding game of a 3 out of 5 match.
II. Teams may play best of five-game 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

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 contest.
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 of intrasquad scrimmages only.

BASEBALL
PLAYER EQUIPMENT
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. 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 Rules Committee before it will be permitted.

BASKETBALL
PLAYER EQUIPMENT
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 inches 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, 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 inch 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 inch x 1 1/2 inch 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
PLAYER EQUIPMENT
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
PLAYER EQUIPMENT
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 face mask which met the NOCSAE test standard at the time of manufacture The multiple bar type is recommended. The face mask 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.
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 (intraoral) 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 Jan. 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 p 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
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
COMPETITOR UNIFORMS
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.

ICE HOCKEY
PLAYER EQUIPMENT
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.
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.
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. A player whose helmet has been dislodged must skate immediately to his team bench where he can be replaced by a substitute.
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. UNIFORMS
A. 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, 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 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" square and one American flag not exceeding 2" x 3" is permitted on each item of uniform apparel.
B. Except for the uniform of the goalkeeper, jerseys, shorts and stockings of teammates shall be of the same color, design and pattern.
1. 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.
2. 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.
C. Shoes shall meet the following standards:
1. Be constructed of a material which does not chip or develop a cutting edge:
2. 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.
II. ILLEGAL EQUIPMENT
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 on a team who wear caps must have the same color, (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. 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
UNIFORMS
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 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 should 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
UNIFORMS
I. The complete track and field uniform consists of shoes, school-issued shorts and full-length jersey. Any visible apparel worn under the jersey and 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 must be a single color. Multiple ponytail holders must 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
LEGAL UNIFORM
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 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 contrasting border outside the required height not to exceed 1/4". 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 sideout shall be awarded the opponent of the beginning of the match, and the state association shall be notified.

WRESTLING
PLAYER EQUIPMENT
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.)

Click here viol.PDF

1. Entry materials will be mailed to all schools which have indicated they sponsor swimming and diving. Materials will be sent Oct. 20, 1998. The entry deadline is 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 17.
2. The entry material to the Finals manager may be faxed as long as the forms are typed. The only information that should be faxed is the entry form and eligibility list. All material must be mailed to the Final manager to be received by Wednesday p.m.
3. Starting time for both Swimming Preliminaries and Finals is 12 noon.
4. Overnight accommodations are the responsibility of the participating individuals/schools.
5. Regional diving is Tuesday, November 17, 1998. Final Meets are Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20 & 21, 1998.

EVENT	GIRLS A	GIRLS BCD	BOYS A	BOYS BCD
200 YD. MEDLEY RELAY	1:56.79	2:04.59	1:42.99	1:48.29
200 FREESTYLE	2:01.09	2:08.99	1:49.39	1:54.99
200 IND. MEDLEY	2:17.69	2:26.99	2:03.99	2:10.59
50 FREESTYLE	:25.59	:26.79	:22.59	:23.69
100 BUTTERFLY	1:02.29	1:07.29	:55.59	:58.69
100 FREESTYLE	:55.89	:58.69	:49.49	:51.99
500 FREESTYLE	5:25.39	5:49.99	4:57.39	5:13.99
200 FREE RELAY	1:43.99	1:48.99	1:31.99	1:35.99
100 BACKSTROKE	1:03.19	1:07.69	:56.39	:59.99
100 BREASTSTROKE	1:11.49	1:15.79	1:03.19	1:05.99
400 FREE RELAY	3:50.59	4:05.79	3:23.09	3:33.99

1998 GIRLS DIVING QUALIFICATION SITES
(Tuesday, November 17, 1998)

Region	Class	Host School	City
1	A	Pioneer	Ann Arbor
2	A	Grand Blanc	Grand Blanc
3	A	Creston	Grand Rapids
4	B	Tower	Warren Woods
5	B	Plainwell	Plainwell

LOWER PENINSULA FINAL SWIMMING & DIVING SITES FOR GIRLS
(Friday-Saturday, November 20 and 21, 1998)

Class	Site	City
A	Eastern Michigan University (Jones Natatorium)	Ypsilanti
B	Huron High School	Ann Arbor

DIVING QUALIFICATION
Regional Diving
To qualify for entry in the diving qualification meet, a diver must have 1) placed ahead of all divers from opposing schools in actual dual varsity meet competition during the season in at least five (5) meets; or 2) in a league or conference meet or in a varsity invitational (if a school doesn’t belong to a league), as many people may qualify to the qualification meet as there are schools entered in the diving event. (In other words, an eight team league which has six schools entered in the diving event of the league meet, may qualify six (6) to the MHSAA Qualification Meet. If only four (4) schools are entered, then only four may qualify.)
The divers who qualify to the qualification meet must be included on the entry form sent to the final meet manager (November 17, 1998). In addition, the coach must fax to the Regional Diving manager by noon Tuesday, a list of divers whom have qualified and then, at the site, a complete diving sheet for each qualified diver must be presented to the qualification meet manager no later than 4 pm, Tuesday, November 17, 1998.
Warm-ups at any qualification meet will not be permitted before 3:00 pm on said Tuesday. If weather conditions are questionable, call the host site to see if the competition will go on as scheduled.

THE PROCEDURE FOR A UNIFORM, CONSISTENT FORWARD START
To perform the Step-Up Start, the following procedure will take place.
In all swimming races (exception: Backstroke and Medley Relay races), the referee will give a preliminary signal by whistle to notify the swimmers to line up behind or beside their respective starting platforms. The referee may give brief instructions deemed necessary. The referee then shall turn control of the competitors over to the starter. The starter shall verbally direct the swimmers to “step up” at which time each swimmer shall step onto his or her starting platform and shall stand, without excessive noise or movement, with both feet the same distance behind the front edge of the platform.
The starter may give brief instructions deemed necessary.
Upon the starter’s verbal command, “Take Your Mark”, each swimmer, with no unnecessary noise or movement, shall immediately assume any desired starting position with at least one foot on the front edge of the starting platform. When the starter sees that the swimmers are motionless, the starter shall start the race.

Entry materials for U.P. Tennis Schools will be sent the first week of September and the L.P. Tennis materials will be sent the second week of September. Entry deadlines are: September 25-U.P. and October 2-L.P.
The regional manager will contact schools assigned to their region and advise them of the date and location of the seeding meeting. Coaches should make every attempt to attend and participate at the seeding meeting. The entry materials that are required by said deadline include the eligibility list, team line-up and player information sheets. The player information sheets must be complete, accurate and legible. Note: Once an entry is received by the manager, the line-up is set. Changes cannot be made but substitutions are allowed within the body of rules. For additional information on tennis refer to the Tennis Coaches Manual and the Tennis General Information Bulletin.

1. Uniform. Shirt and short/skirts or a tennis dress are required. The minimum requirement for a team shirt is an unaltered shirt with sleeves, preferably in school colors or with school identification. Each individual must wear such shirts throughout the match. If a player changes shirts, he/she must have another tennis team shirt to wear. (Females may wear sleeveless tops if tailored by the manufacturer to be sleeveless. Tank tops are not allowed). Players shall not wear undergarments or tights which extend below the skirt/short. (Exception: Compression shorts which are unadorned and of a single color). Team shorts/skirts are required The team short/skirt should be the same color for all individuals and an appropriate style for tennis.
Penalty: Match shall not start unless individual or doubles team has a team uniform on. The USTA Point Penalty System for lateness will be used. (More than 15 minutes and the match is defaulted).
2. FORMAT. This is the first year of the New Division Format. All participating schools were placed in four nearly-equal divisions (Division I is made up of schools with the largest enrollment through Division IV which has the smallest enrollment). Each division will have eight regionals and two teams will qualify from each regional with the additional qualifier option still intact.
3. PLACEMENT OF PLAYERS. The best player on the team must play number one singles. The remaining players whom are designated as singles players must be in ranked order, i.e. No. 2 better than No. 3, No. 3 better than No. 4. The doubles team must be ranked according to the ability of the two players as a team, not as individuals. The best doubles team must play No. 1 doubles, the next best must play No. 2, etc.
4. The Tennis Coaches Manual as well as the USTA Friend at Court (1998) are the rules publications to be used at all high school matches.

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. 21, 1998. LATE ENTRIES REQUIRE A $50 LATE FEE.
U.P. ENTRY BLANK — Due date 4 p.m. Friday, October 9, 1998.
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” square. 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. Ponytail holders must be a single color. Multiple ponytail holders must 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. (1998 - Girls Run First)
B. At L.P. Regional and U.P. Final Runs, the first run will start at 11:00 a.m. (except for LP Regionals 2 and 5). Where there are two different classes, the smallest class will compete first and will be followed by the same sex of the larger class. Example: (Section 1 will precede Section 2, or Girls Class C Run, Girls Class B Run; Boys Class C Run, Boys Class B Run)
C. In the L.P. Finals, the team individual runs will be combined (Girls Class C Team Run combined with Girls Class C Individual Run; Boys Class C Team Run combined with Boys Class C 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 1998 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 Classes A-B, C and D boys and girls in Classes A-B, C and D. 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.
E. Five teams will qualify from each boys and girls Class D Regional to the Final Run.
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 $2 admission at Regional sites and $4 at Final sites (including 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 represented at the Regional or 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. The first ten (10) finishers who are not members of a qualifying team will qualify to the Final Run as individuals.
B. Any of the first twenty (20) finishers who have not already qualified as indicated above, also qualify.
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
7 team medals --First Place Team
15 medals -- First fifteen (15) individuals in each class/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 class at the Final Run will receive trophies provided three or more schools compete in a class. Medals will be awarded to the first fifteen (15) individuals in each class 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 five is to serve at all Regional and Final Meets and is to be comprised of the Meet Manager, and four coaches two representing boys teams, two representing girls teams. This committee shall serve in an advisory capacity to the referee.
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 pages 57-62 of the 1998 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 $2.00.
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. 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.
28. 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.
29. PROCEDURES FOR SUSPENSIONS/DISQUALIFICATIONS 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.

Guest Editorial

The lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer are coming to a close as fall practice sessions- open this week in several sports and more next week. With the start of the 1998-99 school year just around the corner thousands of young people and their families conclude a summer of vacations, sightseeing, travel, summer jobs, college prep, recreation or maybe just taking it easy. Many athletes undoubtedly took part in some form of competition, whether it be camps or clinics, summer leagues or community recreation programs. Perhaps the day of the pick-up game on the playground or the “sandlot” game among kids is long gone as more structured activity takes its place.

But for many young athletes, their summer activity wasn’t one of choice. The league, camp or clinic or club team wasn’t optional. Either directly or indirectly there’s tremendous pressure on today’s athletes to specialize, compete 12 months a year in their sport on a national and even international basis. It may not be said out loud, but covertly kids and their parents know what’s required. The chase for a scholarship or a varsity starting spot creates an environment in which kids are pressured to gain an advantage, get the edge over others, play more games, pump more iron, attend more camps, participate in more tournaments, get more headlines ... the list goes on.

It’s not confined to the summer months, nor to high school athletes. Youth leagues and “club” programs are increasingly competitive. Good people with good intentions have elementary and middle school age athletes engaged in activity that has far more structure and emphasis on winning championships, creating all-star teams and participating in national competitions than similar programs a generation ago.

The balance of education and interscholastic competition we subscribe to in WIAA schools seems like an island in its position between professional leagues and major college philosophies and the youth and club sport zealotry. It’s fair to say that how competition is conducted after athletes leave high school and are more mature physically and mentally is not a pressing issue. But the “professionalizing” of youth sports, as a recent published article on the subject calls it, is increasingly a concern.

This is not an indictment of every non-school or non-WIAA program. There’s nothing inherently wrong with opportunities for young people to compete, and at a high level for those who wish to excel. But there is cause for concern about coaching techniques and qualifications, accountability, health and safety of athletes and emotional scars left behind by obsessions with winning at all costs.

The excesses of youth programs, national-scope competitions and the enormous pressures placed on young athletes by well-meaning people may be the most significant issue we face in the years ahead. Over the years the nature of sports, recreation, activity, coaching, structure, camps and clinics at the youth level has changed dramatically. Parents invest great amounts of time, and in many cases money, and become very passionate. It’s wishful thinking to believe our society will return to those simple and innocent days when games of work-up, driveway basketball, pick-up hockey on outdoor ice or kids choosing up sides was the rule. But each of us in our own way may be able to influence a board of directors, league coordinator, parent group, youth coach, organizing body or governing entity to maintain more balance, reduce pressure, monitor coaches conduct, encourage participation and emphasize sportsmanship.

Carrying the torch for less pressure and more perspective in youth programs may not be a popular position. Those who demand more games, more wins, more trophies, more travel and more of everything can talk the loudest and sound convincing. It’s up to all of us to have the courage to be just as passionate on the side of balance. n

—Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association

MHSAA and National Federation Sanctioning Procedure
The following situations must be approved by the MHSAA before any meet or tournament held:
1. Those events which are sponsored by other than member schools and held within the state.
2. Those events between member schools of Michigan and bordering states (regardless of the number of schools involved) and hosted by a member school. The bordering state association must also grant approval for such event through the MHSAA.
National Federation Sanctioning is required for:
1. any interstate contest involving three or more states or four or more schools where one or more of the schools is from a state which does not border Michigan; and
2. any interstate contest sponsored by a non-school organization;
3. any international contest.
Application for sanctioning of such meets must be made through the MHSAA at least 30 days prior to the contest. All sanctioned or approved meets are listed below. (Includes requests received and approved by August 1998 for events to be held in September, October and November)

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

September—
**12 - Boardman Cross Country Invitational, Boardman, OH
(MI, PA, NY, WV, VA) 600-mile round-trip limitation
*19 - Holly Cross Country Invitational, Davisburg, MI
(MI and OH)
* 19 - Jefferson Cross Country Invitational, Monroe, MI
(MI and OH)
**24 - Northwestern High School Cross Country Invitational, Lake Nebagamon, WI
(WI, MN, MI) 600 mile round trip limitation
*26 - Cardinal Stritch Cross Country Invitational, Oregon, OH
(MI and OH)
**26 - Culver Cross Country Invitational, Culver, IN (MI and IN)

October—
3 - Central States School for the Deaf Volleyball Tournament, Flint, MI
**3 - Muirfield Golf Invitational, Dublin, OH
(MI and OH)
*3 - Swan Cross Country Invitational, Duluth, MN
(MI, WI, ONT, MN) 600-mile round-trip limitation
17 - MISCA Meet - Ypsilanti, MI (Note: The MISCA Meet counts as one of the
allowable team competitions. A coach must be a MISCA member to enter team members into the meet.

November— No events sanctioned at this time

The MHSAA no longer automatically mails the forms listed below. Each school is now responsible to use this form to order supplies as needed. This form will appear in the August, October, February and April issues of the MHSAA BULLETIN.
All items will be pre-packaged in the quantities listed. To aid in handling, the MHSAA requests you place your order in these quantities. ORDERS WILL BE FILLED AND RETURNED WITHIN 5 WORKING DAYS.
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Officials Contracts (Form 6-C) (250 per package, limit 2 packages) ___________

School Contracts (Form 3-C) (250 per package, limit 2 packages) ___________

Physical Examination Cards (Form A) (100 per package) ___________

Eligibility Lists (Form 1) (50 per package) ___________

Ship To:
School_________________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________________

City___________________________________________________ Zip_____________

Attention: ______________________________________________________________
(Name) (Title)