Sportsmanship Summits Return
October 2, 2014
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Sportsmanship is an important part of educational athletics, and student cheering sections can be a key factor in creating a festive high school event. The Michigan High School Athletic Association will present its Sportsmanship Summit series in November, with this year’s focus on appropriate cheering and creating a fun and positive experience.
MHSAA staff, with assistance from school administrators and the MHSAA Student Advisory Council, present Sportsmanship Summits every other school year. More than 1,000 students from more than 100 schools are expected to take part in the four workshops, where they will discuss the line that separates good from bad sportsmanship, especially when it comes to cheering at athletic events.
Instruction will be based in part on insights gained during the Student Advisory Council’s Battle of the Fans competitions. The contest annually recognizes the best student cheering section in Michigan. The first Battle of the Fans champion was awarded at the end of the 2011-12 winter season.
This fall’s Summits again will feature hands-on breakout sessions – including one session developed and instructed by members of the Student Advisory Council. To conclude the Summits, the delegation from each participating school will meet to develop a youth sportsmanship campaign to implement upon returning to school.
Sessions will take place at the following:
- Gaylord – Nov. 3 – Treetops Resort – 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Saginaw – Nov. 5 – Saginaw Valley State University Conference Center – 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Grand Rapids – Nov. 10 – Crowne Plaza – 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Warren – Nov. 12 – DeCarlos Banquet Center – 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Registration at each site is limited to the first 300 students and administrators. Schools are welcome to bring as many as 10 total representatives, including two administrators. For additional registration information, contact Andy Frushour at the MHSAA office – [email protected] or (517) 332-5046. Registration information also is available on the MHSAA Website.
MHSAA Adjusts Fall Restart Schedule
December 22, 2020
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
The Michigan High School Athletic Association has adjusted its schedule to conclude Fall tournaments in football, volleyball and girls swimming & diving today after receiving full details and requirements for the pilot rapid testing program being provided by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) as an opportunity for teams and individuals to conclude their seasons amid a pause due to COVID-19.
Due to requirements and need for more direction from MDHHS that will be forthcoming in the next week, the MHSAA has instructed schools still participating in those sports to suspend practice immediately. The MHSAA also is working to update dates of competition to better reflect the testing schedule. Taking part is the MDHHS testing pilot is a requirement for athletes to participate in the final competitions in these sports.
Fall teams taking part in the pilot program are expected to receive rapid-result antigen tests and more instruction by Tuesday, Dec. 29. The MDHHS on Dec. 28-29 will be conducting webinars to train school personnel who will be involved in the testing process. Once the first tests have been administered on Wednesday, Dec. 30, full team practices may commence. If schools are delayed in the start of testing, those schools may begin practice once individuals have had one negative test.
With teams restarting practice Dec. 30 at the earliest, competition dates also could be rescheduled. Confirmation of updated tournament dates will be announced soon on the MHSAA Website.