3-6-12
Q: What is the rule on a club paying for part of a high school student's summer wrestling camp.
A: Athletes must pay 100% of training costs. See the Rules at a Glance.
F. EXPENSES – TRAINING AND COMPETING
1. The WIAA recognizes a distinction between training and competing. Students must pay their own expenses, including transportation, to any nonschool (out-of-season) camps, clinics, or specialized training. Schools may pay expenses and provide transportation to similar in-season activities in that sport and during unrestricted contact days in the summer.
2. A student may be reimbursed actual and necessary costs associated with competing. This may include transportation, food, lodging and entry fees.
3. A school may not become involved financially, through transportation or any other way in a student's nonschool participation outside the sport season and the five Board of Control approved unrestricted contact days in the summer. (BL – Art. II, RE – Art. IV and Art. VI) Note: Funds kept in school activity accounts are considered school funds.
The only time camps may be paid for athletes is during the five unrestricted contact days and it must be available to any and all interested students.
1-17-12
Q: If our school coaches host a youth (8th grade and younger) baseball clinic/camp in the winter or spring at school, can high school players serve as unpaid assistants?
A: Coaches may not coach their athletes outside of the season. If your coaches work a non-school camp during the school year, their athletes could not work the same camp. Note, schools may not conduct camps during the school year out of season. See the following on the Rules at a Glance:
C. CLINICS AND SCHOOL FACILITIES
Schools may not be involved in conducting clinics outside the season, with the following exceptions. So long as participation is voluntary and available to all interested students:
1. There shall be no restrictions upon schools, school teams and school coaches (grades 9-12) relative to assembling in the summertime, for up to 5 days, which do not need to be consecutive. Unrestricted contact days must conclude no later than July 31.
2. A school may conduct a clinic for students in grades 8 and below, where high school varsity and junior varsity coaches may use some or all of their high school athletes as clinicians. This may be done for a maximum of six days during the summer (when school is not in session) and must conclude no later than July 31. Clinics not utilizing athletes as clinicians may be conducted throughout the summer up to the start of school.
3. School facilities may be used for nonschool programs, according to board of education policy, which can result in clinics being conducted, outside the season, by nonschool groups. The nonschool group must request the facilities from the board of education or governing board, through normal procedures and are encouraged to provide their own insurance protection. (BL – Art. II and RE – Art. VI, Sect. 2)
4-24-10
Q.: I am aware that students from another district cannot participate in our open gyms during the summer, but what about camps. Can a girl from the neighboring district participate in a volleyball camp sponsored by our coach and intended for our district girls? Can our coach restrict it to only our girls, or can she promote it with other schools if she wants? How would any of these scenarios affect the contact days allowed for our coach?
A.: Here are some summer camp thoughts. The camp must be open to any and all interested boys and/or girls. It must be voluntary and not mandatory. Camps may not be used for official and/or unofficial "try- outs" for the upcoming season. Coaching restrictions apply. Camps during the five unrestricted days may take place after the last day of school and before July 31. Schools may provide transportation, instruction, etc. Outside of the five unrestricted days, coaches may not coach athletes they will coach the next season. Schools may not conduct camps during the school year. Students/families must pay 100 percent of the costs. If a reduced price is offered it must be provided to all participants. The only way for booster club funds to be used is to gift them to the school and the school to use booster gifts during the five unrestricted days. High school students may work a lower level camp as a clinician, but the camps may not be longer than six days and must be completed before July 31. A student can be "employed" and be paid for work- ing a camp as a clinician/coach. But, a student may not be "self-employed" in marketing their sport skill/expertise. Students may assemble in any manner during the summer without school and/or coach involvement (Captain's practices). However, Captains' practices are not allowed during the school year.
Q.: I am wondering if a booster club can cover the cost of a hotel room when players go to a team camp in the summer time? I am thinking of having my team attend a team camp in Green Bay, and while I know I cannot pay for their entry fee to the team camp, I am wondering if I can pay for the lodging at a hotel.
A.: In order to provide an accurate answer, I would need to know if the camp is part of your five unrestricted contact days or is not a part of the five unrestricted contact days. If camp were to be part of/counted within, your unrestricted contact days – then booster's could gift the school. Then that and other school funds could be used to provide camp opportunity for - ALL - interested students. Must be part of unrestricted days otherwise, camps/clinics are 100 percent responsibility of student and family. If the camp were not part of your unrestricted contact days, the answer would be "No." See III-F of Rules At A Glance. Students must pay their own expenses, including transportation to any non-school (out-of-season) camps. Logistics could be accommodated by having students cover their own cost for the bus transportation. If they wished to ride bus. All interested students could travel by bus if they desired, but would need to cover their own bus ticket costs to camp in this scenario. For camps and clinics, student/parents must pay 100 percent of the costs.
Q.: I am writing as the president on behalf of our wrestling club which is not associated with our school. We are a non-profit association organized to promote the sport of wrestling for ages pre-K - high school. Are we able to reimburse the athlete for their expenses to attend a summer camp held off-site from school? Actually to be held at another school district... I've read under summer reminders at the Web site... "students must pay their own way to any camp, clinic, or specialized training." but then it goes on to say that "nonschool groups can pay expenses related to actual competition, such as entry fees into summer leagues, etc." Can you please clarify for me so that we don't have any violations? Also, what if the club is hosting a fundraiser event such as a car wash or brat fry - are the athletes able to split those profits and pay for their camp fees with that money?
A.: Our member schools have allowed reimbursement for some costs associated with competition and not camps or clinics. Competition would include meets or tournaments. Training would include practice, camps, or clinics. EXPENSES – TRAINING AND COMPETING – 1) The WIAA recognizes a distinction between training and competing. Students must pay their own expenses, including transportation, to any nonschool (out-of-season) camps, clinics, or specialized training. Schools may pay expenses and provide transportation to similar in-season activities in that sport and during unrestricted contact days in the sum- mer. 2) A student may be reimbursed actual and necessary costs associated with competing. This may include transportation, food, lodging and entry fees. 3) A school may not become involved financially, through transportation or any other way in a student's nonschool participation outside the sport season and the four or five Board of Control approved unrestricted contact days in the summer. (BL – Art. II, RE – Art. IV and Art. VI) Note: Funds kept in school activity accounts are considered school funds. The WIAA members have stated in the Rules of Eligibility (page 38) Article VI, Section 2, #5, that any fees for entrance to the clinic must be paid for by the students or parents in order to not affect the amateur status of any participants. Students/families must pay 100 percent of costs associated with camps or clinics. This includes receiving free and/or reduced rates on equipment, apparel, camps/clinics/instruction and com- petitive opportunities that are not identical for all other participants.
12-18-09
Q.: I read over the Handbook, the eligibility section, and could not find specific language for paying for entry fees to camps over the summer. We have a few parents that would like to do a fundraiser to raise some money to offset the cost of the camp. There are nine girls that are looking to go to a camp this summer and it is quite expensive. A few of the parents thought that if they were to do a fundraiser, they could help offset the cost for some of the families. Would this be a violation of amateur status?
A.: During the summer, if the fund-raised money is kept in a nonschool account and the fundraisers wished to cover the costs for all students interested in summer league play, they could cover costs associated with competition. However, when it comes to camps, clinics, special training and/or instruction – student and parents must cover 100 percent of associated costs. If it is during your unrestricted five days, then the money could be gifted to the school and used during that time.
5-8-09
Q.: Can our booster club give a student-athlete money to go to a summer camp (such as a scholarship)? Also, we do a fundraiser every year, can I use some of that money so a kid could go to a camp?
A.: Simple answer is no. See III- F of attached. If camp were to be part of/counted within, your unrestricted contact days – then booster's could gift the school. Then that and other school funds could be used to provide camp opportunity for - ALL - interested students. Must be part of unrestricted days otherwise, camps/clinics are 100 per cent responsibility of student and family.
3-27-09
Q.: Can the girl's soccer coach pay for a team camp with the girl's activity account. Similarly, if my softball coach wants to send her team to a clinic is this something she can pay for out of her activities account? The girls fundraise through working concession stands and I just wanted to double check to make sure that this is an appropriate way to pay for this team clinic.
A.: To begin, ALWAYS remember, once money is placed in a school account – it is – school money; regardless how it got there or who put it in. Then, so long as the camp/clinic was a part of the five unrestricted summer contact days, then – yes. School monies can be used. If not a part of the unrestricted days, then – no; kids would need to pay their own way. Lastly, opportunity to have camp paid for must be available to any/all interested girls. It may not be a "performance based" benefit/opportunity and it must be a voluntary thing on the part of the girls.
9-19-08
Q.: Can hockey players be used to help coach a youth camp by demonstrating drills to the kids and working with lower level kids on skill development. This camp would be held before the start of the high school season and would be for players in elementary and middle school.
A.: The simple answer is yes. There are a number of caveats. Schools may not sponsor camps or clinics except in the summer. Students could be present and – volunteer - to assist parents – so long as school coaches were not present. School coaches could assist parents – but not when their HS team players are present.
5-1-08
Q.: My volleyball coach would like to set up a camp for high school students during the week of August 4-8. She knows she can not coach in the camp and another person would be in charge of the camp. Is there any restrictions with this request?
A.: The end result of this can be achieved within Association rules, fairly easily. There are caveats. Keep in mind that the time period your coach has identified as a desirable period for a camp is both outside the actual school season and outside the unrestricted contact dates. So then, coach needs to find a camp/clinic during those desired dates owned and sponsored by a non-school provider (see Bylaws Art. II, Sect. 2, p. 26). Bylaws do identify that school facilities can be used by non-school groups in accordance with school district policies (Art. II, Sect. 4). Additionally, the Rules of Eligibility (Art. VI, Sect. 2C-1, p. 38) provides that: " An acceptable non-school program is one which is not limited to students based on school and/or team status." This means that the non-school sponsored camp may not simply be/become "the school's team practicing/competing outside the season" (Bylaws, Art. II and ROE Art. VI, Sect. 2A) - or your school's team will be vulnerable. Some of the previous response can also be found at least partially addressed in the Rules At A Glance, Art. II, C and A, especially. Lastly, topics such as hold-harmless agreements, liability insurance/protection held by the non-school provider, acknowledgement of IRS tax requirements and the like will need to be considered. Final word of "best practice" advice – be certain the camp is not in anyway able to be described as a "mandatory" thing, and/or the official or unofficial 'try- out' opportunity for the upcoming school season.
3-28-08
Q.: Is there a WIAA policy or rule that would impact a high school student attending a camp/clinic during the academic year and prior to their participation in a particular sport that academic year? For example, our women's hockey coach is considering running a fall camp in September/October for high school students prior to the start of the high school girls' practice. Will high school girls be in any kind of violation if they choose to attend such a camp?
A.: The simple answer is 'No.' If a student covered their own expenses and individually sought out a hockey camp or school – there would be no WIAA eligibility peril. There were two significant caveats contained in my response: First, students must cover their own expenses to camps and clinics at this time of year..and second, a 'team camp' format could pose peril for our member school – due to "the school's team assembling out side of the season." The member's rules allow kids to assemble in the summertime without school and/or coach involvement (e.g, captains practices). II-A and III-F & G might also be helpful.
Q.: I am a varsity girl's basketball coach and I was just wondering what the regulations are if our booster club wanted to pay for athletic teams to go to a team camp? I know that I as a coach nor the school is allowed to pay but are there any restrictions from an outside source such as a booster club paying for players to go to camp? (I haven't asked ours yet - I wanted to get a ruling from the WIAA first.) Or does this infringe on a "sponsor" so to speak in that it would look like someone is sponsoring players to attend camp?
A.: To begin, see the text of II-F in the Rules At A Glance. It is also important to note that 'a school' can provide camp/training/clinic opportunities – for all interested students during the actual school season AND during the unrestricted contact days in the summer. What the boosters or others could do is to 'GIFT' the school (if your school board allows earmarked gifts of this kind) the school could then cover costs for any/all students interested in attending a team camp. The school would typically make an announcement to notify all interested 'girls' who might want to have access to a camp opportunity.
12-21-07
Q.: Can a high school, public or private, entertain a sports team or group of middle school students from another school at the high school and conduct either a sports related clinic or open house? Does it have to be the whole grade invited, or can a select group of students be targeted? Or in other words, do the rules prohibiting the singling out of high school students for school enrollment apply to middle school students? Example 1: A parochial middle school volleyball team is invited to the local public high school to observe and participate in a session with the high school volleyball team? Example 2: An entire 8th grade from a parochial middle school is invited to an open house during the school day at the private high school?
A.: Your school can legitimately provide a variety of opportunities to let middle school students know about you. (But at this time of year – a member school can not sponsor a 'clinic".)
12-06-07
Q.: Would it be against WIAA rules, for a club to pay for a camp for it's high school wrestlers?
A.: The yes or no to this depends a bit on when the camp is going to be held. If this camp is held prior to the start of the school season, then the answer would be no. The member's require that only the student/parents cover 100 percent of all costs associated with camps, specialized training and the like (III-F of Rules At A Glance). However – in the Handbook the complete text and related notes go on to provide that if this were a camp that was taking place once the official school season was underway, then – the parents could "gift" the school the $$. The school, then in turn – could "send their whole team to camp" if they chose. Rules of Eligibility text; Art. VI, Section 2C-5note (Sr. High Handbook p.38). Note: This pro- vision shall not prevent a school from covering the costs of team participation in a clinic or similar activity during the season of a sport – and/or unrestricted summer contact days.
7-13-07
Q.: Can our basketball coach use fundraising money, raised by the basketball players, to pay an entrance fee into a summer basketball league and an AAU tournament? The money is located in a school activity account.
A.: Once placed in a school account – it is 'school' money and can/should only be used as approved – for 'school' purpose. Within WIAA membership provisions, the only time 'school' can sponsor/fund' sport programming is during the actual school season – and on/during the four or five unrestricted contact days permitted between end of school and July 31. If tournament and/or league and/or 'team camp' coincide with five days designated as unrestricted contact days – then, answer's 'yes' - school funds could be used. For days outside those designated, 'no.' BUT – non-school funds might be found..and league play and/or tournament entry fees are viewed as costs associated with 'competition,' and so long as opportunity is vol- untary and available for any/all kids interested, no problem with amateur status (see III-F, in Rules At A Glance).
Q.: I am a varsity head coach and want to hold a youth football camp at the school this summer. Do I need to do this prior to Aug. 1, and if so, am I allowed to have some of the high school players help out at the camp, or would this cut into my allotted contact days? Lastly, if I can utilize the high schoolers at the camp, can I do this after Aug. 1, or not?
A.: Schools are allowed to provide/create summertime clinic/instructional opportunities for students that have just completed 8th grade or below. You can use your HS athletes as clinicians...BUT - if you wish to use your athletes as clinicians the camp must conclude no later then July 31.
5-25-07
Q.: There are colleges that offer "team camps" in which you can coach your team and participate against other teams. Is there anything in the WIAA Handbook that prohibits a high school team from practicing with another high school team during those contact days?
A.: In a word - 'No,' provided the the team camp are part of/within the allowed unrestricted contact pro- visions and within the allowed 'window' i.e., between the end of school to July 31. And so long as involvement is voluntary and available to any interested students, you could work with another school.
Q.: My high school team is going to a team camp this summer. Can the school provide transportation?
A.: If the camp is included in your five 'unrestricted contact days,' yes. If not a part of those contact days, no. See: Article I and III-F in Rules At A Glance.
Q.: Our football booster group would like to sponsor a bus to transport players to a football camp. Is this legal?
A.: If within your allowed contact days, yes. If not within the allowed contact days the students would need to buy a ticket.
5-4-07
Q.: I am the head basketball coach at X. This summer, one of our volunteer coaches is thinking about holding a basketball camp for grades 8-12 in his hometown of Y. He asked if I wanted to help out. The camp would be open to all of the surrounding schools. My question is, if I work the camp and players from my team attend, am I and/or our volunteer coach committing a contact violation?
A.: There are a couple dimensions to your question that should be addressed and clarified. First, "JV and varsity coaches are allowed to have contact with students until they actually enter 9th grade." (See: Rules At A Glance, Art. I) Second, if your camp took place between the end of school and July 31, AND you counted the camp as part of your five unrestricted contact days, you could coach your own players. If NOT part of your unrestricted days, neither you or the volunteer could have coaching contact with players you will coach next season. You can find a volume of this on our website: Under the Regulations icon, click on Eligibility Q/A.
Q.: Our football booster group would like to sponsor a bus to transport players to a football camp. We have about 30 kids going for a four-day camp. This is not part of our schools approved contact days. The boosters felt this would help solve logistics for a lot of parents having to transport kids. Is this legal?
A.: As described answer would be "No." See III-F of Rules At A Glance. Students must pay their own expenses, including transportation to any non-school (out-of-season) camps. Logistics could be accommo- dated by having students cover their own cost for the bus transportation..if they wished to ride bus. All interested students could travel by bus if they desired, but would need to cover their own bus ticket costs to camp in this scenario.
3-30-07
Q.: UWGB has a softball camp that was scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 24. Due to the weather it was postponed until March 24. Since the HS softball season has already begun can our players still attend the camp?
A.: Yes - and the school could even cover the costs - and your school's coaches could have contact, and school could transport, since it's in-season. (ROE Art. VI, Sect. 2-C-5note) About the only precaution I can think of .. might be to remind attendees that the style/nature of camp - be truly instructional..and not evolve into something which could be construed as club and/or non school competition - during the school season.
Q.: Once the softball season begins on March 12 can our coaches and players be used to run a free softball camp for 5th through 8th graders? Coaches would instruct with the players helping with various drills.
A.: This could be possible and accomplished within the rules - but would need to find a non-school sponsor.
Q.: The local youth baseball program is planning a camp for 5th through 12th graders (spring training). They are planning to use the high school gyms. As the varsity coach, can I work this camp? Are there any other things at I should be aware of?
A.: You're going about it the proper way. As you will see in Article I of the Rules At A Glance "JV and varsity coaches are able to have contact with students until they actually enter 9th grade." Thus, you could assist the youth baseball group and be involved in coaching/instructing at their camps - for all students from grades 5-8. However, during the school year, you are not able to have any coaching contact with stu- dents who are already in 9th-12th grade - except during the actual school season (Mar. 19).
Q.: Two scenarios regarding money for kids who can't afford camps. 1. The local tribal council wanting to give money for camps to tribal member athletes (open to any tribal member). 2. Character Ed. grant money - also available to any student who shows need. Would either of these be allowed? What if money was given to family and parent wrote the check? 3. Also, one more clarification please, what about outside people/sources buying equipment for kids who can't afford it such as padding, helmets, shoes, etc., that the school does not provide?
A.: 1 & 2. Not allowed. There is always the peril - when something comes to light later on and is painted in most evil of descriptions - that what seemed to be 'creative' compliance' is actually considered to be circumvention and not compliance at all. This sort of tidbit usually creeps up the 'morning of the tournament contest', unfortunately. Two, more legitimate solutions: Put on a camp/clinic free to everyone..interested in attending. If a student can't afford the camp, find them a legitimate job and pay them..then if they want to go to a camp, the student can write his/her check and go. 3. As described, an amateur status violation; career ending. Acceptable alternative: Donate what's needed to the school. School then owns and issues.
Q.: Our football coach is taking his freshmen son to a Jeff Trickey camp. Can he transport other kids that are going?
A.: No. Not if HS kids. See Rules at a Glance, Art. I.
Q.: I have a question regarding summer volleyball camps. I would like to have an outside organization conduct the camp this summer for my girls. We are not the most affluent of towns and money is short for most of my players. Having a camp run here of this nature would get a bit expensive for the majority of my players. I was approached by a member of our booster club with an offer to donate some money towards the camp to offset the cost for the athletes attending. The camp is open to all girls in our school so it would be a gender specific camp. Is this a permissible donation that would not violate any rules. The money that they would donate would go directly to the camp coaches and then the cost for the athletes would be figured out after that depending on the number attending. Please advise on this situation and ask any questions you may have of me as soon as you can.
A.: As described, this would not be a problem. The cost of the camp will (as understood) be uniformly less- ened for any/all interested in attending. Each student still covers their own costs of the camp, what ever they turn out to be. Be certain it is the same cost for all who attend.
1-19-07
Q.: The local youth baseball program is planning a camp for 5th through 12th graders (spring training). They are planning to use the high school gyms. As the varsity coach can I work this camp? Are there any other things at I should be aware of?
A.: Glad to see the spring training model is being planned/sponsored by your youth baseball group. I get a lot of questions about this. You're going about it the proper way. As you will see in Article I of the Rules At A Glance "JV and varsity coaches are able to have contact with students until they actually enter 9th grade." Thus, you could assist the youth baseball group and be involved in coaching/instructing at their camps - for all students from grades 5-8. However, during the school year, you are not able to have any coaching contact with students who are already in 9th-12th grade - except during the actual school season (Mar. 19).
12-22-06
Q.: I have a question concerning open gyms. Is it OK for a soccer team to gather players for open gym prior to the regular season and have "captains practices" during the open gym? My understanding is that the coaches are only supervising, but the team captains for the upcoming season are running their teammates through drills and activities? Is it acceptable to have players running practices at open gyms if the coaches are only supervising?
A.: No. Captain's practices are permitted in the summer; not during the school year. Please see II-A and D of attached. Also See: Senior High Handbook - Bylaws, Article II, Sect. 1 and 2.
Q.: A X baseball club has been formed and our head baseball coach wants to conduct two to three clinics for students in grades 1-8 during the winter sports season. These clinics would be conducted by members of the X high school baseball coaching staff. No high school athletes will be involved in coaching these students. Is there any problem with our coaches conducting this clinic?
A.: The end result of this could be achieved within existing Bylaws – however, it may not be a 'school spon- sored' event. Bylaws Article II (p. 26) provides that "schools" may conduct camps/clinics – in the summer. Not during school year. Booster's can rent/reserve school facilities like anyone else, and advertise their event. School coaches may be involved, but may not include HS athletes when school coaches are pres- ent/instructing – unless the event is held during the school baseball season.
7-7-06
Q.: Our boys soccer coach has asked if a clinic can be conducted by a professional soccer player the week of Aug. 7 at our school. I have told him that none of the boys' soccer coaches (contracted or volunteer) can do any coaching at this camp if it is allowable because the clinic/camp is being conducted after July 31. Can this clinic/camp be conducted at the high school open to any potential soccer player for the 2006 season? Am I correct in telling our coaches they can't be a part of the clinic? Can our coach set up the camp? (Registration, facility usage, etc)
A.: The camp/clinic could be held w/in a school's facility - in accordance with district policies. An accept- able non-school program may not be limited based on school and/or team status. The opportunity - like when any other non-school provider like the YMCA creates programming - ought to be made known and available to any age appropriate students in the area interested in attending. To limit it to your school's prospective soccer players - is simply beginning the soccer season a week early. See Handbook, p. 26. Art. II, Sect. 4. Also see: Handbook, p. 37-38, Article VI, Section 2, A and C, 1, 3 specifically. Regarding your coaches, they may not be involved, at least in so far as having any coaching contact with your school's soccer players. The fundamental rule is that outside of the five unrestricted days - coaches may not have coaching contact with students they will be coaching in the next school season. JV and varsity coaches can have contact with students until they actually enter 9th grade. One of the better ways of doing this sort of thing w/in the rules, is to make it available to students at A, B, C, D high schools. Then, utilize recent grads and other 'summer' coaches (who will not be coaching during the school season)....and coaches getting together, 'cross coaching' each other and being organized. Coaches from A work with students from B, C, D. Coaches from B work with students from A, C, D, and etc. It would not be altogether unusual for a school coach who is "familiar" to assist/facilitate a nonschool provider in getting facility use forms. etc. Be clear - at this time of year, it is/must be a non-school program. School resources, personnel, mail, staff, etc., should not be used. This is a 'private' business enterprise at this juncture - a "school" may not be involved in running high school camps/clinics at this time of year.
Q.: Could you please answer the following question: 1. High school A's soccer team has arranged for a July camp (voluntary basis) with a noncoach camp director. 2. High school B from another city is using the same camp director for its camp. 3. A and B would like to scrimmage each other as part of the camp scheduled activities. 4. High school C would also like a scrimmage opportunity with A and/or B during the camp scheduled activities. In all schools, there will be no high school coach involved in either camp training or scrimmages. Is this structure acceptable under WIAA guidelines?
A.: As you've described, this all could take place in July. Coaches from each school could be involved... IF... all of this was coordinated within all the participating school's (ABC) five unrestricted contact days. Outside of those days, and/or after July 31 - what you describe could "not" take place if it was "school team" A v. ST-B, and ST-B v. ST-C, etc., due to the fact that our members prohibit a "non school" oppor- tunity from "resembling the school's team practicing and competing outside the season." There would need to be more diversity to the "grouping" in order to comply with the member's provisions in this area.
Q.: Please help me with the following scenario: A student has participated in volleyball for the past two seasons. While she has a valid physical for the upcoming school year, she is academically ineligible for the upcoming season until the student has met the required days of ineligibility. The student is not at a school where ineligibility can be erased through summer school grades. Is she eligible for summer contact sessions with the coach? The practice sessions are occurring at the school under the direct supervision of the coach.
A.: So far as the five unrestricted summer contact days and once the actual school season begins our rules would not prevent this. A student who is academically not eligible to compete may be allowed to practice.
Q.: After reading the WIAA handbook and Rules at a Glance, I would like to check with you to see if my interpretation is correct on the following issue: .... an athlete who wishes to participate in (a) a summer volleyball tournament with her high school volleyball team and (b) participate in a summer volleyball camp with her high school team and receives payment from a local booster group ... It is my understanding that a high school ath- lete cannot receive reimbursement or have paid for them by a booster group [or anyone other than themselves / family member] their camp fee for attending a specialize camp [either as an individual or as a part of their high school team]. However, an athlete may receive reimbursement or have paid for them by a booster group their entry fee into a summer league or team tournament. It is my understanding that a tournament and/or summer league is not considered specialize instruction. However, a team camp where the team and/or individual would receive specialized instruction in that particular sport would be a violation of WIAA rules. Am I correct in my interpretation and understanding? Also, would the discipline action be any different if it was an individual as opposed to a team that incurred an infraction?
A.: Great research and application. Your understanding and interpretations are RIGHT on the mark. There is nothing incorrect w/in your summary. There are two/three additional perspectives / caveats I'd offer - 1. The unrestricted days in the summer can be looked upon almost as a "mini-school season." Since the recent changes approved by the membership now allow schools to engage in summer programming for students in grades 9-12. So, if a summer team camp opportunity was part of /counted in the 4 or 5 "unrestricted summer contact days"... Then the "school" could cover the costs for a camp opportunity - so long as it was available to every kid in school who wished to attend. (Same as no student may be denied access to your other school based offerings.) 2. Even though competition/league/tournament fees may be paid by a sponsor (costs associated with competing) a) always encourage the sponsor to pay the necessary expenses directly to the "source" or sponsor. I always discourage - ever giving cash or a check to a stu- dent. Not that it would be a violation when it's reimbursement for competition expenses...just a best prac- tice thing, in my opinion. b) Keep in mind that amateur status interpretations also state a student may not receive 'benefit' - for being an athlete. If "just the varsity" kids get sponsored by the booster, it could be easily argued, this is a performance/potential based benefit. Who's going to pay for "my daughter's" summer league fees?
Q.: I am running a speed and agility camp this summer geared toward high school athletes and Affinity is want- ing to give two "scholarships" or free camps to each of our high schools for athletes that are financially chal- lenge and in no other way could they go to a camp. Is this a violation of their eligibility?
A.: Yes – Don't go there. On camps and specialized training/instruction - if there is a fee for anyone, there's the same fee for all. See III-F of the Rules At A Glance for further clarification.
Q.: Our football coach has some questions as a result of a parent of one of his football players inquiring as to whether high school players are allowed to attend a Donald Driver Football Camp that is held on our grounds in June. All of the players are being allowed to attend free of charge complements of a company, as I understand it, owned by either a parent or grandparent of an incoming freshmen player. Two of our football staff coaches are being asked by the Donald Driver people to work the camp. Thank you for any help you can give me to clar- ify whether this is a legal possibility for our football players.
A.: So long as it is an acceptable non-school opportunity, i.e., available to any/all interested students, not restricted based on school or team affiliation, is voluntary and does not resemble a schools team practic- ing and/or competing out-of-season. If school is still in-session, coach contact restrictions must be observed. Use caution with the camp fees - A "free camp" opportunity would be acceptable so long as it is advertised as a "free camp" and so long as it is a free camp to all kids who come from all over your region (not just free for your students). Otherwise, with respect to "camps, clinics, special training"...if there is a cost connected, only a student and their family are able to "cover" 100 percent of any such cost. See ROE , Art. VI, Sect. 2C-5 (p. 38) and III-F of Rules At A Glance. Coaching restrictions are in effect during the school year. If you are still in school and your coaches work, be certain they understand they can not work with your own student athletes. If you are completely done with your school year and you wish to use this as your unrestricted contact days, your coaches may be involved.
Q.: Can a parent or company pay the entry fee to sponsor a team in activities – for example a three on three basketball tournament?
A.: Simplest answer is "yes." See III-F of Rules At A Glance. Tournament and/or league entry is permit- ted under amateur status as "costs associated w/ competition." There have been "team sponsors" for years. Consider city rec league softball and how many times you've seen "Smokey's B&G"... it does not need to be a problem. *There is some/small potential that a "sideways" sort of amateur status argument could be made by a disgruntled parent - if the opportunity to have one kid's fees "covered" - because they're pretty good players (benefit based on ability/performance/potential) when the same opportunity is not available to "my child." Caution players on other dimensions of amateur status - with respect to cash / merchandise awards for winning. Can be the biggest problem in summer and non-school competition.
5-5-06
Q.: Can the wrestling booster club pay for individual wrestlers and/or a team of wrestlers to attend a wrestling camp in the summer?
A.: No. If the camp is part of the five unrestricted days (which can be school sponsored) - the "school" may sponsor the opportunity (for all interested students). Boosters can always "gift" the school...but all inter- ested students must have same access opportunities - to all school sponsored programs, all have fees paid and etc. If not a part of school program / not within the five unrestricted days (end of school to July 31) only student and family can pay and are responsible for 100 percent of fees. Ref: HB, ROE, Art. VI, Sect. 2C-5 and "note" (p. 38). Also: III-F of RAAG.
3-29-06
Q.: I am a high school baseball coach who runs youth camps in our community on March 11 and 18. We want to ask our players to help out at the camp(s) which are for 1st-8th graders. Even though the camps start before our season, we feel it is important for our older players to bond with the younger kids in the community and be mentors. High school students at our school are asked to perform 40 hours of community service during their high school stay. Working these camps would allow them to earn community service hours. Is this permissible? We run the camps through Community Education.
A.: Simplest answer is "No." During the school year, players may not be assembled, you may not have coaching contact until the start of the HS season - and during the summer. That's when you may use your athletes as clinicians. Community Ed - is the "school" (district) and "schools" may provide camps/clinics in the summer only. Bylaws, Article II, Section 1 and 2 - most relevant. Handbook, p. 26. I have addressed this question numbers of times in the WIAA Bulletin. You can probably find it on our website, too. Under the Regulations icon - camps and clinics. The two most recent ones were in the Dec. and Feb. Bulletins.
Q.: Can you confirm for me that my baseball player candidates can work at our camps without compensation without breaking any rules. Camp dates are out-of-season 3/5, 3/12, and 4/22.
A.: There's not much information to go on here. Who is sponsoring the camps in March? Who are they for? Who is coaching? Remember, a "school" can sponsor camps/clinics - in the summertime only. If a boost- er, parent or civic organization is sponsoring a "youth" league camp outside the school season, then cer- tainly your school's coaches can volunteer to assist the sponsoring group. So can high school students and players. However, outside of the season, players and their coaches ought not to be present at the same time that instruction is taking place. They will be exceedingly vulnerable. Best time for non school interests to provide these sorts of opportunities for youth teams is early in the HS season. Then, even though a mem- ber school still can't sponsor, at least the coaching contact issue does not need to be a concern.
Q.: After reading the WIAA Rules at a Glance I have a few questions regarding youth clinics (for students in 8th grade and below). 1. Can school teams sponsor these types of youth clinics during the high school season or is it limited to the summer? 2. If an outside group (Kiwanis, Rotary) would like to sponsor a clinic during the high school season for students in grade 8 and below, can a school team (players and coaches) serve as instructors at the clinic? 3. Can registration fees be "gifted" back to the school program by the sponsor? 4. Would school team members be able to instruct at a clinic held on a "day off" after six consecutive days of practice/competition with the school team?
A.: 1) Schools may sponsor these opportunities in the summertime only...according to present Bylaws. 2) Yes - perfect. Best time for this is sometime during the school season - when players might volunteer to help and coaches can have coaching contact with their players. 3) Yes. 4) Yes, players could volunteer their time.
2-10-06
Q.: I am the varsity softball coach. My staff and I are running several softball clinics in February for our local youth league as a fundraiser. We are having three different age group clinics and are expecting over 100 girls total. Can my high school players be present at the youth clinics?
A.: Not if school coaches are present and providing instruction. A couple things to keep in mind: First, a "school" may not sponsor a camp/clinic, etc., except in the summer time. The sort of opportunity you are planning can be accomplished within WIAA rules quite easily - when the boosters, Lions or other nonschool organization sponsor this sort of opportunity ... during the actual HS softball season. When conducted during the school season, obviously coaches are allowed to have coaching contact with their athletes and all of the ways you outline for involvement of your players could be done w/in the rules and without risk of allegations arising. Otherwise, if the dates are inflexible, the safest thing to do is if/when school coaches are present use former players and parents to assist. And, when current school players might be involved, keep school coaches out of the immediate picture. I will reiterate, the best time for this sort of thing is early in the school season.
12-16-05
Q.: We are going to have a two-day youth winter baseball camp, grades K-8. Can our high school players vol- unteer to work it?
A.: Simple answer would be "yes/sure", students could get involved in something like this. But, In order to accomplish this within the rules, the opportunity must be sponsored by a nonschool entity. (Member schools may only sponsor camp/clinic opportunities in the summer.) So, assuming the activity is sponsored by city rec. or the boosters, students who are athletes can volunteer to help out. Best friendly advice: 1) If the players are present, school coaches should not be. 2) If school coaches are present, school players should not be. 3) If you wish to be able to have school coaches and players present at the same time, you can do this thing early/at the start of your school season, indoors. It's still well ahead of when most youth teams are able to get on the outside fields.
10-7-05
Q.: I have a question that I'm hoping you can answer for me. It's in regards to a team volleyball camp that I run in the summer. This year I am running a team challenge camp that is both instructional and has different types of challenges included in the four days they are here on campus. Asics has agreed to provide uniforms to the team that wins the team challenge. Here's the question.....Is this legal to do from the WIAA perspective? I think there is a dollar amount that each student athlete can receive in camps but I'm not sure what that amount is. Also, is the amount based on retail cost or what the actually cost of the item is to the company? The camp would be a challenge camp that included physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges. The athlete would only receive a medal; the school receives from Asics a set of uniforms.
A.: You may be confusing what I will presume/recall NCAA rules of amateur status with the WIAA's - or perhaps a neighboring state high school associations. Our membership does not have a "dollar amount" allowance. Our rule simply provides that a student may accept/receive only awards which are symbolic, e.g., medal, ribbon, trophy., plaque certificate of achievement. Awards which have a cash/merchandise value/quality will end a student's HS career under present rules. A video rental coupon and a liter of soda and a slice of pizza....for athletic performance/achievement, etc., and it's a real mess. A member school can certainly accept gifts. The best way to direct the uniforms would be to have a random draw of names of all the schools represented by attendees. Picking the name out of the hat is not connected in any way to performance/achievement as/of an athlete. Our member's present rules do not allow for athletes to accept, receive or "direct" cash or merchandise prizes for performance/achievement/potential as an athlete. For example, we do not allow the 100 dollar scholarship given to the school, etc., based on "performance." Find a way to do the give away which does not connect to athletic performance and which would not cre- ate an element of "required attendance" on the part of students. The random draw is fairly well estab- lished in precedent for something like this. You may find a synopsis of WIAA rules, including amateur sta- tus in the Rules At A Glance, Article III/C.
9-15-05
Q.: I was wondering if it is ok to post a guideline for shooting, (basketball) for basketball players to follow dur- ing the fall. It would address the number of shots and where. Example: Make 10 elbow jump shots then 5 FT, 10 bank shots followed by 5 FT. and go on like that.
A.: As described, this holds the potential of being seen as "organized" drill...a "requirement" for attend- ing and inconsistent with the approved objectives and philosophy of open gym. I could envision a variety of other informational materials, again the nature of which would be entirely appropriate on gym walls or available to students as resources in the library, which might accomplish your objectives and not raise an eyebrow. The rules for Open Gym are included in the Rules At A Glance. I consider them to be among the most clear text we have. It is not altogether uncommon for locker rooms and gym walls to include a vari- ety of posters, charts, graphs/guides.. and information wide-ranging in nature - yet appropriate and fit- ting for a gymnasium/physical education environment.
4-14-05
Q.: Two nearby schools and I are planning a team camp for our five days of contact. Do we need to run it through an organization? We will charge 20 dollars or so for t-shirts and go for about four or five days in June.
A.: As rules are presently interpreted - YES - a nonschool sponsor's still required for camps/leagues/clin- ics involving students in high school. The Bylaws allow a member school to sponsor/provide a camp/clin- ic opportunity for students who have just completed 8th grade and below.
Q.: Our foundation would like to offer scholarships for such activities to needy youth but the question came up about whether the WIAA would consider that payment for play and whether it would object to such scholarships. Is it appropriate to offer scholarships to those who need help to take indoor tennis lessons, to attend a summer camp, to travel to participate in a tournament?
A.: A succinct answer to your questions can be found in the WIAA's Rules At A Glance document: Please go to our website (www.wiaawi.org). Under Regulations choose WIAA Rules Overview. For Expenses - Training and Competing, see Article III/F. When it comes to specialized training, camps, clinics, etc., the student and their family must cover 100 percent of all costs associated with the opportunity. When it comes to competition, playing a game, competing in a tournament, a student can be reimbursed actual and necessary costs, including entry fees, travel, lodging, food. To provide clinic/learning opportunities to dis- advantaged students, some sport enthusiasts in our urban communities put the "machinery" in place to provide 100 percent free camp/clinics - available to any/all students interested in attending. If there are no costs associated with the opportunity and it is available to any/all who might be interested regardless of school and/or team status, then even the disadvantaged can cover 100 percent of that.
3-25-05
Q.: Can coaches at the middle school level raise money and use some of that money to send their play- ers to camps? What are the rules here?
A.: If you are a WIAA member at the middle level, the rules in this regard are the same as at the senior high level. Simple answer is "no." When it comes to camps/clinics, specialized training or instruction, a student and their family must cover 100 percent of all costs.
Q.: A local sports medicine facility runs a speed camp at our school in the summer. The cost to students is pretty steep, over $100. Would it be legal to subsidize the program as a whole with either sports camp funds or an all school walkathon?
A.: In general, camps, clinics, specialized training/instruction are 100 percent the responsibility of student and/or family – that's the best way. Speed/conditioning camps are "camps." The simplest answer is "no," but it would not be totally correct. There is an acceptable perspective, that so long as the "camp" is the "same" for all interested, that's ok, too. Either everyone inter- ested in attending can attend for free, or everyone interested in attending may attend at a reduced fee. We see a number of examples of this in parts of the state where free camps/clinics are offered to every student wishing to attend. If there is a local source/benefactor in your area that wishes to underwrite "half the cost" (for example) of any student/every student in your area/region who might wish to attend, so that the host needs only to charge $50 that sort of reduced fee for every- one also works. That can be acceptable provided the opportunity is made known to and accessi- ble to students regardless of school and/or team status. Lastly, You mention "sport camps funds." At present, a member school is not able to be involved financially or in any other way with a stu- dent's nonschool pursuits (Bylaws).
12-13-04
Q.: Can Booster Clubs and/or Gridiron Clubs pay for athletes to participate in passing leagues that schools (often state college football programs) put on in the summer? For example; some of our football players will be par- ticipating in a UW summer passing league. The cost is usually around $300 - $400. Do the student athletes pay for this or can our Gridiron Club/Booster Club pay for this?
A.: Amateur Status rules allow a student to be reimbursed actual and necessary costs associated with com- petition. Summer passing leagues have been viewed in much the same light as summer basketball leagues, i.e., as a summer competition opportunity and as such, entry fees being paid by someone other then the athlete has been allowed. There is another dimension of this to keep in mind however. Amateur status pro- visions do not allow an athlete to receive "benefit" as a result of their athletic achievement, potential or performance. Thus, if the boosters wish to pay for summer league, they need to pay for summer league for any student interested in attending. It's not a problem to pay the summer league fees. It only becomes a problem if/when the funds are only made available, fees are paid only for just select individuals or groups. When this sort of selection occurs, the benefit becomes based on athletic potential/performance...i.e., being a varsity level performer. It's when this happens that amateur status concerns arise. Lastly keep in mind that students still need cover 100 percent of costs associated with camps, clinics specialized training.
12-1-04
Q.: Can I use high school gymnasts to be demonstrators for our clinic this weekend? They would not be work- ing with high school coaches, theirs or other teams.
A.: Not a problem. School athletes and other students could volunteer to demonstrate in this sort of clin- ic but could not be coached by the person who will be coaching them in the upcoming school season.
9-16-04
Q.: Our community has a fall league hockey clinic in September. Can our high school kids come and help out and get community service hours? Are they allowed to be on the ice with us if we are teaching mites and squirts how to skate? I would say no, but we have a service leadership clause where every student needs to do 20 hours service during each year.
A.: This is a restricted time. Coaches and players are not allowed to have coaching contact, except during the season. "No" is the correct answer. This would not be a good community service event for your stu- dents, unless your school coaches had no presence or part of the youth hockey clinic while school players were present.
8-23-04
Q.: We host summer basketball camps for grade school students. Some of the players in our program volunteer to assist at these camps. Is it a violation of any rule to pay these players for their time? They are players from all three levels. I know it is a violation to offer any incentive for summer participation for their teams. Would pay- ing the players for helping out at grade school camps be an incentive to participate? I have always been under the impression that we could not pay the players.
A.: A student athlete may be employed, just not self-employed in the delivery of sport skill instruction or training. They may be compensated for working as a camp clinician. When desiring to pay student ath- letes who may be employed/working as camp/clinic employees, best friendly advice is to create some level of "sunshine", awareness, documentation/record keeping and/or administrative approval for whatever the salary you might decide upon. Any of these sorts of strategies will help prevent the blind allegations of inappropriate or excessive pay or inducement.
Q.: Is there a cut off day for athletes attending camp this summer? I have a bunch of girls attending a hitter/set- ter volleyball camp, one day, on Aug. 9th, one week before preseason starts. Is this ok? Are we, as coaches able to watch the camp off to the side without talking with the girls?
A.: There is no cut off day for athletes attending camps. There are no restrictions on students voluntarily assembling in the summer time, without school or coach involvement. Your school coaches could not have coaching contact with them at the camp, under any circumstances, after July 31 and before the start of the actual school season. Coaches can watch off to the side if they choose. (It can sometimes lead to assert- ing that's how a coach "required" the kids to attend., how the coach took "attendance"). But, rules would not prevent a coach from going to observe.
Q.: We used our contact days to run a football camp on July 30 and 31. We had grades 6-12 participate and did not limit our athletes to just our school's students but that is the only students that attended. My concern or prob- lem is how to sponsor the camp for liability reason without involving the school district? It is my understand- ing that the school cannot sponsor the camp in any way? Can it be sponsored by a student activity club so that the campers are covered by the district's liability insurance?
A.: A school/student group is still "the school". Either a nonschool group like the village fire dept., the Lion's, Elks, etc., or the Boosters need to sponsor. Some of these organizations will already have their own insurance. Otherwise the campers need to be charged a modest fee in order to allow the sponsor to pur- chase short term liability protection for the camp, if that's required by the district. At present, a "mem- ber school" may not sponsor a camp for high school aged athletes or be involved "financially or in any other way" (Bylaws, Handbook p. 26 Section 3). It's not uncommon for the Boosters to sponsor and come up with a way to insure their camp (which is the wise thing to do).
5-21-04
Q.: We have tentative plans to host a camp Aug. 2, 3, and 4 of this year for grades K-12 sponsored by the UW- XYZ wrestlers the same as in the past just different dates. After coaches forum this morning, is this OK with the dates? Article VI Nonschool participation Section 2 Out-of-Season A. 3, c: Coaches are allowed to use some or all of their athletes, as clinicians, when conducting a clinic for youngsters who have just completed 8th grade on down. This may be done for a maximum of six days, during the summer (when school is not in session), and must conclude no later than the last Saturday in July. I guess as long as your not using your wrestlers as clini- cians you can run your camp Aug 2, 3, and 4.
A.: This interpretation is essentially, "right on." A camp can be held for 8th graders and below virtually anytime during the summer (when school's not in session). Only if HS players are going to be used as cli- nicians does it need to take place before the last Saturday in July. A member school is able to sponsor this camp. Camps, clinics, competition for high school aged athletes may not be sponsored by the school. (Schools may only "sponsor" during the scheduled school season) and as a result must be sponsored by a nonschool source, such as your booster club.
Q.: A local wrestling club would like to pay $750 per day for a two-day camp at our high school during the first two days over summer break. Can the club pay the full amount thereby allowing interested wrestlers to attend for free? Can the club have the student athletes pay $50 each and the club pays for the balance remaining (if there is one)?
A.: The club may cover all costs associated with creating this opportunity and thereby making it free to anyone/everyone interested (they certainly might set a limit/the max number they believe the camp can accommodate) then advertise it as first ''75" who sign up, e.g. The club may also charge any/all who attend the same amount of fee. The key is in the uniformity of the opportunity. Can't charge one set of attendees $100 so "my players" get the "benefit" of a lesser/reduced rate.
Q.: Is it illegal for organizations and booster clubs to contribute money to our volleyball players who will attend a university summer volleyball camp? I'm not sure if it is legal because it involves contributions/funds.
A.: When it comes to camps, clinics, specialized training/instruction...the student and/or their family must cover 100 percent of all costs associated with the opportunity. Please refer to our publication entitled Rules At A Glance. See Article III–Students, letter F.