5-21-10
Q.: Academic eligibility for 4th/final term. Does that take place immediately, as in tournament time this spring, or does it effect the fall sport? If it affects this spring season and occurs during tournament time, can eligibility be regained, (as in an incomplete) and athlete becomes eligible for the remainder of the tournament?
A.: As soon as the grades are out for all students (a uniform date), the spring sport students would begin their 21 consecutive calendar day period of ineligibility. (Their ineligibility does not carry over to the fall unless the school decides to do so.) If they are not spring students and are fall athletes, then the fall stu- dents would begin their 21 consecutive day period of ineligibility on the date of their first fall competition. Eligibility can be regained upon completion of the 21 calendar days. Students with incompletes are ineli- gible until the grade is made up within two weeks and they regain eligibility immediately.
Q.: Does the WIAA have a policy on suspending or cancelling activities due to lightning?
A.: Yes. We follow the NFHS guidelines. The following Guidelines on Handling Contests During Lightning Disturbances can be found in the NFHS sport rules books, at the end of the rules section. 1) Assign staff to monitor local weather conditions before and during events. 2) Develop an evacuation plan, including identification of appropriate nearby shelters. 3) Develop criteria for suspension and resumption of play: a. When thunder is heard, or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning. Suspend play and take shelter immediately. b. Thirty-minute rule. Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play. c. Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30- minute count, reset the clock and another 30-minute count should begin. 4) Hold periodic reviews for appropriate personnel. The major change is that if ANY thunder is heard OR a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, play should be suspended, stands should be cleared, and all should seek shelter. Previously, the recommendation suggested that if there was at least a count of 30 seconds between the thunder and the lightning then the storm is far enough away to not be of concern. This is no longer considered appro- priate or accurate. The consensus is there is no thunder without lightning and vice versa, so if one or the other is noted, both are there.
Q.: Would it affect a soccer player's eligibility this spring if they participated in a German classes vs. French classes soccer match during the school day. The two classes play a match against each other during the last school period of the day. The score is kept and there is a ref. I just want to make sure no rules are being broken.
A.: The situation described creates a situation where you can have the girls participate as they are in-sea- son. You can have the senior boys soccer players participate as they have used up their eligibility. Underclassman soccer players should not participate as they have remaining eligibility and have played in the fall season and schools may not sponsor two seasons for boys in the same year and athletes are lim- ited to four seasons of a sport. Since you are offering this "school sponsored" soccer opportunity during the school season and it is essentially an "in-house" game, it is considered an intramural activity. WIAA rules do not prevent any student, including seniors and/or underclassmen from participating in intramu- rals – even if they are members of the school's interscholastic team and the team is still in-season. (The WIAA's prohibition is on non-school competition.) The prohibition on team members playing is a local decision, generally driven by a coach not wanting to see varsity level kids sprain an ankle in intramurals. The fundamental rule text is found in Bylaws, Art. II, Sect. 2A-3, p. 26. The biggest key in this particular instance is that this is being offered during the approved school season – in accordance with the Bylaws. If you were offering the activity in March, e.g., (outside of the school season) then you would allow only individuals who have used up their eligibility to play – but not underclassmen who have past status in the program and remaining eligibility.
4-24-10
Q.: Are schools allowed to prohibit juniors and seniors from playing on JV teams?
A.: Schools and conferences determine the participant levels for their sports as well as playing time.
Q.: I understand that our spring baseball team requires seven days of practice prior to its first competition. I ques- tion if the seven days applies to individuals joining the team as well. Specifically, a player was ineligible to start the season as he had multiple F's from quarter two. Quarter three grades are now complete, and this athlete has no failing grades. He now is able to join our varsity baseball team (there were no cuts). Does he need to practice seven days as well prior to competing?
A.: The practice day requirement is a team requirement. While it is desirable for each participant to sat- isfy this requirement, schools will determine when students may begin competition.
Q.: Some coaches think that the rule regarding consecutive days of practice can be "gotten around" if they tell the athletes that one of the practice days is optional. My interpretation is that even if it is optional or not required, they are still having contact with their athletes (whoever shows up) for more than six consecutive days.
A.: Our member's rules provide only that a team must take one day of rest/non-physical day after six con- secutive days of practice and/or competing in our season regulations for each sport: A team must take one day off, from all physical activity, after six consecutive days of practice/competition. Teams may schedule nonphysical activity, such as film review, scouting reports, rehab, etc., during this off day. (Season Regulations) The key is that it may not include physical activity. It would be best to have some discussion with the administration and determine what you will allow at your school. In addition, it also comes down to coaches and their personal integrity.
3-15-10
Q.: My question deals with baseball scheduling. Is it permissible to schedule a game after the WIAA tournament series has begun? Assuming we get a first round bye and don't play in the regional semifinal on June 1, I'd like to schedule a game on Wednesday, June 2.
A.: Yes. You can schedule until your team begins tournament competition and providing the other team has not begun either. See Page 4 of spring regulations.
Q.: I have a question regarding an issue we have with baseball. Our team is planning on traveling to the Metrodome as we have done for the past several years. We have the Metrodome reserved starting at 10 p.m. on Monday, March 29. My question to you is can we start playing a game at 10 p.m. on the 29th and finish the game up after midnight on Tuesday, March 30 or do we need to wait until midnight to start playing? The earliest date for a first game is March 30. If this is a possibility is there a waiver we need to fill out to start on the 29th?
A.: The only waiver that has been granted in the past is the waiver of the number of practices needed before the first game due to cancellation of school because of weather. The start date has not been waived. I know it's only two hours, but they are free to go at 12:01 a.m. on the 30th.
2-5-10
Q.: I have a question regarding academic ineligibility. Does the WIAA have a rule of when a athlete becomes eligible after failing a class at quarter or semester? Or does the WIAA just provide guidelines and schools are free to make up their own rules and requirements. For example: If a student is failing at quarter they have to miss one contest and then as soon as they are passing again, they can play? Or is is there a 15-day rule, etc.?
A.: A student must meet school and DPI requirements defining a full-time student and have received no more than one failing grade (including incompletes) in the most recent (school issued) grade-reporting period. (Some schools adopt a "no-F" policy.) A student who becomes academically ineligible may regain eligibility on the 16th scheduled school day by meeting the academic standard, following a period of 15 scheduled school days and nights of ineligibility. A senior who has acquired all necessary credits toward graduation is not exempt from this rule. This is the WIAA membership minimum. Schools may have more stringent requirements, which they must follow.
Q.: An ineligible player played in basketball games that were lost but didn't play in any games the team won. Does the basketball team have to forfeit the games they won if he didn't play in those particular games or are all games forfeited because he received action in some of the games during the season.
A.: Yes, if the player was on the roster. The violation should be reported to our office. We do have a con- tribution to victory appeal which the member school may use to get back any wins.
1-15-10
Q.: We have an exchange student starting school second semester and is interested in playing basketball. Assuming the paperwork is filed for exchange student eligibility, can he begin practicing with the team when he arrives which would be about two weeks before the first day of second semester?
A.: After the form is completed and approved, you could allow the student to practice. The student would be eligible to compete once the student is officially enrolled and attending your school and the paperwork has been completed and approved.
Q.: Quick question regarding practice – is there a prohibition against 8th grade (or middle school) middle school students practicing with high school teams (JV or varsity) during a regular sport season? These middle school students in question would be from the same school district as the JV or varsity teams.
A.: Allowing middle school students from within your district (in multi-school districts it ought to be from your "feeder" school) to practice with your HS team has not been considered a violation. Friendly advice: Also keep in mind there are always "rippling-out effects" of this consideration/decision. It will eventual- ly impact across all of your sport programs. It will impact upon parents and kids who are already in HS (who will feel the "writing's on the wall" for their child) and it will affect the parents of the middle school athletes who do not have the "same chance" as the most talented - those who get invited to attend. While taking "time and turns" away from students already "in high school" would never be recommended, WIAA membership rules do not prevent middle level students in your district from "practicing" with the high school team...if that's what your administration approves. Because of ramifications across all your schools programs, this ought to be an administrative determination, not a coach's prerogative. I would presume this to be an opportunity your district would make available to all the district's middle level stu- dents with the same circumstances and interest in such an opportunity.
Q.: I had a wrestler receive a flagrant misconduct at a tournament last weekend. He was unable to wrestle the rest of the day and he lost all his placement points. The reason I'm writing this email is to find out if he is inel- igible to wrestle this Thursday. I can't find it in the rule book. It states that the contestant is eliminated from fur- ther competition for the remainder of the dual meet, multiple school event or tournament and no team points can be earned in an individual tournament. I need to know if he is eligible for our dual this week.
A.: In the WIAA Handbook (page 39) under Article VII - Health and Behavior/Compliance, Section 3 – Flagrant or Unsportsmanlike Conduct and/or Assault on an Official: A. A student, disqualified from a con- test for flagrant or unsportsmanlike conduct, is suspended from interscholastic competition for no less than the next competitive event (but not less than one complete game or meet). Your wrestler will have to be suspended for the next contest (whether a dual meet or tournament).
12-18-09
Q.: I know the WIAA doesn't schedule the JV and freshman levels, but with the allowance of an 8th game at the freshman level next year, is the thought process that we play the non-district opponent (week 1) as it would be much easier to schedule than the "unknown" opponent of week 9? I'm trying to prepare for both possibilities. We received the email last week that even if we are still in the "conference" format - we will have a change to the playoffs to eliminate the three games in 10/11 days. Do we know what that change will be? How will it affect our scheduling?
A.: You can schedule the 9th grade any way which meets the minimum three days without pads and 14 different days before a game. I anticipate a change to take effect next year which will eliminate more than one game a week.
Q.: Can you please clarify out-of-season rules for varsity/junior varsity softball team practices? I was at an indoor batting cage with my 13-year old daughter. I was told by the owner that a high school varsity softball team was renting the facility on Tuesday nights for practices with coaches present. Is this permitted under WIAA rules?
A.: Coaches are allowed contact during the sport season during the school year along with five unre- stricted days during the summer. Softball is allowed to have unlimited nonschool contact during the sum- mer. Open gyms are available provided the coach is not instructing. I am not familiar with the details on this situation and do not wish to speculate. If you have some concerns, I recommend that you contact your local athletic director.
Q.: I'm a high school softball coach. Every other year we take a trip with our team over spring break. However, with softball starting a week later starting in 2010, I am running into a little trouble planning my trip for 2011. In 2011, I would like to take a trip to Florida. We have played at Disney twice previously. Our spring break is March 21-25, 2011. Softball starts on March 21, with earliest date for a game: Tuesday, March 29. With that sce- nario, I would have to schedule games on Tuesday, 3/29 and Wednesday, 3/30. We would miss three days of school. Question: Could I get a waiver to play a game one day earlier, Monday, March 28? I would then sched- ule games on Monday and Tuesday, fly home Tuesday night, and players/coaches would only miss two days of school. Is that a possibility?
A.: We have not provided a waiver to play before the earliest allowed date. The season calendars have been adhered to in order to provide uniformity to all of our members. We are uncomfortable reducing the num- ber of practices for athletes to get acclimated to the sport. The only precedence is due to bad weather where the calendar days still provided the eight days (seven practices plus the one day of rest) before the first competition.
Q.: I will be a ref at a varsity wrestling dual tournament hosted by a Wisconsin school that will include a team from Minnesota. Teams from Minnesota commonly have 8th graders and occasionally 7th graders wrestling on varsity. This is completely within the Minnesota rules. The NFHS rules are silent on this situation. I have no knowledge if this team has any junior high school wrestlers on their roster, but if this situation comes up on Saturday I would like to have a ruling in writing from the WIAA. Does a Minnesota team coming to Wisconsin have to adhere to WIAA rules regarding participation? Do WIAA rules prohibit a Wisconsin high school wrestler from competing against a junior high school student in a WIAA sanctioned event? Does the WIAA insurance cover the ref if someone is hurt in a match including a junior high school student? Please advise.
A.: Minnesota schools are expected to follow their state's rules. Their rules allow middle school students to wrestle at the high school level. Our rules do not/have not ever prevented WIAA members from com- peting against Minnesota schools and whoever they have on their teams. If you look at ROE. Art. I, Sect. 4, it provides that you may not let your students compete against another Wisconsin – member's – stu- dents in grade eight and below. We put that wording together specifically to accommodate our many mem- bers who regularly compete across the border, to have as smooth sailing as possible when competing. I would add that to the best of my knowledge, most of our members who regularly compete versus a Minnesota school – do allow their guests to abide by their state's provisions. Our member schools may allow the student of Minnesota to compete – if that's what you wish to do.
10-23-09
Q.: I am a concerned parent wondering if there are any WIAA regulations regarding the length of a day between education and athletics for a student. Or a regulations about the intensity (amount of time) a practice schedule should consist of for a student athlete. I have concerns with an early morning practice and then a late evening practice on the same day making it an 18 hour day for a student who needs to study, sleep and maintain their overall health.
A.: Our WIAA membership rules do not have rule pertaining to the length of the school day for practice or competition. The DPI has requirements for the length of the school day. Your local school may have some suggested length of practice determinations. I suggest that you contact your athletic administrator with your concerns.
Q.: I have an area of concern that I need clarification on regarding games allowed in a week. We have the fol- lowing scenario playing out this week in football: Sophomore game scheduled for October 1, was postponed due to weather. This game was rescheduled and played on Monday. Another sophomore game is scheduled for Thursday the same week. Varsity game is scheduled for Friday the same week. We could possibly have a few student athletes playing in three games in five days. My question with the rule is if there are exceptions made when games are rescheduled due to weather? If not, then I need to make sure that our coaches are aware that these student athletes can not play in one of the games the next two days.
A.: There should be three days between games (season regulations, page 12, 6d). The rules provide that it is the responsibility of the coach to be particularly concerned abut over-exposing students to the point of adversely affecting their health and safety (season regulations, page 12, 7b). Also related under 7c, under no conditions may a student compete as a member of more than two different level teams in the same calendar week.
Q.: Is there a rule that says a freshmen that goes up a level can never go back down? Our best kicker (really our only kicker) is a freshmen, but I don't want to take away a season of playing football just to kick off for the varsity.
A.: There is not a WIAA rule which states that a freshman may not play at the freshman level after play- ing at the varsity level. You may wish to review the individual participation limitations in the Fall Season Regulations on page 12 to see the recommendations.
Q.: Is it local control (conf. or even by school) or WIAA stipulation that determines whether 12th grade athletes can play at the JV or even C-team level?
A.: Our rules are for eligibility on the varsity and nonvarsity levels. They do not, however, govern playing time or which levels can or cannot be played by athletes.
9-18-09
Q.: I have a parent who wants to pay a "specialist" to help train her son as a soccer goal-keeper during the sea- son. This seems OK to me as they are doing this with their own money. Are there any eligibility issues with doing this?
A.: WIAA rules don't prevent this. See III D of the Rules At A Glance. This will be your call. Typically the headaches for our members arise if/when: The private coach is telling the student something contrary to the school coaches directions; when the private coach starts showing up at/around games and wants to begin coaching the kid there; the private instruction IS NOT to take place during the contest - (then you have the situation where the same guy who's been coaching an athlete outside the season is also coaching them during the school season – and that's a WIAA violation). Best advice is the private instruction is done completely away from the school's practices and contests. The next most common problem we hear from members comes when student/parent wants to miss the school's practice – in order to attend/receive the private instruction. Some good communication/clear direction from you and your school coach can keep all of these things from developing should you wish to allow it.
Q.: Does WIAA allow Sunday play?
A.: See Sr. High HB, Bylaws Art. II, Sect. 5B; pg. 26. Though it appears under a section identified as "a school shall not participate in..." - reading the actual text reveals that contests on Sunday are not prohib- ited by the Association – so long as local governing boards/Board of Ed – are aware and approve. This is a local control decision.
Q.: I had an out-of-town parent contact me. She has a group of home school students who have a running club/team. They would like to compete as a team in one of our invitationals. Is this possible? I do have some concerns with it myself. I welcome the competition, but do we allow them to compete when they choose not to be part of a public or private school who participate with other WIAA schools?
A.: WIAA members already compete with "club teams", soccer, (in the past) hockey vs. WAHA, summer baseball vs. Legion teams, etc. Our rules don't prevent that. (The exception now being soccer.) This sort of scheduling/competition has, to this point, been primarily at the non varsity level - more as a result of competitive "fit" than anything else, but not always. Essentially, WIAA requirements for competing with a "non-school/club team" are that: Their team is comprised of "age appropriate" participants. The com- petition itself is under the authority/control/direction/supervision of a member school's administration (institutional control) that National Federation and WIAA rules for the competition/event are used. If sport officials are a part of the competition, WIAA licensed sport officials must be used. Advice would be: That if an opportunity to fill a "slot" is available in those events you sponsor which you know would be "conducive" and that after your discussion/conversation/investigation, you feel comfortable/confident in extending an invitation, we would be 100 percent supportive.
8-21-09
Q.: Our coach has informed us it is a requirement that an athlete participate in seven practices prior to playing their first game. Is this a WIAA rule? Would contact with the coach prior to August 1 count toward the seven practices?
A.: Minimum days of practice are team requirements. While it is desirable for each participant to satisfy this requirement, schools will determine when students may begin competition. This rule is only satisfied after the season of practice is officially allowed to begin.
Q.: We have some grade ineligibility issues. When it says "21 consecutive calendar days beginning with the date of the first possible competition." What is the date for the first possible completion for football? If a student receives a failing grade fourth quarter he can take that penalty or 1/3 of the games, correct?
A.: The earliest date for competition in each sport is on the calendar at the beginning of the WIAA Senior High Handbook (p. 8) for each sport and at the beginning of each season regulation book (p. 2). Football is August 27, 2009. So eligibility begins on September 17. It may vary for other sports if they fit the required number of meets before the date such as volleyball. We have provided an Academic Eligibility grid for fall sports on our Web site under "Rules Overview & Eligibility." Keep in mind for other sports if multi-school meets are counted as one for the total number of contests it counts as one for this purpose.
7-10-09
Q.: Is a high school student allowed to have extra training from a coach (which is not the high school coach) during the high school official track season (March or April to June)? What is the policy on outside (extra - out- side) training when the high school has a full coaching staff?
A.: See Art. III-D of the Rules At A Glance. WIAA rules do not prevent private instruction. Do keep in mind the private instructor can not provide instruction/direction at the school or in/around a school's competition. Also a good idea to work with the school's coach on this topic in advance. Third party coach- es can do a lot of damage to the school's team.
Q.: If an athlete violates a school conduct code during the baseball playoffs and sits out the required three game suspension, is that athlete eligible to play after he has met the three-game suspension?
A.: No. Our member's rules in this area provide that if a student misses one or more games in the WIAA tournament series as a result of a code of conduct violation, the student is then ineligible for all games in the tournament series of that sport.
Q.: I have a question about participation limits for summer baseball, as I didn't see anything regarding this in the Spring Regulations under numbers six or seven. Is a student allowed to play in games in two levels in one day? For example - could a freshman pitch in a 9:30 a.m. freshman game and then play shortstop in a 5:30 p.m. JV or varsity game in the same day? We realize that pitching restrictions would be in place no matter what.
A.: The 26 game - individual maximums are identified as "spring baseball" limitations. The rules are silent on summer individual restrictions. WIAA rules do not prevent participation in more than one level in a single day, if you choose to allow it.
5-26-09
Q.: Checking on a ruling for further reference. Let's say a player is ejected from a game on Friday. On Saturday they are playing in a multi game tournament. Does the player need to sit the first game of the tournament or the entire tournament? One of our AD's wanted me to make sure it was just the first game of the tournament. They believe the term next competitive event could mean the entire tournament.
A.: If this is a baseball doubleheader – student misses first game but is OK for the second. If this is a soft- ball "multi date" - where the "date" counts as one of your season maximums and individual games are not limited – then the student misses the entire date. Same as in wrestling – or any other sport where multi- competitions are or have been a part of the season maximum formula.
5-8-09
Q.: I have been asked by the area youth soccer association to try to set up a scrimmage soccer game for this spring. There is a group of 16-year old boys traveling from Great Britain through an organization called Teamlink. They are coming through this area and would like to play my HS GDU team. Afterward they are ask- ing for a Wisconsin tailgate party which I am willing to throw. My players are all freshman and sophomores. Is it legal for me to do such a thing according to WIAA?
A.: WIAA Season Regulations (p. 19 and 20) provide that WIAA members may not scrimmage or com- pete vs. non-school affiliated club teams. (Season Regs 4A-1 and 6A1)
Q.: Last Saturday, school A played a doubleheader baseball game vs. school B. In the first game, a "B" player was ejected but then played the entire second game. School B won that game. In that second game, a school A player was ejected and will be sitting out the next game, which is scheduled for tomorrow. Our question is: because the school B player did not sit out a game as the rules stipulate, would that result in a forfeit for them?
A.: The player ejected as described below, should have been withheld from the second game of the dou- bleheader. If he competed, it was as an ineligible participant as a result of Baseball Season Regulation #8. If he competed – as an ineligible player the contest must be forfeit as outlined in ROE Art. I, sect. 5.
Q.: I have a question about what constitutes a scrimmage/game. What if one team wants to count a game as a scrimmage and the other team involved wants to count it as a game. What is the ruling on this? Do they both have to agree on it being a game? Please let me know because I have been told a couple of different things.
A.: The baseball season regulations contain the member's exact text on this topic. The pertinent statement in this case is, "Note: If either school counts a scrimmage as a game, it must be counted as a game for both programs, schools or teams." Please tell me what schools you are aware of being confused on the provi- sion. It has been a point of emphasis the past two seasons and is written quite clearly – I think.
Q.: Can physicians assistants (PA's) cover WIAA sporting events without a physician at the event, but available by phone?
A.: Yes. Keep in mind, the WIAA does not require a physician be on-site at events. There are some mem- bers that are not able to have an athletic trainer at some events. I must imagine a PA would be welcome by many of our members. It is also important to recognize that the PA would NOT be afforded the status as an MD on matters of injury/illness/skin conditions/casts, e.g., - where by the playing rules, clearance and/or return to compete must be authorized by an MD.
4-10-09
Q.: I am a high school girls varsity soccer coach. I have two guys that want to be managers for our girls soccer team. As you know we play in the spring and the boys play in the fall. They are going to be seniors next year, and I am assuming they will play on the guys team. 1) Can they be managers for our team without affecting their eligibility? 2) Can they come to our practice? In the past, I had two guys that were seniors, so it does not apply, I used them in some drills, etc., to show how it is done.
A.: Using these students as managers might be done within the rules. Key is that they are 100 percent man- agers. Hustling water, first aid, nets, balls, equipment, keeping stats, etc. – No Problems. ABSOLUTELY ZERO involvement with coaching/instruction, drills etc. Any involvement outside of pure managerial – is a violation and holds potential peril for the boys and school team. Ordinarily, managers do attend prac- tice. But again, they can not engage in any way/shape or form with your practice – other than in off-field managerial role. WIAA provisions allow each student up to four seasons of school sponsored soccer – and only one per school year. In this instance, the students hold the potential for burning their last season of school-sponsored soccer - in a spring practice setting. For seniors, this isn't a problem – moot point. Their HS eligibility is already over.
3-27-09
Q.: One of our wrestlers was academically ineligible at the end of the third nine weeks. The 15-day eligibility period finished Friday, Feb. 13 with him regaining eligibility on Monday, Feb. 16. Since he missed the regional tournament on Saturday, Feb. 14 (he would not have competed anyway) can he be eligible for our team at the team State tournament. He did not wrestle for Tuesday's team sectional. I believe you once told me that academic ineligibility is different than a code violation.
A.: Yes. An academic suspension is not viewed the same as a code suspension. If the student regains academic eligibility, WIAA rules do not prevent the student from rejoining the team as an eligible competitor later on in the tournament series, even if the student was held out of one or more tournament series competitions.
Q.: On March 12, our student council is sponsoring a basketball game between students and faculty members, with proceeds going to MS. I know that it is the week of WIAA girls state and boys sectionals--so if we are still in competition, no current players could be on the teams. But, if we are out of the WIAA series, then either senior boys or girls could play, right? What about non-seniors who were on the team this year and plan to play next season?
A.: Since you are offering this "school sponsored" basketball opportunity during the school season and it is essentially an "in-house" game, it is considered an intramural activity. WIAA rules do not prevent any student, including seniors and/or underclassmen from participating in intramurals – even if they are members of the school's interscholastic team and the team is still in-season. (The WIAA's prohibition is on non-school competition.) The prohibition on team mem- bers playing is a local decision, generally driven by a coach not wanting to see varsity level kids sprain an ankle in intra- murals. The fundamental rule text is found in Bylaws, Art. II, Sect 2A-3, p. 26. The biggest key in this particular instance is that this is being offered during the approved school season – in accordance w/the Bylaws. If you were offering the activity in April, e.g., (outside of the school season) then you would allow only seniors to play – but not underclassmen who have past status in the program and remaining eligibility.
Q.: In November, I had a full 20-game freshmen schedule. Since then, we have lost five games due to teams in our conference dropping their freshmen programs. I have been able to scramble and get four additional games giving us 19. This Thursday, we play a school who has dropped freshmen last week. I have workers and refs scheduled. Can our freshmen play our 8th grade team? They are NOT members of the WIAA.
A.: No. Sorry. Even though your middle school may not be a member of the WIAA, the spirit and intent of ROE Article I was to preserve age appropriate competition. The text was drafted as it presently exists specifically to accommodate our members who might be competing with a Minn. school who in turn might have one or two middle school students on their team of high school athletes. There was never an intention to allow WIAA high school teams to compete vs. a team comprised entirely of middle school students.
Q.: Our softball team is participating in one scrimmage at Disney World. We are practicing as a team the remainder of the time. Do we still need a waiver? We are only scrimmaging one school. A.: Technically, no. There are no competitions scheduled. You are traveling to Fla. to practice.
2-13-09
Q.: I was reading the minutes of the WBCA Executive Board Meeting in December and came across a comment about five inning games at the JV and freshmen levels being against WIAA rules. My issue is with a conference rule we have that requires us to play a doubleheader of five-inning games at the varsity level if our first confer- ence game with a given team is rained out. The coaches in the conference have tried over the years to have our conference rule taken off the books, but have not had any success. Playing a five-inning game or two (or some- times four) that could decide the conference championship just doesn't seem fair. If they aren't technically allowed for JV games, they certainly shouldn't be allowed for varsity contests. I'm asking what the position of the WIAA would be on this matter. I would think the WIAA would have a problem with its members having competitions that are not following WIAA regulations.
A.: Our position is that each school has voluntarily sought membership in this Association. As part of that membership agreement they have agreed to abide by WIAA Bylaws, Rules of Eligibility and Season
Regulations. The WIAA has adopted National Federation baseball rules. National Federation rules pro- vide that a regulation game is seven innings. While there is provision for determining a completed game when a contest is shortened by weather or darkness there is no provision within the National Federation rules or WIAA provisions for scheduling a varsity baseball game less then seven innings. Presently, there is no provision for scheduling a nonvarsity game for less than seven innings. A baseball game is seven innings. Coaches officials and others may not set aside the adopted provisions of the membership. Those that set aside the rules that govern play and/or the provisions of membership must be regarded as not in compliance with terms of membership. Do keep in mind that if an abbreviated opportunity might be desired, a game can be replaced with a scrimmage.
Q.: We are hosting a tournament (wrestling) and have one school coming from the Twin Cities - do we need to have a form approved?
A.: If the event has more than four schools taking part and one or more are from out of state – then you should do the interstate sanctioning form as found on our Web site, under 'forms.' It is the same form for both WIAA and National Federation sanctioning.
Q.: I have heard rumors around our community about the legality of holding practice on Sundays. Some people think it is okay with WIAA rules, some do not. Could you clarify whether sports practices held on a Sunday are in line with or against WIAA rules?
A.: The WIAA does not identify what days a member may practice and which ones they can't. Our mem- ber's rules provide only that a team must take one day of rest/non-physical day after six consecutive days of practice and/or competing. The WIAA neither encourages nor does it specifically prohibit, practice and/or competition on Sunday - only that the kids get a day of rest every seventh day. It is largely a local control issue.
Q.: With a maximum number of games allowed in baseball being increased to 26 this year, is 14 still the maxi- mum number of games that can be played on school days or prior to school days if travel requires students being dismissed early from classes? Or did that also increase?
A.: If you look at spring season regs, p. 4, #6a you will see the maximum number of games is 26. You will also note the absence of any reference to needing to count school days into that schedule. This text now reads the same as all other WIAA sports. You may schedule your contests as your school and conference determine.
Q.: Our baseball team would like to travel to Missouri this season during the school district spring break. Currently, our club has 18 ball games scheduled, 14 on school days and four on Saturdays. Our first game sched- uled for April 9, but this trip may allow us to play an earlier game. Here are two questions regarding the matter: 1) In reading spring baseball rule 6(f), is it correct that the WIAA will only authorize our school to schedule one game while on this trip even though we are two games below the 20 game maximum? 2) Believing that our school may not schedule both a scrimmage and game, am I correct that the WIAA would only approve a scrim- mage OR a competitive event/game? Is there a difference between an event and a game? 3) Regarding the trip, there are community benefactors who would like to assist the district and athletes in covering the costs of the trip. In reading from the constitution, Article IV, Section 1 (B), it appears that this money may be used to assist in covering the cost of food, transportation, and lodging without jeopardizing our standing as a WIAA member. May such donations be used to cover the cost of a team camp registration fee?
A.: The "event" term was used to accommodate spring trips, such as you've described. You may play as many games as your schedule will accommodate within the season maximums - and if you haven't had a scrimmage you could do that as well. Also - Keep in mind, this spring the maximum number of games for JV and varsity goes to 26. But consistent with membership provisions, your team could only have "one" such out of state "event" of this nature. See Spring Season Regs. P.4, #4 for scrimmage specifications. Your school may accept donations from community members to help defray the cost of your trip as you have described. (You are referencing the amateur status provisions within the Rules of Eligibility.) Best prac- tice is for the local benefactors to "gift" the school and the school covers all expenses. In respect to using donations for team camps, if the team camp is held either during the school season or during part of the five unrestricted summer contact days, then yes. Otherwise, no. See III-F of the Rules At A Glance. Best practice is again, "gifting the school" and the school then covers the cost. Keep in mind that when it comes to a camp of this kind, the opportunity must be available and accessible to any interested student. It would be problematic – if just the "varsity" or just the best players had opportunity for "free or reduced camp." If a set of students receive "benefit" because of athletic ability, potential, or performance, that constitutes and amateur status violation.
1-16-09
Q.: I have a young lady out for gymnastics that has code violations that will not allow her to compete. I am won- dering if she can still perform an exhibition that would not be scored before the match begins. Would this affect eligibility for the rest of the team?
A.: See Winter Season Regulations, p. 18, 7b. The rule is the same for all WIAA sports. You will find the rule listed about the same section for all other sports as well. Answer's "no." If the student could not com- pete in regular competition – then not eligible for exhibition.
Q.: Can you play a school sporting event if school gets called off?
A.: This is a local control and local policy matter. The WIAA does not require cancellation of after school programs if school is cancelled.
Q.: Can an 8th grader practice with a frosh team or a JV basketball team?
A.: Though the WIAA would never recommend it, allowing middle school students from within your dis- trict (in multi-school districts it ought to be from your "feeder" school) to practice with your HS team has not been considered a violation. Friendly advice: keep in mind there are always "rippling-out effects" of this consideration/decision. It will eventually impact across all sport programs – it will impact upon par- ents and kids who are already in HS (who will feel the writing's on the wall for their child) and it will affect the parents of the middle schoolers who do not have the same chance as the most talented - those who get invited to attend.
Q.: I have a question about a wrestling tournament. We have a team coming from Minnesota who has an 8th grader wrestling varsity. We've been told that WI rules are that only high school wrestlers can participate. Is that true? Would it make a difference if the parents signed a release of some sort? This boy has been wrestling varsity for the team last year and this year and will be very disappointed to miss participating with his team only because of his age. (After all, it is to his disadvantage to wrestle, it's not like he's 20 - he's 13!)
A.: Minnesota schools are expected to follow their state's rules. Their rules allow middle school students to wrestle at the sr. high level. Our rules do not/have not ever prevented WIAA members from competing against MN schools and whoever they have on their teams. If you look at ROE. Art. I, Sect. 4, it provides that you may not let your students compete against another – member's – students in grade eight and below. We put that wording together specifically to accommodate our many members who regularly com- pete across the border, to have as smooth sailing as possible when competing. I would add that to the best of my knowledge, most of our members who regularly compete vs. a MN school – do allow their guests to abide by their state's provisions. You may allow the student to compete – if that's what you wish to do.
12-12-08
Q.: Our conference has a rule that states "each game of a baseball double header will be five innings in length" - can we do that? Or, do both games have to be scheduled for seven innings in length?
A.: Baseball has no provision within the rules which allows for scheduling five inning games. Baseball is seven innings.
Q.: A friend was telling me that there was a rule within the WIAA that kids can not be "cut" off of high school teams. I was wondering if this is true and if there was somewhere on your website that shows this and how it applies to high school sports.
A.: There is no WIAA rule of this kind - except - when it comes to co-op teams. If a school is running a co- op program, one of the conditions for approval is that no students will be cut.
Q.: Is there any rule prohibiting a boys team from scrimmaging a girls team from the same school during prac- tices in basketball?
A.: No, none. II-E of the Rules At A Glance identifies that there is a limit to the number of practices/scrim- mages you can have with another school's team. But you may practice with or against kids from your own school (either gender) any time you wish during the season.
10-24-08
Q.: Question on baseball. My understanding is this spring (2009) teams can play 26 games with no more than 14 on school days. A coach called me and said he heard that all 26 games needed to be played on only 20 days. Is this true?
A.: Your understanding is correct. Your coach is incorrect. As language presently will read: "The maxi- mum number of games is 26, but no more than 14 may be scheduled on school days. The evening of a school day preceding a nonschool day may be used to schedule games beyond 14... etc." There is nothing in the text that indicates the max number of dates is 20. In addition, there will be a recommendation from both baseball and softball going to the BOC in October that, if approved, would read as follows: The max- imum number of games is 26 but no more than 14 may be scheduled on school days that result in or require a loss of school time..." The idea of this language recognizes that not all games on school nights necessarily require a loss of school time..and loss of school time we think is the key element to be consid- ered. Thus home games and nearby opponents could be scheduled above/beyond the 14 dates...again, pro- viding there's no loss of school time.
Q.: I was wondering if it is possible to scrimmage a junior college team? I have not been able to find a scrim- mage and was going to call the area tech school and see if they would scrimmage if it was legal.
A.: There are provisions in WIAA Bylaws and Season Regulations that prohibit "competition" (a game) and scrimmages vs. post secondary schools and high schools from out of state, unless the the school is a member of their state HS Association. Obviously, colleges and junior colleges are not going to be members of any state's high school association (Bylaws Art. II, Sect. 5F). But, those same rules would allow you to have your one day of scrimmage against a JC or Tech school team, so long as the school was an in-state school and you met the days of practice requirement prior to the scrimmage with them. See II-E of the Rules At A Glance.
Q.: We're looking at a baseball trip over our spring break. Unfortunately, our spring break falls during our first week of practice. Practice starts on Monday, March 23. We are contemplating heading a bit south – maybe some- where just south of Chicago or in southern Illinois. My understanding is that it would be permissible for us to
go down there and practice for a few days and then find a team to scrimmage on Saturday, March 28. Finding that team is always the issue – and whether they are even allowed to scrimmage per their state association rules is also an issue. Two questions then - 1) I assume it would be permissible to scrimmage another Wisconsin team on that Saturday while down there? 2) As a cost savings would it be permissible for us to travel there with anoth- er Wisconsin team on the same bus?
A.: Yes to both questions. There is some precedent for allowing teams from different schools to travel on the same bus. The fundamental key to this scenario is that separate practice arrangements must be made up until the day of scrimmage.
9-19-08
Q.: Each year several of our coaches put in their budgets new balls for their respective sports. We have been told that it is a requirement of WIAA that each contest be played with new balls. As we look at school district budg- ets and all sections of our budget, these sport balls do add up. We have not only varsity levels ordering new balls but also middle school through JV. Could someone from WIAA please clarify for me the requirement and expec- tation of new balls for school sports?
A.: In sports where balls are used, the WIAA requires that balls bear NFHS authenticating mark for var- sity level competition. In some sports like baseball and softball, where/when a ball gets roughed to the extent of providing a competitive advantage to the pitcher (or a hazard to the batter) because of the scuff- ing a new (or different) ball might be requested by the umpire — BUT, there is no WIAA provision requir- ing new balls be used in each contest.
Q.: I just wanted to clarify a question about football player eligibility. If a sophomore plays in a JV game on Monday and a C-Team game on Thursday, can he still dress for the varsity game on Friday?
A.: Student could dress - but cannot enter the game - even for a single play - If he did so that would be his third level of exposure in the same calendar week - at that point, student would be entering as an ineligi- ble player and the varsity game ordered forfeit.
Q.: There is an 8th grade student in our district who is a distance runner and his parents would like to have him practice with our varsity cross country team this season. Is this something that is allowed?
A.: Allowing middle school students from w/in your district (in multi-school districts it ought to be from your "feeder" school) to practice w/your HS team has not been considered a violation. Friendly advice: also keep in mind - there are always "rippling-out effects" of this consideration/decision. It will eventual- ly impact across all sport programs...it will impact upon parents and kids who are already in HS (who will feel the "writing's on the wall" for their child) and it will affect the parents of the middle schoolers who do not have the "same chance" as the most talented - those who get invited to attend. This should be an administrative level decision and not a coaches prerogative.
Q.: Can a member of our boys varsity tennis team be a manager for the girls tennis team?
A.: A boy can be a manager for a girl's team. However, you want to be especially careful in tennis. Managers are only allowed to do "managerial" duties. These duties may be things like taking attendance, keeping stats, providing towels, providing water, sweeping the courts, etc. You are correct, they may not hit with the girls, and they may not toss balls to the girls, provide demonstrations or participate in drills in any way. Only "managerial" duties are allowed. Same is true in swim, soccer, golf, etc.
Q.: I have a soccer eligibility question for you: We have a boy who transferred into our district last year who plays soccer. He did not play soccer last year though. This year he will be a senior. His sophomore year he attend- ed another school and played varsity soccer. His last game as a sophomore that year he received a "red card" and sat out the remainder of that game. Since the boy did not play last year (his junior year) does he still need to sit out one game for that sophomore red card game this year as a senior?
A.: Yes, unless the student was held out of the first game in a winter or spring sport - the student must serve the suspension in the first game of his next sport season.
Q.: Article V states that students who are not full-time enrollees may not compete in athletics. Does this preclude athletic practice/participation?
A.: Both Article I and V of the Rules of Eligibility make clear that our members have agreed to only use their own full-time students on their interscholastic athletic teams and in interscholastic competition. The rules further indicate you can not include students from other schools on your teams and in your prac- tices. The rules do, however, allow you to include "members of the community" in your practices. See II- E of the Rules At A Glance. If you have a part-time student and they have a physical on file and parental permission - and you wished to allow the student to practice - that would be your prerogative.
5-22-08
Q.: Is it permissible for a school playing spring baseball to schedule a game on May 23 with a school that plays summer baseball?
A.: Yes. Be sure to remind the summer team they will need to practice on the first Saturday (and/or Sunday) in order to have their minimum of seven different days of practice in prior to first game.
Q.: I am a high school head baseball coach. We received the WIAA Spring Baseball Summary for one of the schools in our regional, for seeding purposes. I see that they had two different doubleheaders in which the games were (evidently) scheduled to be five innings each. I had heard that any/all games that were scheduled for five innings could not be considered for seeding purposes. I probably shouldn't be making a fuss about this, but am curious. Can you tell me if this is true/accurate?
A.: For those who inquired - they were told there is no provision to play two five inning baseball games as a doubleheader. Baseball games by National Federation rules which our association adheres to are seven innings. A doubleheader of two five inning games is a softball rule. It does not exist as an option or adap- tation in baseball. NO five inning games were approved by this office. We have not been asked by a mem- ber school's administration, we've not received an allegation of violation or complaint from a member school's administration, nor have I provided an interpretation on if or how those encounters should be counted or considered. Keep in mind the purpose of the seed meeting is to attempt to identify best teams. The W/L record is only a part of that.
Q.: I cannot find anywhere a prohibition against having high school games on Sunday. Is there one?
A.: The rigid ban on Sunday games was removed approximately eight years ago. Bylaws Art. II, Sect. 5 now reads: "A school shall not participate in contests on Sunday, unless such participation is approved by the Board of Education or the governing body of all participating institutions." Senior High Handbook, p. 26
Q.: Is it legal to play all 20 of our maximum allowed baseball games on school nights, if there is no loss of school time (we have lights)?
A.: As it stands right now, that would not be a correct interpretation. Spring Season Regs, p. 4, #6 states, "...no more then 14 may be scheduled on school days." Obviously Fridays or other school days not fol- lowed by a school day could be scheduled above/beyond the 14.
Q.: With the number of events allowed in baseball going up for next year is there any discussion adjusting the number of games you can play on school days from 14?
A.: To this point there has been no discussion or action on increasing school days. The support received in approving this request was in no small part contingent on the fact that no additional loss of school time was a part of proposal. As it stands: A school is not required to play 26, of course. But if a school has lights or their coaches willing to play Saturdays, some extra doubleheaders can be scheduled. Certainly as you know, there are any number of avenues for coaches or AD's to initiate such a request and begin that con- versation.
Q.: I would like permission for our track teams to practice at another school's track over the next few weeks. We are having a renovation project completed over the next two weeks and our track will not be available for prac- tice. This was supposed to be done in fall but we ran into some delays that put the project behind schedule. Our athletes would be practicing at the other school after 5:30 p.m. This would be after their team's practice so our athletes would be separate and not practicing at the same time.
A.: If there is no overlap between the two school's teams, technically and strictly speaking, you do not need a scrimmage waiver. When two teams are sharing a facility at the same time, for reasons of extenuating circumstances of the nature you described, that's when a waiver is most appropriately sought. If teams are not practicing together at same site/same time there's no need for waiving the scrimmage rule. As described, this is a local control, facility use matter only.
3-28-08
Q.: We were sent a contract to play Simeon Career Academy H.S. on December 20, 2008, in the Windy City Showdown. It states in the contract that our school will receive $500 for participating in the event. Is this a violation?
A.: No. Not a violation. It is not altogether uncommon for a host school or event host to help defray costs of a visiting school's team. That the check was made out to your school - vs. coach, booster club etc. is appropriate. I'm assuming windy city means Chicago. Even though it's a bordering state, if it's a large event, it might still require sanctioning. Be sure to look at whether the event will need an interstate waiv- er. Forward the following to the event sponsor and get rsvp back to me. (these are the fundamental ele- ments governing interstate competition as outlined on p. 27 Sr. High Handbook. (Bylaw Art. II, Sect. 5G) Will simplify and summarize: Does this event require NFHS sanctions? If so, has the event received sanc- tioning? Are schools you will compete against 9-12 high schools (no post secondary/prep academies)? Are all schools you will compete against members of their respective state HS associations.
Q.: I guess I need some clarification on a trip our softball team will be taking to Florida. Our team is participat- ing in a scrimmage, but not a competition. Do we still need a waiver?
A.: You are correct. A strict interpretation requires communication/sanctioning/approval for interstate competition. A scrimmage is considered practice. There is not the same provision/same requirements in place for interstate practice. As a friendly heads-up, be certain the school you will scrimmage in Florida is able to scrimmage at the time of year you get together. Some state associations prohibit scrimmages and 'practice games' at certain points in their seasons. Florida high schools are one example. Once they have begun regular season play, their member schools can no longer scrimmage by their state association pro- visions. For them, every encounter must count as a game from that point on. Lastly, remember if either school counts or considers the get-together as a game, our rules provide it will be viewed/counted as a game for both schools. (See softball season regulations; pgs. 27, 28 #4 Scrimmages, d, 'note'.)
Q.: I just wanted to ask a question about a possible baseball scrimmage. Usually, we travel down to the Madison area and scrimmage sometime during the second week of the baseball season. This has worked well in the past. But with the weather of this winter, I'm thinking that even the Madison area may still have some snow by the end of March. Would we be in compliance with WIAA rules if we traveled out-of-state to find a baseball scrimmage possibly, central Illinois, southern Minnesota, western Indiana, etc.? This would only be a scrimmage. I believe that we need five practices before our first scrimmage, so I was thinking of having a practice or two on another team's field – and then having a scrimmage against that team on Saturday, March 22. We have March 20 and March 21 off from school for Easter break so we could have some interested parents transport the team if such a trip was necessary. I wanted to check with you before I start organizing something.
A.: Scrimmage specifics are found on p. 4 of Spring Season regulations. Traveling out-of-state to prac- tice/scrimmage, can be done without violation of WIAA provisions. There is no requirement for WIAA waiver/approval for out-of-state practice – approval may be necessary if out-of-state travel involves com- petition. If an out-of-state trip includes - competition, be sure to review Sr. High Handbook, p. 27, Bylaws Art. II, Sect. 5G.
2-8-08
Q.: Earlier this week, my headmaster asked if there would be any problem (WIAA rule violation) if a former student was to condition in our pool in the afternoons while our swim team was practicing. The young man enjoys swimming and it seems to be one of his few motivators for exercising. The family resides only a few miles from campus and his school has no pool in which (or team with which) to train. I've shared this information with the A.D. at his school. Both of us acknowledged that this is would be nothing more than our facilitating the request of a local boy to workout in our pool. However, third party interpretation being what it can sometimes be we would not want to be viewed as making any type of a recruitment effort to promote a student transfer. The family believed that this would help their son from a wellness perspective and that is all we intend to support. Is this request permissible based upon the facts which I have presented to you?
A.: Under the circumstance as you've described them, you may allow this student to attend your practice, if you wish. It may be best practice to take precautionary steps as your administration might determine reasonable/appropriate, to protect your school's interests; current physical, hold harmless, e.g. As a pri- vate boarding school a "standardized interpretation" of this circumstance in one sense, just won't work. Text related to this request (Rules At a Glance) provides that member schools may include "members of the community" in school sponsored open gyms and in-season sport practices at their discretion. You may not include athletes from other schools, however (exception being the one, interscholastic scrimmage allowed each season). Technically, you do not have a local community akin to the public school district. Just the same, based on this student's past status as your student, the family residing within minutes of your campus, your open and transparent communication with the other member school, and the absence of any concern or objection expressed on their part - it seems reasonable to not stand in the way of this – should you choose to approve this family's request. Before making your final decision, you may want to have a broader administrative discussion about - if/when other "members of your area community" will be made aware of and/or respond to - and/or seek identical access - how you will respond?
Q.: Can a student who is placed on an IEP (individualized educational program) be ineligible due to grades? Where would I find this information? A.: In a word - "YES". The academic progress requirement for the privilege of interscholastic sport eligi- bility has not been set-aside based on an IEP.
Q.: I have a relatively simple question, but I cannot find a clear answer in WIAA hockey regs. My school has a varsity boys hockey program and co-ops with another school to provide a varsity girls hockey program. Can a girls varsity player (enrolled in our school) practice with our boy's varsity team? There is an interest in such a situation and I'd like to know if this is possible.
A.: WIAA rules would not prevent students from your school and/or members of your community from being able to practice with your school's team. Due to all the divisiveness that can result, this ought to be an administrative determination and by no means a coaches prerogative, alone. {Why should time/turns,
space and attention be taken away from my son? She's not even able to compete? I would like my daugh- ter to be able to practice with the boys – how does she go about that? My son or daughter's an 8th grad- er – I'd like them to be able to skate with the HS team?} Not something the WIAA would recommend but still a local call.
1-18-08
Q.: Is it okay for 8th graders to practice with the district's varsity basketball team. They are 8th graders from our district practicing with our varsity.
A.: Technically, students from your own district feeder school' can be allowed to practice with the HS teams - local determination. This ought to be an administrative determination - not coach level. We would not ever recommend it for the far-reaching and adverse/divisive effects across all sports and all levels that sometimes results. 'Why should an 8th grader take time, turns, coaching and attention away from my kid? The 8th grader's not even eligible to play. "Why does their kid get to move up - how about my 8th grad- er'? "Obvious the writing's already on the wall for my 9th/10th grader - why should they even go out?"
Q.: My AD wanted me to check with you on a student joining our hockey team at this time. He tried out for the hockey team in November and was one of the cuts we had to make. Since then he has played with an area midget team. We had a different player quit the team recently and would like to bring the kid we cut earlier back to play with us. I assume this is OK (I know that we cannot keep sending a kid back and forth, but I am pretty sure we can recall one time a kid we cut earlier) but wanted to check before we commit.
A.: Answer to your question is - YES - as you've described the situation, you've applied the correct inter- pretation. WIAA Rules of Eligibility Art. VI, Sect.1A-3 specifically addresses this situation - and provides the opportunity for a player who's been previously 'cut' to rejoin the team. Would encourage you to see Sr. High Handbook for complete text, p. 37. The opportunity to re-join the team does not apply to a stu- dent who was removed from the squad for disciplinary reasons.
Q.: During today's principals meeting, the question was brought to our attention whether there is any WIAA pol- icy on practices during "snow days." Could you please provide me with some feedback on this matter.
A.: There is no specific WIAA text or provision - specifically addressing snow days and/or specifically pro- hibiting activities on such days. Rather, WIAA Bylaws. Art. II, Sect. 6 (Sr. High HB, p. 28) provide: "In the event scheduled classes are interrupted or terminated, interscholastic athletic practice and competi- tion may continue as determined by the administration, (but) only if a duly authorized and qualified coach is in attendance, directly supervising and conducting the activity." Creation of specific 'snow-day' policy, as well as administration and interpretation of same - is district level/local control issue.
Q.: We are trying to complete our wrestling schedule for next year. If we have a double dual, with two teams from the Great Northern and two teams from the Wis. Valley Conf. meeting at one site. Can we count that as two dual meets or do we have to count it as a multi-team event?
A.: Winter Regs - p. 42, 6a. Based on your description I count four participating teams - total. Are you only wrestling two of the other three- or each of the other three? You can count the event - either as one (1) of your seven multi exposures OR - you may otherwise also count it as two (or three) separate dual meets of your seven possible duals.
Q.: We have a young man who would like to participate in a big tournament on Jan 28. We did not schedule the event on our calendar. We have seven multi-school events scheduled. Looking at the regulations, we can exceed that if they are mutli-dual events, but must count them towards the 14 dual limit, depending on one of the events whether it was formatted as multi-duals, or a regular tournament. I have to check, but either way, it appears it would put us over the limit, as we have only scheduled tournament type events due to the number of kids we have participating... just three (3). The question is this: Can he go to the tournament unattached? With his par- ents? He wants badly to go, but we don't have a coach to send with him even if we were under the limits. He wants to sit out another event to go...but I don't want to start that as a precedent, and don't perhaps think I can anyway...based on scheduled events.
A.: Simple answer would be 'no.' If this would be able to be accommodated within your season maximums, a school coach would be required to be present. And – participating in this competition 'unattached' – could result in a violation of the non-school competition rule (ROE Art. VI, Sect. 1-A – p.37) and if so – would render the student ineligible the rest of this season, including WIAA tournament eligibility. (keep in mind that the season maximums are 14 total 'events'... not more then seven of them may be multi school events – except/unless double duals/triple duals are counted as two – or three of your allowed seven dual meets. There was something about the way you wrote the 14 dual meets as if there could be that many meets above/beyond or in a addition to your multi events – that prompted me to hesitate for a moment.
12-21-07
Q.: Concerning our middle school girls basketball team, the non-school county team they play on has an oppor- tunity to conduct an un-scored seven to eight minute exhibition at the half time of a women's MATC basketball game with another team. The date of the exhibition is after the club season is done and after the second day we start the season for the MS girls. Does an exhibition of this type fall into the definition of a game meet or con- test for in season competition?
A.: Yes. And as you are obviously aware is that once your school season begins, this would violate Art. V (Middle Lvl ROE) non-school competition rules and kids would not be eligible for the rest of the season. If this is really special and important, something you really want to do for the kids to experience, delay the start of your school season for a day or two (if schedules for first game and min. days of practice allow).
Q.: We have three varsity boys basketball players serving suspensions for alcohol violations. They are serving five game suspensions. My question is this: Can a non-varsity game such as a varsity reserve game be counted as one of those 5 games? Is this something that is left up to the individual school. We were hoping to have the suspensions completed after our two varsity games this week. If we have a weather related problem this week, that may not happen and we do have varsity reserve games scheduled for Saturday. I know the coach was plan- ning on playing all three of them in those games so they could catch up on some playing time.
A.: You will need to determine - what level these kids play at. Are they varsity regulars? If so they miss the varsity games. The suspension must be served by missing the appropriate game. If the athlete was slat- ed to play in the varsity game, he serves his suspension by missing that game. If he normally would not play in that game, he must miss the junior varsity game.
12-06-07
Q.: I am a head softball coach. We have applied for and received the wavier from the WIAA to attend the 2008 Disney Softball Spring Training. I see in the letter from you (Eligibility-Wavier-Interstate competition sent to my AD 9/20/07) this statement: "Remember, per new membership requirements, teams are limited to one out-of- state competition opportunity each season in nonbordering states." With that being said, does that mean that I can go out of state to a nonbordering state and play one game? Or does that mean I have one opportunity each year to go out of state to a nonbordering state and play as many games as I want as long as it falls within our season maximum?
A.: This is a new provision our members adopted just last spring. Your questions are reasonable/appro- priate. I believe your quote may be incomplete. The text I am familiar with in the Association's Bylaws - provides for "one out of state competition, event and or scrimmage per school season." Spring break is
the/your one event.
Q.: I coach middle school wrestling. I am questioning how many practices do the middle school wrestlers need to have before they can compete?
A.: 1. From a strict technical sense - I do not see your school identified as a WIAA member at the middle level - thus, your own, local administrative policy or directive would dictate your rule. Our rules do not apply to you. 2. For member middle schools we advise the acclimation/conditioning period as for the sen- ior high, i.e., there must be 10 different days of practice before the first competition. 3. You will want to be certain you have clear direction from your own district on the final decision on this.
10-27-07
9-21-07
Q.: Our wrestling team is requesting permission to wrestle in Greenville, South Carolina on December 22. They will be going with the head coach and parent chaperones by bus. Do you need any other information? It goes in front of our school board shortly and it looks like they will be approving it. Is there anything else you need?
A.: This does not need to be a complicated/cumbersome process. Essentially what we're seeking is to fall into compliance with member's Bylaws in this area Please look them over – in the Sr. High Handbook, p. 27 Article II, Section 5G, 1-7. You need to determine if the competition would require, National Federation sanctioning and/or WIAA sanctioning. What we need to know is – what is the event/competition your team might engage in SC. Who else/how many other schools involved/who is sponsoring/promoting (school based or non-school based) In a nutshell – what we need to answer all those questions is response to 3-4 questions, i.e., Please verify with the event sponsor: Does this event require National Federation sanction- ing? If so, has it been requested for this year and/or approved in the past? Are all participating schools 9- 12 high schools and members of their respective state High School Associations? Get responses to those questions to me and we can move this forward.
Q.: Is it permissible for a varsity reserve team to schedule a game with another schools varsity team? We have 16 conference games and one non-conference game once back in Wisconsin. We'll play three non-conference games while in Florida for a total of 20 regular varsity games. There is a small Christian school in Florida that has inquired about scheduling a game with us while we are there. I don't have any games left to play him. But knowing this school from previous years down there I have no doubt my reserves would compete just fine with them. By making sure 10 of my reserves do not play in at least one of the games in Florida (which is not a prob- lem as they would not play anyway), would they then be eligible and could we play this game? We typically bring about 20-22 players on this trip. I guess the question is can a team schedule a varsity contest with another teams reserves and count it as a varsity game for one team and as a reserve game for another?
A.: Simplest answer is 'yes'...WIAA rules would not prevent your JV team from competing against anoth- er school's varsity team. It would count as one of the allowed maximums within both teams schedules clearly enough. I am not able to comment on other state's rules in this regard with much more then spec- ulation. Most of us are similar – your opponent ought to know. I can assist if needed. This happens often enough, e.g., a wrestling team doesn't show for Saturday's invite and the AD scrambles to bring in the local HS 's JV team...to fill brackets and provide competitive opportunity. Some larger schools send their JV's to provide a non-conf. game to a small school's/emerging varsity program. No problem in those sce- narios – on the surface. In so far as you are concerned - make certain the contest is clearly indicated on your JV and/or reserve schedule and within the permitted maximums. Do not in any way have it appear on your varsity schedule or as a 21st varsity game. There is a second dimension that as a State office we (and you would want to know about) - if a WI team played several JV programs out of state and then took
the number one seed from your team – you'd be miffed to find out. I would advise that you explain and document in the contract - you are playing/providing a non-varsity team as the opponent, and in WI that would not be allowed for seeding and playoff purposes. I would copy the respective state office.
Q.: We are trying to organize our baseball Florida trip and making sure we cover all of our bases and get things done right. Our AD was looking through the WIAA Bylaws found this excerpt - "Except for events held in bor- dering states (MN, IL, MI, IA) no school shall play more than one out-of-state competition, and/or scrimmage per team each school season." Is this new and how does it now pertain to our baseball trip? Can we only play one game if we go?
A.: Rule is new – approved by the member's just this past April (2007) at the Annual meeting. The quote you've provided is not complete. Complete text is on p. 27 /Bylaws, in Sr. High Handbook, "...no approval shall be provided for more then one out-of-state competition, event and/or scrimmage..." Interpretation: Spring break trip – is your 'event', i.e., your one-time out of (non-bordering) state excursion. You may play as many contests and have your scrimmage as your schedule and season regulations will allow during this event.
Q.: I have had some soccer parents approach me to see if they could do a soccer team trip to Costa Rica over spring break during which they would play some games. I thought I would start with you to see if it is even legal for the team to compete outside of the country.
A.: There is no WIAA provision that would specifically prohibit this. We would advise review and con- formity to all other requirements as outlined – Sr. High Handbook, p. 27 (G1-7). As they relate to inter- state competition. In addition, remember that WIAA season regulations specifically prohibit soccer com- petition v. non-school/club teams.
Q.: Last Friday our varsity football game was suspended due to an electrical problem that rendered us without a scoreboard and no lights. The game was suspended at half-time. The game will resume and be completed on Monday at 5 p.m. My question pertains to "individual participation limitations." With the suspended game being played on Monday we will have the following contests next week: Monday--varsity (completion of 2nd half); Tuesday--9th grade game; Thursday--JV game; Friday--varsity game. In applying the "individual participation limitations", is the suspended game considered part of the week? Could a "border-line" JV-varsity player see some action in the Monday game, Thursday game AND Friday game? I have instructed my coaches, that unless we hear from you differently, we should consider the most strict interpretation.
A.: The 'letter of the text' provides an athlete may not appear in three different levels of play in the same calendar week. Under the circumstance as you identify it, a student might have role in two varsity and one JV contest within the same week. Technically, that is not prohibited. However, you are wise to recognize this is an exposure/athlete well-being provision and your question, a valid one. You and your coaches will be wise to recognize and take into consideration weather/environmental conditions and have a 'plan' for allowing kids to take part, if that is your desire...but I advise having a firm plan for use/exposure and stick- ing with it. Pay particular attention to your larger/less conditioned athletes. If there is any questions about any of your athletes, do not put in all your contests. You might also modify your periods in the JV game (or the varsity game for that matter). NF playing rules allow any period to be shortened. Lastly, coaches will need to pay attention to when/where they get the day of rest accounted for (one day off after six of practice/competition).
Q.: Can WIAA varsity level teams compete against non-sanctioned teams, commonly referred to as "club" teams?
A.: If certain caveats are met, yes. Except for club soccer teams. WIAA member schools are prohibited from competing vs. club soccer programs.
8-20-07
Q.: A girl who would be considered going into 9th grade is not and has not been affiliated with any school. She has taken and will be taking classes online. Her inquiry is whether she could practice (not compete) with our girls junior varsity tennis team.
A.: Simple Answer is - yes you could. Interpretation is based in Bylaws and subtly reflected in "scrim- mage" text in Rules At A Glance (also referenced in Open Gym text), i.e. - schools may allow/involve/include "members of the community" in open gyms and practices – II-E and II-D1. Friendly advice – if student is going to attend on regular basis, you may wish to require evidence of current physi- cal, emergency treatment consent, hold-harmless, etc. Be mindful, not everyone will see/understand your permitting/allowing – as a kind/good thing. There are always "rippling-out effects" of this considera- tion/decision. Some will view taking "time and turns" away from students already "in high school" as questionable (and would never be recommended, here). Because of ramifications across all your schools programs, this ought to be an administrative (your) determination, not a coaches prerogative. And on the other hand – there will be those who presume this will be an opportunity you would make available then to all children with the same circumstances and interest in such an opportunity.
7-13-07
Q.: I heard a rumor that the traveling out of the state rule for WIAA came into effect in the Fall of 2007. Wouldn't this rule actually come into effect for the 2008/2009 school year as we just voted on it this past April (2007)? I just wanted to make sure 2008 is correct and that this doesn't affect what I have in place for 2007 (events in Indiana and CA for soccer). We are still able to travel out of state more than once for the upcoming 2007/2008 boys soccer season, correct?
A.: With the vote of the membership at April's Annual Meeting - the one, out-of-state event/competition (beyond bordering states) became 'law of the land' beginning 2007.
Q.: Can a school bring in college level girls to scrimmage against their girls at practice. By regulations all par- ticipants must meet WIAA eligibility requirements?
A.: Your question is a little vague. If the post H.S. grads are in fact a college softball team, answer would be 'ok' so long as your team had not yet used their day of scrimmage..or had a game left in the max allowed schedule to 'burn' as another day of scrimmage. If the 'college level girls' are just former grads/for- mer"ball players, now home for summer, answer's "yes" without any additional caveats.
Q.: We are looking into the possibility of the baseball team going to Florida next season during the Easter break. As a school, the students have Friday, March 21 and Monday, March 24 off. I realize the first day of practice is Monday, March 17. To fulfill our five days of practice before scrimmaging, we were looking at scrimmaging on Saturday, March 22. But to get a game or two in before coming back, we would need to play on Monday, March 24, a day before you can legally play according to the handbook. I recall reading about the situations this past season and it was stated in the article that the WIAA would need to give a waiver for a team to play a day early. How does one obtain such a waiver?
A.: That waiver - to play a day early - does not exist. If it did, it'd be identified in the Season Regulations. Second, Florida High School Association rules prohibit Florida high schools from scrimmaging at that time of their season. They are only allowed to play actual games. If we received a request from a member for such approval - we would likely need to bring it to the Board of Control.
Q.: May we enter a high school running club in cross country meets? Our high school does not fund cross coun- try, but we have a running club with our own funds.
A.: WIAA rules would not prohibit a member school from competing with your school's club team, so long as the event is under supervision/control of school administration, WIAA and National Federation rules of competition are followed and WIAA licensed officials are used.
Q.: Can the boys soccer team practice with the girls in the spring? Can the girls then practice with boys teams in the fall? We have discontinued our use of high school boys as girls' soccer managers to protect the boys' eli- gibility. The same goes for our high school girls as managers for boys teams. Our high school athletic director, (this spring), sent out a memo to all our coaches concerning this issue. Our school seems to be at a disadvantage if this is not the case. We would love for our program to be able to have the services of the boys' goalkeeper and other players for practice to give our team the same advantage as this regional and sectional team seems to have been afforded. Please clarify this issue for me so I may pass along any new information to our athletic director.
A.: No - when sports have separate sport seasons, they may only practice and compete within their own designated season. Your athletic director has correctly interpreted, applied and directed your school's coaches and programs. Students are only allowed one season of school sport participation each school year and a total of four seasons of school soccer, e.g., during their high school career. Boys and girls partici- pating in both fall and spring school soccer seasons, technically, would exhaust their eligibility in two years.
Q.: Nike Team Nationals has a cross country meet that they hold each year at the end of the cross country sea- son. I am inquiring about the ability of students to participate in that event presuming that they do not wear school affiliated uniforms. They have instituted a qualifying regional competition in the hopes that more state will allow schools to participate. Could some one please respond to give me an idea of the restrictions on athletes.
A.: Adding a qualifier does not alter the Bylaws and rules of Eligibility put in place by our member schools. That fundamental prohibits assembling the school's team during the school year, except during the actual school season. Given only the limited information contained in your two emails, my interpreta- tion would be to advise our member AD's - "caution."
5-25-07
Q.: Where is the information to guide us in an alumni scrimmage for soccer?
A.: Start with Bylaws, Art. II, Sect. 5-E-Note, p. 27. Also see Rules At A Glance, II-E and Spring Season Regulations, p. 19, #4. Bottom line – Scrimmage is a day of practice. If in reality is going to be 'seen' as an alumni game – be safe and count it as one of maximum allowed competitions. Or – see that it is CRYS- TAL that the event is a well-designed practice.
Q.: Now that we can't go out-of-state next year, I have a question. We typically go to Kentucky and play four baseball games. Reading the 2007 Annual Meeting amendments, I see absolutely no way that we can do that. It's four teams over four different days. It's still more than one event, so it isn't possible in my mind?
A.: Spring break/holiday break are also be viewed as "one event" so long as the games are played in accor- dance with WIAA season regulations. The one-time out of state event (not bordering) might last the dura- tion of your spring or holiday break and play as many games as your schedule and season maximums will allow.
5-4-07
Q.: With high school baseball a player can not play in more than 20 games in a season. Does a designated hit- ter go by the same rule. I understand one inning does not constitute a game. Is this correct.
A.: Yes. Maximum games remains 20...regardless.
Q.: I am a bit confused regarding out-of- state competition. With our location close to Minnesota we play teams from that state from time to time for different sports. I was wondering if there was a restriction with the number of events I can schedule with teams from a bordering state. The reason I ask is that in the past we have played in a VB tourney in Wabasha. I am also struggling filling our final VB game for next year and noticed on the Minnesota State High School League website there are a few schools in our area that are also missing games. I did see that we could play one game, but wanted to know if there was a restriction in how many we could par- take in and if there was if there was any paperwork I had to file with the WIAA.
A.: See Handbook p. 27 for basis of this response. Simple answer to your question - as you've described it would generally be "no", "you could play as much of your out-of-league schedule vs. a MN school/schools as you wish to schedule. Sometimes, depending on the event, it might require "approval" from this office and/or the National Federation - sometimes, only the approval of your own administration is all that would be needed. What you will see on p. 27 is that as events grow in size and the number of participat- ing schools and schools coming from more states then just MN/WI, the potential for needing additional approvals - either from the National Federation and/or the WIAA will increase - exactly as outlined in Article II, Section 5 - F. F1 describes when National Federation sanctioning for an even is required. F3 & 4 outline the need (or not) for WIAA interstate competition approval.
Q.: Our girls basketball team is looking into going out of state for some basketball games in the future. This is my first time with such a request. Does the WIAA have a policy or procedure for members school to get approval for such games? Basically, are we telling you, asking permission, or does the WIAA even need to know? Do we need to worry how this impacts seeding meetings?
A.: Interstate competition is addressed in the Bylaws - see Handbook p. 26-27, Article II, Section 5 - F – 1 thru 6. Some interstate competition requires no approval from National Federation or WIAA. Some will require National Federation sanctioning and WIAA approval. Some may only require WIAA. If WIAA and/or National Federation sanctioning is required - will depend (generally speaking) on the size of the event, the sponsor for the event. Either way, it pretty much is a recipe as outlined.
Q.: With high school baseball a player can not play in more than 20 games in a season. Does a designated hit- ter go by the same rule. I understand one inning does not constitute a game. Is this correct.
A.: Yes. Maximum games remains 20...regardless.
Q.: I am a bit confused regarding out-of- state competition. With our location close to Minnesota we play teams from that state from time to time for different sports. I was wondering if there was a restriction with the number of events I can schedule with teams from a bordering state. The reason I ask is that in the past we have played in a VB tourney in Wabasha. I am also struggling filling our final VB game for next year and noticed on the Minnesota State High School League website there are a few schools in our area that are also missing games. I did see that we could play one game, but wanted to know if there was a restriction in how many we could par- take in and if there was if there was any paperwork I had to file with the WIAA.
A.: See Handbook p. 27 for basis of this response. Simple answer to your question - as you've described it would generally be "no", "you could play as much of your out-of-league schedule vs. a MN school/schools as you wish to schedule. Sometimes, depending on the event, it might require "approval" from this office and/or the National Federation - sometimes, only the approval of your own administration is all that would be needed. What you will see on p. 27 is that as events grow in size and the number of participat- ing schools and schools coming from more states then just MN/WI, the potential for needing additional approvals - either from the National Federation and/or the WIAA will increase - exactly as outlined in Article II, Section 5 - F. F1 describes when National Federation sanctioning for an even is required. F3 & 4 outline the need (or not) for WIAA interstate competition approval.
Q.: Our girls basketball team is looking into going out of state for some basketball games in the future. This is my first time with such a request. Does the WIAA have a policy or procedure for members school to get approval for such games? Basically, are we telling you, asking permission, or does the WIAA even need to know? Do we need to worry how this impacts seeding meetings?
A.: Interstate competition is addressed in the Bylaws - see Handbook p. 26-27, Article II, Section 5 - F – 1 thru 6. Some interstate competition requires no approval from National Federation or WIAA. Some will require National Federation sanctioning and WIAA approval. Some may only require WIAA. If WIAA and/or National Federation sanctioning is required - will depend (generally speaking) on the size of the event, the sponsor for the event. Either way, it pretty much is a recipe as outlined.