Q: Can our athletes put together a team and compete in a fall basketball tournament or fall softball league?
A: Yes. This rule was changed at the April 2012 WIAA Annual meeting. The rule now states: "Subsequently, students may voluntarily assemble at any time without school and/or school coach involvement." Students may now assemble out of season in any manner they choose during the school year and during the summer. However, their high school coaches and high schools many not be involved. The assembly must be open to any and all along with being voluntary.
What has not changed? The fundamental rule with coaching contact. Coaches may not have coaching contact with any athletes they will be coaching the following school season during restricted times (except their own children). Coaches includes head coaches, assistant coaches, volunteer coaches, and coaches who may be coaching the next year. Coach involvement does include organizing the nonschool team, determining nonschool rosters, providing instruction, coaching at the contest, etc.
Also, the athlete may not participate in the same sport during the school season with a nonschool team. A student becomes ineligible in a sport for the remainder of the season for competing in a nonschool game, meet, or contest in the same sport during the season of practice and competition established by the school.