3-23-12
Q: Can a boys basketball coach participate in a 3 on 3 tournament outside of the season, if some of his players are also in the tournament? I didn't know if it was like an open gym where they could, or if there are other rules for a tournament.
A: Coaches may only recreate with their athletes at an open gym. If there is a tournament or a league, coaches may compete against their athletes, but not with their athletes.
2-10-12
Q: One of my players wants to go to a neighboring school and attend an open gym they are running. She plans to throw with her cousin who attends that neighboring school and show her cousin some drills that might help her. There would be no instruction by any adults. Can she do this since the open gym is not being held at our school or is this a violation of the policy?
A: Open gyms are only for students and community members of that school. Your player cannot attend an open gym at another member school. The other school may not open the gym to students from other schools. With the co-op, students involved in the co-op may be allowed since they participate in your co-op program.
1-5-12
Q: I was wondering if you could assist me in a quick question. I have a student that is interested in lifting weights after school; however, the bus that would take him home doesn't drop him off at his house (our late bus doesn't go door to door, just to drop off points). The nearest drop off point is close to 6 miles from his house. My question is, could our school district provide him with a ride home in a school vehicle right to his house or is the a violation of the rules?
A: The only way this would be possible is if you have a late bus (or something similar) which takes any and all interested students home after school. If it is something for only one athlete or other athletes, then it would not be allowed. Schools may pay expenses and provide transportation to similar in-season activities in that sport and during unrestricted contact days in the summer.
Students must pay their own expenses, including transportation, to any nonschool (out-of-season) camps, clinics, or specialized training. Schools may pay expenses and provide transportation to similar in-season activities in that sport and during unrestricted contact days in the summer.
5-21-10
Q.: I have a question that has to do with rules for teams in regards to open gyms/open fields that are offered for students/athletes. We have been getting different answers from different people and just want to be clear so we do not violate any rules or regulations. Can we give the students a playbook to use when they are running seven on seven? We are not coaching at these open gyms/open fields, the kids are running them by themselves. Can we observe these open gyms/open fields? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, we just want to be crystal clear with everything, so we do not violate any rules.
A.: You have several rules which affect this situation. First the open gym rule. Open gyms are school sponsored recreation for students. They cannot be organized practices by the coach or any other person. Open gyms are "pick up" situations. Coaches and schools cannot be involved in out-of-season practice for athletes. However, open gyms do not violate WIAA rules if they are conducted according to the following guidelines: 1) The open gym is made known and available to all students in the designated population of that school that are interested in attending. Open gyms may be gender specific. It is also acceptable to include people from the community. Schools may conduct "open gyms" in any activity. It is not acceptable to include athletes from another school, public or nonpublic. 2) There is no instruction during the open gym by a coach or anyone else. 3) Coaches may supervise open gyms, but they may not instruct, organize drills, etc. Coaches can also recreate with students in school sponsored, open gym settings that are purely recreational in nature, i.e., there is no instruction, sport skill demonstration, organized drills or resemblance of a practice being conducted. 4) There is no organized competition, such as established teams participating in round-robin competition, etc. "Open Gym" is not a code word for out-of-season practice. The philosophy of the open gym is students from that school may attend, for wholesome recreation, or for pur- poses of improving their skills, but it's something they do on their own. It would be a violation of WIAA rules to mandate attendance at open gyms, or to provide incentives for athletes to attend open gyms, or to limit participation based on athletic status, or to allow athletes from other schools to come and work out or compete against the host school's athletes. (BL – Art. II and RE – Art. VI, Sect. 2) During the school year, no activity in which they are engaged during the school year should resemble in any way a school team practicing or competing out-of-season. (Handbook, p. 39, Art VI, Sect 2, Par A). With this rule, "Captains Practices" may not be held during the school year. Participants must be diversified and coaches/schools may not be involved. They are allowed during the summertime where limitations on athletes assembly are removed. If the players are organizing in a practice situation, then this rule comes into play. The question to be asked: Is the situation you describe an Open Gym or a spring practice designed to appear as an open gym? In a true open gym, the kids grab a ball and recreate. If they are running plays, then I would say they are practicing.
3-15-10
Q.: I believe I know the answer to this already, but I want to check and make sure that I am correct. Our foot- ball coaches want to put together an incentive program for out-of-season weight lifting. The incentive would be based on attendance in the weight room rather than performance. Their incentive for prospective players would be a t-shirt for each participant. I don't believe they can do anything that is listed here other than offer the weight room be open. If I am wrong in any part of this please let me know. I personally think the incentive programs
are good, but I am pretty sure they are against regulations.
A.: You are correct in each instance. Please review the WIAA Rules at a Glance. Weight rooms fall under the open gym rules. Coaches may not: 1) Mandate athletes participate in non-school competition, or deter- mine who may or may not participate in non-school activity. 2) Require involvement in out-of-season activities as part of the requirements for making a school team, earning a school letter award, etc. 3) Provide incentives such as t-shirts, etc., for participation in the off-season. OPEN GYMS – Coaches and schools cannot be involved in out-of-season practice for athletes. However, open gyms do not violate WIAA rules if they are conducted according to the following guidelines: The open gym is made known and available to all students in the designated population of that school that are interested in attending. Open gyms may be gender specific. It is also acceptable to include people from the community. Schools may con- duct "open gyms" in any activity. It is not acceptable to include athletes from another school, public or nonpublic. There is no instruction during the open gym by a coach or anyone else. Coaches may supervise open gyms, but they may not instruct, organize drills, etc. Coaches can also recreate with students in school sponsored, open gym settings that are purely recreational in nature, ie., there is no instruction, sport skill demonstration, organized drills or resemblance of a practice being conducted. There is no organized competition, such as established teams participating in round-robin competition, etc. "Open Gym" is not a code word for out-of-season practice. The philosophy of the open gym is students from that school may attend, for wholesome recreation, or for purposes of improving their skills, but it's something they do on their own. It would be a violation of WIAA rules to mandate attendance at open gyms, or to provide incentives for athletes to attend open gyms, or to limit participation based on athletic status, or to allow athletes from other schools to come and work out or compete against the host school's athletes. (BL – Art. II and RE – Art. VI, Sect. 2)
Q.: Can a coach feed a ball machine for those who want to have batting practice in pre-season baseball and soft- ball open gyms for all students who are interested in those sports? Can the coach pitch? Can the coach hit ground balls?
A.: A coach or anyone else may not instruct or drop balls in the machine. Coaches cannot be pitching batting practice, hitting ground balls, etc. Implements such as bats and balls or machines may be used. By definition, open gyms are for recreation, not instruction (by the coach or anyone). Keep in mind that protective equipment can only be issued during the sport season and summer with Board of Education approval for all sports, but softball and baseball may issue protective equipment for open gyms (passed in 2013).
2-5-10
Q.: Is a high school girls soccer coach allowed to be at an open gym if he is not coaching, just observing?
A.: Coaches may supervise, observe, and recreate during open gyms. Coaches and anyone else may not instruct during open gyms. OPEN GYMS – Coaches and schools cannot be involved in out-of-season practice for athletes. However, open gyms do not violate WIAA rules if they are conducted according to the following guidelines: 1) The open gym is made known and available to all students in the designated population of that school that are interested in attending. Open gyms may be gender specific. It is also accept- able to include people from the community. Schools may conduct "open gyms" in any activity. It is not acceptable to include athletes from another school, public or nonpublic. 2) There is no instruction during the open gym by a coach or anyone else. 3) Coaches may supervise open gyms, but they may not instruct,
organize drills, etc. Coaches can also recreate with students in school sponsored, open gym settings that are purely recreational in nature, i.e., there is no instruction, sport skill demonstration, organized drills or resemblance of a practice being conducted. 4) There is no organized competition, such as established teams participating in round-robin competition, etc. "Open Gym" is not a code word for out-of-season practice. The philosophy of the open gym is students from that school may attend, for wholesome recreation, or for purposes of improving their skills, but it's something they do on their own. It would be a violation of WIAA rules to mandate attendance at open gyms, or to provide incentives for athletes to attend open gyms, or to limit participation based on athletic status, or to allow athletes from other schools to come and work out or compete against the host school's athletes. (BL – Art. II and RE – Art. VI, Sect. 2)
Q.: We have students from neighboring school districts coming in to "work out" in our weight room in preparation for powerlifting competitions with students from our school. It is not an open gym but it is the understanding that our weight room is always "open." Is this a violation of the open gym policy? Also if students from a district in which we co-op with in a number of sports come to our open gyms, is this allowed?
A.: Open weight rooms are the same as open gyms: Open to community members and students from that school. However, the school may not open the gym to students from other schools. With the co-op, students involved in the co-op may be allowed since they participate in your co-op program.
12-18-09
Q.: I have a daughter who is a junior. If I go to an open gym at her high school and rebound for her and give her instructions on her shooting form, is this a violation of the open gym rules per the WIAA?
A.: The definition of open gym is a gym open to students to recreate, something kids do on their own. It is recreational play and truly an open gym made known and available to all interested students. There is no coaching by a coach, or any one else in school sponsored open gyms. I've attached our Rules at a Glance for your information where you may find text which clearly states what may take place at open gyms.
Q.: I also have a question for you concerning baseball and softball open gyms. I know that schools can't issue protective equipment outside of the season unless it is during the summer, however, during the school year can we make helmets and/or catchers gear available to students that attend a baseball/softball open gym as long as we don't allow students to take it with them after the open gym?
A.: Keep in mind that protective equipment can only be issued during the sport season and summer with Board of Education approval for all sports, but softball and baseball may issue protective equipment for open gyms (passed in 2013).
9-23-09
Q.: Can a high school student help in introducing a sport to younger players without losing eligibility? For example, could an open gym for youth be held and local high school players invited to come and talk to kids about their sport and participate in playing or practicing?
A.: Without specifics, it is hard to speculate. Our open gym rules state that no instruction may take place by a coach or anyone else. In a camp situation, HS players may be clinicians. However, our members have rules which apply to the time period of when they may do so with their HS coaches. During the summer, they may be clinicians for up to six days before July 31 in a camp situation with their HS coach. After that time period, they may not be clinicians with their HS coach. During the school year, camps or clinics must be run by non-school organizations.
Q.: I have read the open gym text contained in section II-D. My understanding is that I can have an open gym for students in the high school and middle school populations of my school. Can this open gym be at the same time using the same facility? In other words, can I have middle school athletes participating with my high school athletes at the same time in the same gym? The opportunity would be open to all athlete's from 7-12 grade at my school. I am hoping that I don't have to schedule open gyms at different times based on grade level, but I want to make sure I am in accordance with the rule.
A.: The open gym requirements (see attached Rules at a Glance, Letter D) can be conducted with several conditions: It is made known and available to all student of the school. People from the community (adults and alumni) may attend. They can be gender specific. Other school populations outside of your school may not. Therefore, your MS and HS students can attend separate open gyms. The HS students attend a HS open gym and the MS students attend a MS open gym. There cannot be any instruction by a coach or anyone else. Coaches may supervise, but may not instruct, organize, etc. They may recreate however. There cannot be any com- petition in the form of a tournament, etc.
7-10-09
Q.: I have a quick question about open gyms for basketball this summer. I am aware that athletes from another high school can not attend. What is the policy involving a graduated student from our school? We have a couple of girls who have graduated from our school, either this year or in the past, that wish to attend our open gyms this summer Is this legal?
A.: Yes. Graduates/alumni - home on break/summer vacation are typically afforded status as "members of the community."
5-8-09
Q.: Is there anything in the guidelines against open gym opportunities being extended to 8th grade athletes? In talking with the boys' staff about spring open gym opportunities and we want to make sure we're in compliance.
A.: Technically – the Open Gym Text contained in II-D of attached identifies open gym being allowed so long as it is available to all the students in the "designated population of that school." Generally speaking, if middle schools wish to have open gyms – they can and should do that. Nothing prevents your coach from offering to supervise a middle school open gym. Now, if you are talking about summer time open gyms – then yes, not a problem as the 8th graders from your feeders are afforded matriculation status.
3-27-09
Q.: I have a question on open gyms. If a father of one of our students is knowledgeable in pitching (a pitching coach) and has worked with his daughters. While the rest of the kids are at an open gym (supervision only going on - no instructing), would it be permissible for him work with/instruct pitchers while the others are in an open gym setting? It is basically two things going on at one time - to make better use of our space constraints. He would not be a coach (paid or volunteer) for our high school program, but would basically be a free-lance pitching coach working with kids. Part two of the scenario - would he then be able to observe kids throughout the season - not from the bench, not from a coaching box - but from the bleachers? He would not be part of our coaching staff, but a free-lance pitching coach. I ask this because when I was teaching and coaching in Iowa we had a similar situation. The pitching coach our pitchers worked with kids from a number of schools and youth programs during the winter. Most of them were from one high school program, but he did have a variety - including our kids who lived two hours away. He would go to a number of games (mostly for that one program where most of the pitchers were), but he would also go see the other girls pitch also. Iowa's coaching contact rules are a little different than Wisconsin's, but I have someone who is interested in doing something similar to what I experienced in Iowa.
A.: Kind of sounds like this parent may need to decide if he wants to be a school coach or not. He's not going to be able to "do both half way." Open Gym Rules (II-D) and coaching contact (Art. I) are addressed in the Rules At A Glance. I would advise if this parent wants to work with his own daughters and/or other prospective pitchers from your school and/or surrounding communities that he go through your district's facility use procedures. It would be much cleaner and far less confusing. If he wants to become a private pitching coach - we are not able to prevent that. He would need to keep in mind, however, that any corrections/instructions, etc. that he might wish to make with his clients must be made away from WIAA practices and competitions. No place for corrections to be made in/around practice and contests by anyone other then the school's coach. In addition, WIAA rules prohibit coaching contact outside of the season by those who will be coaching during the actual school season. If he gets into the private instruction business and you lease space to him, you may want to be certain you get hold harmless agreement and evidence of adequate personal liability protection on his part. (He might want to make sure he double checks on IRS tax laws relative to this sort of business if he's serious about it.)
9-19-08
Q.: I am the head girls basketball coach at a member high school. I have a dad of one of my players as my assistant. Is he allowed to coach her during our open gyms. I just want to make sure that I am in accordance to the rules of the contact.
A.: There is no coaching by a coach, or any one else in school sponsored open gyms.
7-18-08
Q.: I have a quick question regarding open gyms and home school student/athletes. There is a sophomore interested in participating in our boys open gyms, however he is not registered at our school and is home schooled. His mom has indicated he would like to have the opportunity to play at open gyms with our school to meet kids and nurture his basketball skills. He may sign up at our school if he has a positive experience and meet new friends. What is the WIAA's stance on this with home schoolers and open gyms.
A.: This one warrants some administrative consideration and discussion. You will see in II-D of the Rules At A Glance – that open gyms are only for students of your school. You will also see that members of the community – can be included in open gyms. (Most traditionally, members of the community will be parents and/or former students who come and recreate with the kids.) The inherent hazard for you in what this parent has requested is for the allegation of either "shopping around", recruitment and – or a "try out" being associated with the youngster's involvement, being leveled. It would be my opinion that in this instance – looking out for your school's interests – I would recommend the student should be enrolled first – before allowing the desired participation.
5-22-08
Q.: I need some clarification on allowed activities at open gyms. What is allowed and what is not allowed by coaches? What is purely recreational? For example, we have a very young head volleyball coach. Can she play with players during an open gym? Can she participate in "hitting lines?" Can she set to those hitting lines? Could our basketball coach join one of the groups of players who are involved in full court games? (Winner keeps playing format.)
A.: Open gym is not a code word for out-of-season practice. The text on Open Gym in the Rules At A Glance is some of the most specific and crystal clear text we have. With regard to skill development – the text states it's something kids do on their own. And we think the "philosophy" for open gyms is also made clear.
If it is recreational play and truly an open gym made known and available to all interested students. Coaches can recreate/play. Not all open gyms and open gym activities are conducive to coaches taking
part. Organized hitting drills are a time for coaches to be supervising only.
Q.: Many of our football players will be attending a team camp this summer, but it is not part of our unrestricted summer contact days. An individual has offered to pick up the cost of a bus to transport the players so they do not have to pay for this on their own. My feeling is that this may be construed as a free opportunity and impact amateur status according to Article IV, Section 2C #5 on page 38 of the Handbook. I do believe this scenario is OK if each player or parent pays an equal share of the costs of the transportation.
A.: The rules surrounding camps, clinics, specialized training, etc., provide that only a student and family are able to cover 100 percentage of costs associated with specialized training/instruction during restricted times. (You are correct that if this was during the unrestricted days of opportunity - the school could pay for, or provide transportation.) In the scenario you describe there is a community benefactor willing to remove or reduce the cost associated with this particular camp - at least with respect to transportation. So long as it is available to all students interested - and the same amount of money for all interested, it would be in compliance with the interpretation of this area in the rules.
Q.: We have a grant to help underprivileged students attend summer school academic/activity classes. My question is if it is legal to provide these same students reduced or free admission to our summer sports camps? We have never done this in the past and some of these families have asked the question. These would be students entering 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 grade.
A.: No. When it comes to camps, clinics, special training and/or instruction – student and parents must cover 100 percentage of associated costs. Would your grant be enough to allow you to do a free camp – for everyone interested? Obviously, a free camp has no cost associated to anyone.
5-1-08
Q.: Am I correct in my understanding that as long as a coach is just supervising at an open gym, the kids at open gyms may "organize" their activities such as drills, conditioning, etc. The coach would have no involvement other than to provide supervision for the facility's use.
A.: If you're asking about organizing themselves into teams to play, and an organization of how we stay in play or rotate out - answer's "sure" kids can do that. If we're talking about student's organizing out- of-season practices - NO. That which we might commonly describe as captain's practice is allowed in the summer time, without school and/or coach involvement.
Q.: I have a question about open gyms, specifically, when colleges are involved. We have a big-time basketball talent, a sophomore, and certain colleges want to come and watch him play in an open gym setting. Are there protocols for this? As long as it is a normal, legal open gym can college scouts come to look at players? Also, could a college scout watch a player during phys-ed classes?
A.: We advise caution and further, confirmation from NCAA. A few years ago, there was a lot of "blur- ring" of our member's term and our definition of open gym – in order to facilitate NCAA opportunity and to comply with NCAA definitions at that time. Schools were setting up scrimmages, including AAU players and students from other schools and trying to call it "open gym." I must advise you to double check with NCAA about the circumstances under which a college coach could come to your school. From WIAA perspective, if a recruiter wished to watch a bona fide WIAA open gym, our rules would not prevent that. I am not sure if it would be permitted by NCAA, or not. Observing a gym class is not a WIAA issue, but you best check with your principal and supt. Do keep in mind WIAA rules regarding open gym outlined in II-D of the Rules At A Glance AND that an open gym may not include students/athletes from any other schools.
12-06-07
Q.: Can a school offer an open gym at an off-site facility that the school is renting?
A.: Yes. Advertise opportunity/announce it and make it available to your student body same as you would if it were open gym at your school, instead of open gym at the ice arena, e.g. Essential fundamentals are that opportunity is in fact, school run/school sponsored and it is made known/available to any all students interested in attending.
10-27-07
The WIAA Board of Control has approved the following change of interpretation: "Effective immediately, coaches will now be allowed to recreate with student-athletes in out-of-season open gym settings that are purely recreational, i.e., there is no instruction, sport skill demonstration, organized drills, or resemblance of a practice being conducted."
Q: How can cross country and track coaches interpret this new language?
* First, remember that Open Gyms are 'school sponsored' programming made known, open and available to any interested student in your school's student population. Open Gyms may include members of the community.
* Coaches may now run, outside of the season with students, including members of the team even during the school year - outside of the season.
* Coaches should be advised that this must be casual recreational running; morning run, community run connected to the school's open gym, conditioning for any interested student, e.g.
* The opportunity must be voluntary and may not be restricted to track or cross country athletes, only. Include any interested student – same as required in all open gyms. Do not include athletes from other schools.
* Opportunity may not resemble a "practice"; e.g., coach with a watch & clipboard, interval running, taking attendance, posting a specific/required work out. Review Rules At A Glance text regarding Open Gym for additional/specifics about Open Gyms.
Q.: With the new interpretation of the open gym policy, in what ways would coaches be able to participate in an out-of-season softball open gym? We would like to know so we don't break any rules.
A.: As framed, it is a broad question. Not being certain what all takes place in your softball open-gym. Please consider the following: Nothing has changed with respect to a coach's inability to organize, mandate attendance, coach/instruct, demonstrate and/or direct a practice, e.g., in an open gym setting. Nothing has changed with respect to the stated philosophy for Open Gyms. Really, the only element which has changed is that prior to this, coaches could only supervise Open Gyms. Now, coaches "playing" along with the students – in open gyms - will not be considered a violation of Open Gym provisions. That notion and image - of 'pure play' - has been a central one in the deliberations leading to this new interpretation. The new, added text we think is very clear: "Coaches may be allowed to recreate with students and other faculty in open gym settings, provided they are purely recreational in nature." Look over the existing text of open gyms and in particular the philosophy...then consider the new text. The new interpretation as approved by the Board, now allows coaches to participate with students in an Open Gym - in a recreational climate/activity/manner. Can you take a few swings at the ball, can you throw and play catch, can you take some turns pitching – sure/perhaps; in a climate of "play and recreation"... and not one which will easily be described only as preseason softball practice. It is advisable to think carefully of what you will and/or won't take part in within your particular open gym environment. What actions will make you, your kids or program vulnerable to the assertions – later on, when parents or students become disgruntled – and will then be described to us as simply, "mandatory, out-of-season practice with the coach directing, providing instruction and feedback?" We think it's important to recognize that not every Open Gym might be conducive to a coach 'playing' along with students. In addition to the above, it is appropriate to remind coaches, as well as school administration that: Schools will continue to hold all responsibility and liability – for a coach participating with students in this setting – should school administration choose to allow it. Refer to the clarification at the beginning of this category to help understanding what the change means. Also, the original Rules At A Glance and text for Open Gyms (Art. II D) would be good to review. Again, keep in mind that the Membership's Bylaw (Article II, Handbook p. 26), the fundamental rules and fundamental philosophy of/for Open Gyms – in order to be in compliance with the Bylaws and Rules of Eligibility, have not changed – at all.
Q.: I would just like further clarification on a few things concerning Open Gyms. When you mentioned no organized drills or resemblance of a practice, does the following count or not. Example: You have an open gym posted. There are cones set up for those interested in dribbling around (possible basketball players?), the pitching machine set up for those interested in hitting (possible baseball/softball players?) and maybe even a blocking/spiking apparatus for those interested (possible volleyball players?). I have only "heard" of such cases in the conferences & talk isn't always accurate. If all of the above is set-up for fun & games is it wrong? Or is this going over the line, or at least on thin ice? Sometimes ignorance is an excuse and sometimes it really is for real and education is definitely needed! If you could further clarify, I would greatly appreciate it.
A.: To preface, WIAA Bylaws and Rules of Eligibility prohibit coaches and schools from being involved in out-of-season practice with/for student athletes. However, the interpretation of those provisions have afforded schools the opportunity to sponsor "Open Gyms" for their student population, in any activity, provided they are conducted according to the Open Gym guidelines (Art. II-D of Rules At A Glance). We think these guidelines are about as clear as anything we've written – both in text as well as 'spirit.' The simple act of making 'implements' available to students in open gym in-and-of-itself, has never been a violation. Bats, balls, T's, shot/disc, hurdles, starting blocks, and all of the items you identify above are all categorized as 'implements' and can be made available, and a simple amount of operation/safety instruction is reasonable. (DO remember that batting helmets, catcher's equipment - are apparel/protective equipment and may not be issued outside the season – except in the summer/with School Board approval. This is allowed by a change in 2013.) As a reasonable and responsible person/supervisor – you might also need to consider if allowing the vaulting horse and/or vaulting poles, e.g., or certain other implements – in a setting where we may not coach/instruct – is a prudent choice, even though they might be permitted. Sometimes that answer might need to be 'NO"... Not from a WIAA compliance perspective – but from a common sense perspective. Another reason to say "NO" - to an implement is if your coach is simply not able to resist from instruct- ing/providing coaching, feedback, e.g. In that scenario, even though the implement might be 'OK', the act/action accompanying it's use is "not in compliance." In this case, it's not the 'machine's fault.' The availability and use of implements is in many ways viewed separate from the essential/fundamental requirements for compliance with Open Gym provisions.
Q.: Is it now acceptable for coaches to pitch batting practice at open gyms? Hitting ground balls to multiple kids by a coach or parent would be considered NO also?
A.: In an open gym focused narrowly/primarily on skill development - Answer's NO. Pitching in batting practice would be contrary to intention of new interpretation. This change is not about adding a dimension to facilitate an out-of-season practice. It is to afford an opportunity for students and staff to interact in recreational 'play.' If the open gym concludes with a kick ball, stick ball or mush ball game, coach may pitch to their heart's content.
10-27-07
Q.: Is it a problem to have boys swim team members swimming at our pool if the pool is open for any student to attend?
A.: So long as "open pool" is announced/made known and available to any/every student in school - and conforms to text/spirit of II-D of the Rules At A Glance. Boy's swim team members could attend.
2-7-07
Q.: We are considering running a youth baseball camp this year, potentially as a fundraiser. My interpretation is that if our high school baseball program wanted to run a camp it must be conducted during the summer, and it cannot be run during the school year. Is that correct? Also, a local baseball club is considering running the camp. As I understand the rule, the club could conduct the camp at anytime during the year, and our high school coaches could work at the camp.
A.: Yes, your understanding of the rule is correct. If the camp is conducted by a nonschool group during the school baseball season HS players and coaches may be involved. If held outside the season coaching contact restrictions must be observed.
Q.: I have a small nucleus of coaches who want to implement a non-sport specific strength/agility open gym 2- 3 times a week. It is open to any kid in the school and they would like to work with the students. If it is non- sport specific is it permissible?
A.: In a word - Yes. Interpretation of Bylaws and Open Gym text does allow schools to offer a strength/agility/conditioning open gym opportunity - on a voluntary basis – available to any/all interested students. Want to be certain it does not resemble 'football practice' or pre-season track practice.
12-6-06
Q.: Our basketball coach would like to have open gym before the season starts. During this open gym she will be there to watch, but not coach. During this open gym there will be a resemblance of a scrimmage that will be officiated by a non-coaching staff member. This official was, however, the girls' coach during the summer leagues. I wanted to know if we are bending or breaking any of the rules set by the WIAA before I allowed it. Being a new AD I wanted your interpretation instead of trying to interpret the winter regulations.
A.: See Article II of the Rules At A Glance – especially II-A and II-D. The text and philosophy of open gyms is very clear and specific. Open Gym must be available to any interested student. It may be gender specific. It may not resemble basketball practice out side the season. No instruction, no organizing, etc., coaches may supervise.
10-25-06
Q.: I received the following email from a parent of a middle school student who will attend our school next year – My son is in 8th grade. He spends a lot of time improving his basketball skills and could benefit playing with older boys at the open gym on Sunday nights. Would he be allowed to do this on his own, would he need special permission from someone, or is it not allowed period. Am I correct in that it is okay for him to attend our open gyms?
A.: Most interpret "the designated population of that school" as contained in the text of Rules At A Glance to say "no" a student at another school can not attend an open gym at our school. Some have then sought
to point out that the rules allow schools to include members of the community in open gym opportunities if you wish. They do – but not athletes from other schools. Best friendly advice...if the middle school wishes to have open gym they may do so. If you wish to open up the opportunity to the 'community' – it is most defensible then when the opportunity is widely advertised and available to all in class and community.
10-6-06
Q.: I was wondering if the rule regarding open gyms addresses players currently playing football. Is a player participating in football allowed to go to open gym? My position is they should not be going to open gym risking injury and exposure because they can't tell the coach no or they think it will be held against them when basket- ball starts. If there is not a rule do you have any suggestions I may have. The open gym's are starting this Sunday and running two days a week for two hours each session.
A.: WIAA rules would not prevent a football player from going to open gym. But everything else your email identifies is correct, one would hope that as a player I'd not compromise my football teammates...or that the basketball coach would even allow kids committed to a fall sport team do anything. But it will be up to you to lead and your staff to buy in. Call me corny and old-fashioned.
5-25-06
Q.: We have open gym (mats) for any of the high school kids that what to come in and try out a little wrestling during the spring/summer. We have some ex-wrestlers and adult's that like to come in and get a work out in. Is there any rule against graduated wrestlers/adults from wrestling with the kids still in high school during these open mats? We run our open mats through July 31.
A.: No. See Article II-D of the Rules At A Glance. Read it carefully and literally..you might also wish to discuss the unrestricted contact days your school may approve, with your AD.
Q.: We wanted to start a rotating open gym schedule with two other schools in our area. Is this allowed under the rules, and if not is there anyway to do this?
A.: No and yes. First - we are required at times to "speak" very specifically. In the hopes of being clear when communicating with members. When we speak of "Open Gym" as a membership, we come from the perspective it is a school sponsored activity. As such, (school sponsored) Open Gym is clearly defined/described in the Rules at a Glance Article II-D "Open Gym" can only include students from your school. Your second question is more in the form of/vein of a rotating summer league sort of thing. This can be accomplished - in either of two ways. It could be "school sponsored"- for up to five days/five times, during the summer so long as all three schools scheduled the exact same five days for their unrestricted contact days. If this was done, school coaches could actually coach, organize, instruct. Caveats: Limited to five days - between the end of school and July 31, must be voluntary. As with any school based opportunity, must be accessible to any interested student. The second direction and what I sensed you might actually be exploring in reality would be considered - "private-gym" - nonschool gym/non-school based programming and opportunity...much the same as if the three communities all had a YMCA or a county Rec. Dept. who developed a "summer league." These opportunities can be done, legitimately and within compliance. School facilities can be used/rented, often times the booster organizations may secure local facility use from respective schools when/where there is not "city rec" or other sponsor source. Facilities can be made available in accordance with your school district policy for nonschool use. (See Article II C- 2) Caveats: An acceptable nonschool program is one which is not limited to students based on school and/or team status. No assembly may resemble the school's team practicing and/or competing outside the season. Still must be voluntary. Coaching restrictions apply (if some of these dates coincided with unre- stricted days school coaches could have contact) if they are outside the unrestricted days, the person who would be coaching students in the next school season may not have coaching contact. (See Article I and Article II A for the above.)
Q.: My football coach wants to open the weight room on Wednesday and Sunday nights from 7-9. How do we go about that without getting into trouble in terms of open gyms? If we make announcements that the weight room is open during these times for anyone, have a sign posted for times, etc.?
A.: Open gyms do not need to present any problem at all. Follow the letter and spirit of II-D in Rules At A Glance. You may run announcements a few times a week for a week or so...that certainly ought to create awareness of the opportunity. Keep it voluntary, no attendance or incentives/rewards or punishments connected to showing up. Limited, safe lifting instruction is appropriate for weight room open gyms.
5-5-06
Q.: We have a co-op for girls hockey with another school. Can those girls come down here and participate in our summer speed and strength class.
A.: Yes. Had to check into that one a bit. There is some precedent for allowing students from "co-op" partners to engage in open gym opportunities. Opportunity should be made known to/available to all interested students w/in the related set. Interpretation does not extend to all students/all sports - outside of the co-op.
12-16-05
Q.: Are we able to have open gym times for track and field events throughout the winter months. We have thought about having our pole vaulters and throwers come in before school. What responsibilities would our coaching staff have? What issues should we be concerned about?
A.: The rules governing open gym are contained in Article II-D of the Rules At A Glance. Schools may con- duct open gyms - following these rules - in any activity they wish. That said, few schools I know of allow pole vaulting in open gym settings due to the fact that it is an activity non-conducive to most students safely doing on their own/no coaching/instruction, etc.
11-11-05
Q.: Can you please clarify if coaches can be present at "open gyms" and if they can advise the girls what to do when at open gyms?
A.: Coaches may supervise open gym. Coaches (nor any one else) may not direct/organize or instruct in open gyms.
10-7-05
Q.: Do open gyms have to be open to other students from other schools? I found where it talks about summer contact having to be open to other schools but nothing about during the season.
A.: There have been a considerable number of changes in summertime programming and coaching con- tact in just these past two summers. Getting it "all down" takes a little bit of thinking/recollection, even for me. First, the summer contact rules were changed (again) effective this past summer whereby "schools" could now sponsor 9-12 programming within the allowable/sport respective, contact windows. This programming could include students/teams from other schools. It could be limited to just your school's students. Local option. Keep in mind this is now discussing "school sponsored programming" - as opposed to the requirements still in place when we address a "YMCA/City Rec", e.g., sort of programming. Those providers of "nonschool programs" that must still adhere to the requirements you initially outlined...i.e., may not be limited/restricted based on school and/or team status, etc.
8-22-05
Q.: Can we use our wrestlers at a summer camp and pay them monetarily? Unless this has changed also, my understanding is that is not permissible. I want to make sure before I reply to our coach.
A.: No change, a student has always been able to be "employed" and be paid for working a camp as a clinician/coach. But, a student may not be "self-employed" in marketing their sport skill/expertise. Your "state champ" can not sell "private" lessons, but they may be paid for working in a bona fide camp as a counselor/clinician/camp coach.
12-13-04
Q.: If my volleyball coach has an open gym that any student may attend in the morning before school can she play volleyball with her athletes? These would be pick-up style games without instruction. My understanding of the out-of-season regulations is that this contact is acceptable under Article 1, section c.4 on page 55.
A.: No. Please review our Rules At A Glance document. Read Article I on Coaches/contact, just for added familiarity. Then - specific to your question - read Article II, D, 3.
4-30-04
Q.: Our Gym and Swim is handled by our district office and any kid interested and who has $2.50 can attend.
A.: It sounds as though your district may have a "Community Ed" type model in place. Community Ed and/or other 'like' programs, which are under the control and direction of the "school" must still comply with the Bylaws. Generally, this provides that athletes with past status in a school sport and who have remaining eligibility should not be involved in school sponsored sport outside the designated school season since they are only allowed one season of school sponsored sport per school year. Please be certain to review the WIAA Handbook/Bylaws (the agreement for/of membership). In particular, see p. 26/Article II, primarily Sections 1 through 5. Additional text and commentary can be found in the Rules at a Glance document. In particular, Article II, Sections A, B, C, D are potentially applicable (especially last sentence of 'A').
Q.: I have a couple of athletes who want to go to another high school and use their facilities. They have to pay $2.50 to swim &/or shoot baskets. Is this legal to do under the "open gym" section?
A.: This does not sound like an "open gym" as WIAA defines it. Open gym is a school sponsored activity. This sounds like a private/nonschool sort of opportunity...maybe the park and rec dept. or some other non- school group. As your question points out, "open gym" rules as outlined in the Rules At A Glance pro- hibit/may not involve students from other schools. If you come to discover this opportunity is in fact school sponsored, do not allow your students to attend. If it is indeed something other then "open gym" and any kid interested and who has $2.50 can attend, then it's no problem for your kids, either.
4-16-04
Q.: I was told by the softball camp director that every participant keeps their jersey and their visor from the camp. Does this cause a problem with eligibility?
A.: The issue is that a 'jersey' is something a student can not receive for potential/performance/achieve- ment, etc. in athletics. It is not uncommon that in these sorts of junkets, the jersey or uniform is actually purchased by the family and/or is included in the cost of the trip. You want to protect your student by having something that clearly indicates they have paid for (in some way) the jersey.
Q.: I'm the President of a regional Football Coaches Association and some of our area coaches were wondering if we could hold an unpadded conditioning camp for area athletes during the first week in August. I told them I didn't think so but I would check with you to make sure. It would be set up so no area coach would work with their own athletes.
A.: Your initial reaction is understandable. The response to this sort of camp would certainly raise 'eye- brows' and suspicions. The complete answer however, is that if a nonschool 'provider' wished to hold a 'boot camp' style opportunity for physical conditioning, WIAA rules would not prevent that. WIAA rules do not control 'non-members'. It's NOT something that a 'member school' could provide. Coaching con- tact restrictions are in effect in this period.
Q.: There was a paragraph in an area newspaper this morning announcing, "the first Wisconsin High School Baseball Showcase will take place June 19 & 20 at UW-Whitewater." I was always under the impression that "Showcases" during an athletes season were illegal. If this were true, WIAA Summer baseball players would not be able to attend. When you have a minute, please let me know what the eligibility situation would be with this or any other Showcase Camp.
A.: I'm not certain that I know all the details of this event, and what impact the membership's provisions might have. Any additional information you can provide would be helpful. In the meantime, the membership's ALL-STAR provisions can be found on p. 38-39 of the Handbook – See # 4a, in particular for summer baseball.
Camps/Clinics