1-3-12
Q: A student was a student at High School A during his freshman year (2009-2010). He transferred to High School B for his sophomore and junior years. While at High School A, he participated in basketball and in our football coop with High School C . During his years at High School B, Isaac played football and ran track. His family did change residence during his sophomore year. Isaac's 3 siblings still attend High School A. The family desires to have Isaac return to High School A for his senior year. If he returns to High School A, would he be eligible to participate in athletics? In review of the bylaws, we do understand that if eligible in any capacity, it would be at a JV level. Would there be any consideration for eligibility for our newly formed 8-player football as the WIAA has not fully sanctioned 8-player football for the 2012-2013 school year? Also, as I have attempted to outline the eligibility guidelines for our families, I am unclear as to the penalty if an ineligible player participates. Would the school be penalized or just the athlete?
A:When he transferred his 10th grade year to High School B (2010-11), he established eligibility there for 10th grade and 11th grade (2011-12). Since the change of residence occurred during his 10th grade year while attending High School B and continuing to attend High School B after the move, it does not affect his transfer. If he transfers after 10th grade, he may only practice and not compete at any level.
WIAA membership rules and NFHS playing rules are expected to be followed in all WIAA membership recognized sports. If you offer football, whether 11 player or 8 player, WIAA eligibility rules must be used and he would not have eligibility at any level. In fact this rule holds true for any sport offered by the membership. See the Constitution on page 14:
Article III – Membership
Section 2 – Admission
A. Application for membership shall be considered by the Board of Control of this Association upon receipt of the form provided for such purpose of evidence that the school:
5) Completed WIAA membership application form provided as evidence that the school:
c. Will conduct its athletic program under the CONSTITUTION, BYLAWS, and RULES OF ELIGIBILITY and all other regulations of this Association.
As far as penalties, the athlete would be ineligible and all contests would have to be forfeited. A member school deliberately circumventing a membership Constitution, Bylaw, and Eligibility rule could be declared ineligible for the sport tournament (or jamboree in the case of 8 player) up to suspension of membership. You may find the potential penalties on page 19 or your Handbook.
5-21-10
Q.: I work with the Green Bay Bullfrogs and we are having the Military All-Stars come in to play at our stadium this summer. They are a semi-pro team that plays all over the U.S. My question is: Can we have high school players play against them or will that ruin any eligibility for high school or college.
A.: Thanks for checking with our office. Our member schools have the following rule: A student becomes ineligible in a sport for a maximum of one year from date of last offense for participating in an all-star game or similar activity. 1) An all-star team consists of students chosen on the basis of individual accomplishment or reputation from two or more existing or recently-existing teams. An all-star game is one played between two teams, either of which consists of selected students of two or more existing or recently-existing teams. Note: In individual sports, participation by invitation and with no team affiliation would be exempt from this rule.
Q.: We home school our son and daughter. My son would like to play football. He will be in the 8th grade this fall. Why isn't he allowed to play? My taxes support the school system. He can take a placement test to prove his grades are good enough.
A.: The member schools of the WIAA have determined eligibility is limited to full-time students enrolled at a member school. To begin, please keep in mind that the "WIAA" is a voluntary membership of public and non-public schools who have joined together to create and provide programming opportunities for their students. The Association is not designed to provide to a general public like a YMCA or community recreation program. We do not actually have any language which addresses non-students. There has been no interest from our membership. The rules for eligibility, presently adopted/approved by our members simply provide that a member school may only use their own full-time students on interscholastic teams. As an aside and for more complete background, at least one Association advocating for home based education, the Wisconsin Parents Association has advised its members to enroll students in school full-time if athletic eligibility is a priority. There is concern that athletic eligibility would lead to a form of state or local regulation or oversight. In response, what I see emerging in some parts of WI and in the many other states where the rules of eligibility are similar to Wisconsin's are home educating families forming their own athletic associations (see www.SWCHASAINTS.org). This sort of response brings about a climate in sport more in line with some of the reasons a family may have chosen home educating in the first place. As the WIAA is a voluntary, private organization, the member schools can determine the eligibility of the students participating in their programs.
Q.: I've been getting different answers from people in our district regarding eligibility. My son will be starting 9th grade at a private high school in the fall. The school does not offer a football program. Would he be eligible to play on our public school boundary team or possibly for another private high school team that has a football program?
A.: The member schools have the basic rule of eligibility stating: "A school may use on its interscholastic teams only its full-time students enrolled in grades affiliated with WIAA membership." Therefore, your son will only be eligible at the school he attends. The only option for football is if your school has a co-op agreement with another school.
Nonschool Competition/Participation
Q.: Our community is sponsoring a half marathon this spring. I was told by the track coach that, "anyone that is on the high school track team can not participate in your marathon. It is still the high school track season and it would make them ineligible for future participation in high school sports." Is this information accurate or can kids who are in track participate in this charity event?
A.: The member schools of the WIAA have the following rule which addresses your question: It is the philosophy of this Association that a student owes loyalty and allegiance to the school and team of which he/she is a member during the season of a given sport. A student becomes ineligible in a sport for the remainder of the season for competing in a nonschool game, meet, or contest - in any manner - in the same sport during the season of practice and competition established by the school (whether registered or not). This applies whether participation is from start to finish or only a portion of the event. The practice of banditing, which is joining a race unofficially, is considered participating. In fact, it is deemed unacceptable behavior and may be a violation of a school's code of conduct. During the track season, this rule applies to all track athletes. During the cross country season, this rule applies to all cross country athletes. Anyone who has completed their season may run with permission of their coach and school administration.
Q.: I want to know what limits there are on varsity level kids participating in NAYS spring tourneys. I see lots of them posted and wondered how restricted the kids would be.
A.: The North American Youth Sports tournaments appear to be organized basketball tournaments which teams may enter. When organized during the school year, our member schools have the following rule: "During the actual school season of a sport, 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." No pre-season team should be made up exclusively of students from the same school. Merely grade level diversification is not acceptable. Non-school teams should be as diverse as you can possibly make them. During the summer, students may assemble in any manner they wish.
Q.: We have a basketball summer league starting in our area beginning June 1. Our basketball team would like to participate. Does this comply with WIAA rules?
A.: There are two rules which will affect this answer. At the 2010 Annual Meeting, the member schools voted down a common start date of the Friday of Memorial Day by a 204-131 vote. Summertime is defined as the last day of school to the first day of school. 1) If your school is in session, then the team may not resemble a school team practicing or competing and must be diversified. 2) If school is out of session, then the students may assemble in any manner provided it is voluntary.
4-24-10
Q.: I am trying to get some clarification on the number of games my daughter will miss due to a violation she received. I am getting mixed messages. She will miss 25 percent of the number of contests according to our school handbook. I counted 19 dates on the schedule. There are two dates that are invitationals which may require them to play more than one game but are only listed as one date. Would that be one contest or would that be two if they play two games that date?
A.: You appear to have the correct interpretation. When a contest on a date is an invite with multiple teams and games, it will count as one contest. It depends on how the school is counting the date in order to meet the season regulations. In softball, the limitation is 18 contests with two additional dates being designated as multi-games for a total of 20 contests. In your situation it appears that 25 percent of 19 would mean 4.75 or 5 contests. If your school has any invites on the schedule, they count as one.
Q.: My 16-year old daughter (sophomore) attends a Catholic school. She wants to play softball with the public school girls team. The coach is agreeable, but the school board won't allow it saying it's against WIAA rules. If my daughter were not attending parochial school, she would be attending the public high school as our home is located in that township. Our parochial school does NOT have it's own softball team. If you have no rule prohibiting her participation, could you let me know by email, and I would pass it on to the public school administration. She is willing to pay the fees and follow the rules the other girls have to follow.
A.: The member schools of the WIAA established eligibility rules for participating in their programs. Eligibility is defined as: A school may use on its interscholastic teams only its full-time students enrolled in grades affiliated with WIAA membership. The only option for a student to participate on another school's team would be a co-op. The caveat to the co-op is that both schools must be members of the WIAA. At this time, she would not be able to play with the public school team as she is not a full-time student at that school and there is not a co-op in place.
3-15-10
Q.: What is the status of a student who graduates at the end of the first semester their senior year? Would a student be able to continue playing a sport?
A.: Upon graduation, the student is no longer eligible the afternoon of the last day of the semester. The student is not allowed to continue. The only exception is the spring semester. (page 36, Art V, Section 1, Paragraph A, #8, and #9) They may maintain eligibility by remaining a full-time student through June, however. Keep in mind, that they must be a full-time student.
Q.: My son attends a charter high school that does not offer track and field. May he participate at another area school, one that is a member of the WIAA?
A.: The member schools of the WIAA have determined eligibility of participants in their programs as follows: A school may use on its interscholastic teams only its full-time students enrolled in grades affiliated with WIAA membership. Therefore, students are only eligible at the schools they attend. If a school does not provide that sport, the students may not participate at another school unless a co-op has been formed and approved.
Q.: I have a quick question about the eligibility of a home-schooled freshman that lives in the district and would like to play sports at their local high school. What are the actual rules on this subject. Does she need to be enrolled and how many credits would she need to carry?
A.: Our member schools have the following rule: Section 3 – Who may Participate "A school may use on its interscholastic teams only its full-time students enrolled in grades affiliated with WIAA membership." Article V – Attendance and Scholarship, Section 1 – Senior High, A. "A student is eligible for interscholastic competition at a member school if he/she is: 1. Carried on the attendance rolls as a duly enrolled full-time student of a public member school for purposes of state equalization aids as a Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 student in that member school. Note: A full-time student is a student where the member school is responsible for programming 100 percent of the student's school day. The student is eligible for like or similar awards, privileges and services as all other students and meets all obligations and responsibilities as other students, without exception." Therefore, they must be enrolled in a member school full-time.
Q.: Can 8th grade students play in high school sports? (c-team, JV, varsity) If so, could a student in 8th grade play five years of high school sports or is there a number of years he/she could play?
A.: A school may use on its interscholastic teams only its full-time students enrolled in grades affiliated with WIAA membership. Therefore, an 8th grader is not eligible at a school which has a 9-12 enrollment. Rules further state: A school may not allow its students in Grades 9, 10, 11 and/or 12 to compete against another member school's students in Grade 8 and/or below. In addition, a student is ineligible after attending eight semesters or 12 trimesters while enrolled in Grades 9-12. A student must complete eligibility in
the four consecutive years starting with Grade 9 and the three consecutive years starting with Grade 10, unless there are documented extenuating circumstances.
2-5-10
Q.: My son has played 11 years of hockey in the neighboring town's program. He will be in his freshman year at our district high school next year and there is no hockey program there. He would like to go to school in our resident district and play high school hockey. We have talked with our AD and he has talked with the AD from our neighboring district. The other district's AD felt that a co-op was not an option. We were hoping that there
might still be something we could do.
A.: Students are eligible at schools in which they are full-time students. If your school does not offer hockey, the only option would be a co-op with a school which agrees to do so.
Q.: I am trying to locate the rule that athletes are able to participate in two sports during a season. Where can I find that information?
A.: The WIAA member schools do not have a rule limiting the number of sports which are recognized by the members during the sport season. A student becomes ineligible in a sport for the remainder of the season for competing in nonschool game, meet, or contest in the same sport during the season of practice and competition established by the school.
Q.: I was wondering, what are the requirements for a student that is being home schooled? Are they allowed to participate in sport programs offered through the local public school? Through a private school?
A.: The member schools of the WIAA have declared eligible athletes with the following rule: A school may use on its interscholastic teams only its full-time students enrolled in grades affiliated with WIAA membership. (Rules of Eligibility, Art I, Sect 3, Para A). Based on this rule, a home-schooled child would not be eligible since they are not full-time student at a member school.
1-15-10
Q.: My son will be a senior next year at a private high school. We are wondering if there is way for him to play volleyball at the local public high school without transferring. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
A.: The best source of information is your local athletic director as our priority is serving the schools which make up our membership. Our fundamental rule is that a student is only eligible at the school which they are full-time students. Therefore, a student may not participate on interscholastic teams at another school. The only opportunity would be if the two schools formed a cooperative team provided there is mutual agreement by their boards and the application process is followed and completed by the stated
deadlines. I suggest a conversation with your athletic director.
Q.: My son is considering applying for full-time open enrollment at a virtual public high school in the same school district as the Virtual Academy?
A.: Our membership rule states: A school may use on its interscholastic teams only its full-time students enrolled in grades affiliated with WIAA membership. Therefore, his eligibility would be at the Virtual Academy. You should contact the district high school to determine their policy on virtual students participating in their athletic programs.
Q.: What is the definition of a full-time student? How many hours a week do they need to be in school per week to be full-time?
A.: A full-time student definition can be found on page 35 of the Senior High Handbook: A full-time student is a student where the member school is responsible for programming 100 percent of the student's school day. The student is eligible for like or similar awards, privileges and services as all other students and meets all obligations and responsibilities as other students, without exception. Your local Board of Education probably has defined in policy a full-time student which is reported to the DPI for full financial reimbursement.
12-18-09
Q.: I am writing in regards to a rule of yours prohibiting home school students from competing on school teams. On what grounds was the decision made, and why must I pay taxes to support a school that won't let my child participate in sports but can for any other school activity?
A.: There are numbers of reasons an organization of schools might have the rules as they do. The rationale for a rule typically has a uniformity/conformity basis. Student athletes in member schools have to meet a number of conditions to be eligible, including residency requirements, age and consecutive semester
restrictions, amateur status stipulations, regularly maintained attendance, conduct conformity, satisfactory academic standing and physical fitness. Each school has the institutional responsibility for compliance with the rules of their membership, and in the absence of any other authority for state or local officials to regulate home-based education programs here in Wisconsin, athletic eligibility is not granted to anyone other than students enrolled full time at a member school. Lastly, keep in mind that paying taxes is not an eligibility requirement. There are likely a considerable number of full-time students at member schools whose families pay little or no taxes, yet the children are eligible. Though you and I pay taxes, we are not
eligible, nor can we borrow the city/county snow removal equipment as we might wish. None of us are afforded equal access to all of those things which taxes provide. At times, there are appropriate prerequisites. Tax dollars do afford access to a free appropriate public education. To this point in time participation in school sports/extracurriculars are not seen as compulsory, rather as a privilege.
Q.: I have a question on age eligibility for spring baseball...am I understanding that if the child turns 19 before Aug. 1, 2009 he is not eligible for play in the 2009-2010 season? And if he turns 19 before Aug. 2010 he is still eligible to play the 2009-2010 season.
A.: Our membership rules state that an athlete is ineligible if he/she reaches his/her 19th birthday before August 1 of any given school year. Therefore, if the 19th birthday is after August 1, they would be eligible.
Q.: We have a student swimmer who will graduate at the semester. If the semester ends on Jan. 22, 2010 but official grade transcripts that determine if the student has graduated will not be complete for another week, is the student eligible to compete on Jan. 23? I'm guessing the answer is no but would like your clarification.
A.: When he walks out the door on January 22, his swim career would be completed and he could not swim on January 23.
10-27-09
Q.: We have two home-schooled students in our district who have approached us about playing basketball here at our school. I have looked in the Season Regulations book and could not find anything to let me know if this was legal or not. Please let me know if these kids would be able to participate.
A.: Our membership rules state that only full-time students are allowed to participate. Therefore, if a home-school student is not full-time by your board of education standards, they are not eligible for athletics. The definition would be on page 32 of the Handbook. Rules of Eligibility Art II, sect 1 A.
Q.: My son is currently a 9th grader at a WIAA member school and on the JV football team. He was home-schooled prior to enrolling at the high school this year. My question is: Can he participate in the football pro-
gram if he is removed from the high school?
A.: Our membership rules state a student who is a full-time student, whether an adult or not, is eligible for interscholastic competition only at the school within whose attendance boundaries his/her parents reside, within a given school district with additional provisions. If a student leaves the enrollment rolls of a school for home schooling, the student is no longer eligible for competition on the school's interscholastic athletic teams.
Q.: Is a student who graduates after the 1st semester eligible to participate in spring athletics?
A.: Our membership rules do not allow a student to participate after graduation. If a student wishes to continue taking courses to remain in school, they may participate, but must meet full-time student status. An exception is summer baseball if the student graduates in the spring.
Q.: I notice that a lot of varsity football teams are using soccer players as their kickers. How are players allowed to participate in two varsity sports at the same time?
A.: Our membership rules do not limit the amount of sports an athlete may participate in during the season. Many times you will see athletes participating in football and soccer or in track and softball.
Q.: I have some questions for you regarding rules for virtual school high school students. I have a daughter who will be a freshman next year. She is interested in virtual schooling, as well as participating in track and cross
country. How does it work if she is enrolled in a virtual school in Kiel or Waukesha? Does that become her home school district? When I read the WIAA guidelines, it sounded like a virtual student would be able to participate with the approval of the athletic director. Is that correct?
A.: Our membership rules allow full-time students at member schools who reside with their parents to participate in athletics at the school they are enrolled. If a student is enrolled at a virtual school full-time,
then they are eligible at the virtual school. If the virtual school is located in the student's hometown, then she is eligible at the hometown school. If the virtual school is located in another town, then she is eligible at the school where the virtual school is located and it would become that school. A student enrolled full-time at a school and taking virtual school courses part-time is eligible at the school she is a full-time student. Waivers may only be given by the WIAA Board of Control.
9-18-09
Q.: Why isn't a volleyball tournament held on a Saturday, which team is required to play in, counted as a "day" the player is suspended due to academic ineligibility? If it doesn't count because it is not a school day, then why can't the player compete? Athletic code does not say a thing about weekend play, just school day.
A.: There are two parts to this answer: Sports are limited to a maximum number of contests. In volleyball, the regular sport season has a maximum of 15 contests with the possibility of seven multi-school contests counted as part of the 15 total. Academic and code of conduct violations are calculated based on 15 scheduled school days during the school year and 21 consecutive calendar days from the first available game day or one third the number of contests as a maximum during the fall when the season begins before the school year begins. If a school counts a multi-school contest as one of the 15 contests, then that contest in its entirety must count as one.
Q.: Is there any rule that a player sits out the whole game or plays 45 seconds of a game while other students play the whole game. 10th grade football.
A.: Playing time is determined by the coaches and schools. The WIAA has player limitations on the number of contests a player may participate.
Q.: I was wondering, is my son able to play football for our middle school if he is being home schooled but living in the district limits? I would hope so because he was a student of the district in the past but because of bullying we had to pull him out for his own safety.
A.: No. We have several rules which govern our member schools. If your school is a member of the WIAA at the junior high level. A student is eligible for interscholastic competition at a junior high/middle level, if he/she is carried on the attendance rolls (for purpose of state equalization aids) as a full-time Grade 6, 7, or 8 student in that member school. (MS ROE, I-3-A)
Q.: I have a student that will qualify for early graduation on January 29 and wants to wrestle. Will he be eligble to finish out the season?
A.: A student does not have eligibility upon early graduation. (ROE V-8) The only exception is for a student who graduates in May or June retains eligibility for (a) any portion of a spring athletic schedule not
completed by the end of the academic year and (b) the school's summer athletic schedule. Keep in mind, if a student chooses to remain in school to compete after early graduation, they must still satisfy the requirements of eligibility: A full-time student residing with their parents in the district.
Q.: A local private high school (grades 9-12) has nine girls out for golf this fall. Five will play varsity and four will play JV (one short of a full team). My 7th grade daughter will be attending that high school and currently attends the feeder grade school. Would she be eligible to play JV this year and still play varsity during her four years of high school? Would the answer change if she took a high school math class, which she is qualified aca-
demically to do so?
A.: No. A school may use on its interscholastic teams only its full-time students enrolled in grades affiliated with its WIAA membership. (ROE, Art I, Sect. 3-A)
8-21-09
Q.: I was wondering why if a school wants a student from a virtual school or home school to play on it's team why won't the WIAA let them play?
A.: There are numbers of reasons an organization of schools might have the rules as they do. The rationale for rule typically has a uniformity/conformity basis. Student athletes in member schools have to meet a number of conditions to be eligible, including residency requirements, age and consecutive semester restrictions, amateur status stipulations, regularly maintained attendance, conduct conformity, satisfactory academic standing and physical fitness. Each school has the institutional responsibility for compliance with the rules of their membership, and in the absence of any other authority for state or local officials to regulate home-based education programs here in WI., athletic eligibility is not granted to anyone other than students enrolled full-time at a member school. This full-time student requirement was in effect long before home-based education was as popular as it is today. Advocates for athletic eligibility for home-base students have surveyed the membership seeking support for change. There has been no movement by our
members, not even minimum interest, to change the rule to this point in time. But, to answer your question: Can the rule be changed...? Yes, it certainly can. The membership has the authority to change, modify and amend its rules annually by majority vote. Though there has been little expressed interest in support, certainly times and perspectives may change on any topic. As an aside and for more complete background, at least one Association advocating for home based education, The Wisconsin Parents Association has advised it's members to enroll students in school full-time if athletic eligibility is a priority. There is concern that athletic eligibility would lead to a form of state or local regulation or oversight. In response, what I see emerging in some parts of WI and in the many other states where the rules of eligibility are similar to Wisconsin's are home educating families forming their own athletic associations. (see www.SWCHASAINTS.org) This sort of response brings about a climate in sport more in line with some of the reasons a family may have chosen home educating in the first place. A team bus, a practice field or locker room are not in a vacuum. They will reflect all the good and distasteful that one will find in any hallway or classroom.
Q.: Are home schoolers allowed to play high school basketball at their district's public school? If not, why not?
A.: Home-schooled children are not allowed to participate in WIAA athletics. The WIAA is made up of member schools who serve the students enrolled in their respective schools. We have no text of any kind that address anyone other then the students of member schools. Serving this assembly of schools and their students is our reason for existence. (Further background for this rule is as stated in the previous question.)
Q.: Just wondering if girls can play in baseball? I'm going to high school this fall and my athletic director says that WIAA says I can't play but another person told me I could - which is correct?
A.: Baseball and softball are not considered comparable sports. Therefore, a girl may try-out and play for a school's baseball team if selected to that team. You may find more question and answers referring to gender equity on the WIAA Web page.
5-8-09
Q.: I have a student who is attending a program for his HSGED. Can he participate in track? Full-time student is the status for sports, correct?
A.: A student enrolled in a GED or even GEDO 2 program – might be afforded eligibility. The critical element – is that the student's program meets the requirements to be afforded full-time student status and/or full-time student equivalent. There is not a requirement a student receive a traditional diploma – or be on track for one, in order to be eligible. The requirement is that they must be enrolled as a full-time student, meet academic eligibility requirements, etc. ROE Art. V is reference.
Q.: Our son will be entering high school this next fall, and he wants to go to a small private school. They do not offer football for a fall boys sport, only soccer. Can he play football for another school if they are willing?
A.: No. A member school can only use their own, full-time students on their interscholastic athletic teams. Member schools can, with interest and cooperation, form co-op programs with other member schools. Timelines exist. This is a topic for discussion with school administration.
4-10-09
Q.: The parents of a local home-school boy have asked our golf coach if their son could practice with our team. They were told that state guidelines would not permit their son to be a participating member of the team. They
understood the rule scenario. They felt that merely being able to be around a team would be a very positive effect on their son. The boy is supposedly very mildly autistic. We know that he has played golf for several years with
the autism in no way affecting his ability to play the game or be part of a group. He is taking one (1) class at our school. We have nine (9) players on our team this season. Allowing this boy to play as our 10th player would
seem only the proper path to follow. All parties would know that his score would not count or in any way affect the outcome of any match. He shoots in the 50s on what would be considered to be tougher than normal high
school course. JV players in our area usually shoot in that range. I know our conference coaches would not object but we felt it proper to run this by you.
A.: If there was any relief that we could offer you, of course we would. Our member's rules provide that you will only use your own full-time students on your interscholastic athletic teams. You may involve
"members of the community" in your practices as you might wish to allow. But in so far as setting asidethe member's rule – neither you or I have the unilateral authority to do that. If the student wishes to golf
for your school team – one solution would be to have him enroll as a full-time student.
3-27-09
Q.: I am inquiring about eligibility for a senior student who has finished her coursework for graduation, but will receive her diploma in May with the rest of the senior class. Would the student be eligible for a spring sport? I thought the answer was no, since she will not be in attendance as a full-time student for the next three months.
A.: You are correct. ROE Art. V addresses attendance and scholarship. Bottom line: If student is not enrolled as a full-
time student - meeting all responsibilities and obligations as all other full-time students, she must be considered ineligible.
Q.: I have an issue with my Special Education Dept. I have a student that has been suspended for multiple code violations and now the Special Ed Dept. has now updated her IEP and put a Behavior Improvement Plan into her IEP and is using athletics as an incentive to be good. But with her suspension and code violations she is suspended for a full calender year and 175 percent of her upcoming seasons because of all the violations of the athletic code. Can you clarify in writing that can not be done?
A.: The reasonable accommodation in this instance might require you to spend some personal time with the student to be certain she comprehends it. There is no way we would be supportive of multiple, or differentiated participation codes. A different behavioral standard, different expectations for different students, in order to access the privilege of extra curricular athletics would in our opinion lead to chaos. There are countless numbers of opportunities that can be identified within an IEP to provide a structured/social growth experience for students. It does not need to be school sports.
12-12-08
Q.: What does the WIAA define as a "full-time student"?
A.: See Sr. High Handbook, p.35 Art. V, Sect. 1A-note. Since there is broad diversity across our 500+ member schools and how their local Boards identify full-time student status, e.g., four period blocks, six, seven or eight periods (more) traditional schedule based determination, some go by semester credits, etc. The WIAA's "definition" of a full-time student must come from a broader perspective. In our member's Senior High Handbook, p. 35 Rules of Eligibility Art.V, Sect.1A-note, provides: "A full-time student is a student where the member school is responsible for programming 100 percent of the student's school day. The student is eligible for like or similar awards, privileges and services as all other students and meets all obligations and responsibilities as other students, without exception." From another perspective then, a full time student – could be – class president, prom king, homecoming queen, class speaker – or even, valedictorian and grand scholarship winner. Instruction is provided or paid for by the school. Course work is
counted towards GPA/class rank, graduation, honors, e.g.
Q.: I have a student who went to school A last year as a freshman, did not play any sports and has transferred to school B. Due to credit deficiencies, this student is a freshman again this year at school B. Does he lose a year
of athletic eligibility or is there a process to allow him four years of athletic eligibility?
A.: Review ROE Art. V, p. 35. Students have up to four years/eight consecutive semesters of potential HS eligibility. Based on your description, student will be ineligible his fifth year of HS unless a consecutive semester waiver is sought/provided. That process should occur just prior to the student beginning his fifth year.
Q.: Before hockey began, I had a 9th grade player email me and ask my opinion to whether she should play high school hockey or play WAHA U-14 level girls hockey. Because the school team had a returning 11th grade goal tender and another 11th grader who showed interest in the back-up position, I recommended that she play at the U-14 level. We started high school hockey a week ago today, and the potential back-up goalie has informed me she does not want to play goalie leaving my team with just the one. The U-14 player has already begun the U-14 season and has already played two games. Is it to late to invite the U-14 player to the high school team? If so, do I need WIAA approval to do so?
A.: WIAA provisions require students who were a part of the team last season may not delay reporting "this" season and must be present on day one of practice. As you describe this situation, with student being a 9th grader, we see no reason she couldn't come out for the school team at this point in time. Obviously, once she reports to the school team she can no longer continue competition with the club team until the school season's over.
Q.: We have a student who wants to attend the local technical college and begin work on his HSED. He will still be considered a student of our HS but will be taking classes at the tech school. Will he be eligible to play ath-
letics at our high school?
A.: So long as student is still enrolled as a full-time student and/or full-time equivalent with your school, it is possible for him to be eligible. A word of caution; be sure you have immediate access to his grades. There are times when the local college campus' grading periods are different from your high schools. If the student becomes academically ineligible but is allowed to compete due to you not receiving his col- lege/vocational tech grades - the events he takes part in as an academically ineligible athlete would be forfeit.
9-19-08
Q.: My question is dealing with academic eligibility, and one "F." I have read that for students to be eligible they must have no more then one failing grade. In our code we have added that one "F" means one contest. I under- stand this, but am confused on the fall. If they are ineligible for the WIAA, I believe they need to sit 21 calendar days. But that is for more than one "F." Then, by our rule they still need to sit one contest, but do they also
have to sit the 21 days? They do not sit the time during the school year.
A.: Answer to your question is - "no". When a school's rule, more strict than the WIAA's, has made the student academically ineligible, the school may also determine when/how the student returns to play. It was your rule that made the student ineligible, not the WIAA's. A mistake that some school's who have a "no F" policy make, is that they fail to understand that when/if a student has more then one F, then the period of suspension may not be less than the WIAA's required 21 calendar days in the summer and fall and the 15 scheduled school days during the school year - and as a result may return a student sooner than is permitted thinking their policy is more strict then WIAA's. While it may be more strict for one F, a school may not be less restrictive in situations involving more than one F.
Q.: We have a question for you on the fall academic eligibility timetable. I know it says if athletes fail to meet the standard in the spring of the year, they have to sit 21 calendar days from the first allowable date of compe-
tition or 1/3 of their season, whichever is less. My question then, is how do you count multi-team events, such as a tennis quad on a Saturday? Does that count as one meet or three meets? Same with a volleyball quad or a
soccer tournament with more then one game on a day.
A.: To determine what a date "counts" you simply consider whether the "date" counts for one or three of your maximum allowed schedule. If the event is counted as three individual events in your season max, it counts for three in your academic ineligibility suspension. If the event is "ONE" within your allowed maximums – even if you played six games, it still only counts as ONE in satisfying the academic ineligibility requirement. The same application holds true for satisfying code of conduct suspensions, too.
Q.: Last spring, a long term substitute teacher did not follow the students IEP and didn't use the EEN grading scale that has been approved by our school board. This student was made ineligible to start the football season
due to a failing grade in this class for the fourth quarter. Our special education teacher investigated his grades this fall when school started and discovered the error in his grades. Following the EEN scale and IEP his grade is a passing grade. Our superintendent, principal and special education teacher met and discussed this situation and determined him to be eligible. I'm just double checking with the WIAA to be sure that he is, therefore, eli- gible to participate immediately.
A.: If school administration has determined an error has been made in student grades/grading and corrects it in a manner based on established policy; one which is transparent and is known and available for relief to any/all students in same situation – the WIAA would view that as appropriate administrative action.
Q.: Can an 8th grader in our district run CC at the high school level? My look through the Handbook didn't give me much to go on.
A.: No. An 8th grader cannot compete at 9th, 10th, 11th or 12th grade level..not frosh, JV, varsity or reserves. Allowing middle school students from w/in 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. 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 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.
Q.: I see a new form called HS athletic eligibility information bulletin form on the Web site. Is it required to get parents/students signature on this form, or is it optional?
A.: Yes - see the 08-09 Sr. High Handbook, p. 39, Rules of Eligibility, Art. VII, Sect.1A. Parents signature indicating they have received the WIAA rules of eligibility each year is now required.
Q.: This summer we added to our athletic code the WIAA's rules for eligibility. This includes age, academics, attendance, transfers, amateur status and so on. It is about four pages in length. We now require the parents to sign our code specifying specifically that they have read and understand the information in the document. I have been under the impression that NO athlete may participate and be eligible for practice until this is signed. We have it stated like this in our athletic code: "This form must be completed and submitted to the athletic director prior to a student being declared eligible to practice and compete." I sent an e-mail to all fall coaches here in our area today reminding them that no athlete may practice until we have this form, physical/alternate year card and
our school's emergency information/medical card on file. I have one coach already concerned about kids sitting because of these restrictive requirements. I explained that this is now WIAA policy that the Rules of Eligibility must be signed before one can practice to eliminate ANY misunderstandings with the rule. I have no problem with it. It may take one season of this and the word will get out really fast. Please clarify whether I have misinterpreted the intentions/rule of the WIAA to my coaches and parents.
A.: You have correctly stated the rule and requirement. Please see 2008 Senior High Handbook, Rules of Eligibility, Art. VII, Sect. 1 A (p. 39). We think it is clearly written. Remind your coaches the WIAA is 517 member schools. Each member gets a vote. At last April's annual meeting (2008) they voted 259 to 50 to approve this requirement.
Q.: We have a student that has moved here from out-of-state with his parents. He was a young freshman last year and with the move to Wisconsin the counselors here at our school recommended that he start in the 9th grade. Can you let me know if he is considered a freshman or sophomore?
A.: From an eligibility standpoint, the student will be considered a sophomore. You will want to share with the student and family – Rules of Eligibility, Article V, Sect. 1A-3a and b (p. 35). The student will be ineligible in his 5th year.
Q.: Do incoming 9th grade students start out on a "clean slate" with academic eligibility?
A.: Yes – if that is/has been your district's policy in the past. While it is not uncommon to see in many smaller schools/communities – where there may be only one or two middle schools for academic and code of conduct requirements to be carried from 8th to 9th grade - The WIAA does not require that academic and/or code related issues and suspensions be carried over from 8th grade to 9th.
Q.: Can home school student compete for their attendance area high school-without any additional issues?
A.: No. Both our middle level and 9-12 members have determined and agreed they can/will only use their own, full-time students on their interscholastic athletic teams. Our association is not a park and rec, or a YMCA - it was not formed to serve a general public; only the full-time students of members.
Q: If I'm reading the Handbook right, a student who is academically ineligible in the fall has 21 days from the first competition (not practice) or 1/3 of the season which ever is less, is this correct?
A.: You are correct. Student could be allowed to scrimmage – by our rules – since scrimmage is a day of practice. You may find a matrix on our Web site eligibility page that might help you as well.
Q.: We have a former home schooled student enrolling who is out for football as a sophomore. His mother provided the school with ALL of his homework-tests, and he took a MAP test to determine his academic abilities. With all of that information, our counselor came up with a transcript. According to the mother, he has all A's and B's...I can pull the transcript, but the point may be moot if he still needs a school issued report card from fourth quarter. I understand both sides of this issue. I believe in doing what is right, but I understand that there has to be strict guidelines on the issue. Any thoughts, now....with more details?
A.: There really is nothing to dwell on with this one. Student can practice without restriction. He can take part in your schools scrimmage if you have one (scrimmage is practice). You may count any home grades you wish / as you wish - for GPA, class rank, e.g. You could let him become your school's valedictorian if you wish. But, as a result of the rules, which you the members have established, he is academically not eligible to compete in WIAA interscholastic athletic competition until Sept. 18. There is no waiver provision
associated with this membership requirement.
Q.: I am the executive director of a small private school in southern Wisconsin. I was wondering what kind of programs are in place for private school students or home school students to be involved with sport programs. Can you send me more information?
A.: The WIAA is a not-for-profit, voluntary membership Association whose sole function is to provide interscholastic athletic competition opportunities for the full-time students at member schools. We have
no provisions which address any children or students - except those at member schools. You might find programs and opportunity for your students through the local recreation department or YMCA. They are providers more conducive for serving a general public. In addition I would encourage you to go to the Web site: Swchasaints.org for a terrific example of what home schooling families can accomplish.
Q.: I have a student who wants to do independent study/internet classes along with classes in our regular schedule here at the high school. He wants to play basketball. Is he eligible to do this?
A.: He might be eligible. The fundamental and critical component is that the student must be a full-time student – according to your board's definition, as well as the WIAA's. You may have students who take x classes at your building and then a class at the tech, or perhaps are involved in youth options – again, if they meet the definitions of full-time student they can be afforded eligibility. Since there is broad diversity across our 517 member schools and how their local Boards identify full-time student status, e.g., 4 peri-
od blocks, 6, 7 or 8 period (more) traditional schedule based determination, some go by semester credits, etc. The WIAA's "definition" of a full-time student must come from a broader perspective. In our member's Senior High Handbook, p. 35 Rules of Eligibility, Art.V, Sect.1A-note, provides: "A full-time student is a student where the member school is responsible for programming 100 percent of the student's school day. The student is eligible for like or similar awards, privileges and services as all other students and meets all obligations and responsibilities as other students, without exception." From another perspectivethen, a full-time student could be class president, prom king, homecoming queen, class speaker – or even, valedictorian and grand scholarship winner. Instruction is provided or paid for by the school. Course work is counted towards GPA/class rank, graduation, honors, same as for every other full-time student.
Q.: I am looking at the Handbook on page 36 and I have a question based upon Section 2A-3. This is the statement that states, "a student may erase ineligibility status related to the last grade-reporting period of the school
year through summer school courses (including correspondence courses) at the same or some other school, provided; "a. the student successfully completes not less than the same number of courses which caused ineligibility." Am I interpreting this correctly, if a student fails an English class (or any class) and passes any class in the summer, that student automatically regains his/her eligibility at the beginning of the fall season? If a person fails a class, does the summer school class have to be in the same area in order to count to recovery eligibility? If a student fails two courses, they must pass two summer school courses in order for recovery of eligibility?
A.: A student may erase their failing grade(s) by passing the same number of courses in summer school as caused the ineligibility - they do not have to be the same subject(s) as those in which the student received the failing grade(s). If you have a no-F policy and they failed two courses, they must pass two summer school courses. If you have the WIAA 1-F minimum academic policy, then the student is allowed one F and can still be eligible. So they would need to make up one F in the summer to remove the F that made them ineligible.
8-15-08
Q.: We will have a 10th grade ED student this fall who will be attending a day treatment facility for most of the 1st semester. We will be counting him on our attendance rolls and will be providing the treatment center with his
educational plan and materials. At the end of his day there is he eligible to come back to school to participate in athletics?
A.: If student is academically eligible, has no code issues and if student is enrolled as a full-time student or full-time student equivalent and courses and grades at facility are counted toward graduation, class rank, etc., then - yes. If not full-time status or equivalent - no. See ROE, Art. V., Sect. 1A-Note - for definition of 'full time.'
Q.: I spoke with your assistant about the eligibility of a home school student who will be enrolling in our school as a junior. My understanding of what she said is that she is academically ineligible because she has no grades on record at the DPI. Is that correct? Therefore, she is under academic suspension for the 21 days. Is there a way to get the WIAA to recognize her previous years of home school education or would she be ineligible anyway because she is a junior? Do we have any options here that I am not understanding?
A.: You have been given correct information. If a student is/has been a "true" home schooled student the transfer rule does not apply (was not a full-time student at any school, including on-line schools like IQ
Academy e.g. - if that would be the case, transfer rule would apply). However, for all but entering 9th graders, academic eligibility is an earn as you go proposition. As you know, a student may not have more then one failing grade in their most recent (school issued) report card. A home-school student does not typically receive a school issued report card and as a result is considered not academically eligible - until the 21 calendar days of the fall ineligibility period are satisfied. Obviously, the school may accept home-school grades and classes for academic placement, even GPA and honors - if you wish. Student can practice. There is not a waiver for academic requirements. There are no options or perspectives that you are missing.
Q.: There is a student organization in our school that would like to run a charity co-ed four-on-four volleyball tournament this fall, open to the community. We do a similar three-on-three basketball tournament in April. This tournament would include middle and high school students. My question is this: Should they choose a date during the regular volleyball season, any high school girl that is playing on the high school team would NOT be able to participate in the four-on-four tournament, correct? I just want to make sure that I give the students the right information before they set a date.
A.: If the event is held during the school volleyball season and does not include students from other schools - it is seen as intramurals and girls who are on the schools volleyball team could be allowed to take part. It is when the opportunity is sponsored outside the actual school season - like basketball in April - that students who have status in the school program and remaining eligibility - should not take part in the out-of-season, school sponsored sport competition.
Q.: We have a student who age-wise will be a senior. He spent two years here in regular education, started having a lot of academic and behavioral issues the end of his sophomore year. He was classified as an "at risk" stu-
dent and placed in our charter school for the start of his junior year. He played football last year for part of the season, had a four game suspension, served that, came back and played one game and quit the team. His attendance and academic progress in the charter school was very poor. He was enrolled in some on-line course which he did not finish. His grandfather (legal guardian) contacted the school recently and claims his grandson is ready to turn things around and wants to come back to the charter school and, of course, play football. The question is, what eligibility standards apply to "at risk" students? Are they treated like special ed students with IEP's? We are willing to work with this student and grandfather to some extent, but not at the risk of jeopardizing or team.
A.: Unless student has been formally evaluated, special learning needs and services identified and an IEP processed - they are treated as all other students in their school. Remember; a charter school must be an independent and stand alone school - by Federal regulations. Thus, students attending that school - are not full time students at "local high."
Q.: We are looking at changing our academic policy for student-athletes possibly next school year. When I was speaking with some members of our board of education they were concerned about students that get in the wrong class and are failing but are working hard and improving but will not be able to pass the class at any time during the quarter. They would like to be able to present some type of "carrot" for these students. Currently after
the 15 days and nights of ineligibility students must be passing all classes each week in order to be eligible by our policy. Would it be allowable under the WIAA rules if we had the following policy for JV and freshmen team
student-athletes: After 15 school days and nights if students were making improvement in their grading percentage each week but were failing no more than two classes they could compete? We would still require varsi-
ty athletes to be passing all classes each week to be eligible once they were ineligible.
A.: The privilege of school sports is an "earn as you go" proposition. Students may not have more then one F, for eligibility (at any/all levels). During the school year if a student has more than one F and then after 15 days and the grade check, they are still failing – they remain ineligible until the standard is met, i.e., passing. There is no waiver or variation in that requirement that I have read, nor have I seen the Board of Control approve anything less.
Q.: I have a question regarding eligibility to participate on a public school high school team if the student resides within that high school's district but is enrolled at a non-public school that does not offer the sport she would like to participate in. The high school will not co-op with the non-public school. Under WIAA rules is the student allowed to compete on the public school team?
A.: No. Our member's rules provide that they can only use their own, full-time students on their interscholastic athletic teams.
7-18-08
Q.: A couple of questions have arose about the signature form/requirement for students/parents to acknowledge receipt of the school code and WIAA Rules of Eligibility: 1) If a middle school is 6-9, do the all of the kids have
to have the form or just the freshmen? 2) Can the form be signed once for the entire high school career?
A.: At present this is considered a 9-12 requirement. Of course you could choose to use it for your middle schools if you like. As adopted, ROE Art. VII reads in part: "(a) parental permission each school year
including an acknowledgement of receiving the school athletic code and WIAA Rules of Eligibility." (emphasis mine) Given the amount of changes the members have adopted in the Rules of Eligibility in
recent years - and given the text above - I would advise getting signature each/every year. You might consider a way to incorporate parental permission - (from PPE and alternate year cards) code and ROE into a singular, signature form that might work best for you.
5-22-08
Q.: We have a senior athlete that is out for track that failed a math course for the third grading period period. I have talked to the teacher and this athlete is still failing that class. The teacher informed me that the athlete does not have the aptitude for taking this advance class. The athlete's father made her stay in the class even though she failed the first semester. She has fulfilled the WIAA's policy of sitting out 15 days since receiving the fail- ing grade. Our code states though that she has to show a passing grade in all of her classes to regain eligibility. Her teacher states that will be impossible, no matter how hard she tries. Being a senior, she is wondering if we can overlook our code as long as she has fulfilled the WIAA standards.
A.: We would need to say 'no' to this question. Schools may establish rules which are more strict then WIAA minimum requirements, with the caveat they must be applied as written. Selective application of
the rule creates havoc and leaves you vulnerable.
5-1-08
Q.: I have a young man that has been taking youth option classes at a nearby university all year. He has four classes and the youth options class. Yesterday he stopped in and told us he dropped the third tri-mester calculus class and now only has four classes at the high school. The question is: The second tri-mester physics course ended at the end of March giving him five credits for the year, but he currently has only four classes now in the fourth quarter. Is he ineligible?
A.: What is considered a full-time student academic load for your school? If student is not carrying a full-time class and/or credit load (depending on how your board identifies full-time status) then he is not eli- gible. Your school board policy will initially define what constitutes full-time student status – most typically either in terms of credit hours completed - or in number of hours or classes carried per semester. Students must be enrolled as a full-time student in order to be eligible. Some students are enrolled full-time through youth options and other variety of instructional delivery methods. From the information in your note, I am unable to identify what constitutes full-time load for a student at your school.
Q.: I had a question regarding allowing 8th graders to play summer baseball for their high school. If a student in 8th grade plays for their high school freshman team, do they lose a year of eligibility once they are actually in high school? Or would they be allowed to play five years of high school summer baseball?
A.: Our member's rules of eligibility Article I, Section 3 and 4 prohibit the scenario you describe. A student is not eligible for 9th grade summer baseball until the second semester following entry into 9th grade.
Q.: Our community is currently running a softball club team in hopes of offering the sport as a WIAA recognized program next spring (2009). So far it has gone very well, but our numbers are a little low with athletes
wanting to continue to compete in a school and WIAA recognized sport (track and field). We have 8th graders practicing in the program as well at this point. If the member school's we are working with recognize the dates
as scrimmages and not games, can we use the 8th graders? Using the 8th grade is helping us to develop this program for future competition.
A.: Though we would never recommend it - schools may allow their 8th graders to practice with their HS teams. Technically - scrimmage is considered to be a day of practice. Having said that, we would discourage our member schools from scrimmaging and competing vs. a club team except when club roster is both age and grade appropriate - and consistent with our member's provisions in this area. To do otherwise clearly leaves a flavor of circumvention rather then compliance as well as a heightened vulnerability for our member school's teams.
Q.: Can a foreign exchange student participate in state level competitions and hold school and/or state records? Has this issue been asked before and if so what was the decision and/or discussion on the matter?
A.: The answer to your first question regarding the opportunity to compete and hold records is "yes," at least at the Association level. I cannot speak for the individual school for their own school records. The answer to your second question is also, "Yes." This question was brought before our members as recently as one or two springs ago. This came in the wake of a foreign exchange student winning several events in the Association's State track meet. The question of "should exchange students be allowed to take part in membership tournaments" - was responded to without a moment of hesitation at that time – again, "yes."
Q.: Next year, depending on his IEP, we may have a student who will be placed in a residential treatment facility due to his emotional disturbance condition. He will be counted as one of our students for DPI and we will be
paying the cost of this special education service. Will this student be eligible for athletics?
A.: The fundamental question needing to first be determined is whether the student will be have full-time status. Since there is broad diversity across our 500+ member schools and how their local boards identify full-time student status, e.g., four period blocks, six, seven or eight period (more) traditional schedule based determination, some go by semester credits, etc. The WIAA's "definition" of a full-time student must come from a broader perspective. In our member's Senior High Handbook, p. 35 Rules of Eligibility Art. V, Sect. 1A-note, provides: "A full-time student is a student where the member school is responsible for programming 100 percent of the student's school day. The student is eligible for like or similar awards, privileges and services as all other students and meets all obligations and responsibilities as other students, without exception." From another perspective then, a full-time student could be class president, prom
king, homecoming queen, class speaker, and even valedictorian and grand scholarship winner. Instruction is provided or paid for by the school. Course work is counted towards GPA, class rank, graduation, honors, e.g.
Q.: I have a quick question about a rule - As a girls basketball school program, we wrote a rule that our varsity girls that were playing club volleyball needed to take time off from the club sport during the start of tournament play for the basketball program. Is this illegal for us to do?
A.: WIAA members may develop rules which are more strict then the Association's. The team rule you have developed would not violate WIAA provisions. For team rules of this nature 'best friendly advice' is to seek/gain "authorization and support" from local school board and administration for rules of this kind.
4-11-08
Q.: I have a situation that I think is a no-brainier for the health, stability and well-being of our program, but, as you might imagine, a parent disagrees with my point of view. The situation is as follows: Student A wants to play
baseball this spring and, to his credit, asked if it would be "OK to miss Tuesdays and Thursdays." He wants to play another sport on these days for a club team (hockey). My reaction was to say "no" and explained that the WIAA and baseball program have policies relating to and in place regarding this issue and pointed out the loyalty/allegiance issue involved. I then said, "I guess you'll have to make a choice." The WIAA policy that refer-ences this issue is: Article VI -- Nonschool Participation Section 1 -- In-Season A. "It is the philosophy of this Association that a student owes loyalty and allegiance to the school and team of which he/she is a member dur- ing the season of a given sport. A student becomes ineligible in a sport for the remainder of the season for competing in nonschool game, meet, or contest in the same sport during the season of practice and competition established by the school. The penalty may be reduced upon request of a school on the basis of documented extenuating circumstances." Could you please respond and give your view on this? I think I've found a similar Q&A regarding this and am interpreting it properly. Nonetheless, what I feel you'll say is that it is NOT necessarily a violation of WIAA rules for Student A to play on this club hockey team during the WIAA spring baseball season, but a local issue. I, then, can interpret this rule and enforce our program policy as I have: That it would be unfair to other players and a detriment to our baseball program, setting a dangerous precedent, to allow such behavior.
A.: You have accurately interpreted the member's rule in this area. Though the member's would not prohibit a student from playing club hockey during the spring ball season, the concerns you raise and more, from a coaches perspective, are not unreasonable.
Q.: I have a question that I tried to research on your web page but did not find the answer. I have a step-son who has been playing hockey in a youth hockey league in a neighboring community. He is going into high school
next year, and the school district we live in does not provide hockey. My question is, can he play for the high school hockey team in the neighboring community without attending school there? He likes the school he is at
and has many friends here, but he wants to continue playing hockey. So can he attend one school and play on a hockey team in another district without actually attending school there?
A.: No – By their rules of eligibility, our member schools have agreed they can only use their own full-time students on their interscholastic teams.
3-28-08
Q.: Can a 18-year old, not living at home sign their own alternate year athletic permit card?
A.: No. Our text relating to the privilege of eligibility and as it relates to the physical form/alternate year card and permission to participate specifically requires parent signature.
Q.: My son plays sports for his high school. He has been harassed and pressured into playing by the coaching staff. They have told him that if he does not lift weights now that when football season comes he will not be
allowed to play. He is a very good student, he enjoys many sports including football but he feels as a freshman he needs a break. How can coaches make weight lifting mandatory for football season at 6:30 a.m. when it is March? Where is it in the rules that coaches can intimidate kids into playing a specific sport for them? Are coaches allowed push/shove/strike players? Is this normal coaching behavior?
A.: The assertions you raise are significant and if accurate would be in violation of WIAA membership provisions, and we feel our member school's administration would desire to be made aware, immediately.
Please see the Rules At A Glance, Article I and then the last couple sentences of the second paragraph and following statements #1, 2, 3. We believe that language to be quite clear. Your school administration will wish to hear more about the pushing/shoving/striking assertions. Those are going to be local/employee issues. Though we will recommend our member look into this concern, we are also aware that we at times receive skewed or fractured versions of truth. Unless someone is willing to document specific instances and assist the member or us with personal and first-hand insights and substantive facts, we would be hard-pressed to place sanctions on the school or program. If you have not personally sat with your school's coaches and had this conversation with them, I would invite you to do so. If you have a problem you need to begin to address it at the source.
Q.: Does a student/athlete that is not a foreign exchange student have to be a Wisconsin resident? If they live in a bordering state and commute to the school (parochial) is this allowed?
A.: Yes. A student attending a private/parochial school – or a student paying tuition to a local/WI public school might still be afforded eligibility. Being a resident of the state is not a requirement. However, in the scenario you give the out of state student would still need to be residing with his/her parents full-time in the family's primary residence.
Q.: How long can a student participate? We have a kid who is coming back for a 5th year.
A.: Out of hand, a student coming back for a 5th year is not eligible. Our member's consecutive semester rule i.e, a student has the potential for up to eight consecutive semesters of school sport eligibility is found in the Handbook, ROE Art. V, Sect. 1..p.35 in Attendance and Scholarship. There is a waiver possibility
associated with this rule. At times, a consecutive semester waiver also requires an age waiver. Additionally, if a student has had access to four seasons of a sport - even though the student might have been injured or quit, there is no provision for five seasons of a sport opportunity and there is no waiver of that.
Q.: Can a girl in 8th grade next year play on the HS girls hockey team next season as an 8th grader? I think the answer is no to playing and to even trying out.
A.: No. There is no waiver associated with this provision. From a second perspective, practice will be your call. While taking time and turns away from students already in high school would never be recommended here, WIAA rules do not prevent middle level students in your district from practicing with the high school team if that's what your administration approves of. Because of ramifications across all your schools programs, this ought to be an administrative determination, not a coaches prerogative. I would presume this to be an opportunity your district would make available to all the district's middle level students with the same circumstances and interest in such an opportunity.
Q.: I am wondering if the WIAA has any rules or regulations regarding students who open enroll to another school district and then want to participate in WIAA sanctioned sports in their home district.
A.: Article I in our members Rules of Eligibility provides that a member school may only use their own, full-time students on their interscholastic athletic teams. In the scenario you describe and presuming student had open enrolled at school B and was enrolled there as a full-time student, he would be ineligible back at school "A." Need to also 'caution' that depending on the grade the student is presently in, the transfer rule would also potentially have effect on eligibility and this interpretation.
Q.: In the eligibility code, a student that becomes ineligible for a grading period remains ineligible until the 16th school day. I understand that. We have had two snow days in this time. Do those count as days or do I need to move the date of return back two more days? Finally, if that is the case, this student would not regain eligibility until Wednesday, February 20 (boys basketball tournament had started) would he be eligible after or now ineli-
gible for the tournament? I am hoping that the snow days count and he is eligible the 18th, but I am just making sure.
A.: You can count all scheduled instructional days, including those shortened or canceled due to weather. In addition, students who are academically ineligible at the time their team begins tournament competition may rejoin the team when they regain eligibility if the team is still involved in the tournament series. The prohibition against rejoining the team after the tournament series has begun pertains to code of conduct situations.
Q.: 1) We have a student who is enrolled in a GED option two program that we offer in our district. The student attends night class in our building for three hours a day and will receive a high school diploma. Is the student
eligible to participate in baseball at the varsity level? 2) We also have a student who will be attending the tech school full-time in the fall through youth options. Will he be eligible to participate in football at the varsity level?
A.: 1) The GEDO2 program has been identified to us by the DPI as viable for identifying a students eligibility prospects. Our understanding is that GEDO2 candidates are considered full-time students and must in fact be/carry such status in order to be eligible for the program. Given this understanding and so long
as student meets all other eligibility requirements, we see no reason he should be denied or restricted in his eligibility. 2) Again, yes. So long as student is enrolled as – and meets your district's definition for full-time student status (or equivalent) Youth Options is a recognized instructional delivery program which generally and most times, satisfies full-time student eligibility requirements. Student must satisfy all other eligibility requirements. Friendly word of caution: Other members have experienced forfeits as a result of
different grading periods, failing grades at college or tech and delayed reporting back to member school. Thus, allowing academically ineligible player to compete.
1-18-08
Q.: We have a student on our boy's hockey team that is a senior and will be graduating after the first semester. (He is graduating early) The final day for the 1st semester is Friday, January 18. Second semester begins on Monday, January 21. We have a scheduled hockey game on Saturday, January 19. Is he eligible to play in the game on the 19th as the 2nd semester has not begun yet ?
A.: The succinct answer is that when school/semester ends Friday – this student is no longer eligible. He will have completed requirements for graduation and is no longer enrolled – or returning/continuing - as your full-time student. The only 'exception' to this fundamental requirement our members have identified
– allows students who graduate in May or June to complete the remainder of their spring sport season. Ref: WIAA Rules of Eligibility, Art. V, Sect. 1A-8 and 1A-9. (p. 35, Sr. High Handbook)
Q.: A student that is academically ineligible for a winter sport (the student has been practicing and meeting all team requirements) commits a Code of Conduct violation. Our Code does not have specific language, but my
question is this: Does the student begin serving the penalty when they become academically eligible or does it begin now? I believe the answer is when they become academically eligible, but wanted to check.
A.: This will be your call and interpretation based on your code and any past precedent (or future interpretation). There is not an 'Association' prescription. Generally speaking, what we observe is that among more experienced AD's and those who have applied some level of thoughtful deconstruction of the matter - the code will be served only when the student would become otherwise 'eligible' to compete. There are also those with more and less experience who consider an academic suspension, then the 'tacking' on of a code suspension later, after already missing XX games, a sense of 'double jeopardy' and do allow the suspensions to be served, concomitantly. In my opinion - that is a poor application of the term. Student is not
being penalized twice for the same offense. Obviously, the student, parents and at times, the coach - far prefer the interpretation that affords quickest return. That path may or may not reconcile with you and/or your district's aims and purpose of your sport opportunities as well as the expectations inherent in your code for academic achievement and appropriate behavior as the keys to accessing the privilege of school/education based sport opportunities.
Q.: If a student attends a tech. college adult HS through ACT 39, during semester two of this school year, but we, as the regulations state, keep him on our rolls as being his home school, is he eligible to participate in spring sports (specifically baseball)? The district contact person at the tech. adult HS has told me "yes" if he is considered a full-time student, but our activities director has told me "no" and gave me a copy of the WIAA Official
HS Handbook to research the answer. I chose to email you since I found this email address in the Handbook. Would you please clear this up for me since I have a student asking me this question and I am getting conflict-
ing answers?
A.: The simple answer to your question is "YES - potentially." The two areas within the rules of eligibility relating to this: Senior High Handbook, Rules Of Eligibility, Art. I, Sect. 3 [Paraphrase] 'Members
may/will only use their own, full-time students on interscholastic athletic teams.' Also: ROE, Art. V, Sect. 1A-note (p. 35) [Paraphrase] also see p. 36, Section 2A-5a and note. Be 100 percent sure the programmingwill be clearly identifiable as full-time status..conforms with your district's published definition of 'full- time student and/or FTS equivalent' AND that the student thus enrolled will have grades counted toward GPA/class rank, credits count for graduation, the student would/could still be elected prom king/queen, class president, VALEDICTORIAN and grand scholarship winner. When your AD is comfortable with being able to show/defend/explain that the student's instructional program conforms with the above – the AD may determine the student to be 'good to go.' (If you are reviewing the ROE text, see also Art. I, Sect. 1 and 2).
Q.: Can a girl play baseball? We sponsor softball in the spring and baseball in the summer. We have a freshman girl that runs cross country, plays basketball, and runs track. She can't play softball because she will run track in the spring. She wants to play baseball in the summer. Can she?
A.: "YES" - from our gender equity Q/A on our website. Question: Why are softball and baseball not considered comparable sports for girls and boys, respectively? Answer: The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia ruled in favor of the plaintiff (the female student seeking opportunity) on this issue. The court noted from the record in this case that the "games of baseball and softball are not substantially equivalent" and distinguished the "superficial similarity" between the games by citing differences, including equipment, skill levels, and dimensions of the playing surface. The court concluded with the assertion that it was dealing with the
case in which an opportunity is given to try out for the team. Whether particular sports are comparable depends upon the characteristics of the sports being compared. WIAA rules would not prevent student from playing softball and running track at same time..and then playing baseball in summer.
12-21-07
Q.: If our high school has a foreign exchange student in our school, and they meet all of our school's requirements for participating in our WIAA sponsored athletic programs, is there any reason why they can't be a play-
er on a varsity team? Some of our coaches believe that they're only eligible to play at the JV level. I believe that they should be eligible for varsity competition, but there seems to be some discrepancy among some of our
coaches whether or not this is true - please help to clarify this.
A.: This topic is thoroughly addressed on p. 33 of the Handbook. Rules of Eligibility, Art. II, Sect. 4. The form is available on our website (download a current one each year). Complete and mail or fax. WIAA will determine status based upon the information contained in the application.
Q.: I have a high school student that has just returned to school and is on a modified schedule which means he is here from 8:00-11:30. My question is the students need to be here the entire day of a game and the day after-
so is he in fact eligible to participate?
A.: The daily attendance requirement is your rule - you will need to interpret and reconcile such a circumstance within your policy. The WIAA, however, does require a student be enrolled as a full-time stu-
dent...and meet all expectations as every other fulltime student - without exceptions (see Handbook, p. 35 Art. V, Section 1A- NOTE). If there is some circumstance that prohibits this student from being treated as / held accountable as every other full-time student, perhaps we should discuss.
Q.: We have a student who is a fourth year student yet is considered a freshman due to credit deficiency. This student has an IEP and is enrolled as a full-time student. During the first quarter the student had poor attendance and multiple failing grades. There was an IEP which created a schedule change on 10/29 and 10/30 to assign this student community-based classes, including a job. The first quarter ended on 11/7. The current report card lists grades as CP (continuing progress) which is a passing mark. We see some potential issues with this scenario and
would like to try to clear them up sooner rather than later.
A.: On one level you might say that so long as student is enrolled as full-time student and is meeting the academic standard - they may be considered eligible. And it is permissible for an IEP to prescribe non-
traditional grades. This circumstance may not be as simple as that. You have a fourth year freshman (who does not appear interested in coming to school). So, an IEP prescribes 'community based courses' seeking to make student eligible? Your note and description raise countless questions. Not knowing your district's policy and SOP in this regard, best I can do is point out what some of the obvious questions/concerns might be and encourage you to be thorough in exploring. You will want to be bullet proof. This is bound to raise
eyebrows and call into question the district's credibility/integrity. It will bring close scrutiny from within your own district, instructional community, as well as within your conference and region. Has this student ever/already had an IEP? Why the change in, or to an IEP now? The potential elements inherent in what you describe certainly sound different then/more than standard operating policy/procedure. What happened to the original course grades? Was student able to withdraw from those courses without any trace or record? When? Is that normal and according to district policy/procedure? I would advise extreme caution/thoroughness in this review. If in this action the result is in effect, allowing for other students would be recorded as failures, to 'have classes or grades disappear' ought to be questioned. Has the redesign of the IEP as well as the timing of it been done in complete accordance with district policy for such matters - as well as failing grades being changed to 'progress', if that's what's occurred? As I expressed in our phone conversation, that the district is concerned for eligibility for a fourth year freshman who didn't come to school much first quarter, is really puzzling. To an outsider it would appear that for this student sports does not appear to be the 'dangling carrot' as it is for some. Be sure you are able to defend within your policy any/all actions taken in this regard. The expectations will be that these will be steps and service, processes and procedures identical to those which would be known and provided and available to each and every other district student.
12-06-07
Q.: I was just curious about a girl wanting to play middle school basketball. She lives in our community, but goes to school at a small private school in a nearby community that does not offer middle school basketball. Is
she OK to play on our public school team?
A.: Out of hand – answer's "no." As a member at the middle level, you are only able to use your own full-time students. There is opportunity to co-op – outlined on p. 24 Art. I Sect. 3-B in Middle Level Handbook.
Q.: We have a down syndrome student who is 20-years old in special ed. Has participated with Special Olympics in basketball. Is he eligible to participate and actually play because of his age?
A.: Special Olympics will continue to be this student's best opportunity. Board of Control has never approved 20-year old to begin a new sport season.
Q.: I have a question regarding "off-season" program requirements. Our high school has had a very hard time competing in football over the last several seasons. Last year, at the season ending banquet, he pronounced that the off-season weight lifting program was mandatory for any player not actively participating in another sport. For example, baseball players would need to lift during the winter, basketball players during the spring and sum-
mer, etc. I thought at the time that he was just frustrated and trying to "scare" players into being more dedicated. This last fall it was widely publicized that this coach kicked several players off the team for poor attendance in the weight room during the off-season. Is this legal by rule? I also would like to know if there is a maximum number of hours that a team can practice per day/week?
A.: Simple answer to your essential question is – "no" – out-of-season programs may not be mandated.
Q.: My son is in 9th grade and is classified as "LD" and has an IEP in place. He plays hockey and has problems with his grades. Is there anything in WIAA rules that would help him play hockey because of his learning dis-
ability?
A.: Schools may choose to make a variety of modifications to assist students with identified learning needs- this may include nontraditional grading such as "Pass-Fail". However, when it comes to receiving not more then one failing grade - or whatever your school requires (some schools adhere to a no-F policy) there
is not a waiver of that requirement.
Q.: I have the application for eligibility of a foreign student ready to fill out. I have a freshman from South Korea who is not here through a CSIET approved program. He would like to play freshman or JV basketball if he is
good enough. At this point he plans to stay in America for all four of his high school years, and I presume at our school. I remember you saying once that a foreign student only gets one year of eligibility. What do you advise with this situation?
A.: Fill out the foreign student eligibility form. Though this is not really an exchange student situation, we use this from to keep track of international students, too. Essentially, this student does not meet "residence requirements." As such, the student (foreign or domestic) will be restricted in eligibility to non-varsity – for the school year. But, if enrollment remains unbroken at your school, restrictions are removed in 2nd and subsequent years. Related text in HB, p. 33 Art. II, Sect. 2B and then see p. 34, Sect.5-A-1.
10-27-07
Q.: I am writing to check to see if a student that is enrolled in our GED Option 2 program would be eligible to participate in athletics here also. The athlete is considered to be a senior and full-time student.
A.: Potentially - yes. We are familiar with GEDO2. Fundamental question is to be certain that this student's full-time status and/or full-time equivalent meet requirements as contained in "note" p. 35. ROE
Art.V Sect. 1A - Same as every other full-time student. If so, then no reason to deny.
Q.: I have a question for you regarding a Foreign Exchange Student. We have a young man that has been approved to play JV level soccer only as the GAPP - German American Partnership Program is not CSIET
approved. I told them that I would contact you to see if there is an appeal process that we could follow, or if this move is simply not possible.
A.: No. Could practice but not compete. The residence and transfer articles do contain a waiver provision; p. 34, Section 5. What are the 'documented extenuating circumstances' associated with this student? To this point, the Board of Control has not waived any foreign student provisions. To do so would be providing opportunities and consideration to students who have no actual or legitimate status in our member schools, opportunities and consideration that is not available to domestic students.
9-21-07
Q.: My son was a starting quarterback and was kicked off the team for lying. Kids make mistakes. I have not seen anything that I have read about the coaches having the right to take this action. I believe it was not fair. Am
I wrong?
A.: Determinations of this kind are a local decision. Traditionally, coaches have been afforded considerable authority in determining who makes a team, who is let go and/or disciplined.
Q.: Could you point me in the direction of where I might find information to respond to the middle school parent who wants her son to be able to play on the fall volleyball team (girls).
A.: You will find this on the WIAA website under gender equity Q&A. The following is taken from that information: Question – boys are not afforded the opportunity to play interscholastic volleyball or to par-
ticipate in gymnastics within the sanctioned sports programs of the WIAA. Must a boy be allowed to participate on a girls' team? Answer – The courts have generally held that because of past inequities in girls' sports programs it would jeopardize participation opportunities for girls to permit boys to compete ongirls' teams. The U.S. Department of Education has interpreted the law to be permissive in this regard; that is, state athletic organizations may permit boys to play on girls' teams. However, the WIAA holds a philosophical position that agrees with many courts: Boys, because of many more years to develop skills and strength, will in many cases take over girls' teams and girls' opportunities will be limited.
8-20-07
Q.: We may have a freshman who is the best kicker on our team. However, as a small school we need to share players among levels in order to field teams. So, if this kid was not a kicker it is highly likely he would dress for
both JV and freshman games as an offensive and defensive lineman. Since he cannot play in three different level games in one calendar week does this mean we would only be able to use him on varsity as a kicker and then either on JV OR freshman level? Or, since he would only be kicking at the varsity level, could he compete as a lineman at the JV and freshman level also?
A.: You/the student need to determine which two levels this player will represent. Appearing in the game as a kicker counts as participation at that level - only one other level of play would be allowed.
Q.: I was looking in the Rules of Eligibility to see if I could find indication if a high school student-athlete could participate on two sport teams in the same season. Could you please direct me to rules that would allow or not
allow this possibility? Also, in reading on page 35-Article V-Attendance and Scholarship Section 1-Senior High A.3) A student .... b. & c. I was not certain what b & c meant. Would you mind providing me with clarification?
A.: WIAA has no text which prevents a student from being involved in more then one sport per school season. Typically, local control. When I had that sort of interest, I was, more concerned with academics and for the student being placed in rock/hard place. I met with parents and both head coaches and we looked at the 'plan' in advance of approving the request. Always made sure there were enough built-in escape hatches for the student...that it wouldn't be a 'failure' and that academically, the student would handle it. But again, it's your call. V-1A-3b: You will only have an opportunity for four seasons of football e.g., in your high school career. If you seek a consecutive semester waiver (5th year) and have already had access
to football in 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th – if even for a day, and even if one of the seasons was cut short due to injury – you will not be provided a 5th year of opportunity in any given sport. Sometimes this same sec- tion is applicable when a student transfers in their senior year – across state lines, and at times connects/relates with V-1A-3c. Example: Male student (any grade) golfs in the fall in northern Illinois...folks move to Beloit at semester and he wants to golf in Wis., boys spring season, same school year. Not eligible to do so by this provision – only one season of 'school golf ' each school year. Example 2: Female student played basketball in fall season in Ironwood, Mich. Moves to Hurley and now wants to play winter bas-
ketball in Wis. – Denied. Example 3: This next example is one which we see periodically in soccer, tennis, swim, where we have fall/spring season in same sport, and the boys want to be "managers" for the girls teams – or vice versa. Then, the boys are in the pool, training along side the girls or the girls are doing dribbling, passing, shooting drills - or working the goal vs. the boys, etc. The Bylaws outline when the girls soccer team (e.g.) will/may assemble. Schools place a student in peril by allowing them an additional school season of practice in this manner, because of these provisions.
5-25-07
Q.: I have an 18-year old student in special education who could graduate but is choosing to continue her high school education as per state statute (allowed to do so through her 21st birthday). She would like to play sports
again but it would be her 5th year of eligibility. Is this permissible if her IEP states involvement in extra-curricular activities is in her best interests? Would the level of activity-varsity vs. JV matter in the decision?
A.: We would consider such a prescription in an IEP to be not acceptable. Given the scenario you describe i.e., that the student could graduate, it is unlikely that a consecutive semester waiver would be provided for any level of competition. Additionally, if a student has had access to 4 seasons of a sport while in school,
there is no provision for a fifth season.
Q.: I have a question about eligibility for a student-athlete that might be attending an alternative school that our school is associated with. The alternative high school is a combination school for three districts and we pay tuition for our students to attend the school. My question is: If a student is enrolled in this program would he be eligible to play football for our school in the fall? We have a student-athlete that would benefit from this pro- gram but will not go if he is unable to play football in the fall. What is the WIAA stance on the matter?
A.: As you've described, the potential for the student to be eligible would seem to clearly exist. Based only on what's thus far provided, I could not say with 100 percent certainty. The key 'fundamental' will be his status as a "full-time student." See Handbook, Rules of Eligibility, Art. V-1A-Note (p. 34). So long as this student is identified as 'your full-time student,' and is eligible for all the rights/privileges/benefits/services as all of your other full-time students and fulfills all eligibility requirements same as your other full-time students, there's a great chance he could be considered to be eligible. In the actual text, you will see reference to 'rights and privileges, e.g., student could be elected prom king, homecoming king, could be valedictorian and grand scholarship recipient, same as every/any other full-time student. Whether the student is in traditional attendance, a homebound student or a youth options or 'school to work' student, the clear determination that must be offered is that whatever the 'delivery mechanism' the student is 'your full-time
student.'
5-4-07
Q.: Our girls softball program this year does not have enough athletes to field a JV team (we do not have a frosh team), however, there are several 8th grade athletes that would be willing to play at the JV level. Is such a thing possible? Without a JV team the future of girls softball in our district is at risk.
A.: Sorry, no. Even when 8th graders were allowed to participate - it was never permitted beyond a 'pure' 9th grade level. Middle school students were never permitted to compete with or against students above 9th grade..and only in pure frosh level competition.
Q.: I would appreciate any clarification you could give on this issue: Article V Sec. 2 .1. states "following a period of 15 SCHEDULED school days and nights of eligibility", a student becomes eligible to compete on the 16th
day. My question is, what if one of the SCHEDULED days is later a snow day? Does the 15 days then extend out to actual student contact days?
A.: If/when a planned/scheduled school day is cancelled or shortened as a result of an unplanned 'emergency' - like a snow or severe weather day, e.g. The WIAA does not require an additional day(s) or extension of the ineligibility status. If a member school wished to do so, that would be their prerogative.
Q.: We have been contacted as prospective hosts for a foreign exchange student. He has just recently turned 17 and a non-graduate. We found out that he has been a national champion in the modern pentathlon (shooting, fenc- ing, running, swimming, horseback combination event). He is also competing for the European youth nationals. Will this status affect his WIAA eligibility to participate in high school sports during his exchange year here in Wisconsin? He wants to join track, cross-country and swimming. Can he participate?
A.: A student who has participated in sport in their own country is not automatically denied eligibility, out of hand, even if they have had success. However, the US is about the only country where high level athletes might still be amateurs. The amateur status requirement is NOT waived on behalf of exchange students. Would advise some careful/detailed review of your prospective student's participation background from an amateur status perspective. It is not uncommon that the most successful foreign athletes may
Q.: I have a question about accepting prize money from cycling races I compete in over the summer. I was wondering if it would be permissible that if I were to win any cash prize, that I could accept only the amount of entry for the race?
A: Since cycling is not a recognized sport by the WIAA membership, you may keep cash prizes. In WIAA recognized sports, athletes may not retain any items not listed in the Rules at a Glance as acceptable.