July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
Rules and Regulations
Governing Athletics
A Handbook for Principals and Athletic Directors
of schools that are members of the
MASSACHUSETTS INTERSCHOLASTIC
ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Suggested for Regular Review
“Points of Emphasis”
A message to Principals and Athletic Directors
Dear Association Member School Leaders,
The value of this Handbook has been enhanced in recent years by our ability to provide
clarifications, edits, etc. within the electronic version of the Handbook posted on
www.miaa.net. This function allows us to modify language when we think that would be
helpful to you. The on-line handbook includes icons that, when opened, provide additional
information related to that rule.
The content of this Handbook is designed to support your leadership of an athletic program
that is consistent with the mission and values of educational athletics.
The knowledge and application of the standards within this text are becoming increasingly
complex. With this in mind, do know that the priority of your staff in Franklin is to be
available to assist and support you at the moment that you judge we might be helpful.
Every MIAA member school Principal and Athletic Director has access to the direct phone
line and e-mail addresses of each staff member. Please use this contact information
whenever you find yourself in a situation with which you are not entirely familiar or
comfortable. Additionally, since the Board of Directors has delegated only to staff the
responsibility of interpreting or applying rules, you should not risk the possible
consequences of a mistake.
With all best wishes, I am
Very sincerely yours,
Dick Neal
MIAA Executive Director
June, 2007
MIAA MISSION
The mission of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association is to serve member
schools and the maximum number of their students by providing leadership and support for
the conduct of interscholastic athletics which will enrich the educational experiences of all
participants. The MIAA will promote interschool athletics that provide lifelong and lifequality
learning experiences to students while enhancing their achievement of educational
goals.
MIAA PHILOSOPHY
Within high school sport programs, young people learn the values associated with discipline,
performing under stress, teamwork, sacrifice, commitment, effort, accountability, citizenship,
sportsmanship, confidence, leadership and organizational skills, participating within rules,
physical well-being and healthy lifestyles, striving towards excellence, and many other
characteristics that come quickly to the mind of any educator. If interscholastic athletics are
to be justified as school activities, then values such as these must be the priorities of every
program. Ethics, playing within the spirit of the rules, and good sportsmanship (which is
good citizenship) must be woven into the fabric of the high school athletic program.
In the education of 65% of the young people attending MIAA member schools, athletic
participation is a critical component. What should drive those responsible for studentathletes
and their programs is the educational mission of school activities. For many
students, the most stable environment in their lives is that provided by high school activity
programs. Often the best opportunities for crisis intervention, drug prevention, "day care"
programs, and the like are school activity programs. The cost is minimal, while the worth is
maximal.
While winning contests, rather than losing them, is a laudable goal, it should not supersede
the primary priorities of high school sport programs. What should be the rationale behind
high school activities is preparing students to succeed rather than merely to win games. Win
or lose, students should learn lessons of a lasting and positive nature.
If the success of any high school athletic program is measured by an undefeated season, then
99% of the thousands of high school teams, which participate annually in Massachusetts,
have failed. If a league championship is the measure of success, then 85% of our programs
are failures. Even if success is measured merely by qualification for MIAA end-of-season
tournaments, then 50% of our students are "losers."
What should be encouraged is participation in varied activities under different teacher/coach
role models. The percentage of student-athletes who complete their formal athletic
experiences at the high school level is overwhelming (well in excess of 90%). Schools should
focus their attention upon goals other than championships or the development of "blue chip"
athletes. Young people need varied activities: time at the beach, time to study and, in fact,
time just to be kids.
Young people need to learn, to think, and simply to grow up. Schools should guide them,
through athletics, to allow that to happen as comfortably as possibly.
WORTH REMEMBERING
• The MIAA is an organization of public and private high schools.
• MIAA approves and sponsors athletic activities in 33 sports, involving more than 200,000
young men and women who compete in approximately 100,000 competitions annually.
• Governance and administration of MIAA is shared among members of the Massachusetts
Association of School Committees, Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents,
high school administrators, athletic directors, coaches, game officials, and physicians; all
of whom serve without compensation on more than thirty-five MIAA standing
committees.
• MIAA student services programs are at the cutting edge of national efforts in these
critically important areas to young people.
• High school activity programs are an integral part of the total education process.
Successful interscholastic athletic programs teach young people values such as:
Accepting success graciously Physical well-being and Chemical Health
Accountability Respect
Citizenship and Sportsmanship Responsibility
Confidence Sacrificing for the common good
Handling disappointment Self-discipline
Leadership skills Social skills
Organizational skills Striving towards excellence
Participating within rules Taking instruction
Performing under pressure Teamwork
Persistence Work ethic
• Grade point averages (GPA) of students improve during seasons in which they are
participating in athletics.
• Approximately 65% of all students are participants in MIAA interscholastic athletic
programs.
• Student-athletes have higher attendance and graduation rates than non-athletes.
• 95% of corporate officers report that they had participated in high school athletics.
• High school athletic programs are cost effective. They typically make up one to three
percent of the local school budget.
• High school activity programs often represent the best drop-out prevention, crisis
intervention, day care, and drug prevention programs which a community can offer, and
the cost per student is minimal.
• Students participate in high school athletics because they want to! This motivation
should be utilized to teach "life lessons."
• School activities are "the other half of education" and "an extension of the classroom."
Athletic programs have no justification within a school if the young people participating
are not learning how to "win in life." Contests won or lost are not nearly as important as
the life lessons learned by the student participants.
COACHES' CODE OF ETHICS
Each high school coach is first a TEACHER. The student-athlete is participating within the
school's activity program because he or she desires to do so. Consequently, that student is
often more attentive to a coach's lessons than to those offered by teachers in required
courses.
The function of a interscholastic coach is to educate students in "LIFE LESSONS," through
their participation in educational athletics. Every student athlete should be treated as
though they were the coach's own children. Their welfare must be uppermost at all times.
The following abridged guidelines for coaches have been adopted by the NFICA Board of
Directors.
1. The coach must be aware that he or she has a tremendous influence, either for good or
bad, in the education of the student athlete and, thus, shall never place the value of
winning above the value of instilling the highest desirable ideals of character.
2. In all personal contact with student athletes, officials, athletic directors, school
administrators, the state high school athletic association, the media, and the public, the
coach shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct.
3. The coach shall take an active role in the prevention of drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse,
and under no circumstances should authorize their use.
4. The coach shall promote the entire interscholastic program of the school and direct his or
her program in harmony with the total school program.
5. The coach shall be thoroughly acquainted with the contest rules and is responsible for
their interpretation to team members. The spirit and letter of rules should be regarded
as mutual agreements. The coach shall not try to seek an advantage by circumvention of
the spirit or letter of the rules.
6. Coaches shall actively use their influence to enhance sportsmanship in the broadest
possible manner.
7. Contest officials shall have the respect and support of the coach. The coach shall not
indulge in conduct, which will incite players or spectators against the officials. Public
criticism of officials or players is unethical.
8. A coach shall not exert pressure on faculty members to give student athletes special
consideration.
CONTEST OFFICIALS' CODE OF ETHICS
In 2001, the Officiating Development Alliance, a group of individuals representing various
officiating organizations, such as the NFHS, NCAA, ASA, USSF, the NFL, NBA, MLB and
NASO, developed the Code of Conduct for Sports Officials. The Code outlines the personal
responsibilities officials have to the game.
1. Officials shall bear a great responsibility for engendering public confidence in sports.
2. Officials shall be free of obligation to any interest other than the impartial and fair
judging of sports competitions.
3. Officials shall hold and maintain the basic tenets of officiating which include history,
integrity, neutrality, respect, sensitivity professionalism, discretion and tactfulness.
4. Officials shall master both rules of the game and mechanics necessary to enforce the
rules, and shall exercise authority in an impartial, firm and controlled manner.
5. Officials shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession in all interactions with
student-athletes, coaches, school administrators, colleagues and the public.
6. Officials shall display and execute superior communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal.
7. Officials shall recognize that anything, which may lead to a conflict of interest, either real
or apparent, must be avoided. Gifts, favors, special treatment, privileges, employment or
a personal relationship with a school or team, which can compromise the perceived
impartiality of officiating, must be avoided.
8. Officials shall prepare themselves both physically and mentally, shall dress neatly and
appropriately, and shall comport themselves in a manner consistent with the high
standards of the profession.
9. Officials shall not be party to actions designed to unfairly limit or restrain access to
officiating, officiating assignments or to association membership. This includes selection
for positions of leadership based upon economic factors, race, creed, color, age, sex,
physical handicap, country or national origin.
10. Officials shall be punctual and professional in the fulfillment of all contractual
obligations.
11. Officials shall work with each other and their governing bodies in a constructive and
cooperative manner.
12. Officials shall resist every temptation and outside pressure to use one’s position as an
official to benefit oneself.
13. Officials shall never participate in any form of illegal gambling on a sports contest, may
never gamble on any sporting event in which they have either a direct or indirect
involvement, and may never gamble on events involving high school athletics.
14. Officials shall not make false or misleading statements regarding their qualifications,
rating, credentials, experience, training or competence.
15. Officials shall accept responsibility for all actions taken.
Part I - Governance of Interscholastic Athletics
This section provides information dealing with the manner in which the MIAA is
regulated. Definitions and explanations of the important groups within the MIAA
structure are explained in this section.
PART I: GOVERNANCE OF INTERSCHOLASTIC
ATHLETICS
A. Legend
MASC Massachusetts Association of School Committees
MASS Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents
MIAA Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association
MIAC Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Council
MSSAA Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators' Association
MSSADA Massachusetts Secondary School Athletic Directors' Association
PRINCIPAL A principal or assistant principal of a member school
B. Overview
For the governance of interscholastic athletics in the Commonwealth, the MSSPA was
the policy-making body from 1942 to 1950, and the regulatory body from 1942 to 1978.
Since 1950 the MIAC has been the high school athletic rules-making and final
appellate body of the MIAA. Since July 1, 1978, the MIAA Board of Directors has
been the administrative and regulatory body for conducting athletic events, contests,
and tournaments, for enforcing rules, and for recommending changes in rules to the
MIAC. The ASSEMBLY of principals is the legislative body of the MIAA.
C. The Assembly
The ASSEMBLY consists of the principal or designee of the principal of each member
institution.
D. The Board of Directors
The 16 regular voting members of the Board of Directors consists of eight members
elected by the MSSAA (one from each athletic district), two elected by the MASC, two
by the MASS, and four by the MSSADA. Four athletic directors, representing either
district A or B, C or H, D or E, F or G, must be members of the Board at all times. The
term of each member is three years. A minimum of four women, and at least one
minority, must be members of the Board at all times.
E. The Officers
The President and Vice President of the Board of Directors are elected by the
Assembly from members of the Board. The President presides at Board meetings, the
Annual Meeting, and all special meetings of the Association. The term of each office is
one year, with the possibility of only one re-election.
F. The Executive Director
The Board appoints the Executive Director. The Executive Director is the chief
executive officer of the Association and has charge and direction of the day-to-day
operation of the Association, acting at all times in accordance with the established
policies of the Association as interpreted by the Board of Directors.
The Executive Director is a non-voting member of the MIAC and of the Board of
Directors, serves as an ex-officio member of each committee, and is elected for a
continuous term with regular review.
G. Eligibility Review Board, Standing, and District Athletic Committees
The Board of Directors delegates:
* to the MIAA ELIGIBILITY REVIEW BOARD (ERB) all appeals from executive
decisions on requests for individual student waivers of eligibility rules, as well as
for individual one year student contest disqualifications. Each appeal hearing is
presented before a three-member subcommittee of the ERB.
* to 25 plus statewide STANDING COMMITTEES responsibility for specific
functions involved in the proper administration of the Association's responsibilities.
* to the DISTRICT ATHLETIC COMMITTEES (DAC) the supervision of athletics
and the adjudication of protests, disputes, conflicts or controversies within their
districts. They also serve as the Nominating Committee of the Association, and
directly appoint a principal and athletic director to each MIAA Sport Committee.
They control the alignment or realignment of Leagues, approve all co-operative
(click icons) requests within their districts, and play an important role in the
Rules Change Process, given that they have the opportunity to review all input on
each rule before recommending a position to the Board of Directors. The Board of
Directors or Executive Director may request them to “fact find” or to conduct
hearings with regard to alleged rule violations. That authority also permits District
Athletic Committees to determine and enforce appropriate penalties.
District Athletic Committees will be comprised of either a principal or athletic
director, annually nominated by each league in that district, and elected by the
Board of Directors. Membership on each district athletic committee must be evenly
divided between principals and athletic directors. On district committees with an
uneven number of members, principals whenever possible shall sit in the majority.
Each DAC shall elect its chair annually. In districts of fewer than five leagues, the
district committee will consist of five members, with each "division" being
represented by at least one member.
H. Sportsmanship, Integrity & Ethics Committee
Membership of the Sportsmanship, Integrity & Ethics Committee elected by the Assembly
consists of one principal and one athletic director from each of the eight athletic districts
except District E which has two principals and two athletic directors; two
coaches, and two enrolled game officials representing boys and girls activities, in
addition to one school committee member and one superintendent elected or appointed
by their respective associations.
I. Game Officials’ Committee
Membership of the Game Officials Committee (GOC) consists of five school committee
members, five school superintendents, five principals, and five athletic directors.
Game officials representing each sport which has elected to enroll with the MIAA
serve as non-voting advisors to the GOC.
J. Sports Medicine Committee
Membership of the Sports Medicine Committee (SMC) consists of at least one principal
or athletic director from each of the eight MIAA districts, one school committee
member, one school superintendent, and a number of sports specialists who are
physicians or certified athletic trainers. Two game officials and two coaches (in each
case one representing boys' sports and one representing girls' sports) may serve on the
SMC.
K. Student Services Advisory Committee
This broad-based committee supports student program initiatives through both the
MIAA and the MSSAA.
L. Tournament Management Committee
Membership of the Tournament Management Committee (TMC) consists of one
principal and one athletic director from each of the eight athletic districts, except
District E which has two principals and two athletic directors; one school committee
member; one school superintendent; and one coach.
M. Voting Committee Members
All voting members of committees, boards, and the Council must be affiliated with a
MIAA member school except for physicians and game officials (who must be enrolled
with the MIAA).
The voting membership of the 20 standing sport committees is one principal
("principal" may be either a principal or assistant principal who spends at least 50% of
his/her time in duties related to the general administration of the school) and one
athletic director from each athletic district, except District E which has two
principals and two athletic directors appointed to each committee; one school
superintendent; one school committee member; as well as one or two coaches and
enrolled game officials.
N. Member School
Any public or private high school (defined as a school which includes grade 12 and
which has a single principal, graduation, valedictorian, class rank, yearbook, etc.) in
Massachusetts approved by the MIAA Board of Directors and fulfilling the conditions
for membership receives all the rights, privileges, and benefits of the Association.
O. Constitutional Organization Chart
Board of MIAC
Directors
MIAA
ASSEMBLY
Executive
Director
& Staff
Finance/Personnel
Committee
Sports
Medicine
Committee
Wellness
Advisory
Committee
Constitutional Organization
Eight (8)
District
Committees
Sportsmanship,
Integrity &
Ethics Committee
Tournament
Management
Committee
Game
Officials
Committee
Twenty (20)
Sport
Committees
Leagues
Member
Schools
Eligibility
Review
Board
P. The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Council (MIAC)
The 18 voting members of the MIAC consist of five members from the MASC, five from
the MASS, one from the MSSADA, two from the middle level, and five MIAA member
school principals. The term of each member is three years. A member from the MASC
serves as chair. The Executive Director of the MIAA serves as secretary.
Before any question of policy is presented to the MIAC for its action, it is carefully
considered by the Board of Directors. Rule changes are not final until approved by the
MIAC.
Meetings of the MIAC are held in the Fall and Spring each year. In addition,
meetings are called when necessary to consider urgent matters of business. Appeals
on eligibility rulings for individual athletes are heard by a three member
subcommittee of the MIAC which serves as the MIAC Appeals Committee. Appeals
affecting more than one athlete are heard by the entire MIAC.
Q. The National Federation of State High School Associations
The National Federation consists of the state high school associations of all 50 states
and the District of Columbia.
The objectives of the Federation are to:
* serve, protect, and enhance the interstate activity interests of the high schools
belonging to state associations;
* sponsor meetings, publications, and activities which will permit each state
association to profit by the experience of all other member associations;
* formulate, copyright, and publish rules of play or event conduct pertaining to
interscholastic activities;
* preserve interscholastic athletic records, and the tradition and heritage of
interscholastic sports;
* provide programs, services, material, and assistance to state associations, high
schools, and individual professionals involved in the conduct and administration
of interscholastic activities;
* study in general all phases of interscholastic activities and serve as a national
resource for information pertaining thereto;
* identify needs and problems related to interscholastic activities and where
practical provide solutions thereto; and
* promote the educational values of interscholastic activities to the nation's
public.
Part II - Definitions and Policies
PART II: DEFINITIONS AND POLICIES
1. Every Participant must be a School Team Member
"Each participant in an MIAA - sponsored interscholastic athletic event must be a member of
his/her recognized high school team in that sport." "Member" shall be defined as a student
who meets the standards of Rule 45, 51, 85 and 94.
2. School Team
2.1 A school team must be sponsored by and under the control of the school
committee and registered with the MIAA through the annual Summer
membership process. A school team must have: a coach(es) appointed by the
principal; a regular practice schedule through the season defined for that sport; a
meaningful schedule of contests through the season defined for that sport; and
school uniforms.
2.2 Teams not registered with the Association are not eligible for tournament
participation. All school teams must be registered with the Association during
the annual Summer membership renewal process.
3. Adult Representation
The principal, headmaster, or director of the school in all cases is responsible to the
Association for the acts of school teams and other school organizations. All teams and
individual participants must have adult representation present and responsible for
them at all times. Such adult representation must be an employee or a designated
representative of the school district. If the representative is not the coach of record,
then the designee must provide written introduction on school letterhead, signed by
the principal, or the student(s) will not be permitted to participate.
4. Addressing the MIAC, Board of Directors, and Association Standing
Committees
The MIAC, Board of Directors, and Association standing committees will provide time
at the start of each meeting for statements from the audience. Individuals must notify
the MIAA Office a week in advance of their wish to speak. Speakers are to limit their
remarks to three minutes.
5. Medical Coverage
Each member school should employ a licensed certified athletic trainer. Physicians,
trainers, and coaches should receive sport medicine training.
6. Parental Permission
Principals should secure from each athlete's parent written consent to participate in
interscholastic sports. Eligibility rules and an assumption of risk statement should be
part of this form. Some sports may require individual waivers.
7. Missing or Diseased Paired Organ
To participate in interscholastic athletics, an athlete with a missing or diseased paired
organ must provide his/her principal with a parental permission form and a medical
specialist's written permission to participate. Such an athlete must wear during all
practices and competitions the protective equipment recommended by the specialist.
Copies of permission and authorization should be filed with the MIAA Sports Medical
Committee.
8. Return to Athletic Participation
Subsequent to any serious injury and prior to further participation in that sport, an
athlete should receive a medical release from a physician. Schools should use the
MIAA Return to Athletic Participation Form for this purpose.
9. Athletes' Assembly
Prior to each season, every school should hold an Athletes' Assembly planned by the
principal, athletic director, head coaches, and medical personnel to discuss policies,
liability, sportsmanship, safety, and wellness. One parent or guardian should attend
with each athlete.
10. Academic Awards
The Association provides Certificates of Achievement to all student-athletes and to the
school for each team that achieves a minimum combined GPA of 3.00 (gold) or 2.50
(silver). Principal or Athletic Director should determine and request via MIAA.
11. Sportsmanship Awards
The Association provides Certificates of Achievement to individuals, teams and schools
that demonstrate notable qualities of exemplary citizenship or leadership. Principal or
Athletic Director should determine and request via MIAA.
12. School Attendance Policies
Each school should establish school/class attendance requirements for participation in
athletic practices and competitions provided that such requirements are not in conflict
with MIAA rules and regulations.
13. Equipment
Schools should ascertain that all athletic equipment is in first-class condition and that
no defective equipment is used.
14. Private Promoters and Sponsors
In any activity involving one or more MIAA members, schools should not endorse any
private promotion and/or sponsorship, which might result in the exploitation of
students or direct financial gain to the promoter or sponsor.
Schools should refer to the MIAA Office -- and when appropriate to the Board of
Directors -- all outside financial offers for supporting athletic programs among several
school districts.
15. Transportation
Schools should transport teams by such common carriers as bus lines, vans, or taxi
cabs. They should discourage the use of private cars.
16. Medical Emergency Evacuation
Each school should develop and disseminate a procedure for treating and transporting
an injured athlete.
17. Protested Contests
Protests during contests will be addressed according to the national code adopted for
play in each MIAA sponsored interscholastic activity. All results shall be final when
the contest has been concluded by the game officials.
18. Canceled Season Policy
A school which cancels a sport prior to an official contest being conducted will not
forfeit any wins to its anticipated opponents. (Opponents in this case may request
MIAA extensions for finalizing that sport's scheduling.) A school which cancels a sport
after completing at least one official contest must forfeit wins to its remaining
scheduled opponents. (Schools do not have the option of rescheduling other opponents
in this case.)
19. Complimentary Tournament Passes
19.1 Complimentary tournament passes will be issued by the Association to each
member school in numbers approved by the Board of Directors.
19.2 MIAA gold lifetime passes are to be honored at all activities.
20. Statewide Coaches' Organizations
To be eligible to serve on MIAA committees and to act on rule changes, each state
coaches' organization must submit a list of their officers to the MIAA Executive
Director by June 1st of each year.
21. Definition of a Jamboree
A jamboree is a sport competition involving any number of schools in which students
participate as a unit representing their own school. Game-day uniforms may be worn.
Only one jamboree may be conducted per season. Competition may be no more than
one-half of the length of a regular season contest, and the jamboree must be conducted
within three weeks of the first day of practice and not before the 12th calendar day (or
9th day for sports requiring only 11 days of practice) after and including the starting
date for practice. PLAY-DAYS must conform to all criteria of either a scrimmage or
jamboree.
22. Definition of Scrimmage
A team is not allowed to have an interscholastic scrimmage which will not count
against the game limitation rules unless the scrimmage meets the following
conditions:
22.1 A scrimmage is competition among any number of schools where no
admission is charged; no game-day uniform is worn; score is kept only by
segments; and the event is intended to be a practice, with instruction
occurring during competition. PLAY-DAYS must conform to all criteria of
either a scrimmage or jamboree.
22.2 If any of these restrictions are violated, the meeting must be counted as a
game and will count toward the total number of interscholastic contests for
that sport.
22.3 An "exhibition game" must be counted in the season limitation for the sport,
except for an alumni or faculty-student game.
23. Definition of Practice
A practice is a reporting of a group of potential athletes who are under the direct or
indirect supervision of a member of the high school coaching staff, and who are
receiving instruction in game skills or techniques.
24. Captain's Practice
The term "Captain's Practice" usually means the team's captain(s) organizing and
conducting, without adult supervision, out-of-season practice for that sport.
The MIAA does not in any way sanction, encourage, or condone "Captain's Practice" in
any sport. "Captain's Practice", depending on the member school's involvement, may
be a clear violation of the rule defining season limitations.
There is also a serious practical consideration. If it can be demonstrated that a school
is allowing "Captain's Practice", the liability responsibility for an injured athlete may
be quite serious.
25. Victory Celebrations
Student-athletes should be apprised of the potential for injury associated with
activities such as "piling on."
26. Club Teams
Confusion and problems are always associated with club teams. The term "club team"
would be best not used due to the confusion it creates (See Rule 32.12). All teams
which represent the school or compete with other school teams must comply with all
Association rules.
27. Conflict Of Interest Statement
The Board of Directors requires that each person serving as a committee member,
agent, or employee of the MIAA perform his or her duties without influence, or the
appearance of influence, by any other business or financial interest.
Potential conflicts of interest include, but are not limited to, a person's financial or
personal interest being affected by a decision of a committee on which the person
serves. The MIAA is not critical of such interests. It merely requests that persons
disqualify themselves from service to the MIAA on matters relating to such interests.
If a member of the Board of Directors or of any MIAA Committee, or any agent or
employee of the MIAA, should have or develop a conflict of interest, such person shall
immediately identify the conflict and remove himself or herself from any discussion or
decisions involving the matter in conflict.
28. Gender Equity and Leadership
28.1 The values of female role models and future opportunities for women are
important to high school athletic programs and their governance. This role
modeling will demonstrate to girls that they can become leaders who will have
impact upon the lives of others. Adult women should inspire female student
athletes in a manner that will ensure broadened participation of women in
future programs. Female student-athletes should have female role models in
leadership and decision-making positions.
28.2 It has been resolved by the MIAA Assembly that coaches' and game officials'
organizations encourage and recruit women with leadership interests or
abilities. The names of such women should be forwarded to the MIAA
Nominating Committee as potential committee members for service on MIAA
administrative and standing committees with responsibilities for female
student-athletes.
29. Resolutions Regarding Litigation
29.1 (This Resolution was adopted by a vote of 155-7 during the 15th Annual
Meeting of the MIAA on April 9, 1993.)
The administration and management of interscholastic athletics should not be
a function of the courts. Legal costs associated with litigation against the
MIAA impact every high school that is a member of MIAA. Therefore, the
Board of Directors is empowered to seek legal fees and associated costs from
any member school that has unsuccessfully brought litigation against the
Association. The Board of Directors is also empowered to seek reimbursement
of legal fees and associated costs from any institution seeking membership that
has unsuccessfully brought litigation against the Association.
MIAA Handbook July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
25
29.2 Court Orders and Resultant Forfeitures
(This Resolution was approved by a vote of 143-17 during the 22nd Annual
Meeting of the MIAA on April 6, 2000).
In the interest of fairness to all students, any contest in which an ineligible
student or coach participates under court order will be forfeited if the order is
dissolved or the plaintiff ultimately fails to prevail.
29.3 Court Orders and Tournament Seeding
Student or teams that have gained court injunctions forcing their entry into
MIAA tournaments will be seeded last.
30. Unattached Athletes
Unattached athletes may not participate in any MIAA-sponsored or MIAA-sanctioned
event. Those who know the values associated with school activities recognize that
complete participation is a primary goal. Season-long participation provides young
people with exposure to wellness strategies and education, sportsmanship and
citizenship, leadership, and other significant lessons or values that are best taught in
the “laboratory" of school activities over a period of days, weeks, and months.
An unattached athlete is not a school activity participant, but rather is an individual
single event athlete. Association tournaments were developed for season-long school
participants who practice and compete season long with their own high school teams.
The adoption of, and subsequent strong support for, the bona fide team member placed
emphasis on keeping student athletes involved daily in "the other half of education."
To quote from the MIAA tournament philosophy: ". . .The purpose of tournaments is
to permit qualifying schools and individuals who have achieved an established
standard of excellence during that sport season to compete in championship
tournaments. . . Care always must be taken to maintain the integrity and importance
of regular season activity so that the tournament will serve only as a culminating
athletic activity for those who have demonstrated a level of excellence during their
regular season."
The MIAA should not be providing the ultimate spotlight for young people who have
not been part of their school program. These individuals often have prepared
themselves outside of the parameters, limitations, rules, and regulations of high
school activities. Previous to the adoption of this policy, unattached athletes
dominated high school tournament events, which were designed as a conclusion to the
high school season for season-long participants.
A disproportionate amount of confusion, misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and anger
have resulted from improper procedures, representation, or supervision of unattached
tournament athletes. The potential liability issues raised by unattached regular and
tournament season involvement are significant. Past experiences established that it
was difficult to monitor rules evenly among all student athletes.
Local energies should be focused in ways that cause support for programs of interest to
the young people in that school, thereby truly increasing participation opportunities.
To allow for unattached tournament participation may subtly set up a scenario for
fewer opportunities. Furthermore, unattached tournament participation is not
possible in many Association-sponsored sports, thereby creating an inconsistency
affecting many students, were some form of unattached participation to be permitted.
A school community determines the nature of its schoolhouse which includes cocurricula
offerings desired and to be provided. This process identifies each school's
athletic program. The school joins the MIAA and submits this identification of its
program. The MIAA then provides support and services to that school in all of, but
only in, the program areas which the school chooses to sponsor. (At this time
approximately 197,000 students annually are participating in sport programs
sponsored within their own high schools and approved by MIAA.) The MIAA respects
this local autonomy which defines the boundaries of a school's athletic program for all
of its students. Opportunities exist in non-school sport programs for students who wish
to pursue an activity not sponsored at his/her high school.
31. Precautions Against the Transmission of Blood-Borne Pathogens
31.1 Before competing, cover any open wound.
31.2 Whenever possible, athletes should treat and cover their own wounds.
31.3 When rendering first aid to others, wear protective gloves at any time blood,
body fluid containing visible blood, open wounds, or mucous membranes are
involved.
31.4 If an individual gets someone else's blood or other body fluid containing
visible blood on his/her skin, the area should be washed with a solution
known to inactivate blood-borne pathogens.
31.5 If blood or other body fluids containing visible blood are present during
practice or competition, activity should be halted, and the injured athlete(s)
given proper attention. Any contaminated surfaces should be cleaned.
31.6 Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after exposure to blood or
other body fluid.
31.7 Do not use common towels to clean surfaces contaminated with blood or other
body fluid containing blood.
31.8 Wash all soiled uniforms, towels, etc. in warm or hot, soapy, water.
31.9 In general, use good hygienic practices.
Part III - General Rules
This section includes rules of a general nature that affect all schools and all athletic
contests that are played under MIAA rules.
PART III: GENERAL RULES
32. Application of Rules
32.1 As a condition of a high school's participation in interscholastic athletics
under MIAA Rules and Regulations, prior to the first fall season contest,
each principal and athletic director must read entirely, understand, abide
by, and be prepared to enforce all rules, regulations, and policies contained
within this Handbook. Only the Board of Directors (or executive staff) or
their designees may interpret or clarify rules of the Association. All disputes
will be resolved by the executive staff or Board of Directors. The principal
and athletic director must assure that each member of the school's coaching
staff is knowledgeable of, and will enforce, all requirements contained
therein. (It also is helpful to have the guidance staff familiar with student
eligibility rules.)
By MIAA Board of Directors policy Principals and Athletic Directors new to
the position or new to position in Massachusetts must attend an MIAA
Workshop within a year of their appointment.
32.2 Association rules apply to all teams and individuals, in all interscholastic
contests, at all levels of competition.
32.3 In order to be eligible to represent a MIAA member school in athletic
contests, teams and contestants must conform to all Association rules.
32.4 Postponed contests should be immediately re-scheduled on the first day that
the teams do not have a scheduled competition.
32.5 In the case of a postponed contest or one which results in a tie, the eligibility
of participants does not hold over until the contest is actually played. The
students who participate in any contest must be eligible by all rules on the
date when the contest is held.
32.6 No special privileges such as extra examinations, delayed marks, makeup
opportunities, or other opportunities not granted to every student in the
school are to be granted to athletes.
32.7 Whether or not their opponents are MIAA members, all member schools
must conform in each contest to all Association rules. MIAA member school
teams may not compete against teams that do not represent a school.
32.8 A principal may not make a private agreement with another school or any
other party to evade MIAA rules. Regarding the participation of ineligible
students, no ineligible individual may participate in any inter-school
competition (including scrimmages) regardless of any proposed agreement
between competing schools that his/her results would not be counted.
"Exhibition" or "unattached" participation are prohibited.
32.9 The Board of Directors or executive staff must approve all experimental
rules or exceptions. Experimental rules shall have an effective limit of one
year.
32.10 Neither member schools nor school committees may make rules that are in
any way less restrictive than those of the MIAA. More stringent rules may
be adopted locally.
32.11 A member school must report suspected rule violations to: the principal(s) of
the school(s) involved; the president of the league; the District Athletic
Chair; and the MIAA Executive Director.
32.12 In all interscholastic contests any team organized in the name of the school
or funded in whole or in part by the school must represent the school in
accordance with all MIAA rules. “Club teams" may not operate outside
Association rules. See Rule 26.
33. Coaches’ Education
All coaches (stipend or volunteer) first serving as an interscholastic coach after July 1,
2005 must complete an MIAA sponsored or approved coaches’ education course of
study. The approved course will consist of the National Federation of High Schools
(NFHS) Coaches’ Principles Course (must be passed prior to coaching a second year)
and the NFHS Sports First Aid course (must be passed prior to coaching a third year).
All coaches (stipend or volunteer) first serving as an interscholastic coach after July 1,
2007 must complete the NFHS Coaches’ Principles Course, the NFHS Sports First Aid
course and the NFHS Sport Specific Technical and Tactical Skills Course in the sport
they are coaching (must be completed prior to coaching a third year). Note: The sportspecific
requirement will begin on July 1, 2007 or when the particular sport-specific
course becomes available, if after this date.
The NFHS Coaching Principles Course requirement must be met through attending
an MIAA sponsored Coaching Principles Clinic.
The NFHS Sports First Aid and Sport Specific requirement may be met by completing
on-line courses.
34. Recognized Sports, And Scheduling Limits for Schools
Maximum # of Competitions
Boy’s Sport Per Season Per Week
Alpine Skiing 16 3
Baseball 20 3
Basketball 20 3
Cross Country 16 3
Football 11 1
Golf 20 3
Gymnastics 18 2
Ice Hockey 20 3
Indoor Track 16 3
Lacrosse 20 3
Nordic Skiing 16 3
Outdoor Track 16 3
Soccer 18 3
Swimming 18 2
Tennis 20 3
Volleyball 20 3
Wrestling 20 2
Maximum # of Competitions
Girls’ Sport Per Season Per Week
Alpine Skiing 16 3
Basketball 20 3
Cross Country 16 3
Field Hockey 18 3
Golf 20 3
Gymnastics 18 2
Ice Hockey 20 3
Indoor Track 16 3
Lacrosse 20 3
Nordic Skiing 16 3
Outdoor Track 16 3
Soccer 18 3
Softball 20 3
Swimming 18 2
Tennis 20 3
Volleyball 20 3
34.1 The number of events per season and per week that a school may schedule
includes dual, league, multi-school, and interstate competition in which a
team or any individual representing a school may compete. Exceptions: In
cross country, indoor, and outdoor track, MIAA approved interstate
competitions after the MIAA sponsored state tournaments will not count
toward the maximum number of competitions permitted within the season.
Also exempt is approved participation in tournaments sponsored by the
Council of New England Secondary School Principals' Associations.
In swim, a multi-school event may be held on a non-school day during a
week in which two dual meets have been scheduled.
34.2 The number of events per week in cross country may be two duals and one
multi-school event or two multi-school events and one dual meet; in spring
and winter track, two duals and one multi-school event are permitted.
34.3 Skiing shall be considered a single sport with two recognized disciplines
(Nordic and Alpine). The maximum number of competitions per season and
per week remain as listed above. Whether student-athletes remain
committed to one discipline or choose to participate in both, they remain
limited to no more than three events per week.
34.4 A week shall run from Sunday through Saturday except in football which
runs from Saturday through Friday. Exception: Thanksgiving and Friday
evening football games.
34.5 Member schools may exceed the above designated number of competitions per
week when game postponements dictate exceeding the above number.
35. Starting and Closing Dates for Tryouts, Practices, and Contests
35.1 Fall practice may begin for all teams as early as the second Thursday
preceding Labor Day (i.e., August 21, 2008; August 27, 2009, August 26,
2010). No team may have more than ten single practice sessions (i.e., "double
sessions" count as two single practice sessions) through and including the
Friday prior to Labor Day. Football teams must precede their initial contact
practice day with an additional three days of single non-contact sessions.
The Fall season must end with completion of the regular season varsity
schedule except for the varsity team or individual students completing their
participation in the MIAA tournament. Sub-varsity teams or individual
athletes may participate after the completion of the regular season varsity
schedule to complete their season schedule (maximum of two weeks beyond
varsity schedule completion) or to practice with the varsity team providing it
has qualified for the MIAA tournament.
35.1.1 Fall sports include cross country, field hockey, football, soccer, girls'
swimming, and girls' volleyball. A school may offer golf in either
Fall or Spring, but not both. Girls' swim may be a Fall or Winter
sport, but not both. When schools offer both girls' and boys' swim,
students must swim on the team of their gender.
35.2 The Winter season must not begin before the first Monday after
Thanksgiving. Winter sports include skiing, basketball, ice hockey,
gymnastics, swimming (see Rule 35.1.1), indoor track, and wrestling. The
Winter season must end with completion of the regular varsity season
schedule, except for the varsity team or individual students completing their
participation in the MIAA tournament. Exception: The Nordic ski season
must end by the Saturday preceding the third Monday in March. Sub-varsity
teams or individual athletes may participate after the completion of the
regular season varsity schedule to complete their season schedule (maximum
of two weeks beyond varsity schedule completion) or to practice with the
varsity team providing it has qualified for the MIAA tournament.
35.3 The Spring season must not begin before the third Monday in March. Spring
sports include baseball, golf (See Rule 35.1.1), lacrosse, softball, tennis, boys'
volleyball, and outdoor track. The Spring season must end with completion of
the regular season varsity schedule except for the varsity team or individual
students completing their participation in the MIAA tournament. Sub-varsity
teams or individual athletes may participate after the completion of the
regular season varsity schedule to complete their season schedule (maximum
of two weeks beyond varsity schedule completion) or to practice with the
varsity team providing it has qualified for the MIAA tournament.
35.4 Initial date for competition.
35.4.1 The first team competition may not occur before the 11th calendar
day after and including the first day of practice except golf, which
may not occur until after seven calendar days from the first practice.
35.4.2 In football each participant must have fifteen days of practice, and
each wrestler must have ten days of practice, before competing in an
interscholastic contest.
36. Multiple School Events: Involving Only MIAA Member Schools
36.1 A member school may not participate in any form of inter school competition
involving eight or more schools or in all-star games unless the event has
been authorized by the Board of Directors through the executive staff.
Exception: Multiple-school events which are sponsored by a league or
between two leagues, and which include league members only. Any request
for approval of an event including eight or more schools must be submitted
to the MIAA executive staff at least 45 days prior to the scheduled event
date. A listing of approved events is printed on the MIAA Web page.
36.2 Sub-varsity multi-school events are not allowed. Exception: Track,
Wrestling, and Cross Country sub-varsity multi-school meets may be
considered for approval unless (1) a team champion or winner is determined,
or (2) the meet is advertised as a tournament or championship.
No sub-varsity competition in cross country, track, or wrestling, nor any
event which combines sub-varsity with varsity level competition, will be
approved which seems to establish champions or which provides competitors
with any award and/or recognition not provided to all other participants
equally.
36.3 Multi-school events may only be sponsored by a member school or league.
The principal of the host school must sign the application for school or
league-sponsored events, and he/she must retain ultimate responsibility for
that event.
36.4 No MIAA member school may schedule any activity which is a part of a
double header or multiple event that includes college or professional
involvement unless approved prior to the season by the MIAA Board of
Directors or executive staff.
36.5 Any event involving non-MIAA member schools (except those covered by Rule
39 and single contests with bordering state association member schools) must
be approved by the MIAA.
VIOLATION of this rule may result in the elimination of the violating school from
participating in all multi-school events in any and all sports for one year from the date
of suspension.
37. Interstate Competition
37.1 The Board of Directors through the MIAA executive staff sanctions along
with the National Federation (NF) competition in any of the following
contests:
37.1.1 Any interstate event in which four or more schools participate.
37.1.2 Any interstate event which involves schools from three or more
state high school associations.
(If all participating schools above are from states which border the host
state, only sanction by each state association is necessary.)
37.2 The MIAA must approve and receive NF approval for competition by a
member school with a school from a foreign country, except for 2-school or 3-
school competition with a school or schools from Canada.
37.3 Member schools wishing to sponsor an interstate event must file appropriate
application forms at least 45 days prior to the scheduled event date.
37.4 The MIAA Board of Directors criteria for considering approval of interstate
contests are:
37.4.1 Participation involves no more than a one-day loss of school time.
37.4.2 No more than two consecutive days of competition are permitted.
37.4.3 The activity is sponsored by or under the ultimate control of
secondary school personnel.
37.4.4 The event only involves competition with schools that are members
of their state association or schools that have been approved for
competition by their state association.
PENALTY FOR VIOLATION: A member school which violates rules for interstate
competition may not participate in such competition in that sport for one year from the
date of the offense.
38. All Star Games
All Star games must be sponsored by a member school principal and directed by a
member school employee.
38.1 Requests for Approval must be submitted 60 days before the event to the
executive staff. Exception: All Star games which include only students from
a single league or two leagues as recognized by the MIAA committee for that
sport.
38.2 Leagues may play one all-star game within a league and one all-star game
between two leagues, and these will not count toward the season schedule
limit for games.
38.3 All Star games must be played before the end of the MIAA Tournament for
that sport.
39. Competition with Non-Member Schools
39.1 Member schools may scrimmage or compete with non-member
Massachusetts schools or out-of-state schools that are not members of their
own state high school associations (but only if the school is ineligible for
state association membership and complies with that association’s conditions
of alliance) only if the chief administrator of the non-member school agrees
in writing prior to the start of the season that:
39.1.1 The non-member team will not include a player who exceeds the
MIAA age limit.
39.1.2 The length of periods will not exceed the maximum length
prescribed by the MIAA rules for that sport.
MIAA Handbook July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
35
39.1.3 The competition adheres to all MIAA rules.
39.1.4 The principal of the member school involved sends a copy of this
written agreement to the MIAA Executive Director prior to the
start of the season.
39.1.5 Contests under these criteria do count toward the school’s weekly
and seasonal limits, but do not count toward tournament
qualification.
40. Out-of-Season Coach-Athlete Contact Limitations
40.1 Unless otherwise permitted in this rule, between seasons a coach may
conduct a meeting(s) with team candidates only to elect captains, collect
equipment, issue equipment, to provide for physical examinations, to
conduct legitimate fund-raising events, or to offer wellness workshops or
activities.
40.2 A coach is defined as any paid or volunteer member of the athletic staff.
40.3 The MIAA considers the last coach of record as holding that position until
replaced by the principal.
40.4 A coach may not directly or indirectly require an athlete to participate in a
sport or a training program outside of the MIAA defined sport season.
Voluntary conditioning sessions open equally to all students in a school and
which are entirely devoid of sports-specific activity may be conducted
between seasons provided no candidate is either required to participate or
penalized for not doing so.
A "candidate" is defined as:
40.4.1 A varsity or sub-varsity athlete who participated in a high school
program at some interscholastic level the previous year and has
eligibility remaining; or
40.4.2 A middle school student “selected” to participate in an out-ofseason
program.
40.5 A high school coach may be employed by a park or recreation department or
other organization or may volunteer for such a group to teach his/her sport
out-of-season provided the following conditions exist:
40.5.1 No candidate may either be required to attend or be penalized for
not attending.
40.5.2 School funds are not used.
40.5.3 A coach's high school candidates must constitute the minority of
those taking part in any out-of-season sport's program, and
competing on any team at any moment (e.g. no more than two
basketball candidates could be on the court, on the same team, at
any point during a game). In sports that are individual in nature,
or where competition involves a series of scoring events, candidates
of that high school coach must be fewer than 50% of those
participating in the overall competition or program.
40.5.4 High School Coaches (paid or volunteer) of one sport may be
involved in out-of-season activity of another sport during the
summer only.
40.6 A program is deemed to be an intramural rather than an out-of season
program provided that:
40.6.1 The program is available to all high school students on an
indiscriminate basis, and a representative number of non
candidates are regular participants.
40.6.2 No participants may receive any attention not offered to all other
participants.
40.6.3 Candidates in that intramural sport must constitute a minority of
those taking part in the program and of any team actually playing
or competing at any one time. (Example: Basketball is made up of
five members; therefore two would be a minority.)
40.6.4 The program must be a direct offering of the high school involved.
40.7 Fall coaches may address eighth grade students once after June 1st during an
advertised meeting for the singular purpose of providing organizational
information about physicals and practice schedules for their fall season.
PENALTY: Because these standards are designed to protect young people from unfair
and unequitable scenarios, any coach who violates, or does not prevent violations, of
these standards will be rendered ineligible to participate or be present at any MIAA
approved or sponsored interscholastic competition in that sport for one year from the
date of determination of a rule violation. If a violation is inadvertent or relatively
minor, this penalty may be reduced by the Board of Directors, or its designee.
41. Subsidizing Out-of-Season Activities
A school or a member of that school's coaching staff may not subsidize or support
students who might attend any sports-related activity outside of the authorized
seasonal limits for that sport. In addition, a coach may not provide transportation for
candidates of his/her team to an out-of-season athletic activity/camp. Student
participation in out-of season activities may not be funded in any way by booster clubs
or organizations. Schools may issue equipment (but not uniforms) during the out-ofseason
period, but school districts should review any liability issues that could arise
from such issuance. Students may not wear school uniforms, or be identified as a
school team, out of season and/or during non-school events.
42. League Organization & Membership Changes
42.1 Every school in the affected league(s), the District Athletic Committee(s)
affected, and the Association will be given written notification at least two
years in advance of any intent to disband, reorganize, join or leave a league.
No school may change from one league to another or withdraw from a league
without the approval in advance of the appropriate District Athletic
Committee(s). (Click icon for necessary forms)
42.2 The "sending league" must first act upon the school's request to depart the
league. The recorded vote and rationale are then to be forwarded to that
District Athletic Committee Chair. (Because petitions before the District
Athletic Committee must include plans for negatively-impacted schools, the
petitioning school must address this matter if the sending league vote
implies negative impact.)
42.3 The "receiving league" acts secondly upon the request of the petitioning
school. The recorded vote and rationale are then forwarded to that District
Athletic Committee Chair. (Because no league can be required to accept a
member, the District Athletic Committee(s) should not meet until after this
step.)
42.4 The affected District Athletic Committee(s) then meet for the purpose of
approving, or not approving, the petition. If a petition involves more than
one district, then a joint meeting of those districts must be conducted. This
meeting will be chaired by the District Chair of the petitioning school. Each
participating District Athletic Committee must have at least 50% of its
members present and voting.
42.5 Decisions of the District Athletic Committees may be appealed to the Board
of Directors.
42.6 All leagues must have in their by-laws provisions for disbanding the league,
which must include provisions for phasing out of the league over a period of
two years.
42.7 The chairman or president of a league shall be either a principal or an
assistant principal. In all matters of league reorganization, only the
principal of each affected school may vote for that member institution.
VIOLATION of this rule will result in suspension from the MIAA until rationale for a
new league has been filed with the Executive Director and approved by the Board of
Directors. This action would eliminate any violating school from league championship
eligibility as well as MIAA tournament competition.
43. Boys and Girls on the Same Team
43.1 No student shall be denied in any implied or explicit manner the opportunity
to participate in any interscholastic activity because of his or her gender. A
school may establish separate teams for males and females for interscholastic
competition in a sport provided that teams comprised primarily or solely of
persons of one gender shall be granted equal instruction, training, coaching,
access to available facilities, equipment, opportunities to practice and
compete as teams engaged in a similar activity comprised primarily or solely
of persons of the opposite gender.
43.2 A girl may play on a boys' team if that sport is not offered in the school for
the girl, and a boy may play on a girls' team if that sport is not offered in the
school for the boy. When a sport is offered in two different seasons, each
individual must participate on the team of his/her gender.
43.2.1 Any MIAA member school sponsoring a “mixed gender” sub varsity
or varsity team must report to opponents the mixed gender status
of their team(s) at least 72 hours prior to each scheduled
competition. The “mixed gender” status must also be included on
the tournament entry form in the space provided. The combined
male & female enrollments will be utilized to determine
tournament divisional placement.
43.2.1.1 Any school, which does not conform to the notification
requirements above, will be ineligible for MIAA
tournament competition in that sport.
43.2.1.2 Students from mixed gender regular season teams
will participate in the regional and state tournaments
of their own gender in the sports of cross country,
indoor track, outdoor track, skiing, winter swimming
and diving, individual golf, and individual tennis.
43.2.2 Softball and baseball are competitively equal sports. Therefore,
girls shall participate in softball and boys in baseball provided
each sport is offered at that school. Length of game is one basic
difference (i.e. time required to play baseball and softball differ).
43.2.3 Any single gender team may forfeit its competition to a mixed
team because of safety reasons without tournament qualifying
penalty (e.g. the 50% rule would apply only to games played).
Notification of forfeit must be documented with the MIAA
Executive Director and the opponent school principal(s), stating
the reason for not competing. This notification must be given at
least 24 hours prior to the contest.
43.2.3.1 Reasons of Safety: Generally anything which can be
specifically stated that demonstrates a bona fide
concern by a player, athletic director, or principal that
a potential opponent will pose a threat to safety
during an interscholastic athletic competition.
43.2.3.2 Specific Reasons:
(a) A bona fide reason of safety will arise when a
potential opponent has caused injury during a
prior interscholastic athletic contest.
(b) A bona fide reason of safety will arise when the
potential opponent has previously altered the
method or manner of play, in a substantial way,
by means of the style of play during a prior
interscholastic athletic contest.
(c) A bona fide reason of safety will arise when
through the actual knowledge of the person
claiming a reason of safety exists, a substantial
concern is present that the opponent poses a
threat to safety. In such situations, the specific
basis or facts relied upon shall be disclosed.
43.2.3.3 Exceptions:
(a) It shall not be a reason of safety that a potential
opponent may have an advantage due to greater
physical skills.
(b) It shall not be a reason of safety that a potential
opponent by reason of gender alone is more likely
to cause injury than another player.
(c) A reason of safety does not include the possibility
that a potential opponent may cause a threat to
the safety of the potential opponent's teammates.
43.2.3.4 Implementation: Any team which invokes the
application of Rule 43.2.3 shall notify the opponent's
principal by telephone and in writing as early as
possible. Said notice shall contain a concise
statement of the reason(s) of safety that cause the
application of the rule. Said notice shall also be
concurrently transmitted to the MIAA.
44. Recruitment
44.1 To maintain a proper relationship between the academic mission of schools
and their athletic programs, all individuals in any way affiliated with a
school must refrain from recruitment, inducement, or other forms of
persuasion which would encourage an athlete to enroll in, or transfer to, a
school.
44.2 A school shall be deemed to be in violation of the rule against recruitment if a
representative or agent of the school or any group or individual associated
with athletic programs of that school approaches an athlete and directly or
indirectly attempts to persuade or induce the athlete to enroll in, or transfer
to, that school.
44.3 Any attempt to place a student in a member school by any person for the
purposes of enhancement of that student's athletic development, or for
increased exposure, shall be deemed to be recruitment.
PENALTIES - Any student who enrolls in a school as a result of direct or indirect
recruitment activities shall be ineligible for a period of one calendar year from the
date of transfer. A school adjudged to have recruited any student will cause that
school to be under probation in that sport or all sports for one calendar year from the
date of the adjudication. Such probation will include ineligibility for tournaments and
league championships in that sport or all sports during the period of probation.
Part IV - Rules Affecting an Individual Student
Athlete or Coach
PART IV: RULES AFFECTING AN INDIVIDUAL
STUDENT-ATHLETE OR COACH
45. Loyalty to the High School Team: Bona Fide Team Members
A bona fide member of the school team is a student who is consistently present for,
and actively participates in, all high school team sessions (e.g. practices, tryouts,
competitions). Bona fide members of a school team are precluded from missing a high
school practice or competition in order to participate in a non-school athletic
activity/event in any sport recognized by the MIAA. First Offense: Student athlete
is suspended for 25% of the season (see chart on Rule 62). Second Offense:
Student athlete is suspended for an additional 25% of the season, and is
ineligible for tournament play immediately upon confirmation of the
violation. See Rule 96 for additional tournament restriction and Rule 86 for waiver
guidelines.
46. Only One School Sport Per Season is Permitted
A student-athlete shall participate in only one MIAA interscholastic sport in any
defined MIAA sport season (Fall, Winter, or Spring), including tournaments and/or
championships in that season. For the purposes of this rule only, a student-athlete
officially becomes a member of his/her team for the sport season on the date of that
school's first regular season contest in that sport.
46.1 Exception: If a licensed physician recommends that an athlete
terminate participation in a sport for medical reasons after the first
contest, the athlete will be permitted to join another team if he/she
receives the written approval of a licensed physician.
46.2 Exception: A school may approve a varsity or sub varsity request to join
a second varsity or sub varsity team after terminating his/her
membership with the first varsity or sub varsity team, providing written
approval is received from the principal, athletic director, and both
coaches involved with the change, and it happens within the first ? of
the season.
PENALTIES - If a student-athlete violates this rule, he/she will be ineligible for that
season, and all contests in which he/she participated in both sports must be forfeited.
47. Amateurism -- Definitions and Loss of Amateur Standing
47.1 A student who represents a school in an interscholastic sport shall be an
amateur in that sport. An athlete forfeits amateur status in a sport by:
47.1.1 Competing for money or other monetary compensation (MIAA preapproved
travel, meals, and lodging expenses may be accepted);
47.1.2 Receiving any award or prize of monetary value which has not
been approved in advance by the MIAA;
47.1.3 Capitalizing on athletic fame by receiving money or gifts of
monetary value (scholarships to institutions of higher learning are
specifically exempted); or
47.1.4 Signing a professional playing contract in that sport.
47.2 Accepting a nominal standard fee or salary for instructing or officiating in an
organized sports program or recreation, playground or camp activity shall not
jeopardize amateur status. "Organized youth sports program" includes both
school and non-school programs. Compensation for giving private lessons is
permissible if approved in advance by MIAA. A high school student who
loses amateur status may apply to the MIAA for reinstatement after a
waiting period of one calendar year.
47.3 Only awards of no intrinsic value and approved by MIAA may be accepted by
a high school student-athlete as a result of participation in school or nonschool
competition in any sport recognized by the Association. Individual
interscholastic athletic awards and similar mementos to athletes shall be
limited to those approved and administered by the institutions, league, or
MIAA in keeping with traditional school requirements as to what constitutes
an acceptable reward.
47.4 Participating under an assumed name in any athletic contest shall make the
student ineligible for one year.
48. Sportsmanship: Taunting
48.1 Taunting includes any actions or comments by coaches, players, or
spectators which are intended to bait, anger, embarrass, ridicule, or demean
others, whether or not the deeds or words are vulgar or racist. Included is
conduct that berates, needles, intimidates, or threatens based on race,
gender, ethnic origin or background, and conduct that attacks religious
beliefs, size, economic status, speech, family, special needs, or personal
characteristics.
Examples of taunting include but are not limited to: "trash talk", defined as
verbal communication of a personal nature directed by a competitor to an
opponent by ridiculing his/her skills, efforts, sexual orientation, or lack of
success, which is likely to provoke an altercation or physical response; and
physical intimidation outside the spirit of the game, including "in the face"
confrontation by one player to another, standing over/straddling a tackled or
fallen player, etc.
48.2 Athletic participants may wear sun glare black only under their eyes.
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48.3 In all sports, officials are to consider taunting a flagrant unsportsmanlike
offense that disqualifies the offending bench personnel or contestant from
that contest/day of competition. In addition, the offender shall be subject to
all existing MIAA Disqualification Rules. A review of the MIAA taunting
policy and a warning shall be given to both teams by game officials prior to
each contest.
48.4 At all MIAA contest sites and tournament venues, contest management may
give spectators one warning for taunting. Thereafter, spectators who taunt
players, coaches, game officials, or other spectators should be ejected.
49. Sportsmanship: Athlete and Coach Contest Disqualifications/Suspensions
49.1 The contest official who disqualifies a student or coach under the provision of
this rule should immediately inform the coach of each team, official scorer (if
any), and state the violation. If the game official fails to file his/her written
report, the individual is nevertheless bound by the suspension. An Official
who fails to complete the form required as a result of an athlete or coach
disqualification shall be suspended from officiating any MIAA contest in that
sport for at least two weeks or until the form is completed and received by
the principal of the disqualified athlete or coach. Judgments of game officials
are not subject to appeal. If the event does not have officials (e.g. golf, tennis)
it is the responsibility of the site manager to report any suspension to the
Athletic Director who in turn will complete the MIAA suspension form.
49.2 The athletic director in charge of the contest, or his/her designee, is
responsible for: (1) having the official disqualification forms available for
game officials, and (2) sending copies to the principal of each school involved,
the athletic director of each school involved, and the executive director of the
MIAA. Contest official(s) should complete the forms before leaving the site
of the contest.
49.3 A student who is disqualified from a competition (including a jamboree,
scrimmage, etc.) shall not participate in the next (note that baseball, ice
hockey and soccer require a 2 game suspension) scheduled interscholastic
competition that is part of their regular season schedule or in
tournament play. The disqualified student is ineligible for any contest in
that sport until the next contest at the same level has been completed.
(Exceptions: field hockey - see rule 68.3, basketball--five personal fouls; ice
hockey--six minutes in penalties; wrestling--technical disqualification, girls
lacrosse—2 yellow cards, see rule 74.8).
49.3.1 A two (2) game suspension will be given to any studentathlete
who is ejected from any contest for the following
reasons:
o Fighting
o Punching or kicking an opposing player
o Spitting at someone
49.4 Any coach disqualified by an official from an inter-school competition
(including a jamboree, scrimmage, etc.) is ineligible to coach any competition
in that sport until the next contest (but two contests in ice hockey, soccer
and baseball) at the same level (e.g. junior varsity, varsity, etc.) has/have
been completed. During the suspension the disqualified coach may not be
present at the competition site. Whenever a coach is disqualified by an
official from an inter-school competition, the official shall file a written
report of the incident with the coach's principal. The coach also shall file the
completed form designated for that purpose. Both reports should be
completed and forwarded by the official and coach within 24 hours of the
competition. The principal should immediately forward copies of the reports
to the athletic director, superintendent, and MIAA executive director. If the
game official fails to file his/her report, the coach is still bound by the
suspension. An official who fails to complete the form required as a result of
an athlete or coach ejection shall be suspended from officiating any MIAA
contest in that sport for at least two weeks or until the form is completed
and received by the principal of the disqualified athlete or coach.
49.5 A student or coach ruled out of a contest twice in the same season shall be
suspended from further participation in that sport and in all sports during
that season for a year from the date of his/her second disqualification.
(Exception: See soccer rule 77.2.6).
49.5.1 A coach who is twice disqualified in a season must officially enroll
in the Coaches’ Education course or recognized MIAA certified
program before returning from suspension. The course must be
completed before the start of the next season for that sport. (also
see Rule 49.11)
49.6 A student or coach who physically assaults an official shall be expelled from
the activity immediately and banned from further participation or coaching
in all sports for one year from the date of the offense.
49.7 Any student in any sport who willfully, flagrantly, or maliciously attempts to
injure an opponent shall be removed from the contest immediately and shall
be ineligible in all sports for one year from the date of the incident.
("Fighting" does not apply to this section unless warranted in the judgment
of the game official.)
49.8 Fighting and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties will be within the authority
of the official at all times at the contest site. The official’s authority extends
to pre and post game oversight.
49.9 Some of the reasons that an official may disqualify a student or coach from a
contest that would lead to a game disqualification are:
49.9.1 Fighting
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49.9.2 Flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct which is defined but not limited
to violent action toward a player, official, or spectator, the use of
foul or abusive language, taunting, trash talk, and the like.
49.10 If a coach or student is ruled out of the last contest of the season, the penalty
carries over to the following year in that same sport season. However, if a
team is playing in tournament competition, it is considered an extension of
the sport season. A senior and/or a student in his/her last year of eligibility
who is disqualified from the last contest of the season will be penalized at
the start of the next season in which he/she is a participant.
49.11 Any coach who is disqualified from an MIAA interscholastic athletic contest
or had three (3) athletes disqualified during his/her sport season will be
required to attend a Sportsmanship Compliance meeting before being
eligible to coach interscholastic events the following year in that sport or
before coaching any other sport at any MIAA member school.
49.11.1 Any coach who fulfills the Sportsmanship Compliance meeting
requirement stated in rule 49.11 and is then suspended from
another MIAA interscholastic athletic contest, either in the same
sport or a different sport, will be required to officially enroll in the
Coaches' Education course or a recognized MIAA certified program.
The course must be completed before the start of the next season
for any sport that the coach is eligible.
49.12 In addition to being in violation of Massachusetts General Laws, hazing is a
most flagrant example of lack of respect for both self and others.
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 269, section 17-19 was enacted in
1988. The law requires that secondary schools provide all school groups (e.g.
athletic teams) a copy of the law. Click here to access the "hazing law".
50. Coach/Media Relations
50.1 It is important that communication between coaches and the media reflects
and promotes high standards of sportsmanship, integrity and ethics.
50.1.1 Coaches must not publicly criticize any game official, or permit
anyone under their supervision to criticize game officials
50.1.2 Coaches should cooperate with the media in the interpretation and
clarification of rules and/or other aspects of the game, but not
make critical comments about specific decisions of game officials.
50.1.3 Coaches must make an effort, in their communication with the
media, to stress positive displays of sportsmanship demonstrated
by the student-athletes, coaches, fans, spectators, and the schools
involved in the competition.
50.2 Any coach found in non-compliance with the above will be subject to penalties
determined by the Committee on Sportsmanship, Integrity, and Ethics.
51. Student Eligibility: Baseline Eligibility Requirements
For a student to practice with, or to represent a MIAA member school in athletic
competition, the student must be duly enrolled in that school. Additionally, the
student must be a candidate for that school’s diploma, subject to the jurisdiction of
that school’s principal (i.e. the principal must have the authority to suspend the
student from classes), and under the supervision of that school principal (i.e. the
principal must have control and knowledge of the student’s daily attendance and
achievement).
Ultimately the interpretation and application of Association rules rests with the MIAA
executive director/staff and the Board of Directors. Principals (or athletic directors)
must contact the Association executive staff to resolve any possible eligibility issues
before permitting a student to represent your school. This rule complements Rule 52,
53, 54 and 55.
52. Student Eligibility: Alternative, Collaborative, Detached or Other Non-
Traditional Educational Programs
Students who are not being educated on the high school campus that will issue their
diplomas are not eligible to represent that, or any member high school, unless the
criteria within this rule are satisfied. If the student is not eligible at the attending
college or the alternative institution does not offer any athletic participation
opportunity, a student may participate in the diploma-granting MIAA high school if
that principal:
• has the authority to suspend the student from all academic programs; and
• receives daily reports of the student’s attendance and achievement; and
• Certifies the student is eligible by all other MIAA and local standards that
must be satisfied by the student’s teammates.
(The above conditions must be agreed to in writing by the non member-school director
prior to any practice or athletic participation by the student at the high school that is
awarding the diploma.)
These non-traditional students may not participate if they do not meet all of the
eligibility standards that are required of their teammates. Principals, athletic
directors, and guidance personnel should counsel students regarding athletic
eligibility prior to committing to non-traditional educational pursuits.
53. Student Eligibility: Middle School Students on Senior High Teams
A middle school student is eligible to represent a senior high school on its athletic
teams only when the MIAA member high school includes those grades and they are
under the direct “jurisdiction” and “supervision” of the high school principal (see Rule
51 for definitions).
54. Student Eligibility: Home Educated Students
A home-educated student is eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics if the
following conditions are met:
The local school committee of a MIAA public school member institution has adopted a
policy regarding participation of home educated students on the high school teams,
and the local building principal has indicated such on the annual MIAA membership
form while including all home schoolers in the annual MIAA enrollment report.
The Educational Plan for the home-educated student has been approved by the public
school Superintendent or his/her designee.
The Principal has determined appropriate high school grade level placement (9-12) for
each home educated student in conjunction with chronological age and educational
plan.
The student resides in the school district that serves the high school, and is living with
his/her parents or legal guardians in the family residence. In multiple school districts,
a home-educated student must be assigned to the school of record in the same manner
as other students.
The Principal is satisfied that the student meets the standards for athletic
participation required for all other students as defined in the current MIAA
Handbook. This includes, but is not limited to, those rules governing transfers,
academic eligibility, age requirements, and the number of consecutive seasons of
athletic eligibility beyond grade eight.
MIAA requirements relative to academic eligibility must be certified by the Principal
at the same times that all other student athletes are to be certified as academically
eligible.
If the Principal determines that all eligibility standards detailed above have been met,
the Principal may declare the student eligible to participate in interscholastic
competition. The rights, privileges, and responsibilities associated with all other
student athletes attending MIAA member schools will apply to home educated
students who have satisfied the requirements above.
55. Student Eligibility: Membership in School
55.1 A student shall have been a member of the MIAA member secondary school
for a minimum of two months (exclusive of the Summer vacation) and have
been issued a report card preceding the contest, unless entering from an
elementary or junior high school at the start of the school year or transfers
in from another school. A pupil's attendance at school does not start when
he/she registers in that school, but rather when he/she begins attending
classes.
55.2 When a student drops out of school and then decides later to return to the
same school, he/she cannot become eligible for athletics until a report card
has been issued and until the expiration of a minimum of two calendar
months from the date of his/her return to the same school.
55.3 Except as may be otherwise specified by statute or state regulation, a
student must be a resident of and domiciled in a municipality which
normally contributes student population to the school.
56. Student Eligibility: Physical Examinations/Medical Coverage
56.1 All students must pass a physical examination within thirteen months of the
start of each season. Students who meet this criteria at the start of the
season will remain eligible for that season. Physical examinations must be
performed by a duly registered Physician, Physician’s Assistant or Nurse
Practitioner. The Sports Medicine Committee recommended physical
examination form is in the MIAA White Book.
PENALTY: A student in violation shall be suspended for the number of contests in
which he/she participated without a proper physical.
56.2 Whenever a medical person is on duty at an athletic event, he/she shall be
responsible for both teams (unless the other team has its own medical person
present). His/her judgment will be final with regard to the condition of a
player after injury. Physical disqualification by the medical person renders
the student ineligible. The Penalty for playing an ineligible student is
forfeiture.
56.3 Medical Alert Bracelets/Anklets are approved for wearing in all sports,
provided they are taped to the body and marked in red.
57. Student Eligibility: Transfer Students
Rules 57.1 through 57.5 deal with school transfers that were not required due to the
move of parents or transfers without the move of parents.
57.1 A student who transfers from any school to an MIAA member high school is
ineligible to participate in any interscholastic athletic contest at any level for
a period of one year in all sports in which that student participated at the
varsity level or its equivalent during the one year period immediately
preceding the transfer. (see exemptions listed in Rule 57.7) For the purpose
of this rule, no transfer will be deemed to have taken place if a student
returns to his/her former school on or before the eleventh school day from the
date of last attendance there.
57.2 "Varsity participation" is defined as any appearance, as a competitor, in a
varsity inter-school contest other than a scrimmage. The "equivalent" will be
judged by the MIAA executive staff on the basis of the quality of non-school
sport program participation.
57.3 Before a transfer student can be certified as eligible in a specific sport within
the year of his/her transfer, the sending school principal and athletic director
must certify on Form 100 or Form 200 by signature that the student did not
participate at the varsity level or on a non-school team (see Rule 57.2) during
the year prior to the actual transfer.
57.3.1 If it is later determined that the sending school falsely or
erroneously certified eligibility, then the sending school will be
subject to minimally a letter of censure, copies of which will be
mailed to the school committee, superintendent, principal, athletic
director, and reported on the MIAA website.
57.3.2 The MIAA certification Form 100 must be dated and filed at the
receiving school before the student is declared eligible (as to the
transfer rule only) by the receiving school principal.
57.4 The receiving High School Principal may utilize Form 200 to declare a
transfer student eligible, providing it is prior to the start of the season and
the student did not participate on a non-school team (see Rule 57.2), if the
sending school Principal certifies the following:
a. Recruitment was not involved in any way.
b. At the time of transfer, the student was in good standing.
c. The student would be academically eligible at the sending school.
d. The transfer was in no way motivated by athletics.
e. The student would have been eligible by MIAA and local rules at the
sending school.
57.5 A student who transfers after the start of the practice season is ineligible in
all sports during that sport season.
57.6 Foreign Students
57.6.1 A student who transfers from a foreign country without parental
change of residence accompanying the transfer will be ineligible
unless such transfer is sponsored by a CSIET (Council on
Standards for International Education Travel) approved foreign
exchange program. Students who enter a member school under a
CSIET approved program may be declared immediately eligible for
athletic participation by the building principal as long as all other
MIAA eligibility standards are met and it is not a direct
placement. If a direct placement, according to CSIET
Standard 6b, a waiver is necessary. A CSIET student who has
graduated from a secondary school in his/her own country will be
exempt from the MIAA graduation rule (#61) if that student has
not completed thirteen (13) years (including kindergarten) – or
twelve (12) years (not including kindergarten) – of formal
education.
57.6.2 Foreign athletes who are not in this country under the auspices of
a CSIET approved program or attending a MIAA member school as
the direct result of the change in residence of the parents, shall not
be eligible for interscholastic athletics regardless of the length of
stay in this Country.
57.7 Exemptions to the transfer rule -- a transfer student may be eligible
immediately provided all other eligibility requirements are met:
57.7.1 Change of residence of a student’s parents: A student’s transfer is
necessitated by a change of residence of his/her parent(s) to the
area served by the school to which he/she transfers. The academic
standard of the receiving school will determine eligibility.
Therefore, in such transfer cases, academic ineligibility is not
portable. (This exception does not apply to a change in custody,
guardianship, or to a student’s change in residence from one parent
to another, nor does it apply when the student could continue to
attend the former school.)
57.7.2 Middle school transfer: A student who enters the ninth grade of a
four-year high school and who has not been enrolled previously in
the ninth grade.
57.7.3 Elementary/Middle School graduate: A student who has completed
the last grade available in the school previously attended.
57.7.4 Closed school: If a school no longer exists, a student may be eligible
at the school of his/her choice immediately after the closing of that
school.
58. Student Eligibility: Academic Requirements
58.1 A student must secure during the last marking period preceding the contest
(e.g. second quarter marks and not semester grades determine third quarter
eligibility) a passing grade, and full credit, in the equivalent of four
traditional year long major English courses. A transfer student may not
gain academic eligibility if he/she was not, or would not be, eligible at the
sending school, unless transfer was necessitated by a move of parents and
then eligibility would be determined by receiving schools eligibility
standards. (see Rule 57.7.1)
58.2 A student cannot at any time represent a school unless that student is taking
courses which would provide Carnegie Units equivalent to four traditional
year long major English courses.
58.3 To be eligible for the fall marking period, students are required to have
passed and received full credits for the previous academic year the equivalent
of four traditional year long major English courses.
58.4 Academic eligibility of all students shall be considered as official and
determined on the published date when the report cards for that ranking
period are to be issued to the parents of all students within a particular class.
Note: The MIAA academic eligibility standards are designed to ensure that a student
is fully enrolled in school and actively engaged in his/her academic life on a consistent
basis throughout the school year. When utilizing a 4 x 4 block schedule, a student
must pass at least two of the four required ‘major’ courses (or equivalent) in each
academic marking period.
The questions you must ask in determining equivalency are:
*How many minutes per day/week/semester does this course meet?
*How many credits toward graduation as approved in advance by school committee
policy will be offered for this course?
*Is this equivalent to past academic requirements?
(If further clarification is necessary, principals and athletic directors are encouraged
to contact a member of the MIAA executive staff.)
58.5 Incomplete grades may not be counted toward eligibility until they are made
up following school policy.
58.6 A student who repeats work upon which he/she has once received credit
cannot count that subject a second time for eligibility.
58.7 A student cannot count for eligibility any subject taken during the summer,
unless that subject was pursued and failed during the immediately
preceding academic year.
59. Student Eligibility: Time Allowed for Participation After First Entering
Grade Nine
59.1 A student shall be eligible for interscholastic competition for no more than
four consecutive years after initially entering Grade 9. This limitation shall
apply without regard to actual participation or attempt to participate.
59.2 In no case may a student be eligible to participate in more than four of each
of the three annual athletic seasons. In special cases where a student has
been absent from school because of an accident or illness, the executive
director, or his/her designee, shall have the authority to extend the student’s
eligibility upon presentation of a doctor’s certificate on the student’s behalf
and a letter from the principal attesting to the inability of the student to
attend school during a specific period because of an accident or illness. In
instances where an extended eligibility is granted, the student may be
declared eligible only for the season(s) that the student’s accident/illness
prevented participation.
60. Student Eligibility: Age
A student shall be under 19 years of age, but may compete during the remainder of
the school year, provided that his/her 19th birthday occurs on or after September 1 of
that year. For Freshman competition, a student shall be under 16 years of age but
may compete during the remainder of the school year provided that the sixteenth
birthday occurs on or after September 1 of that year. Principals must exercise great
care in determining age of contestants, and in all doubtful cases, must secure birth
certificates from the town clerk of the pupil’s place of birth.
61. Student Eligibility: Graduation
61.1 A student must be an undergraduate: i.e., he/she shall not be a graduate of
any secondary school. Any student who has the credits required for a
diploma shall be regarded as a graduate with the following exceptions:
61.1.1 An early graduate of a high school may represent his/her school in
athletics until the end of the sport season in which he/she is
participating, if otherwise eligible. The diploma must be withheld
until at least the season is completed, and the student may not
attend classes outside of that high school during that season.
61.1.2 A student who earns the credits required for a diploma prior to
attending eight semesters in a four-year high school, and who is
not granted a diploma may continue to participate if he/she
continues to take at least the equivalent of four traditional year
long major English courses.
62. Student (and Coach) Eligibility: Chemical Health/Alcohol/Drugs/Tobacco
62.1 From the earliest fall practice date, to the conclusion of the academic
year or final athletic event (whichever is latest), a student shall not,
regardless of the quantity, use, consume, possess, buy/sell, or give away any
beverage containing alcohol; any tobacco product; marijuana; steroids; or any
controlled substance. This policy includes products such as “NA or near beer”.
It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug
specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by his/her doctor.
This MIAA statewide minimum standard is not intended to render “guilt by
association”, e.g. many student athletes might be present at a party where
only a few violate this standard. This rule represents only a minimum
standard upon which schools may develop more stringent requirements.
If a student in violation of this rule is unable to participate in interscholastic
sports due to injury or academics, the penalty will not take effect until that
student is able to participate again.
Minimum PENALTIES:
First violation: When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the
student to be heard, that a violation occurred, the student shall lose eligibility
for the next consecutive interscholastic contests totaling 25% of all
interscholastic contests in that sport. No exception is permitted for a student
who becomes a participant in a treatment program. It is recommended that the
student be allowed to remain at practice for the purpose of rehabilitation. All
decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will
be dropped when calculating the 25% of the season.
Second and subsequent violations: When the Principal confirms, following an
opportunity for the student to be heard, that a violation occurred, the student
shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests totaling 60%
of all interscholastic contests in that sport. All decimal part of an event will be
truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the
60% of the season.
If after the second or subsequent violations the student of his/her own volition
becomes a participant in an approved chemical dependency program or
treatment program, the student may be certified for reinstatement in MIAA
activities after a minimum of 40% of events provided the student was fully
engaged in the program throughout that penalty period. The high school
principal in collaboration with a Chemical Dependency Program or
Treatment Program must certify that student is attending or issue a
certificate of completion. If student does not complete program, penalty reverts
back to 60% of the season. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All
fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 40% of the
season.
Penalties shall be cumulative each academic year, but serving the penalty could carry over for
one year. Or, if the penalty period is not completed during the season of violation, the penalty
shall carry over to the student’s next season of actual participation, which may affect the eligibility
status of the student during the next academic year. (e.g. A student plays only football: he
violates the rule in winter and/or the spring of same academic year: he would serve the
penalty [ies] during the fall season of the next academic year).
1st Offense - 25%
# of Events / Season # of Events / Penalty
1-7 1
8-11 2
12-15 3
16-19 4
20 or over 5
2nd Offense - 60%
# of Events / Season # of Events / Penalty
1-3 1
4 2
5-6 3
7-8 4
9 5
10-11 6
12-13 7
14 8
15-16 9
17-18 10
19 11
20 or over 12
2nd Offense w/Dependency Program - 40% if in the program throughout the penalty
period.
# of Events / Season # of Events / Penalty
1-4 1
5-7 2
8-9 3
10-12 4
13-14 5
15-17 6
18-19 7
20 or over 8
62.2 During practice or competition, a coach shall not use any tobacco product (penalty:
same as students’ – see chart above).
62.3 Steroid Use - Anabolic androgenic steroid use at the high school level is of
grave concern. Steroids are used by some athletes, and the seriousness of the
problem has been well documented. A recent study indicates that over 3% of
high school seniors have tried steroids in their lifetime (NIDA, 2004). High
school coaches may not be able to prevent the use of steroids altogether, but
they can clearly and forcefully discourage their use. Coaches should take a
proactive role, learning about steroids, and then providing this information to
their athletes.
Steroids can, with proper diet and weight training, increase muscle
development; however, as is typical with most “get-rich-quick” schemes,
steroid use has serious short and long term consequences.
Normal and equal musculature development can occur without steroid use.
Although the natural process takes longer, muscle tone will last longer and
does not carry the harmful side effects of steroids.
Most coaches would not promote steroid use intentionally. Total silence by
coaches however condones use in some young people's minds. Even though
steroids may not be mentioned when it is suggested to an athlete that his/her
success is limited only by a lack of weight and/or strength, without a
disclaimer the statement can be a motivation to use steroids. The
pervasiveness of the drugs that allow for development of increased weight
under the aforementioned circumstances is a coercive power that is difficult
for young athletes to resist without knowing what the side effects of the drugs
may be.
The issue goes beyond protecting the integrity of sport. The use of steroids in
sports is cheating. We must oppose the use of steroids for both health and
ethical reasons.
63. Good Citizen Rule
63.1 Student-athletes may not represent their school if they are on in-house or
out-of-house disciplinary suspension. A suspended student is ineligible for
practice or competition for at least the number of days (or partial days) equal
to the number of days of the suspension. Local policies will determine the
actual days of ineligibility. (The Board of Directors suggests that policies be
included in local Student Handbooks.)
64. Protested Student Eligibility
64.1 Upon request a member school principal must provide student eligibility
certification for any student-athlete who might be questioned by a principal
or the Association.
64.2 When the eligibility of a member or members of any team are protested at a
contest site, the contest shall be played as scheduled and the protest filed
with the MIAA Executive Director for settlement later.
Part V - Sport Rules
In this section rules for the individual sports are referenced along with the MIAA
modifications to those national rules. Four-year tournament alignments for each
sport can be viewed on the MIAA web site (www.miaa.net)
PART V: SPORT RULES
65. Baseball
65.1 The rules pertaining to baseball are the same as major league baseball and
65.2 Leagues may amend a rule, provided such an amendment is not a
substantive change to MIAA rules. However, leagues may wish to change
such things as the type of ball, free substitutions, or similar acts to speed the
game.
65.3 Batting helmets of the full-protection type must be worn by all players while
at bat or on the bases. These helmets of the full-protection type shall have
extended ear flaps which cover both ears and the temples. In addition, the
helmet must carry the NOCSAE stamp, indicating it meets the NOCSAE
standards, and must have an exterior warning label regarding the risk of
injury. Batting helmets of this type shall be required of each batter, base
runner, and on-deck batter. After an initial warning to a player and the
coach by an umpire, failure to adhere to the rule by any subsequent player
shall result in that player being removed from the contest (but for that game
only). The penalty is to be enforced when the batter is in the box and the
pitcher is in contact with the rubber ready to pitch.
Defensive players are permitted to wear face/head protection in the field. If a
pitcher or any defensive player wears face/head protection, its outer covering
shall have a non-glare surface.
65.4 Metal bats may be used, but they must meet the safety specifications adopted
by the National Federation. All non-wood bats shall meet the Ball Exit
Speed Ration (BESR) performance standard and such bats shall be labeled
with a silk screen or other permanent certificate mark.
65.5 A full-crown helmet must be worn by the catcher while behind the plate.
65.6 All catchers during game competition and any player warming up a pitcher
at any location shall wear a mask with a throat protector.
PENALTY: First violation by a team will result in a warning. Second
violation by a team will result in the offending player being removed from the
contest.
65.7 Schools may not schedule five (5) inning baseball games.
65.8 Mouth guards are recommended for all baseball players while on the field.
65.9 Jewelry may not be worn by baseball players during practice or games.
65.10 Safety bases are recommended. The Sports Medical Committee recommends
a breakaway or impact base.
65.11 The NCAA sliding rule will be in effect.
65.12 Any coach ejected from an Interscholastic Baseball game will be
suspended for the next 2 games. Any player ejected from a game
also is ineligible for the next 2 games. (see Rule 49.3)
65.13 A Strike Two Program is in force:
A baseball umpire at any time will voice "strike one" when a
warning for inappropriate comment or actions is warranted, and
that "strike one" will be recorded in the scorebook. Upon the need
for a "strike two" call, an ejection of the coach would occur.
Exception: In the case of a flagrant unsportsmanlike infraction
and/or physical assault an immediate ejection will occur.
66. Basketball
Boys' and girls' high school basketball shall be played under the rules of the National
Federation of State High School Associations, as modified by the MIAA.
66.1 Mouth guards are highly recommended for all basketball players while on
the court.
66.2 The 30-second shot clock will be utilized at all levels in both boys and girls
games.
66.3 The ten-second back court count does not apply to girls' games.
66.4 All varsity contests shall be played in four, 8 minute quarters. Sub-varsity
contests also shall be played in equal quarters of no more than 8 minutes.
66.5 Three 60-second and two 30-second time-outs may be charged to each
team during a regulation game. Each team is entitled to one additional
60-second time-out during each extra period. Unused time-outs accumulate
and may be used at any time.
66.6 A coaching box, as described in current National Federation rules, shall be
utilized in all games.
66.7 Athlete Participation Limitations
66.7.1 A student may practice or play for their high school basketball
team only once in any one day.
66.7.2 No member of a high school basketball squad shall participate in
more than four quarters per day. (This does not include official
over-time periods.)
66.7.3 On a given day a student may participate in more than one high
school basketball contest only if they are at the site of the same
host, one immediately follows the other, and the single contest
limit is not exceeded.
67. Cross Country
67.1 High school cross country shall be governed by the current National Federation
of State High School Associations Track and Field Rule Book.
67.1.1 Competitors representing the same school must wear the same school
uniform both in color and design, with the school's name and insignia
in sight. Only solid colored T-shirts may be worn under the regular
uniform.
67.2 Scoring of a triangular cross country meet will not count as two competitions for
the participation limit for the season.
67.3 Athlete Participation Limitations:
A competitor may run in a meet on two consecutive days only once during a
week. No competitor may run in a meet on three consecutive days.
68. Field Hockey
68.1 National Federation of State High School Associations Field Hockey rules shall
be used.
68.1.1 All players must wear eye protective goggles approved for field
hockey.
68.1.2 No team shall be allowed to compete without wearing team
uniforms displaying identifying numbers with a minimum height
of four inches. It is recommended that team uniforms display
identifying numbers on front (4”) and back (6”).
68.1.3 The goal keepers' uniform top shall be either the same color as
teams' uniform top or of a color which contrasts to the uniform tops
of both teams.
68.1.4 If a league elects to play a tie breaker, teams must play two 25-
minute halves, and the overtime period must not exceed ten
minutes. The overtime period must be played to completion or
sudden victory.
68.2 Match Length
The maximum length of match is to be 60 minutes including overtime play.
68.3 A student athlete who receives a red card due to an upgrade (i.e. green card to a yellow
card to a red card - third minor offense) should not be suspended from the next game
and the official need not fill out the MIAA Student Disqualification Form.
69. Football
69.1 Massachusetts high school football shall be played under the NCAA Rules, with the
following modifications:
69.1.1 Each team is entitled to five time-outs per half, three of which are a full 90
seconds and two of which will be 20 seconds. Teams may not go to the
sideline during a 20 second time-out.
69.1.2 A conference with any number of players and coaches may be held during the
one minute intermission between periods.
69.1.3 Goal post uprights which were legal by the 1985 NCAA code continue to be
acceptable.
69.1.4 The 40 yard line shall be the initial kick-off point.
69.1.5 Use of kicking tee will be permitted for extra point and field goal
attempts.
69.1.6 Football helmets of the same color are not required.
69.1.7 It is not required that football jerseys be long enough to reach the top of the
pants and be tucked in.
69.1.8 Allow 2” tee
69.1.9 After any dead ball and the placement of the ball according to rule –
the referee shall declare the ball ready for play and the offensive team
will have 25 seconds to snap the ball. (voted by MIAA B.O.D. for 2008
season)
69.1.10 Clock stops when a ball carrier fumbles backwards out of bounds or
the backward pass goes out of bounds. The game clock will next start
on the snap. (voted by MIAA B.O.D. for 2008 season)
69.1.11 There will be no instant replay in MIAA contests.
69.1.12 Following TV timeouts the ready for play time will be 25 seconds.
69.1.13 There shall be 2 warnings before any sideline infraction will be
penalized. (voted by MIAA B.O.D. for 2008 season)
69.2 A doctor, licensed trainer or certified EMT must be in attendance and on duty
for all interscholastic football games. The medical person shall be responsible
for both teams unless the visiting team has its own medical coverage. His/her
judgment will be final with regard to the condition of a player after injury. No
player may continue to play against the medical person's advice. The penalty
for violation of this provision is forfeiture of the game.
69.3 Tie-Breaker Options (Kindly Note: during the regular season leagues and
schools also may opt to play no overtime).
69.3.1 To eliminate confusion and misunderstanding, coaches must give a
written notice to the referee prior to the kick-off stating whether or not
a tie-breaker will be used if the game ends in a tie. It also is important
that the news media and the public address announcer be notified
before kick-off if a tie-breaker rule is to be used.
69.3.2 The NCAA Football Tie-Breaker Rule, as modified by the MIAA, may be
used on an optional basis for high school varsity teams.
69.3.2.1 Immediately following the conclusion of the fourth
quarter, the teams will go to their team areas for two
minutes.
69.3.2.2 The officials will escort the captains to the middle of the
field for the coin toss. The winner of the toss shall choose
one of the following options: (1) offense or defense; or (2)
which end of the field shall be used in both series of the
overtime period (ten- yard line).
69.3.2.3 There shall be only one (1) series per team, during the
overtime period. If the score is still tied, the game ends in
a tie. The defense may score during the tie-breaker.
69.3.2.4 Each series shall begin at the ten-yard line unless a
penalty overrides. First down chains will not be used. It
is always goal-to-go. If penalty enforcement calls for an
automatic first down, it will be first and goal.
If there is a change of possession during the last play of
overtime, fouls by opponents on the team in possession
give the team in possession the option of putting the ball
in play, where the penalty leaves the ball, for one down
free of penalty. This option is exercised only if the
offensive team is free of foul during the down.
Example: Second Series - Team B intercepts Team A's
pass and, during Team B's run back, Team A commits a
personal foul.
Ruling: Extend the overtime for one down free of penalty,
with Team B putting the ball in play where the penalty
leaves the ball, provided Team B has not fouled during
the down.
69.3.2.5 Each team is allowed one full time-out in the overtime
period. Time-outs remaining from the second half do not
carry over to the overtime period.
69.3.3 Conferences or schools also have the option of adopting the following tie
breaking modification (which permits more than a single possession by
each team in order to insure that no game ends in a tie). For the first
and subsequent tie breaking periods, any team that scores a touchdown
must attempt a two point conversion by run or pass from scrimmage.
69.4 Scheduling Limitations:
69.4.1 The season shall end on Thanksgiving Day. When it is necessary to
postpone the final scheduled game because of inclement weather, it
must be played the weekend following Thanksgiving.
69.4.2 An intra-squad or interschool scrimmage is not to be allowed before the
third day of "contact" practice.
69.4.3 The maximum length of periods shall be 12 minutes except when a
game ends in a tie, in which case the tie-breaker rule may be used only
for varsity games, and if adopted by a majority vote of all schools in the
league or by mutual consent in advance of non-league games.
69.5 Participation Limitations:
69.5.1 The first three days of football practice must be non-contact
conditioning sessions consistent with the limitations described below.
Daily activities shall be limited to a single session of no more than two
hours. Non-contact shall mean that there will be no contact by a player
with another player, with a machine, or with stationary pads. Sleds are
not allowed. Physical activity during these three days of pre-season
practice shall be limited to non-contact conditioning drills. Neither
football gear nor protective equipment other than head gear, shoes, and
porous light-weight jerseys and pants shall be worn by players during
the three-non-contact day period.
Violations of these rules will result in a letter of censure by the
Board of Directors to the Superintendent of Schools and to the
Chairman of the School Committee.
69.5.2 High school football practices prior to the first day of classes shall not
exceed the following:
69.5.2.1 No more than four physical sessions per day, no more
than two of which may involve physical contact.
69.5.2.2 No physical session shall exceed two hours in length.
69.5.2.3 No team shall conduct more than a total of four and
one half hours of physical sessions in any one day. A
physical session includes, but is not limited to,
calisthenics, walking through plays, etc.
69.5.3 A player must participate in at least 15 football practice days
before taking part in a football game.
69.5.4 Players may not participate in more than equal time (48 minutes)
of one game per week. A week will be from Saturday through
Friday except for the week of Thanksgiving Day. (The intent of
this rule is to limit participation of each student to no more than
one game in any six-day period.)
70. Golf
70.1 Except as modified by the individual leagues, Massachusetts high school golf
shall be played under the USGA Rules with the following modifications or
exceptions.
70.1.1 Local club rules shall be in effect.
70.1.2 No coaching is to take place during a match or tournament.
70.2 Female golfers on a boy’s team or a girl’s team must hit from the front tees.
71. Gymnastics
71.1 Boys' Gymnastics
71.1.1 Boys' gymnastic meets shall be conducted within the rules of the
National Federation of State High School Associations except as
modified by MIAA.
71.1.2 Each team may enter up to six gymnasts in each event. The four
highest scores in each event count for team score.
71.1.3 An all-around gymnast is one who enters all six events. An
unlimited gymnast may enter any or all of the six events. All other
gymnasts may enter no more than three events.
71.1.4 One all-around is allowed. If the all-around does not enter a
particular event, the team will be limited to five entries in that
event.
71.1.5 Up to two unlimited gymnasts may each enter up to six events.
71.1.6 The all-around and unlimited competitor(s) shall be designated by
the coach prior to the start of the meet.
71.1.7 Substitutions will be accepted only before the particular event has
begun. No substitution for the designated all-around competitor is
allowed.
71.1.8 In dual and league meets, the top four scores in each event will
count for team scores. The bottom scores will be dropped.
71.1.9 Exhibition performances are not permitted.
71.2 Girls' Gymnastics
71.2.1 Girls' gymnastic meets shall be conducted within the rules of the
National Federation of State High School Associations as modified
by MIAA.
71.2.2 Each team may enter up to six gymnasts in each event.
71.2.3 An all-around gymnast is one who enters all four events. All other
gymnasts may enter no more than three events.
71.2.4 No more than two all-around competitors are allowed. None is
required.
71.2.5 The all-around competitor(s) must be designated by the coach prior
to the start of the meet.
71.2.6 In dual and league meets, the top four scores in each event will
count for team scores. The bottom score(s) will be dropped.
71.2.7 Substitutes will be accepted only before the particular event has
begun.
71.2.8 Exhibition performances are not permitted.
71.2.9 Warm-up between the first two events and the second two events
shall be ten minutes. At least 30 minutes warm-up time must be
allowed prior to the meet.
71.2.10 Retain the squat, straddle and stoop vaults.
71.3 There may be no exceptions to rules by coaches' agreements, except where
expressly allowed by rule.
71.4 Apparatus may be held down (steadied) with no deduction.
72. Ice Hockey
72.1 Ice hockey shall be played under the National Federation Rules, as modified
herein.
72.2 A minor penalty shall be 1.5 minutes, a major four minutes, and a misconduct
7.5 minutes.
72.3 A doctor, licensed trainer or certified EMT must be in attendance and on duty
for all varsity ice hockey games. (It is strongly recommended that such
medical coverage and an emergency transport system be in place for all
games.) The medical person shall be responsible for both teams unless each
team has its own medical coverage. His/her judgment will be final with regard
to the condition of a player after injury. No player may continue to play
against the medical person's advice. The penalty for violation of this provision
is forfeiture of the game.
72.4 During the regular season and MIAA tournament, the National Federation
player limitations will be amended so as to allow a maximum of 22 players to
be dressed and on the bench. During the MIAA tournament, two of these 22
players must be dressed as goaltenders.
72.5 The MIAA Score Sheet must be utilized for all games.
72.6 No overtime games are permitted during the regular season, except during
MIAA sanctioned multi-school events. Overtime games will be counted as ties
for both teams for purposes of MIAA tournament qualification.
72.7 If a player, including the goalkeeper, deliberately removes his helmet and/or
full face protector, the nearest official shall assess a minor penalty and a
misconduct. If a player loses his helmet and/or full face protector during play
within the scrimmage area, an automatic whistle must be blown stopping all
action, and the player must replace the helmet and/or full face protector. If a
player is sufficiently removed from the scrimmage and he loses his helmet
and/or full face protector, a delayed whistle may be used. If a goalkeeper
deliberately removes his helmet and/or full face protector during a breakaway
during the last two minutes of play, or anytime during overtime, the nearest
official shall assess a penalty shot and a misconduct.
72.8 Any player or coach ruled out of a game for engaging in a fight, for
unsportsmanlike conduct, or a game disqualification or game misconduct
penalty shall not participate in the next two succeeding regularly scheduled
games to be played with a member of the MIAA or in tournament play.
72.9 Any member of a squad who willfully, flagrantly or maliciously attempts to
injure an opponent shall be removed from the game immediately and shall be
ineligible in all sports for one year from the date of the incident. (Buttending
is to be interpreted under the NF rule and then, under this rule, if
warranted).
72.10 Any penalty after a whistle shall include a misconduct on the penalized
player(s).
72.11 Upon receipt of six total minutes of penalties -- any combination of a major or
minors -- a player will be excluded from the remainder of that game.
72.12 Any team whose players receive collectively more than three game
misconducts and/or disqualification penalties during pre-season competitions
and/or regular season games shall not qualify for the MIAA tournament.
72.13 Any coaching staff member who receives two game misconducts and/or game
disqualification penalties during the pre-season and/or regular season games
shall not participate in the MIAA tournament.
72.14 After four game misconducts and/or game disqualification penalties, each
subsequent game misconduct and/or disqualification penalty received by a
team will result in forfeiture of the subsequent MIAA contest. These
penalties will carry over to the next season should a violation occur in the
final game of the season. A status report relative to such penalties,
forfeitures, and local remediation must be immediately filed with the MIAA
office.
72.15 An Ice Hockey player or coach who is ruled out of an MIAA tournament game
for a game misconduct or a game disqualification will be ineligible for the
remainder of the tournament. If it is the last game of the tournament for
that team, the player or coach will be ineligible for at least the first two
hockey games of the next season.
72.16 If the opposing team scores a goal while a team is shorthanded by one or more
minor or bench-minor penalties, the shorthanded team shall be permitted to
immediately replace on the ice the first player whose penalty caused his team
to be shorthanded; however, the originally penalized player must remain in
the penalty box until the full 1.5 minutes of his penalty has elapsed, after
which time he may be released from the penalty box at the next stoppage in
play.
72.17 All Ice Hockey Officials will be required to meet in locker rooms with players
and coaches before all regular season games.
73. Indoor Track
73.1 High school Indoor Track shall be conducted under the rules of the National
Federation of State High School Associations with the following
modifications.
73.1.1 Any alteration of these rules must be sent in writing in advance of
the event by the league or meet director to the schools involved.
73.1.2 The number and type of events will be determined by the by-laws
of league or directors of multi-school events.
73.1.3 No competitor or team will be allowed to compete without wearing
a proper uniform that has the school's name and/or insignia and/or
colors.
73.1.4 In relay races, each team member shall wear the same color and
design school uniform (jersey and shorts). When other visible
apparel is worn under the school uniform, it shall be of the same
color for all teammates choosing to wear them in conformity with
National Federation code.
73.2 Participation Limitations:
73.2.1 A contestant may not enter more than four events (track and field).
The combination of events that a competitor may enter to
constitute the total of four shall be not more than two track and
two field events. A relay shall be considered a track event.
(Leagues or meet directors may set stricter standards).
73.2.2 A student may compete in a meet on two consecutive days only
once during a week. No student may compete in a meet on three
consecutive days.
73.2.3 Scoring of a triangular track meet will not count as two
competitions for the participation limit for the season.
74. Lacrosse
74.1 Boys' lacrosse shall be played under the National Federation lacrosse rules,
except as modified by the MIAA. Girls' lacrosse shall be played under the US
Lacrosse (Women’s' Division) rules, except as modified by the MIAA.
74.2 Girls will wear protective goggles approved by the Sports Medical Committee.
74.3 All participants must wear mouth guards.
74.4 Boys' matches may not exceed 15 minute quarters. Girls' matches may not
exceed 25-minute halves.
74.5 Boys' lacrosse time-outs are limited to two (2) per half, but in a live ball
situation may be called only by the team in possession while the ball is in the
offensive half of the field.
74.6 Gloves worn by a team do not have to be the same color.
74.7 In Boys' lacrosse if a team is leading by 12 goals at the end of the third
quarter - the fourth quarter will have running time. There will be no
resumption of stop time once this rule is started.
74.8 In Girls’ lacrosse, if a player receives two yellow cards, they are out of the
game (similar to fouling out in basketball). When the second yellow occurs,
official will show both a yellow and red card, indicating that player must
leave the game. However, no paperwork is required and the player may
participate in the next game. A red card issued to a player for fighting or
unsportsmanlike play, will require player to sit out the next game. This will
be written up on the game suspension form.
74.9 In Boys’ Lacrosse (Facing-Off): The official will say “down” and then
blow the whistle.
74.10 In Boys’ lacrosse: No penalty will be assessed if a school has different
colored helmets.
74.11 In Boys lacrosse: Two stick checks per half may be conducted at
random times by the officials.
75. Outdoor Track
75.1 High school outdoor track shall be conducted under the rules of the National
Federation of State High School Associations with the following
modifications.
75.1.1 Any alteration of these rules must be sent in writing in advance by
the league or meet director to the schools involved.
75.1.2 The number and type of events will be determined by the by-laws
of leagues or directors of multiple school meets.
75.1.3 No competitor or team will be allowed to compete without wearing
a proper uniform that has the school's name and/or insignia and/or
colors.
75.1.4 Track and Field events shall be timed/measured in either metric or
English distances.
75.1.5 In relay races, each team member shall wear the same color and
design school uniform (jersey and shorts). When other visible
apparel is worn under the school uniform, it shall be of the same
color for all teammates choosing to wear them in conformity with
the National Federation code.
75.1.6 Schools entering a contestant in the pole vault are required to have
a minimum of one member of the school appointed coaching staff
certified in the teaching procedures, rules, and the safety and legal
requirements associated with coaching the pole vault event.
75.1.7 For dual meets a copy of the pole vaulter’s weight certification form
must be presented to the official responsible for that event on the
day of the contest. For state qualifying and all state meets, the
form must accompany the entry form. The original weight
certification form, signed by the principal, athletic director, and
coach must be kept on file in the school office and be available on
request.
75.2 Participation Limitations:
75.2.1 A student may compete in a meet on two consecutive days only
once during a week. No student may compete in a meet on three
consecutive days.
75.2.2 A contestant may not enter more than four events (track and field).
The combination of events that a competitor may enter to
constitute the total of four shall be not more than two track and
two field events. A relay shall be considered a track event.
(League and multiple-school meet directors may set stricter
standards).
75.2.3 Scoring of a triangular track meet will not count as two
competitions for the participation limit for the season.
76. Skiing
76.1 United States Ski Association Rules as conducted under the rules of the
Federation International de Ski (FIS) will govern all competition.
76.2 A hard-shelled helmet specifically designed for skiing must be worn for alpine
skiing. The MIAA Sports Medicine Committee strongly recommends a face
guard for slalom skiing.
76.3 Nordic course length shall not exceed 7 km.
77. Soccer
77.1 Soccer will be played under the rules of the National Federation of State
High School Associations with the following modifications.
77.1.1 Any card (red/yellow) issued to a high school player/coach must be
reported on the MIAA soccer suspension/infraction form.
77.1.2 The official time of the contest may be kept on a scoreboard timer
or on a sideline table when competing teams mutually agree, or as
directed by a league/conference.
77.1.3 Shin guards must be worn by all players during contests and
practices.
77.1.4 Soccer players are not allowed to wear shoes with metal cleats, or
any metal on the cleat.
77.1.5 Mouth guards are required for all soccer players while on the
field.
77.1.6 The penalty of a caution (yellow card) assessed to the head
coach for an illegally equipped player (NFHS Rule 4.3) is
deferred for the 2008 season.
77.2 Sportsmanship
77.2.1 All leagues/conferences must conduct a pre-season meeting for all
head soccer coaches to review sportsmanship goals and objectives.
77.2.2 Regarding "incidental" use of vulgar or profane language, the
referee must caution (yellow card) a player/coach who uses
incidental vulgar or profane language.
77.2.3 All yellow cards must be treated consistently.
77.2.4 Any player who receives a yellow card shall be replaced and shall
not re-enter the contest until the next opportunity for substitution
occurs.
77.2.5 A player committing a second yellow card infraction in the same
contest receives a red card. There are no exceptions.
77.2.6 Any player who receives a red card is ejected from the contest and
shall be suspended from further participation for the next two
contests; if a player receives a second red card within the same
season, the player is suspended from further participation in that
contest and the next two contests.
77.2.7 The receipt of two red cards for fighting or for flagrant
unsportsmanlike behavior in the same season will result in a oneyear
suspension (from the date of the second offense) in all Fall
sports.
77.2.8 Any team whose players/coaches receive collectively a total of more
than four red cards during the regular season shall not qualify for
the MIAA tournament.
77.2.9 After a combination of five red cards, subsequent violations will
result in a team forfeiture of the next MIAA contest. These
penalties will carry over to the next season should the violation
occur in the final contest of the season.
77.2.10 Any team whose players receive collectively more than three
fighting penalties during the regular season shall not qualify for
the MIAA tournament.
77.2.11 Any player who receives a third yellow card in a season shall be
suspended from the next contest; a fourth yellow card and
subsequent yellow cards in a season shall result in suspension for
two contests.
77.2.12 A coach who receives a third yellow card in a season shall be
suspended from coaching the next two contests. A fourth yellow
card in a season shall result in a one year suspension.
77.2.13 A coach who receives a red card shall be suspended from coaching
for the next two contests. If a coach receives a second red card in a
season, that contest is immediately forfeited in addition to the
coach being disqualified for one year.
77.2.14 A deliberate (intentional) handball to prevent a ball from entering
the goal is a red card offense. However, the offender will be
suspended from the remainder of that contest and only the next
regularly scheduled contest.
77.2.15 Any varsity team exceeding four red or thirteen yellow cards also
must assign a contest manager other than a coach to away
contests, as well as for all home contests (as required by Rule
77.2.21). This rule pertains to both boys and girls soccer, and to
contests played at all levels.
77.2.16 For purposes of obtaining tournament eligibility, no team may
exceed a four red or thirteen yellow cards during the regular
season. Delay of game encroachment and deliberate (intentional)
handball are infractions, which will continue to be enforced and
penalized. The impact of these infractions will be assessed and
will be considered towards tournament ineligibility.
77.2.17 Any team whose players/coaches receive collectively five (5) yellow
and/or red cards in a contest will result in immediate termination
of the contest, and result in forfeiture by the offending team.
77.2.18 Game officials must complete the infraction section of the MIAA
score sheet for all infractions. Each school must forward to the
MIAA all score sheets where infractions are reported. This rule
applies to boys’ and girls’ teams at all levels.
77.2.19 Game officials will not receive compensation unless they remain
present at the conclusion of the soccer contest until the studentathlete
handshake is completed and the MIAA score sheet is
properly executed.
77.2.20 After four player/coach fighting or flagrant unsportsmanlike
behavior disqualification's, each subsequent disqualification
received by a team will result in forfeiture of the next contest.
77.2.21 For all boys’ varsity soccer contests, the home team must assign an
adult contest manager, other than a member of the soccer coaching
staff, to be responsible for all aspects of administration of the
contest.
77.2.22 If any coach (head coach or assistant coach) is ejected from a
contest, the contest shall be terminated and forfeiture will result.
77.2.23 The MIAA Taunting Policy must be reviewed by game officials
with the captains and coaches in a meeting before each soccer
contest.
77.2.24 Each team will be allowed a one-minute time out per half and each
extended time period. The time-out may be called by the coach or
any player on the field during an offensive restart.
77.3 Length of Contests:
77.3.1 Contests shall consist of four 18-minute quarters, two 36-minute
halves, or two 40-minute halves.
78. Softball
78.1 Softball will be played under the rules of the National Federation of High
School Associations with the following modifications.
78.1.1 Leagues may amend a rule provided such an amendment is not a
substantive change to MIAA rules. However, leagues may wish to
change such things as the type of ball, free substitutions, or similar
acts to speed the game.
78.2 Safety bases are recommended. The Sports Medical Committee recommends
a breakaway or impact base.
78.3 Prior to starting the delivery (pitch) the pitcher shall take a position with the
pivot foot on or partially on the top surface of the pitcher's plate and the nonpivot
foot in contact with the pitcher's plate. Both feet must be in contact
with the pitcher's plate and on the ground within the 24-inch length of the
pitcher's plate.
78.4 The distance between the nearer edge of the pitcher’s plate and the
apex of home plate shall be 43 feet.
78.5 Metal cleats and metal toe plates will NOT be allowed in the
upcoming Spring 2008 season (per vote from MIAA Softball
Committee).
79. Swimming
The National Federation of State High School Associations Swimming Rules shall
govern all dual and championship meets.
80. Tennis
80.1 Massachusetts's high school tennis shall be played under the rules of the
United States Tennis Association with the following modifications:
80.1.1 All matches are to be decided on the basis of best two out of three
sets with the 12-point tie-breaker when a set reaches 6-6 in games.
(Local conditions may cause an adjustment of this rule by prior
mutual consent).
80.1.2 Team contests will consist of three singles and two doubles
matches with seven participants taking part. No player may play
more than once in the same team match under any circumstances.
(If fewer than seven players are available for a match, line-ups will
be determined on the basis of most number of participants, and
least number of points forfeited. Any league may have the option
of increasing the number of single matches to four or five in league
contests only.
80.1.3 Players are to be played in order of ability: i.e., the first and
second singles players will be the two best players on the team
actually engaging in the match, and the best player will play
number one and the second best player will play number two. The
third singles player will be representative, and the two doubles
teams will be played in order of their ability. Written line-ups
must be exchanged prior to the warm-up period of each team
match. (Violation of this rule will result in match forfeiture of that
team's point or points affected by the violation).
80.1.4 Coaching, by the high school team coach only, is allowed on side
changes during the entire match except during a tie-breaker game.
Coaching may not interfere with the USTA rule governing time
allowed for side changes.
80.1.5 Only participating players are allowed within the playing area
while a match is in progress.
80.1.6 There will be no more than a five minute time delay for any injury
affecting an individual player. If a player is unable to continue a
match (a match to be considered as starting with the first serve),
that match shall be forfeited in the team score.
80.1.7 Preceding a match, the visiting team shall have a 15 minute
warm-up period with the courts at their disposal; each player or
doubles team will subsequently have a five minute warm-up with
their respective opponents before the match commences. All
practice serves shall be taken by all players during the warm-up
period.
80.1.8 The home team shall be responsible for providing at least 15 new
USLTA-approved balls for every varsity team match. Low pressure
balls are not acceptable.
80.1.9 The home coach is responsible for proper spectator deportment.
80.1.10 The home coach should make provisions to have water available
within the playing enclosure for all players.
80.1.11 If a player becomes incapacitated during the warm-up period, a
substitution may be made as long as the substitution conforms to
all rules enunciated herein. If not, the point must be forfeited in
the team score.
80.1.12 Each coach is responsible for his/her own team members, whether
they are players or spectators.
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80.2 Clarification of terms:
80.2.1 "Prior consent" means that a coach must inform the opposing coach
at least 24 hours in advance of a scheduled match as to the
conditions causing a request for an adjustment.
80.2.2 "Representative" means that the player is one of the best seven
players available for the match.
80.2.3 The prescribed arrangement for playing a match when one team
has fewer than seven players is:
Number of
Players
Points Played Points Forfeited
3 1st singles 1st doubles
3 2nd singles 2nd doubles
3 3rd singles
4 1st singles 1st doubles
4 2nd singles 2nd doubles
4 3rd singles
5 1st singles 2nd doubles
5 2nd singles
5 3rd singles
5 1st doubles
6 1st singles 3rd singles
6 2nd singles
6 1st doubles
6 2nd doubles
80.3 No competitor or team in tennis will be allowed to compete without
wearing a proper uniform that has the school’s name and/or insignia.
81. Volleyball
81.1 NCAA Women's rules shall be used for both boys and girls with the following
modifications.
81.1.1 Coaching during the match is permitted as long as it is not distractive to
the opponents.
81.1.2 The length of a time-out is limited to 60 seconds.
81.1.3 The height of the net (measured from the center of the court) is 7’4 1/8”
for girls and 7’11 5/8” for boys.
81.1.4 Each team is entitled to 18 player substitutions per set in varsity
matches. Libero replacements are not counted as player substitutions.
Unlimited substitutions are allowed in sub varsity matches.
81.2 Schedule of Matches:
All varsity competitions will be three out of five sets, played to 25 points
utilizing rally scoring, and will count toward the season and weekly schedule
limit. The fifth varsity set will be played to 15 points. Junior varsity
competitions will be two out of three sets, played to 25 points utilizing rally
scoring, with the third set played to 25 points, and will count toward the
season and weekly schedule limit.
81.3 There will be no limit to the number of substitutions of junior varsity players
in a junior varsity contest.
81.4 Warm-up time will be 15 minutes.
81.5 Participation Limitations – (unless agreed upon by both coaches)
81.5.1 The number of matches a student is allowed to play per day is two.
81.5.2 When competing against only one school on a given day, a student
may participate in part of a varsity or junior varsity contest on the
same day provided he/she does not appear in more than a total of
five sets.
81.5.3 When playing a match against each of two schools on the same
day, a student is limited to a maximum of 5 sets against each
opponent.
81.5.4 If a coach wants to request that players on his/her team participate
in more than 5 sets, this must be agreed upon by both coaches
prior to the match. Prior notification is required if a junior varsity
match is going to precede a varsity match.
81.6 If either team wishes to use the libero:
81.6.1 The home team is responsible for providing a libero tracker.
81.6.2 If the home team does not have a libero tracker and the visiting team is
willing and able to provide a tracker, the home team must allow that person
to sit at the score table and act as the official libero tracker.
81.6.3 If the visiting team cannot provide a libero tracker, the home team MUST
provide someone (other than the official scorer) to track the libero.
81.6.4 The libero tracker records all substitutions for the team (s) using a libero.
81.7 Boys playing on a girls team
81.7.1 It is a fault for a male player on a mixed gender girls’ team to attack
a ball, if, on contact, the ball is both completely above the height of
the net and in the “front zone”. The play becomes illegal when the
ball has completely crossed the net untouched or is legally blocked
by an opponent.
81.7.2 Only female front row players are permitted to participate in a
completed block.
81.8 Volleyball Teams will be allowed to compete in a maximum of two “Open Dates”
where teams can compete in a pool play format with a number of different teams
on one day. The maximum number of 25 point sets allowed in this format is not
to exceed 15. (MIAA Board approved as a one-year trial basis for ‘08-’09)
81.8.1 An “Open Date” can only take place on a non-school day.
81.8.2 Each “Open Date” played would result in one fewer contest
opportunity from the current 20 contest limit.
81.8.3 “Open Dates” will not count toward the win-loss record for MIAA
Tournament qualification.
82. Wrestling
82.1 The National Federation Wrestling Rules will be the official rules of all wrestling
contests, including all tournaments with the following exception: Any regular
season dual-meet competition ending in a tie score shall remain a tie. Only tie
scores in a dual meet tournament will be decided by the existing National
Federation tie-breaker criteria.
82.2 Schedule of Matches:
82.2.1 Member schools shall not schedule or compete on more than 20 days of
competition with 24 minutes (not including overtime), the maximum
amount of time that a student may compete on any given day, exclusive
of MIAA sponsored tournaments.
82.2.2 A triangular meet is a competition involving three teams. A
quadrangular meet is a competition involving four teams. In each case a
team competes in a dual meet with the other teams.
82.2.3 A dual, double dual, triangular, quadrangular or tournament meet may
be held on consecutive days.
82.2.4 A double dual, triangular, quadrangular or tournament meet must be
scheduled on a day preceding a non-school day, i.e., Friday, Saturday,
the day before a vacation or holiday, or during school vacation periods.
82.2.5 A double dual, triangular, or quadrangular meet or one day
individual tournament will count as one day of competition.
82.2.6 Approval for a multi-school event must be obtained for any inseason
tournament competition. A two day tournament will count
as 2 of the 20 days allowed for competition.
82.2.7 An in-season team tournament is competition involving a
maximum of eight teams in the championship bracket. (Multischool
event approval must be obtained).
82.2.8 A team tournament will count as one day of competition. In a
team tournament, complete teams, not individuals, advance.
82.2.9 Such a tournament must be held on a non-school day.
82.3 Participation Limitations:
82.3.1 Participants may only compete in events described above.
82.3.2 A wrestler must qualify at the sectional tournament in order to
wrestle in the state tournament. No substitutes will be allowed.
82.3.3 Twenty-four minutes, not including overtime, shall be the
maximum amount of time that any wrestler may participate on
any given day during the season.
82.3.4 A wrestler must participate in at least ten practice days before
competing in a meet or tournament.
82.4 Weight Control and Certification Procedures: (approved by the MIAA Board of
Directors vote on 8/06/08, as a modification of the existing NFHS Wrestling
Rule 1; Section 3: Weight Control Program through the 2009-2010 season).
82.4.1 The weight control program applies only to wrestlers competing for
MIAA member schools in competition between MIAA member
schools and out-of-state schools which are members in good
standing of their State high school athletic association.
82.4.2 Definition: A wrestler's certified weight class is the lowest weight
at which the wrestler may compete anytime during the current
season.
82.4.3 An MIAA Minimum Weight Control Certificate will be issued to
each wrestler at the beginning of the season. This Certificate will
contain a statement showing the wrestler's certified minimum
weight class. This Certificate must be filled out in ink and signed
in ink by the wrestler, the wrestler's parent or guardian, the
wrestler's coach, and a certified licensed physician, and must be on
file in the athletic director's office prior to the wrestler's first
interscholastic competition.
82.4.4 A wrestler not properly certified may not compete in any
interscholastic meet or tournament.
82.4.5 A MIAA Minimum Weight Control List, including each and every
wrestler's name and certified minimum weight class will be filled
out in ink and sent to the MIAA office prior to the first allowable
interscholastic competition. A copy of this form must be exchanged
with the opposing schools at each weigh-in during the season,
including tournaments.
82.4.6 To qualify at a certain weight for the MIAA Individual & Team
Sectional and State Tournaments, a wrestler must weigh-in at his
certified weight class at scratch weight at least once during the
season, even if the first weigh-in occurs after the 2 lb. Allowance is
granted on the first Monday in January (i.e. 1/7/08, 1/5/09).
Wrestler must also weigh in at the base weight (scratch weight
plus any rule book allowances) 60% of the varsity days of
competition on which the wrestler competes. A wrestler MUST
COMPETE on the day of competition in order to count that weighin
towards the 60% requirement for certification. Rule book weight
class allowances count toward certification.
82.4.7 A wrestler may weigh-in for a varsity dual meet and compete at
that weight or the next heavier weight. A wrestler may weigh-in
for a varsity dual meet or tournament at the next weight heavier
than the wrestler's certified weight class. If a wrestler ever weighs
in for a varsity dual meet or MIAA sanctioned tournament two
weight classes above the wrestler's certified weight class, the
wrestler loses his certification at the lower weight class and is then
certified at the next heavier weight class. Exception: All wrestlers
may weigh in two weight classes above their certified weight prior
to December 25th without losing their certification. For example, a
wrestler who certified at 103 lb., may never, during that current
season, weigh in at 119 lb. and keep the 103 lb. certification. The
wrestler may weigh in at 112 lb. and wrestle at 119 lb. and keep
the 103 lb. certification.
82.4.8 Schools may weigh their wrestlers at their home schools on the day
of the meet and only during the 60-minute period immediately
prior to the beginning of the academic school day. For matches
beginning after 3:00 p.m. on a non-school day, a single 60-minute
weigh-in period between 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon will be allowed.
Any wrestler who makes weight during the earlier weigh-in is
allowed an additional three pounds at the match site weigh-in.
Any wrestler failing to make weight at the earlier weigh-in must
make scratch weight at the match site weigh-it. Actual weights
will be recorded on all dual meet weigh-in sheets. Signatures of the
coach and a school administrator (the principal or his designee)
must appear in ink on the dual meet weigh-in sheets in order for
the weigh-in to be validated. These dual meet weigh-in sheets will
be kept by the coaches and one for each and every day of
competition must be handed in at the sectional seeding meeting, or
the day will not count toward certification or seeding.
82.4.9 Home management shall, each year prior to the first home meet,
have the weigh-in scale certified and the official seal affixed.
Part VI - Penalties
This brief section outlines the philosophy, rational and potential penalties
that are a part of the MIAA responsibilities.
PART VI: PENALTIES
83. Penalties
Pursuant to the Constitution of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic
Association, Inc., Article IV, Section D(1) (j), the Board of Directors has the right to fix
and enforce penalties for violations of these Association Rules and Regulations.
Penalties relating to specific rules often are contained within those regulations. In
addition to these penalties, the Board of Directors has the authority to determine
penalties as set forth below. In some cases, the penalty for violation of a specific rule
may exceed the general penalties set forth herein.
83.1 The Board of Directors is authorized to warn, censure, fine, place on
probation or suspend any player, team, coach, game official, school official, or
school, which violates any MIAA rule regarding interscholastic athletics.
The Board of Directors shall have authority to delegate to the executive
staff, duly constituted committees, subcommittees, or ad hoc committees its
power to impose and enforce penalties.
83.2 No member school shall be suspended from the Association until a hearing
has been held with the representative of that school, or a hearing has been
offered to such representatives. In the case of such a hearing, the accused
shall be given notice of the nature of the alleged violation and an
opportunity to present relevant testimony prior to any decision being
rendered by the Board of Directors.
83.3 Any penalty imposed under the rules and regulations can be waived or
reduced after hearing by the Board of Directors or a subcommittee of the
Board. (Game Officials' judgments are not subject to appeal).
83.4 The Board of Directors shall have the right to give warning, censure, place
on probation, or eliminate any school from MIAA tournaments if said school
cannot control the conduct of its spectators.
83.5 Violations of the rules which restrict seasons for practice and/or games in
any sport may result in the elimination of the violating school from
participating in that sport for one year from the date of suspension. Any
school team found in violation of the seasonal limitation rule may result in
that team being ineligible for its league championship that year and from
participating in MIAA sponsored tournaments.
83.6 Violations of the rules which limit a student's high school participation in a
single day, or a school's participation in multiple school events, or in
competition against non-member schools will result minimally in a letter of
censure, copies of which will be mailed to the school committee,
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84
superintendent, principal, athletic director, and reported on the MIAA
website.
83.7 The code for specific sports often includes rules and penalties which apply to
that sport.
84. Participation of an Ineligible Student
The principal of a school which plays a student who is later found to be ineligible,
whether because of the student's own misstatement or lack of care on the part of the
school authorities, shall notify in writing the principal(s) of the opposing school(s) and
the Executive Director of the MIAA, forfeiting every competition in which the
ineligible student competed.
84.1 Since the principal is personally responsible for attesting to the eligibility of
each contestant, and since allowing an ineligible player to participate in a
contest is a serious matter, it is strongly advised that the principal give
personal attention to this matter.
84.2 If a school uses an ineligible student in any interscholastic contest,
such contest shall be forfeited to the opposing school. In individual
sports, the use of an ineligible player would result in the contest being
forfeited. However, the performances and outcomes of the other
individuals would stand.
Part VII - Procedures
Contained in this section are the procedures for obtaining student eligibility waiver
and for requesting a rule change. The procedures for appealing a decision or
having a hearing are also outlined.
PART VII: PROCEDURES
85. Student Eligibility Waiver -- The Process (* see page 87)
85.1 Any request for the waiver of any eligibility rule on behalf of an individual
student must be made by the principal on the White Book form designated,
"Application for Waiver of Athletic Eligibility Rule." This form, together
with any background information, additional pertinent facts, extenuating or
unusual circumstances, documents required by the rules, doctors' statement
or certificate shall be sent to the MIAA office.
Seasonal deadlines are: September 22, December 15, and April 1.
85.2 The MIAA Executive Director or his/her designee shall have the authority to
set aside the effect of any eligibility rule upon an individual student if (1) the
rule works an undue hardship on the student, (2) granting the waiver will
not result in an unfair competitive advantage, (3) the waiver approval would
not cause displacement of another student-athlete from the appellant’s own
team, and (4) the waiver would not be in conflict with the general well-being
of MIAA interscholastic athletic objectives.
85.3 Requests for waivers shall be stated on the form described above and must
contain sufficient data to make it possible for the Executive Director or
his/her designee to reach a decision without further investigation. When
presented with unusual circumstances offered as justification for the waiver,
the Executive Director or his/her designee may contact the sending school
principal or athletic director to obtain further information prior to making a
decision on the request.
Whenever a request to waive the transfer rule is acted upon by the
Executive Director or his/her designee, a copy of that action will be
forwarded to the principal of the sending school at the same time the
decision is mailed to the receiving school principal. The sending school
principal should phone the MIAA office within two days of receipt of the
decision if he/she wishes to appeal the initial positive decision, or wishes to
be notified if the negative decision is appealed by the receiving school.
85.4 An adverse decision by the Executive Director may be appealed before a
subcommittee of the Eligibility Review Board (ERB). Three ERB members
will constitute a quorum. Requests for an appeal hearing before the ERB
must be submitted in writing to the Executive Director within seven school
days of notification of the adverse decision. The appeal must include the
endorsement in writing of the school principal.
85.5 Adverse decisions of the ERB may be appealed by the student's principal for
a hearing before a subcommittee of the Massachusetts Interscholastic
Athletic Council (MIAC). All appeals before the ERB or the MIAC must be
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87
presented in person by the high school principal or his/her designee who
must be an assistant principal in that high school or the athletic director.
Appeals of ERB decisions must be filed in writing with the Executive
Director within seven school days of receipt of notification of the adverse
decision (See Rule 85.4). The student, parents or guardians or other
representatives may appear in person before the ERB and MIAC. The four
standards which must be addressed in an appeal before the Board or Council
are:
85.5.1 The rule works an undue hardship on the student; and
85.5.2 Granting the waiver will not result in an unfair competitive
advantage; and
85.5.3 The waiver approval would not cause displacement of another
student-athlete from the appellant's own team; and
85.5.4 The waiver would not be in conflict with the general well-being of
MIAA interscholastic athletic objectives.
• Bay State League
• District F
• Middlesex League/Merrimack Valley Conference
• Tri-Valley League
The above have been delegated by the MIAA Board of Directors to deal with
some student eligibility waivers from their schools and their decisions are
final and not reviewable by the MIAA.
*
Eligibility Appeals Procedure In Behalf Of
An Individual Student-Athlete
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Eligibility Appeals Procedure Affecting
More Than One Student-Athlete
________________________________________________________________________________________
MIAC
Appeals Committee
Eligibility Review
Board Subcommittee
Executive Staff
Principal's
Waiver Request
MIAC
Board of Directors
Executive Staff
Principal's
Waiver Request
86. Bona Fide Team Member Waiver Guidelines
The Bona Fide rule requires that members of a school team actively participate in all
team practices and competitions. Members of a school team are precluded from
missing a high school practice or competition in order to participate in a non school
event/activity in any sport recognized by the MIAA.
On occasion, a student might find himself/herself in potential conflict with this rule.
This can happen when a student-athlete has an association with an out-of-school team
or has an opportunity to participate in some special tournament or on a special team.
A waiver of the bona fide team rule excusing the student from the school activity that
day and allowing the student to participate in such a non-school event is possible
under the guidelines set forth below. Before a waiver request (See White Book for
form) is submitted ALL of the following considerations must be present:
86.1 The non-school event must be a significant experience -- not one normally
available to most anyone.
86.2 The invitation must have come from a personalized invitation -- not a form
letter that went to a large number of students.
86.3 It must be clear that the student is not being exploited and that the student
is truly being singled out to participate.
86.4 The amount of time being missed from school will definitely be considered.
86.5 The number of school team activities being missed will be a factor
considered.
86.6 There is a limit to the number of times that a student could qualify for a
waiver. It would be extremely rare that a student-athlete would be granted
more than one waiver.
86.7 The request for a waiver must have the written support of the school
principal, the athletic director, and the coach.
Waivers will be considered on an individual basis on the merits of each case.
Requests for a waiver should be addressed to the MIAA. The above points should be
addressed in the waiver request.
87. Procedure for Requesting a Rule Change
87.1 Any group or individual may petition for a change in existing rules. All
proposals must be submitted on the appropriate Whitebook form and sent to
the MIAA before June 1, 2008 if the change is to become effective on July 1,
2009. Any rule proposed after the deadline may be considered only if the
Board of Directors deems said proposal an emergency measure that would
affect the health and safety of students. In emergencies, the Board of
Directors may grant temporary waivers or approval for experimental rules.
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87.2 Rule change proposals will be voted on by each group listed below with vote
and recommendations due to the MIAA by listed date. Copies of the
proposals will be listed on the MIAA website by September 1, 2008 and will
be updated with votes as they are submitted.
87.2.1 MIAA Sport Committees, MIAA Administrative Committees and
Presidents of MIAA recognized State Sport Coaches' Associations.
Votes are due to the MIAA by December 1, 2008.
87.2.2 The Massachusetts Secondary School Athletic Directors
Association votes are due to the MIAA by February 1, 2009. The
MIAA District Athletic Committees votes are due to the MIAA by
March 1, 2009
87.2.3 The MIAA Board of Directors will act on proposals by May 15,
2009
87.2.4 The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Council will act upon
all proposals by June 1, 2009
Each group, when reviewing the rule change proposals may take the following actions:
• Record votes in favor and opposed to each proposal.
• Recommend an amendment to the proposal with recorded votes in favor
and opposed.
88. Hearings and Appeals
88.1 One year disqualification for sportsmanship violations of an athlete or coach
(only with regard to the penalty length, but not the judgment of the official).
88.1.1 Appeals must be initiated within two school days. Once the
original appeal decision has been announced, subsequent appeals
must be made within seven school days of notification.
88.1.2 Student one-year disqualification's go to Eligibility Review Board
with the same procedural requirements as all other student
eligibility appeals before the ERB.
88.1.3 Coach one-year disqualification's go to the District Athletic
Committee with appeals from District Athletic Committee
decisions going to the Sportsmanship Committee at a regularly
scheduled full Committee meeting.
Student Coach
MIAC Sportsmanship Committee
Eligibility Review Board District Athletic Committee
Principal Appeal Coach / Principal Appeal
88.2 District Athletic Committees
88.2.1 A hearing/investigation may be conducted by the District Athletic
Committee (DAC) in response to an incident/allegation/controversy
involving one or more schools in that district.
88.2.2 Contact will be made with the principal(s) of the school(s)
identifying the incident or allegation to be reviewed. The principal
(assistant principal if principal is unavailable) will be required to
attend the forum with all relevant parties (e.g. coach, athletic
director) at the specified time and place.
88.2.3 Whenever more than one district is affected, at least three
representatives from each District Athletic Committee must
participate.
88.2.4 The presiding District Chair will forward findings and
consequences to the principal(s) of the affected school(s) and to the
MIAA Executive Director.
88.2.5 Any appeal must be filed within seven days of notification of the
DAC decision. A member of the original hearing committee should
attend the appeal hearing to serve as a resource.
88.3 Hearing Process
88.3.1 The need for a hearing or investigation is determined by either the
Executive Director or an Association Chair. Contact will be made
with the principal of the school. The principal/assistant principal
will be required to attend sessions with all relevant parties (e.g.
coach, athletic director, student-athlete) at the specified time and
place.
88.3.2 A committee quorum consists of a simple majority of the committee
voting members devoid of vacancies. Game officials, if appropriate,
will be invited to participate. Game officials must submit an
incident report whenever appropriate or requested.
88.3.3 Prior to the appeal beginning, the Chair should announce the
format and time frame for each element of the session. For
example, the principal will present his/her position. Committee
members may ask clarifying questions. Those representing
opposition to the position will be given specific time to present
their position. The committee will follow-up with clarifying
questions. The appellant will be given specific time to "rebut."
The Chair will allow each side to summarize after the Committee
has asked its questions of all parties. Upon completion of the
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92
dialogue, the chairman will indicate that the review will be taken
under advisement and that the school will be notified in writing of
the results.
88.3.4 The MIAA conducts its business in open session. Whenever
possible it is recommended that a single individual act as official
spokesperson for the Committee.
88.3.5 While MIAA meetings are open to the public and the media, a
school and/or committee member may request Executive Session
when the issue to be addressed includes potential litigation or the
character of an individual.
Regular Season Incidents (Sportsmanship Related)
Tournament Season Incidents
Regular Season Soccer or Hockey Tournament Disqualification
Caused by Excessive Regular Season Penalties
Alleged Rule Violation / Incidents
Example: Recruitment, out-of-season activity, season limitation rule, league realignment, etc.
Sportsmanship Committee
District Athletic Committee
Principal
Sport Committee/Subcommittee
Principal
Sportsmanship Committee
Sport Committee/Subcommittee
Principal
Board of Directors/Subcommittee
District Athletic Committee
Principal
Board of Directors/Subcommittee
Part VIII - Game Officials
This section covers policies and procedures for Game Officials.
89. Game Officials’ Committee – Mission Statement
The MIAA Game Officials’ Committee provides leadership and service to MIAA
member schools and enrolled game officials. The jurisdiction of the Committee
includes recommending fees; promoting sportsmanship, integrity, and ethics; and
responding to issues germane to the relationship of game officials and interscholastic
athletics.
90. Game Officials -- Policies and Procedures
90.1 It is recommended that men and women who officiate high school contests be
enrolled annually with the MIAA for each sport which the individual plans
to officiate during that academic year. MIAA views Game Officials as
independent contractors, and not employees.
90.2 It is recommended that boards of officials recognized by the MIAA Game
Officials Committee (GOC) annually enroll all individual board members by
sport. The annual enrollment fee will be established by the GOC. (The
MIAA does make provisions for individuals to enroll if their board chooses
not to enroll its officials).
90.3 MIAA enrolled Boards and individuals will be posted on the MIAA website
each sport season.
90.4 The MIAA recommends that enrolled officials be assigned to officiate
contests in sports at the levels (e.g. varsity, j.v.) for which fees have been
recommended by the Game Officials Committee.
90.5 Each enrolled official will have access to a current MIAA Handbook.
90.6 The MIAA publishes a seasonal Game Officials' Newsletter.
90.7 In cases of an MIAA rule change, interpretation, or clarification, enrolled
officials in an affected sport will receive notification.
90.8 The president of each enrolled state board of officials shall have the
opportunity to nominate, from his/her list of enrolled officials, one official to
be a voting representative on the MIAA committee for that sport. If the
sport is played by both boys and girls but under different sport codes, then
one representative for each gender shall be included.
In the absence of a statewide board, presidents of each board may
recommend, in writing, a single enrolled official to represent all boards on
that MIAA sport committee.
90.9 Two enrolled game officials may serve on the MIAA Committee on
Sportsmanship, Integrity, and Ethics.
90.10 It is recommended that member schools provide officials with reasonable
measures of safety and security at game sites.
90.11 It is recommended that member schools provide for payment of officials
within a 90-day period from the date of service.
90.12 It is recommended that officials be examined annually by a physician as to
their fitness to officiate.
90.13 All high school officials must be knowledgeable of the appropriate MIAA
general rules and regulations as well as those rules governing the sport(s)
which he/she is officiating. Each high school official must be knowledgeable
of the MIAA player and coach expulsion rule and be familiar with the
expulsion forms. These forms must be completed whenever a player or coach
is disqualified. Member schools are expected to ensure that game officials
enforce MIAA rules, as well as rules governing each sport.
90.14 Officials' fees are recommended by the Game Officials Committee for all
member schools. Recommended fees are intended to be inclusive. Travel,
lodging or other expenses should not be paid. It is recommended that school
committees/non-public school boards adopt the GOC recommended fee
schedule.
90.15 Postponement and forfeiture plans established by the league or school
district of the home team should be conveyed to officials. It is recommended
that officials have the telephone numbers of the home school and athletic
director.
90.16 The Game Officials Committee shall establish official's fees for MIAA
sponsored tournament competition.
90.17 It is recommended that the number of officials assigned to a regular season
varsity contest be as follows:
Football 4 Field Hockey 2 Softball 2
Soccer 2 Gymnastics 2 Wrestling 1
Volleyball 2 Swimming 2 Cross Country 1
Baseball 2 Basketball 2 Indoor Track 1
Lacrosse 2 Ice Hockey 2 Outdoor Track 1
90.18 All officials' assignors/commissioners engaged by member schools
and/or leagues to assign officials to MIAA contests will be required to
attend an annual pre-season meeting with MIAA staff.
90.19 Officials will be required to remain at the TEAM competition site
until the handshake ceremony has concluded.
91. Recommended Game Officials’ Fee Schedule
These fees are recommended in each sport regardless of the length of the periods or
the length of the contest. It is recommended that an official who works a contest alone
be paid a fee and one-half for the following sports: baseball, basketball, field hockey,
ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball and volleyball. Beginning with the 2007-08 school
year, if and when three (3) officials are used for regular season contests in the
following sports: Soccer (B&G), Baseball, Softball, Lacrosse (B&G), Field Hockey,
Basketball (B&G), and Ice Hockey (B&G), it is recommended that officials each be
paid 85% of the standard fee.
FALL
CROSS COUNTRY 2008 2009
$66 $68
FOOTBALL 2008 2009
Varsity $80 $82
Jr. Varsity/Freshman 57 59
Thanksgiving Day 95 98
FIELD HOCKEY 2008 2009
Varsity $72 $75
Jr. Varsity/Freshman 51 53
SOCCER 2008 2009
Varsity $72 $75
Jr. Varsity/Freshman 51 53
SWIMMING 2008 2009
Varsity $66 $68
VOLLEYBALL 2008 2009
Varsity $72 $75
Jr. Varsity/Freshman 51 53
WINTER
BASKETBALL 2008-09 2009-10
Varsity $72 $75
Jr. Varsity/Freshman 51 53
GYMNASTICS 2008-09 2009-10
Varsity Dual Meet $82 $82
Varsity Tri-Meet with two judges 86 86
ICE HOCKEY 2008-09 2009-10
Varsity $72 $75
Jr. Varsity/Freshman 51 53
INDOOR TRACK 2008-09 2009-10
$66 $68
SWIMMING 2008-09 2009-10
Varsity $66 $68
WRESTLING 2008-09 2009-10
Varsity – Dual Meets $75+(3) $77+(3)
Jr. Varsity/Freshman 51+(3) 53+(3)
( ) is paid for each additional bout beyond the regular match.
SPRING
BASEBALL 2009 2010
Varsity $72 $75
Jr. Varsity/Freshman 51 53
LACROSSE 2009 2010
Varsity $72 $75
Jr. Varsity/Freshman 51 53
OUTDOOR TRACK 2009 2010
$66 $68
SOFTBALL 2009 2010
Varsity $66 $68
Jr. Varsity/Freshman 44 45
VOLLEYBALL 2009 2010
Varsity $72 $75
Jr. Varsity/Freshman 51 53
Part IX - Tournaments
This section provides the philosophy of the MIAA tournaments, tournament
cut-off dates, and criteria for tournament qualification. Important points
regarding tournament administration and accountability conclude this section.
Tournament divisional alignments can be found on the MIAA website
(www.miaa.net).
PART IX: TOURNAMENTS
92. MIAA Tournament Philosophy
The MIAA strongly supports the commitment to interscholastic athletic programs as
an essential educational opportunity for students. Young men and women develop
physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially through voluntary participation in
properly conducted athletic programs, including tournaments. The development of
self image, character, stamina, physical skills, achievement, self discipline, and the
desire to excel are all advantages associated with high school sport participation.
The educational value of tournaments has long been recognized by secondary school
educators. High school tournaments are conducted in all 50 states in widely different
sports for teams and individuals, and for both boys and girls. Enthusiasm for
tournaments extends beyond those student-athletes who qualify for these
championship activities. Tournament excitement is often a focal point for schoolcommunity
cohesiveness. For the participants, tournaments provide for an intensity
in preparation and a greater level of skill attainment which causes, even beyond the
high school years, a better capacity for facing adversity, discouragement, and the
vicissitudes of life.
The purpose of tournaments is to permit qualifying schools and individuals who
represent that school team and who have achieved an established standard of
excellence during that sport season to compete in championship tournaments.
Tournaments demonstrate success and should serve as an incentive for others. They
should provide students and spectators an opportunity, under competitive conditions,
to develop desirable character traits.
Tournaments have the potential to inspire maximum performance, provide quality
competition, afford high visibility for all concerned, and foster personal development.
All tournaments must be carefully planned and controlled. A tournament is justifiable
only when it produces worthwhile results for all involved. Schools, teams, coaches,
and spectators must display good sportsmanship in winning or losing. Negative
behavior must not be tolerated.
Care must be taken to maintain the integrity and importance of regular season play so
that the tournament will serve only as a culminating athletic activity for those who
have demonstrated a specific level of excellence during their regular season.
93. Tournament Cut-Off Dates
Fall Sports
2007 2008 2009
Cross Country: Wed. 10/31/07 Wed. 10/29/08 Wed. 11/4/09
Field Hockey: Sun. 10/28/07 Sun. 10/26/08 Sun. 11/1/09
Football: Thanksgiving Day Thur. 11/22/07 Thur. 11/27/08 Thur. 11/26/09
Golf: Thur. 10/18/07 Thur. 10/16/08 Thur. 10/22/09
Soccer: Wed. 10/31/07 Tue. 11/4/08 Wed. 11/4/09
Swimming (Girls): Sun. 11/4/07 Sun. 11/9/08 Sun. 11/8/09
Volleyball: Tues. 10/30/07 Tues. 10/28/08 Tues. 11/3/09
Winter Sports
2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
Basketball: Thur. 2/21/08 Thur. 2/19/09 Thur. 2/18/10
Gymnastics:
Boys Mon. 2/11/08 Mon. 2/9/09 Mon. 2/8/10
Girls Mon. 2/11/08 Mon. 2/9/09 Mon. 2/8/10
Ice Hockey: Fri. 2/22/08 Fri. 2/20/09 Fri. 2/19/10
Indoor Track: Sun. 2/10/08 Sun. 2/15/09 Sun. 2/14/10
Ski:
Alpine Wed. 2/13/08 Wed. 2/11/09 Wed. 2/10/10
Nordic Fri. 1/25/08 Fri. 1/23/09 Fri. 1/22/10
Swimming (Boys & Girls) Sun. 2/10/08 Sun. 2/8/09 Sun. 2/7/10
Wrestling:
Individual Wed. 2/06/08 Wed. 2/11/09 Wed. 2/10/10
Team Sat. 2/09/08 Sat. 2/14/09 Sat. 2/13/10
Spring Sports
2008 2009 2010
Baseball: Mon. 5/26/08 Mon. 5/25/09 Mon. 5/31/10
Golf:
Girls (Individual) Mon. 4/21/08 Mon. 4/20/09 Mon. 4/19/10
Girls(Team) Fri. 5/23/08 Fri. 5/22/09 Mon. 5/21/10
Lacrosse:
Boys
East Thur. 5/22/08 Thur. 5/21/09 Thur. 5/20/10
Central Thur. 5/22/08 Thur. 5/21/09 Thur. 5/20/10
West Wed. 5/28/08 Wed. 5/27/09 Wed. 5/26/10
Girls
North & South Thur. 5/22/08 Thur. 5/21/09 Thur. 5/20/10
Central Wed. 5/28/08 Wed. 5/27/09 Wed. 5/26/10
West Wed. 5/28/08 Wed. 5/27/09 Wed. 5/26/10
Outdoor Track: Sun. 5/25/08 Sun. 5/24/09 Sun. 5/23/10
Softball Mon. 5/26/08 Mon. 5/25/09 Mon. 5/24/10
Tennis:
Team Mon. 5/26/08 Mon. 5/25/09 Mon. 5/24/10
Individual Mon. 5/05/08 Mon. 5/04/09 Mon. 5/03/10
Volleyball (Boys): Mon. 5/19/08 Mon. 5/18/09 Mon. 5/17/10
94. Divisional Enrollment: Cooperative and Mixed Gender Teams
For all sports that establish divisions by enrollment, all cooperative teams and mixed
gender teams must combine enrollments for divisional placement. Each school
participating in an approved cooperative program must register that sport by
indicating “co-op” on the membership registration form. In combining the enrollments,
no school will be required to move up more than one division.
95. Tournament Eligibility
95.1 Only member schools sponsoring that sport may be represented in MIAA
tournaments.
95.2 To be eligible for tournament participation, that sport must be listed the
previous summer on the MIAA Institutional Registration Form. If there is
any chance you will sponsor a sport - register it when completing the
Registration Form. A refund will be provided if it is later determined not to
offer that sport.
95.3 Qualification: For all team tournaments utilizing winning percentage
95.3.1 A team must have a minimum winning percentage of fifty (50%) of
games played with any and all MIAA member schools and out of
state schools that are members in good standing of their own state
high school association.
95.3.2 In leagues where a team's schedule is comprised of more than
seventy percent (70%) of higher division schools, and there is no
small and large breakout, all league and non-league contests
played against equal and/or lower divisions may solely be
considered in the fifty percent (50%) qualifying criteria. Schools
may also access the 70% tournament qualifying opportunity if a
league is aligned by enrollment BUT the league requires crossscheduling
to the extent that at least 70% of the school’s total
required opponents are in a higher tournament division.
95.3.3 All league champions, regardless of winning percentage. This
includes co-championships.
95.3.4 Runner-up or multi-runners-up in leagues of five or more teams,
provided the league has a single champion. In the case of multichampions,
no runner-up will automatically qualify.
96. Each Student Participant Must Be A Bona Fide Team Member
96.1 A bona fide member of the school team is a student who is consistently
present for, and actively participates in, all high school team practices and
competitions. Bona fide members of a school team are precluded from
missing a high school practice or competition in order to participate in a non
school activity/event in any sport recognized by the MIAA. Any student who
violates this standard twice becomes ineligible for the MIAA tournament(s)
in that sport for that season. (See also Rule 45, for additional regular season
consequence.)
96.2 Unattached athletes are not eligible for tournament participation. (See Rule 30).
97. Tournament Administration and Accountability
It is important that management of Association sponsored tournaments be a collaborative
effort by all who assume responsibility for supporting our students, teams, and schools. The
following should aid this "team effort." Violations of the provisions of this rule, particularly
the ticket financial protocol within 97.10.5, could result in personal liability of site
management personnel.
97.1 Tournament Director Responsibilities
97.1.1 Be fully familiar with your tournament format, and all applicable
MIAA Handbook standards. The MIAA Handbook, sport rule book,
and the Tournament Format should be at each tournament site.
97.1.2 Attend seasonal directors' workshops and other meetings required
by your executive staff liaison.
97.1.3 Receive season schedule/tournament entry forms. Contact schools
that appear will miss the filing deadline.
97.1.4 Examine tournament awards as soon as they are received to
determine their condition and accuracy. Contact MIAA Liaison in
charge of Awards if corrections are required. The director is
responsible for the awards being at final sites.
97.1.5 Tournament personnel should not communicate with coaches, but
should speak directly with each participating school principal or
athletic director. Intent to Enter forms will include an opportunity
for the principal to check off and designate the athletic director as
the school contact person. The Principal, or athletic director if so
designated, should be provided information following the
tournament seeding and after each win as that team progresses
through the tournament. This could require the winning principal
or athletic director to call the results into the tournament director
to acquire information about the next contest for that school team.
97.1.6 Unusual incidents and all injuries must be reported to the MIAA
staff without delay.
97.1.7 Video Taping/Radio/TV - Policy guidelines as outlined in the MIAA
Media Guide shall be followed. The MIAA White Book includes
related forms.
97.1.8 Initiate and execute all MIAA financial reporting requirements as
efficiently as possible within 30 days.
97.2 Seeding is an MIAA sport committee responsibility with voting committee
members being actively involved.
97.2.1 Seeding meetings are open. Participating schools are encouraged
to be represented.
97.2.2 Seeding must be done in the MIAA office unless otherwise
approved by the executive director or Chair of the TMC.
97.2.3 Seeding must be scheduled to allow sufficient time to:
97.2.3.1 Allow for publication on the day before the tournament is
to begin.
MIAA Handbook July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
106
97.3 Site Selection
97.3.1 The executive staff liaison for that sport must approve all site
decisions prior to them being announced.
97.3.2 Sites are to be selected with the following criteria in mind:
* Health and safety of the participants.
* Comfort and safety of the fans (including adequate seating).
* Relative travel requirements for the participating schools.
* Ability to collect tickets in a secure manner.
* Facility expenses and site budget.
97.3.3 In cases when non-member school sites are used, the executive
staff liaison shall approve and sign the appropriate contract.
97.4 Tournament Medical Coverage Policy
97.4.1 Golf and Tennis: It is the responsibility of each participating
school to provide for the first aid/medical needs of their student
athletes.
97.4.2 Football and Ice Hockey: A game will not start unless an MIAA
assigned physician, licensed athletic trainer or certified EMT is
present. In the event of an accident or injury to a player, that
medical person will make the final judgment as to whether a
student athlete may continue.
97.4.3 Cross Country, Field Hockey, Soccer Swimming, Volleyball,
Gymnastics, Wrestling, Ski, Softball, Baseball, Lacrosse: A
licensed athletic trainer, physician, physician's assistant, certified
EMT, or nurse practitioner will be available at all contests. This
coverage will be provided/compensated by the Host School in
tournament rounds at the site of the higher seeded team. The
MIAA will compensate for the coverage at MIAA designated
neutral sites.
97.4.4 Basketball and Indoor & Outdoor Track: MIAA will compensate a
licensed athletic trainer, physician, physician's assistant, certified
EMT, or nurse practitioner at all events.
97.5 Tickets
97.5.1 Only MIAA tickets will be sold except at those rounds exempted in
field hockey, soccer, volleyball, baseball, lacrosse, and softball.
97.5.2 The tournament director is responsible for ticket distribution and
reconciliation. All unused tickets and stubs must be returned with
the financial report.
MIAA Handbook July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
107
97.6 Awards
97.6.1 Appropriate, meaningful presentation ceremonies must be
planned.
97.6.2 Only official MIAA awards may be presented publicly.
97.7 Association Visibility
97.7.1 Association signage should transform the site into an MIAA venue.
97.7.2 Welcoming MIAA announcements should start each contest.
97.7.3 Announcements about upcoming Association activities in that
sport and other sports should be made periodically. The acronym
"MIAA" should be used frequently to promote positive
understanding of the Association.
97.7.4 PSA's should be announced regularly during timeouts, between
periods, etc.
97.7.5 The MIAA logo should be copied onto tournament programs.
97.8 Postponements
97.8.1 The host school administrator or athletic director (not an involved
coach) must be depended upon to advise regarding local weather
conditions, or to determine if a contest will be postponed.
97.8.2 The following must be the considerations for postponing a
tournament activity: Health and welfare of the student-athletes;
comfort and safety of the fans; travel conditions for participants
and fans; alternative scheduling options; and financial
implications.
97.8.3 Directors must notify the Association immediately about
postponements which will then be reported on the MIAA Web
page.
97.9 Tournament Budgets and Financial Reports
97.9.1 The Tournament Management Committee is charged by the Board
of Directors with responsibility for approving tournament budgets,
auditing tournament financial reports, and with the regulation of
all financial aspects of tournaments.
MIAA Handbook July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
108
97.9.2 The financial report should be submitted to the MIAA office signed
by the tournament director no more than 30 days from the
conclusion of the tournament.
97.9.3 Every effort should be made to forward receipts to the MIAA office
within one business day.
97.9.4 Tournament accounts will be audited by an independent auditor
who is a Certified Public Accountant.
97.10 Site Managers
97.10.1 Whenever practical the tournament director will be the site
manager.
97.10.2 If impractical to serve as the site manager, it is the tournament
director's responsibility to designate a site manager to supervise
and oversee each tournament event unless the facility requires
otherwise.
97.10.3 The tournament director shall furnish all site managers with
appropriate MIAA forms (media contract, incident report,
player/coach expulsion, financial, etc.).
97.10.4 The site manager must have knowledge of all tournament
rules/policies as stated herein as well as those found in the
tournament format and appropriate sections of the MIAA
Handbook. The MIAA Handbook, sport rule book, and Format
should be present at each tournament site.
97.10.5 While the nature of a sport may require various responsibilities for
a site manager, the following list of duties serves as examples:
The site must have all required contest markings.
The facility must be safe for contestants and spectators (e.g.
marked off with ropes).
Hire all game management personnel (e.g. ticket sellers,
announcers, public address system, etc.). Fees paid to site
personnel must be those established by the Tournament
Management Committee.
Tickets must be torn in half at the contest site and returned with
all unused tickets to the tournament director with the financial
forms for that activity.
Each site managers' financial report must include the completed
MIAA Cash Site Payment Form which the tournament director
will furnish.
After the required site payments have been made, the site
manager must take all remaining cash to a bank no later than the
first business day after the contest and obtain a cashiers check for
the total amount. It is permissible for a school to deposit the
receipts in a school account and draw a school check for the total
amount. Mail the check (made out to MIAA) together with the
financial reports and tickets/stubs to the tournament director.
Horns, posters, noisemakers, confetti, pompoms, balloons, and
banners are not to be permitted at any site. If the site manager
feels that something not mentioned above is also creating a
nuisance at a contest site, the site manager should have such items
removed. The MIAA Sportsmanship Committee has voted to
permit bands to be present and to play at tournaments. However,
the following restrictions are part of this action.
97.10.5.1 A maximum of 12 is permitted. An advisor must be in
attendance and sit with the band.
97.10.5.2 Permission in advance must be granted by the
Tournament Director and Site Director.
97.10.5.3 Pep bands are not permitted to play while the game is
in play.
A full compliment of high school bands is permitted at all
Superbowl football contests.
The site manager is responsible to the tournament director for
carrying out all such other duties that are assigned by the
tournament director.
97.11 Accountability
97.11.1 The executive staff will evaluate the performance of each
tournament director.
97.11.2 A tournament director may not be engaged or renewed who is not
recommended by the executive staff.
PART X: MIAA CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Massachusetts Interscholastic
Athletic Association, Inc.
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The purpose of the Association shall be to organize, regulate, and promote
interscholastic athletics for secondary schools of Massachusetts. In pursuing
this commitment the Association shall:
A. Provide leadership and service designed to improve interschool relations in
athletics.
B. Foster cooperation among voluntary institutional members and the
Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators' Association,
Massachusetts Department of Education, Massachusetts Association of
School Committees, Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents,
Massachusetts Secondary School Athletic Directors' Association, Coaches,
Game Officials, and with other professional organizations interested in
attaining common goals.
C. Secure uniform regulations and control of interscholastic participation in
athletics throughout the state to provide equitable competition for students
as an integral part of the education of secondary school students.
D. Promote safety and health of participants in interscholastic athletics.
E. Provide leadership that ensures interscholastic athletics are conducted
within reasonable bounds, encouraging all that is honorable and
sportsmanlike.
F. Provide a forum for concerns related to interscholastic athletics for
institutions that are voluntary members of the Association.
G. Develop uniform standards and procedures for determining championships
at the end of the season.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP AND VOTING PROCEDURES
A. Any public or private secondary school in Massachusetts approved by the Board of
Directors shall receive all the rights, privileges and benefits of the influence of
this Association when the following conditions are met: (1) the school committee
or comparable governing board votes to designate the MIAA as its authorized
representative to determine under what conditions the member(s) may compete
with similar organizations in other schools (Ch. 71, Sec. 47 of General Laws); (2)
the school principal, headmaster or director signs an agreement annually to abide
by the rules of this Association governing athletic activities; (3) the school
governing board delegates to the Association the authority to regulate athletics;
and (4) the school pays the service fee specified in Article V.
B. Payment of the institutional service fee entitles that institution to a single vote in
business meetings of the Association on all matters.
C. The administrative head of the school (principal, headmaster, or director) shall
represent the school in votes at all Annual or special meetings of the Association.
In cases when the principal (headmaster or director) is unable to attend a meeting
of the Assembly, he/she shall designate an alternate for voting purposes.
D. Only persons who are bona fide staff members of member schools may be
nominated to serve as voting members of committees of the Association.
ARTICLE IV - ADMINISTRATION
A. OFFICERS
1. The officers of the Association shall be the President, Vice President, and
Executive Director. With the exception of the Executive Director, they shall
be elected at the Annual Meeting of the Association and shall perform the
usual duties of such officers. The President and Executive Director shall be
ex-officio members of each committee and shall be informed in advance of the
date, time and place of all meetings of each committee. The term of office of
each shall begin July 1 each year. The President and Vice President may
succeed themselves once only.
2. The Executive Director shall be the chief administrative officer of the
Association and shall have charge and direction of the day-to-day operation
of the Association and shall act at all times in accordance with the
established policies of the Association as interpreted by the Board of
Directors.
a. The Executive Director shall keep records of meetings of the
Association, of the Board of Directors and those sent him/her by
each standing committee; shall oversee dissemination of
information to the member schools and the public; shall keep
and make available lists of membership in the Association; shall
fill staff positions and be responsible for personnel matters; shall
issue reports, circulars, forms and blanks authorized by the
Board of Directors; shall attend all meetings of the Board; shall
make an annual report; shall serve as secretary of the Board,
Council, and Assembly; shall keep any other records or make any
other reports requested by the Association or by the Board; and
shall perform such other duties as the Board or a standing
committee may request.
b. The Executive Director shall have charge of the money of this
Association and shall keep records according to a system
approved by the Board; shall make payments as directed by the
Board or authorized by a coordinator or by a standing committee;
shall make an annual report which shall include a financial
statement audited previous to the annual meeting as directed by
the Board.
c. The Executive Director shall be elected for a continuous term by
the Board except that the Board shall review his/her re-election
annually and may at that time for good cause declare the
position vacant. The salary and allowances for expenses
connected with the position shall be determined by the Board.
B. ASSEMBLY
1. The Assembly shall be the legislative body of the Association. It shall elect
officers from among members of the Board of Directors at its Annual
Meeting. The Assembly shall have the authority to establish standing
committees by majority vote at any annual or special meeting of the
Association.
2. The Assembly shall consist of the principal or designee of the principal of
each member institution.
3. The Assembly shall meet annually at a time and place determined by the
Board of Directors. Special meetings of the Assembly may be called by the
President or the Board of Directors.
4. The Assembly may organize administrative committees to be responsible to
the Board of Directors between annual meetings. All administrative and
official committees shall report to the Assembly at annual meetings and at
special meetings of the Assembly as requested.
5. The Assembly shall, when called upon, vote upon any proposed rule change,
which shall be referred to it by the Board of Directors of the MSSAA. When
such a vote is taken and a majority of the Assembly takes a position for or
against that rule change and that position is contrary to the position of the
Board of Directors of the MIAA, there shall be dialogue with the Board of
Directors of the MIAA and the Board of Directors of the MSSAA. The final
action on the change will take place only after the Board of Directors of the
MSSAA has had a chance to review the MIAA Board of Director's position
and commented to them on the proposed change.
6. The Assembly shall elect all members of non sport (see IV-E-4 below)
standing committees. The term of office of all committees shall begin July 1.
7. A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of representatives
from one hundred (100) of the member schools.
C. NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The District Athletic Committees shall serve as the Nominating Committee.
The Nominating committee shall present nominations for officers of the Board of
Directors and all non sport (see IV-E-4 below) standing committees at the Annual
Meeting of the Assembly.
D. BOARD OF DIRECTORS
1. Membership - There shall be a Board of Directors consisting of at least 16
voting members to include: eight members elected by the MSSAA; two
elected by the MASC; two elected by the MASS; and four elected by the
MSSADA. Each of the athletic districts shall be represented by one person
elected by the MSSAA. An athletic director representing either District A or
B, C or H, D or E, and F or G must be a member of the Board at all times.
The term of each member shall be three years beginning July 1 of the year of
election. If a minimum of four women are not seated on the Board at any
time, then the Board will appoint the balance to ensure a total of four. These
appointees will be from different districts and may be selected from the
ranks of: principals and assistant principals; athletic directors and assistant
athletic directors; coaches; superintendents and assistant superintendents;
game officials; or school committee members. When practical, these
appointments will reflect the same proportion or representatives groups as
reflected in the Constitution. The Board shall appoint one minority member
“at large” if such representation does not occur through the traditional
elections process. Individuals appointed at large by the Board will serve
through June 30 of the fiscal year their appointment becomes effective.
a. The President and Vice President shall be elected by the MIAA
Assembly from members of the Board of Directors. The President
shall be the presiding officer at Board meetings, the Annual Meeting
and all special meetings of the Association. The term of office of each
shall be one year. Officers may succeed themselves once only.
b. The Board of Directors shall carry out the general activities and
policies of the Association.
c. The Board shall appoint the Executive Director who shall be a nonvoting
member of the Board of Directors.
d. The Board shall set the compensation for employees.
e. The Board shall decide on the time and place of the meetings of the
Association and of the Board.
f. The Board shall be empowered to appoint until the next Annual
Meeting of the Assembly in case of vacancies of officers, Board
members, and members of committees.
g. The Board shall determine the number and composition of each
athletic district.
h. Between Annual Meetings the Board may create and appoint special
committees as circumstances may require.
i. The Board shall hear appeals from decisions of administrative and
sport committees after the same shall have been heard by the
committee having jurisdiction.
j. The Board shall have the following powers and specific duties: (1) give
interpretations of the eligibility and other rules relating to
interscholastic athletics; (2) fix and enforce penalties for violations of
these rules; (3) appoint annually district athletic committees from
each of the athletic districts of the State; (4) designate the duties of
committees; (5) review and be responsible for all decisions and to
approve, modify or reverse decisions of these committees. The Board
shall have authority to approve the budget of each committee.
k. The Board shall issue rules and regulations governing interscholastic
athletics and may review these from time to time as it deems
necessary.
E. ORGANIZATION OF COMMITTEES
1. Each standing committee shall choose its own chair. The chair shall call
meetings as needed and assume leadership in the work of the committee.
Each standing committee shall choose a secretary. A secretary shall keep
the records of the meeting and shall send copies of these records to the
Executive Director. The chair or his/her designee shall attend meetings of
the Board of Directors as requested by the Board.
2. The powers and duties of any committee shall be those needed to regulate
and control the activity it sponsors; however, these duties and powers may be
designated in detail by the Board of Directors or by the Assembly.
3. When any standing committee is first organized, the term of office of the
members shall be set for one, two, and three years beginning July 1 to secure
a rotation of vacancies. Thereafter vacancies shall be filled so as to maintain
this rotation.
4. The standing committee for each sport shall consist of:
a. One principal and one athletic director from each of the eight athletic districts,
except district E which has two principals and two athletic directors
appointed to each committee. Principals and athletic directors are appointed by
their respective District Athletic Committees. ("Principal" may be either a
principal or assistant principal who spends at least 50% of his/her time in
duties related to the general administration of the school.)
In the event that a district is unable to provide both a principal and an
athletic director to serve as representative, the District Chair may
appoint a second principal or athletic director to serve for a one-year term
only.
b. One school committee member appointed by MASC from school systems
having one or more schools that are institutional members of MIAA.
c. One superintendent appointed by MASS from school systems having one
or more schools that are institutional members of MIAA.
d. One individual appointed by the Assembly who is currently coaching that
sport in an MIAA member school to serve in a voting capacity. If the
sport is played by both boys and girls, then one coach for each gender
shall be included. The state coaches' association for each sport may
nominate candidates for these positions.
e. One enrolled game official appointed by the Assembly to serve in a voting
capacity. If the sport is played by both boys and girls and under different
sport codes, then one game official for each gender shall be included. The
president of each state officials’ board may recommend candidates for
each position. In the absence of a statewide board, presidents of each
officials' board in that sport must recommend, in writing, agreement on a
single enrolled official to represent all boards.
5. Gender Representation: If a minimum of four (4) women are not voting
members of the Eligibility Review Board; or the Sports Medicine,
Sportsmanship, Tournament Management, Game Officials, Basketball, Field
Hockey, Golf, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Girls’ Lacrosse, Ski, Soccer, Softball,
Swim, Tennis, Track, or Volleyball committees, then the Board of Directors will
appoint the balance to ensure a total of four. These appointees will be made
from different districts and may be selected from the ranks of: principals and
assistant principals; athletic directors and assistant athletic directors; coaches,
superintendents and assistant superintendents; game officials; or school
committee members. When practical, these appointments will reflect the same
proportion of representative groups as reflected in the Constitution, except that
at least one appointee must be an active high school coach. Individuals so
appointed by the Board will serve through June 30 of the fiscal year their
appointment becomes effective.
6. If at least one minority is not seated on all sport committees, along with the
Wellness, Sportsmanship, and Tournament Management committees, then at
least one minority member is to be appointed “at large” by the Board, if such
diversity representation does not occur through the traditional elections process.
7. COMMITTEE ON SPORTSMANSHIP, INTEGRITY, AND ETHICS
a. Membership
(1) One principal and one athletic director from each of the eight
athletic districts, except District E which has two principals
and two athletic directors. Principals and athletic directors are
appointed by the Assembly.
("Principal" may be either a principal or assistant principal who
spends at least 50% of his/her time in duties related to the
general administration of the school.) Each district athletic
committee, through its chair, shall be invited to submit
recommendations for these positions to the Nominating
Committee.
In the event that a district is unable to provide both a principal
and an athletic director to serve as representative, the District
Chair may recommend a second principal or athletic director to
serve for a one-year term only.
(2) One school committee member appointed by MASC from school
systems having one or more schools that are institutional
members of MIAA.
(3) One superintendent appointed by MASS from school systems
having one or more schools that are institutional members of
MIAA.
(4) Two coaches appointed by the Assembly to serve in a voting
capacity, one representing boys' sports and one representing
girls' sports. The MSCA may nominate candidates for these
positions.
(5) Two enrolled game officials appointed by the Assembly to serve
in a voting capacity, one representing boys' sports and one
representing girls' sports. The president of each statewide
officials' board may recommend candidates for each position. In
the absence of a statewide board, presidents of each officials'
board may recommend a candidate.
(6) At least one minority member is to be appointed “at large” by
the Board of Directors, if such diversity representation does not
occur through the traditional elections process.
b. Duties and responsibilities.
The Standing committee on Sportsmanship, Integrity, and Ethics shall:
(1) Prepare and promote strategies designed to improve the
attitudinal postures of all constituencies.
(2) Prepare and update a section to be a part of the MIAA
Handbook.
(3) Provide a clearinghouse for all sportsmanship issues.
(4) Conduct hearings with regard to sportsmanship problems.
(5) Assign and/or accept assignments as observers.
(6) Review observer forms and take appropriate action.
(7) Prepare articles for the MIAA and Game Officials' newsletters.
(8) Establish communication with game officials.
(9) Issue commendations to schools and leagues that are promoting
outstanding sportsmanship efforts.
(10) Warn, censure, place on probation, or suspend up to one
calendar year any player, team, coach, game or school official, or
school determined to be acting in a manner contrary to the
standards of good sportsmanship.
(11) Develop strategies for dealing with media portrayal of athletic
events as they pertain to proper behavior.
8. FINANCE COMMITTEE
a. There shall be a Finance Committee consisting of three or more
members to be appointed annually by the Board of Directors, one of
whom shall be the vice president. Members shall serve for three years
and may be reappointed to successive terms.
b. Duties
The Finance Committee shall:
(1) Prepare an annual budget for the Massachusetts Interscholastic
Athletic Association.
(2) Advise the Board and all committees on financial policies.
F. MASSACHUSETTS INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC COUNCIL (MIAC)
1. The MIAC shall consist of 18 voting members; five elected by the MASC, five
by the MASS, five by the MIAA, two by the middle level, and one by the
MSSADA. If a minority member is not elected or appointed through the
aforementioned, then the MIAC Chair will appoint a minority to serve as an
"at-large" MIAC member for the year.
2. The officers shall consist of a Chair and Vice Chair. These officers shall be
elected annually by the MIAC. The Executive Director of MIAA shall serve
as a non-voting member of the MIAC.
3. Powers and Duties:
a. The MIAC shall hear and act on appeals and protests from decisions or
acts of the Assembly and/or Board of Directors. Such appeals shall be
presented according to procedures adopted and published by the
MIAC.
b. The MIAC shall have authority to approve or revise decisions of the
Assembly or Board of Directors including rules and regulations issued
by the Board.
c. The MIAC shall not act on appeals or protests which have not first
been presented to either the Assembly or Board of Directors.
d. The MIAC shall meet annually and at other times at the call of the
Chair or on request of three or more voting members of the MIAC.
G. ABSENTEES
1. Any appointed or elected member of a committee, board, or Council who is
absent without good cause for more than three consecutive meetings or for
more than three meetings during any fiscal year shall be removed or
requested to resign.
ARTICLE V - SERVICE FEES AND FINANCES
A. ANNUAL SERVICE FEES
1. The annual service fee for members shall be set by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors shall establish a base fee for all member schools
which will be combined with a per sport assessment.
2. Service fees and assessment are payable to the MIAA on July 1 or each year.
Any member who is delinquent in the payment of the annual service fee after
November 1 of any school year shall, after due notice, thereby cease to be a
member.
ARTICLE VI - LOCAL MANAGEMENT
A. THE PRINCIPAL
1. The principal of the school, or his/her authorized staff representative, shall
accompany any student or group of students representing his/her school in
an interscholastic contest or meeting.
2. The principal of the school, or staff authorized by him/her, shall be the
manager of the team or group representing the school.
3. No school shall engage in any interscholastic activity without the sanction of
the principal.
ARTICLE VII - AMENDMENTS
A. AMENDMENTS
1. The Constitution of this Association may be amended by a majority vote of
the voting members present and voting at any meeting of the Assembly,
provided a quorum is present. Any proposed amendment relative to the
Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association must be presented to the
MIAA Board of Directors at least four (4) weeks prior to the Annual Meeting
of the Assembly.
2. Proposed amendments shall be referred to the membership by sending a
notice of the proposed amendments to the principal of each institutional
member and the executive officer of each association represented on the
Board at least 12 days prior to the meeting with a statement of the action
recommended by the Board of Directors on each amendment.
3. In the event of an emergency, the Board of Directors, at its discretion may
submit an amendment to the MIAA member school principals for approval by
mail. A two-thirds vote of the membership shall be required for the passage
of such an amendment. If passed, the amendment is effective immediately
but only until the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Assembly, at
which time the amendment shall be re-submitted for the regularly prescribed
action of the Assembly.
ARTICLE VIII – PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE
Meetings of the Association and its subdivisions shall be conducted according to
Roberts Rules of Order (latest edition).
ARTICLE IX - DISSOLUTION
Upon dissolution of the MIAA, Inc., all assets will be distributed exclusively for the
purposes stated in this Constitution and only to organizations that qualify under 501
(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
PART XI: RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE
MIAC
ARTICLE I - NAME
The name of this organization shall be the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic
Council (MIAC).
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE
The MIAC shall hear and act on appeals and protests from decisions or acts of the
Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), Assembly, and/or Board of
Directors. Such appeals shall be presented according to procedures adopted and
published by the MIAC. The MIAC shall have authority to approve or revise decisions
of the Assembly or Board of Directors including rules and regulations issued by the
Board. The MIAC shall not act on appeals or protests which have not first been
presented to either the Assembly or Board of Directors.
ARTICLE III - ADMINISTRATION
The responsibility for the administration of the athletic policies approved and adopted
by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Council, shall be vested with the
Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association.
Before any question of policy is presented to the MIAC for its action, it shall first be
carefully considered by the MIAA and recommendations obtained through its Board of
Directors and representative committees.
Athletic policies approved and adopted by the MIAC shall be published as a
responsibility of MIAA and disseminated to the chief executive officers of affiliated
associations.
ARTICLE IV - MEMBERSHIP
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Council shall consist of 18 voting members;
five members to represent the Massachusetts Association of School Committees
(MASC), five members to represent the Massachusetts Association of School
Superintendents (MASS), five members to represent the Massachusetts Interscholastic
Athletic Association (MIAA), two members to represent the middle level, and one
member to represent the Massachusetts Secondary School Athletic Directors'
Association (MSSADA). If a minority member is not elected or appointed through the
aforementioned, then the MIAC Chair will appoint a minority to serve as an "at-large"
MIAC member for the year.
The school committee representatives shall be selected by the MASC. The
superintendents' representatives shall be selected by the MASS. The secondary school
administrators' representatives shall be selected by the MIAA Assembly. The junior
high school principals' representatives shall be selected by the middle level. The
athletic directors' representative shall be selected by the MSSADA. The term of each
appointment shall be for a period of three years.
ARTICLE V - OFFICERS
The officers of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Council shall consist of a
chairman, vice-chairman, and a secretary.
The chairman shall be elected annually by a majority vote of members in attendance
at the spring meeting. The chairman shall always be a school committee
representative. It shall be his/her duty to preside at all meetings.
The vice-chairman shall be elected annually by a majority vote of members in
attendance at the spring meeting. It shall be his/her duty to preside at all meetings in
the absence of the chairman.
The secretary shall always be the Executive Director of the Massachusetts
Interscholastic Athletic Association. It shall be his/her duty to keep minutes of all
meetings and to notify all members of regular and special meetings in writing at least
two weeks in advance of such regular or special meetings.
ARTICLE VI - MEETINGS
At least two regular meetings of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Council
shall be held annually; one in the Fall and another during the Spring. Other meetings
may be called by the chairman when he/she deems such meetings are essential, or
upon the written request of five members of the Council.
ARTICLE VII - APPEAL PROCEDURES
A three member hearing board, comprised of voting members of MIAC, shall represent
the MIAC and act on individual student eligibility waiver appeals from Eligibility
Review Board decisions. Whenever possible, the MIAC chairman, vice chairman, and
one MIAA delegate to the MIAC will constitute this hearing board. The chairman
shall be authorized to name alternatives from the voting membership of the Council as
circumstances require.
A quorum of MIAC will be required to take action on appeals which affect more than
one individual student's athletic eligibility.
ARTICLE VIII - AMENDMENTS
The Rules and Regulations of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Council may
be amended by a majority vote at any regular meeting. Any proposed amendments
must be presented to the secretary at least three weeks previous to the meeting to
enable the secretary to refer such proposed amendments to the entire Council
membership at least two weeks prior to the meeting.
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