MIAA 2024-25 Policies & Procedures

Paul Bernstorf – Executive Director
Christopher Post – Chair, Board of Governors
Seth Goldberg – President, Executive Committee

The Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association supports opportunities for positive, inclusive athletic experiences for all participants. Our goal is to foster a safe and healthy competitive environment.

MIAA SPORTSMANSHIP STATEMENT

The MIAA believes good sportsmanship is an integral component of interscholastic competition. We wholeheartedly embrace the position that, in order for sportsmanship to prevail, coaches, student-athletes, and fans must display respect, fairness, civility, honesty, and responsibility before, during and after all athletic contests. We encourage fans to enthusiastically support their team, recognize the outstanding performance of opponents, and always exhibit good sportsmanship in their words and actions.

The MIAA encourages and promotes sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, and spectators. Offensive language including profanity, racial or ethnic slurs or other intimidating actions directed at officials, event staff, student-athletes, coaches or team representatives will not be tolerated.

2024-2025 EVENT CALENDAR

*Option for teleconference meeting, when appropriate, with prior approval of the Executive Director.

**Subject to change – Date (and venue) requested. Not under contract.

Unless stated otherwise:
Meetings held at McDonogh will be in the Mullan Board Room – St. John Student Center
Meetings held at Mt. St. Joe will be in the Alumni Event Room – Smith Center
Meetings held at Gilman will be in the McCarthy Room – Finney Athletic Center
Meetings held at Severn School will be in the Alumni Room in the St. John’s Athletic Center

Exam and Break Schedule

AP EXAMS – May 5 – 9 and May 12 – 16.

Note: Some schools have restrictions as to participation during exams and breaks.

2024-25 Member Schools

Paul Bernstorf – Executive Director
Pbernstorf@miaasports.net

Sandi Chisholm – Administrative Asst
sandi@miaasports.net

2024-25 ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Executive Director

Administrative Assistant

Board of Governors

Executive Committee

*Also a member of the Board of Governors

2024-25 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

*Committee Chairperson (Names in parenthesis indicate non-athletic directors)

COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON DUTIES

• Communicate officials’ rules interpretation dates.
• Host preseason meeting to review schedules, rules, method and dates for playoffs, tie breaking procedures, undersquad status and other sport specific issues.
•  Provide written report to Executive Director regarding preseason meeting.
•  Compose a coach’s distribution list, including name and email address.
•  Settle disputes in games/matches.
•  Communicate with teams about playoff scenarios as playoff dates approach.
•  BE PRESENT AT CHAMPIONSHIPS TO PRESENT PLAQUES/MEDALS TO WINNER(S).
•  Attend mid-season and end of season competition committee meetings.
•  Prepare and lead post season meeting to review season, changes/proposals for next season, collect final rosters and other sport specific issues.
•  Organize and tabulate ballots for All MIAA teams.
•  Provide written report to Executive Director regarding post season meeting.
•  Stay abreast of all rules and safety issues concerning your sport.
•  Review and approve schedules

COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRPERSON DUTIES

• Attend the pre-season and post season meetings to assist the chairperson.
• Run the portion of the pre and post season meetings that pertain to their conference.
• Report on issues in their conference to the body at the monthly athletic directors’ meeting.
• Attend the championship game for their respective conference to hand out the championship plaque and handle any issues that arise.
• Attend group meets/individual championships in sports where this occurs.
• Other duties as assigned.

COMPETITION COMMITTEE

CONFERENCE MOVEMENT/ADDING A TEAM

Movement between competitive levels in all sports will be done on a two-year basis. Football is the only exception to this policy, as movement between competitive levels will be done on an annual basis.

The Competition Committee of the MIAA is a standing committee formed in the 2008-2009 academic year. The committee is comprised of two heads of school (or principals), three at-large athletic directors, and two members of the Executive Committee (1st Vice President and the 2nd Vice President). The group members will represent large, medium, and small MIAA schools according to student enrollment.

The Competition Committee will meet during the midpoint of each season, and also at the end of each sports season in a movement year. During a non-movement year, the group will meet as directed by the MIAA Executive Director, Executive Committee President and/or 1st Vice President. Under “extenuating circumstances”, the Competition Committee may hear an appeal in a non-movement year from any school. There will not be any conference realignment in a non-movement year, unless there are additions or subtractions to that league in the non-movement year.

The committee members will determine the placement of school teams in conferences for a two year period. The committee will review divisional alignment, if applicable, and make necessary adjustments to ensure competitive balance. Although consideration will be made regarding school requests, the final decision will always be made by what is in the best interest of the MIAA. The goal of the committee is to best provide for competitive equality and balance in the athletic conferences.

In making team placement decisions, the committee members will consider a team’s past records, school population size, under-squad success, coaches’ report, other AD’s input, head of school report, and sports committee chairperson’s recommendation. A school may start a new program in the middle of a two year cycle. The school may join the conference of its choice, pending approval of the Competition Committee and provided application is made prior to the end of season meeting. Ultimately, the final decision of placement will be made in the best interest of the MIAA.

Timeline:

•  The MIAA Administrative Assistant will forward the “MIAA Request for Conference Movement or Adding a Team” form to all MIAA ADs 30 days prior to the End of Season (EOS) meeting.
• The aforementioned forms must be completed and submitted by ADs no later than 15 days prior to the EOS meeting.
• The list of all “MIAA Request for Conference Movement or Adding a Team” forms will be sent 3 days prior to the EOS meeting to all ADs and the Heads of Schools via email.
• The Competition Committee (with consultation from the sports chair person) will meet and render a decision within 14 days after the EOS meeting.

Appeal Procedure of Competition Committee Decision:

•  School appealing the Competition Committee decision must notify the chairperson of the committee in writing within 48 hours of final decision notification.
• An appeal meeting will be scheduled within one week of appeal notification (exception being holidays).
• The appeal meeting participants will be the Competition Committee members, school appealing representatives (AD and/or Head of School) & Sport Committee chairperson.
• The competition committee will notify the appealing school in writing of their decision within three days of the appeal meeting.
• If an appeal of the decision is necessary, it will be presented to the Senior Leadership Committee.
• There are no further appeals.
• If the appeal school refuses to abide by the Competition Committee’s and/or Senior Leadership Committee’s final appeal decision, the Executive Committee will determine the sanctions for the school.

2024-25 Scheduling Contacts

*Trainer Liaisons to the MIAA.

Athletic Trainers Committee Chairperson: Joey Sierzega, Co-Athletic Director at Glenelg Country School

2024-25 Athletic Trainers

*Trainer Liaisons to the MIAA.

Athletic Trainers Committee Chairperson: Joey Sierzega, Co-Athletic Director at Glenelg Country School

ATHLETIC TRAINERS’ GUIDELINES AND POLICIES

The MIAA Athletic Trainers organization is a valuable asset to the Association. Recommendations from the trainers’ organization should fall into one of two classifications.

• Guidelines are safety recommendations from the group that hopefully will be followed by all member schools.
• Policies refer to those recommendations that have been passed by the Directors of Athletics and are considered mandatory and must be followed by each member

For all guidelines and policies, in the interest of safety, the default should always be the most conservative
approach.

The Association officially recognizes the formation of Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (MIAA-SMAC). The committee shall advise, work cooperatively with and give guidance to the Association concerning medical and safety issues as they relate to programs and services of the MIAA provided by the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) and the NCAA. The committee will monitor, evaluate and disseminate current information to the Association for its membership relative to the field of sports medicine. Through this committee, the MIAA will work to educate its constituency concerning sports medicine issues. The committee will work to proactively address health and risk management issues of general concern to the MIAA membership.

GOALS

• Work cooperatively and maintain liaison with other key medical and health organizations that can assist the committee in its
• Work cooperatively with the Association to address sports medicine issues as they relate to rules and the health and safety of its
• Collaborate with the Association to educate its membership on appropriate health care, injury prevention and safe participation.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Kelley Crowe, Archbishop Spalding High School – Nick Pitruzzella, Gilman School – Joey Sierzega, Glenelg Country School – Shelly Pruett, Boys’ Latin School – Cat Robinson, St. Paul’s School –  and Liz Vaught, Friends School

Rich Hinton, MD – Jeff Mayer, MD – Teri McCambridge, MD and Kyle Yost, DO

2024-25 OFFICIALS FEES

Scrimmage fees will be paid at the following rates:

Football – Half game fee up to two hours, Soccer – Full game fees for scrimmages when playing 40-minute Halves. Half game fees for scrimmages when plating 30-minute halves. Water Polo – Regular season fees, Basketball – $15 per quarter, Wrestling – $63/ea

Baseball – Half game fee up to 7 innings, Lacrosse – Varsity = $74 JV & Fr/So= $69 Middle School = $56

Remaining sports and multiple team scrimmages should be agreed to by the home school and assigner prior to the event.

2024-25 OFFICIALS’ GROUPS

GENERAL REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES

(Rev. 6/24)

1. Eligible Students

Commencing with date of enrollment at a member school, a full-time student, who is in good standing according to the policies of the particular school and subject to the other limitations herein prescribed, is eligible to participate in league competitions in the MIAA. Students are considered full time and part of the school community when they take a majority of their academic classes on campus within their school, during the traditional school year.

Foreign based students who attend an MIAA member school will be eligible for participation presuming that they meet all MIAA guidelines for eligibility and are attending a member school in conjunction with programs administered by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET). Information regarding CSIET programs may be obtained by calling (888) 787-2970 or visit their website at www.csiet.org. To prove their eligibility, the student athlete must provide:

1. Birth Certificate, Visa or Passport verifying date of birth
2. Secondary School academic credentials
3. Documentation of athletic experience in their native country
4. Eligibility Verification Form

2. Age Limitations

A student who has attained his/her 19th birthday before August 31 of a given academic year is not eligible to participate.

A student who has attained his/her 19th birthday on or after August 31st of a given academic year may participate only on the Varsity level.

3. Limits of Participation

• A student may not represent any school, regardless of its affiliation to this Association, in any one sport at any competitive level for more than four years.
• Beginning in the 2019-20 academic year, a student has four consecutive years of eligibility from the first date of enrollment into the 9th grade to be eligible for interscholastic competition.
• Students may only be enrolled in grades 9-12 for participation in association athletic programs.
• Participation and eligibility, in general, is based upon participation while in grades 9-12.
• A student may not represent more than one school during any academic year in interscholastic athletics regardless of its affiliation to this association.
• A student who has graduated from a secondary education program, either domestic or foreign, is not eligible to participate.

Participation, in regards to any transfer policy, is defined as practicing or scrimmaging during the regular season, beginning with the 1st try-out/practice date or playing in any interscholastic competition. Any transfer student who is deemed ineligible can practice or workout with their team, however they may not compete in any interscholastic competitions.

4. Amateur Status

To be eligible to participate in contests of this Association, a student must be an amateur. As such, he/she may not receive, directly or indirectly, any salary, stipend, incentive, payment, award, gratuity, gift, educational expenses or expense allowance as a result of participation in any sport or sports team. In the case of sponsored elite sport camps, amenities such as travel, accommodations and meals are considered to be acceptable gratuities. Items of a sanitary nature distributed by these camps that would not be reused by the sponsoring organization would also be considered as acceptable gratuities. Items with intrinsic value or considered as gifts (i.e. helmets, sticks, equipment bags, etc.) would not be in compliance with this policy and would need to be refused in order to protect the amateur status of the student. In order to preserve students’ eligibility for college athletics, MIAA athletes are required to adhere to the policies for avoiding “professionalism” as defined by the NCAA.

5. Recruitment

In conformity with the purpose and spirit of this Association, the following principles govern the manner in which member schools influence and encourage a student to become affiliated with a school:

1. No school, through any of its officers, representative or by any other means, shall directly or indirectly offer inducement to a student of any school, regardless of the student’s age or academic grade, to terminate enrollment at said school and migrate to another for athletic purposes.
2. It is considered appropriate for a school’s admissions department to provide a student information about its school; however, coaches and other members of a school’s athletic department are prohibited from contacting or communicating with a student or the student’s parents/guardians until such time as an inquiry regarding the student’s possible admission to the school has been initiated by the student’s parent/guardian through the admissions department. This policy does not preclude attendance by coaches or member school representatives to non-high school athletic events for the purpose of screening prospective student athletes. On the occasion that a prospective student athlete or his parents seek information from a member school’s representative attending a non-high school event, the school’s representative may answer preliminary questions about the member school. The school’s representative should indicate to the prospective student athlete and his parents that further contact by an athletic department representative cannot be made until the admissions department at the member school is contacted by the parents.
3. MIAA schools may not initiate contact or “recruit” middle school students who are enrolled in other MIAA schools, while the students are representing their MIAA school.
4. Athletes being recruited to member school teams, who have not yet officially attended a day of class and regardless of age or grade, may not practice or participate with a member school team during the regular season. Additionally, they may not participate in any out of season practice or game which primarily involves players from the member school’s team. This does not apply to incoming 9th grade or transfer students who have signed enrollment contracts and are trying out for a fall team.
5. The Association endorses only need-based financial aid and recommends that assistance to students be granted only on the basis of demonstrated financial need.
6. Home visits are not permitted.
7. Coaches are not permitted to distribute gifts of any kind to perspective student athletes. 

6. Transfer Students

Date of enrollment is defined as the first day the student is physically attending classes. Varsity Athlete:

• A non-member school varsity athlete is defined as a student who has competed in any way in a varsity interscholastic competition.
• An MIAA varsity athlete is defined as a student who has competed in any way in a varsity interscholastic conference competition. Participation in any non-conference scrimmages or games at the varsity level, throughout the season, does not have an impact upon the transferring student’s status.

A transfer student is defined as one who changes enrollment from one school to another.

A transfer student who changes schools during the school year and has participated in interscholastic athletics at any level at his former school during that school year is ineligible to participate in interscholastic activities for the remainder of that school year. A student athlete who is by definition a varsity athlete at a member school may not become eligible to participate at another member school in the next academic year by enrolling in a non- member school for a period of less than one full academic year. Further, a students’ ineligibility to participate is based on his/her participation for the prior year only. A student who plays on a varsity team during one year and does not participate at the varsity level in the year prior to transfer will be eligible to play provided all other transfer criteria are met.

A transfer student who migrates from one member school to another and was a varsity athlete at his / her previous school is eligible to participate in non-conference games, (excluding MIAA playoffs and any state, national or other postseason competitions) in that sport at the new school for one calendar year beginning with the first date of enrollment at the new school. This is provided they have not reached their 19th birthday prior to August 31. If that student was an undersquad athlete (freshman or junior varsity) at his previous school, he/she may transfer without penalty, if no other stated policies apply.

The only exception to this transfer policy is if a student’s present school eliminates the athletic program in which he/she is participating.

An Open Enrollment Period will be offered for non-member student athletes. From June 1 through September 1, student athletes transferring from any non-member school to a member school, may transfer and participate in interscholastic athletics, at any level, without penalty. In order to qualify under this guideline, all appropriate paperwork must be completed and the enrollment contract deposit must be paid on or before September 1. The MIAA reserves the right to request copies of any enrollment contract. The student athlete must physically be attending classes on the first day of fall classes or by September 1. If the opening of the member school is after September 1, the required paperwork and deposit must be complete on or before the September 1st date.

30 Day Rule – A transfer student, if no other stated policies apply, who transfers between September 1 and May 30 of any academic year, may not participate in a league competition of this Association until 30 days after the date of enrollment at the new school, which date may not precede the last day of the student’s attendance at the prior school.

Eligibility Verification Forms are due to the league office upon the date of enrollment. A transfer student, regardless of prior participation may not participate in the MIAA until an Eligibility Verification Form is submitted to the league office. Transfer students may practice or workout with their team, however they may not compete in any interscholastic competitions until approval is granted. For any transfer student without a verified EVF, any games played will be subject to forfeiture. Additionally, a student athlete transferring from one member school to another may not participate in interscholastic athletics until all financial obligations at the previous school have been satisfied. Proof of age (birth certificate, state issued ID or passport) is required to be submitted with the Eligibility Verification Form.

7. Definition of a Team/Tag A Longs

A team is defined as having enough participants to tie or win a competition in a dual meet.
A tag a long is defined as a student athlete who attends a member school and who participates in or has an interest in a sport which is not competitively offered by that member school. Tag a longs may not participate in any MIAA sanctioned regular season, individual or championship event.

8. Middle School Student Athletes

Middle school student athletes may not practice or compete on any high school teams, varsity or undersquad level. Any member school whose enrolled students include those in grades 6 through 8 and who field competitive teams in these grade levels would have the option to be included in sanctioned competition under the governance of the MIAA Middle School Competition Committee. While middle school athletics is a separate entity, these programs fall under the auspices of the Constitution.

9. Female Participation

Female student athletes at coed member schools will be allowed to participate on MIAA sanctioned interscholastic athletic teams in any sport where an opportunity is not available to them in the same sport regardless of season. For clarification, a school may offer an opportunity during any of the three seasons (Fall, Winter, Spring) to fulfill this requirement. As an example, the MIAA plays its tennis schedule during the Spring.  A school offering a female tennis team during the Fall would preclude participation by female student athletes on the MIAA team.  An opportunity would include student athletes competing interscholastically but does not have to be a league sanctioned sport.

The MIAA considers baseball and softball to be equivalent sport opportunities.

A female student athlete who elects to try out for an MIAA team will be required to have a waiver signed by both the student athlete and her parent/guardian to be eligible for any tryout session, practice or contest. All waivers will go to the Executive Committee for review.

10. Steroid / Drug Use

The MIAA opposes the use of steroids or any other performance enhancing drugs by our student athletes. Due to the long term, irreversible, negative effects of performance enhancing drugs on a young athlete’s physical development, the use of such substances violates our position to ensure the health and safety of our student athletes and the promotion of competitive equity. Legal and ethical standards do not condone, support, nor permit the use of these substances.

11. Mandatory Rosters

Member schools must supply official rosters to the league office by the designated calendar date or prior to the first conference game, whichever date comes first. Rosters need to include name, academic year, ‘transfer student’ status and date of birth.

Any additions or subtractions to these rosters must be forwarded to the league office immediately as they occur.

Final rosters will be due at the end of season meeting.

12. Sexual Harassment / Sex Abuse

Any sexualized verbal, non-verbal or physical behavior exhibited toward another individual that is intended or unintended, legal or illegal and fostered by the abuse of power and trust over the victim who considers the action to be unwanted, is not permitted.

Everyone shares in the responsibility to identify and prevent this type of behavior and to develop a culture of dignity, respect and safety in sport.

13. Social Media Use

Social media is an integral component of today’s society. The use of such media provides for many benefits but can also be disruptive and yield negative consequences when used in an inappropriate manner. The member schools, coaches and student athletes of the MIAA are expected to utilize the capacities that social media provides in a positive and respectful manner. Social media use that promotes hurtful, harmful or negative reflection upon others is not condoned nor supported by the MIAA.

14. Media Policy

The MIAA prohibits representatives of member schools to engage in negative commentary or make disparaging statements to any media outlets, including social media, relative to officiating, coaching, coaches, athletes, teams, and/or the league and its representatives.  Any violation of this policy will be governed by the MIAA sportsmanship policy.

15. Ejection Rule

A player who is ejected before, during or after game or contest (for other than physical or verbal abuse of a game official) is automatically suspended from participation in that team’s next scheduled game or contest. In addition, the use of explicit, inappropriate and/or vulgar language will also be considered grounds for an ejection. A player ejected before, during, or after a school’s final contest must serve his suspension during his team’s next scheduled contest to include a league championship, tournament or playoff game. If the individual’s school is not participating in the league championship tournament, the suspension carries over to the first contest in the next year. In the event of an individual performing in a tournament, it is the next scheduled time he is to compete. The two yellow card rule (soft red) in soccer does not fall under this ruling. The two technical foul rule in basketball does not warrant an additional game suspension, unless the 2nd technical foul would warrant an ejection on its’ own.

A player ejected, before, during or after a contest, for the physical or verbal abuse of a game official or for an ejection involving an altercation with an opposing player which results in attempted or actual physical contact with that player is automatically suspended for the next schedule contest, and may not participate again until a review of the ejection incident is made by the executive director.

When a senior athlete is ejected in the final game of a fall or winter sport, the senior athlete must serve his suspension in the next interscholastic competition(s), regardless of season or sport.

A coach who receives two unsportsmanlike infractions in a contest or who is ejected before, during or after a contest is suspended for the next two (2) subsequent contests which carry over to the next year.  The executive director at the request of the athletic director may review the ejection incident and waive the suspension for the second contest.  This request for review may be made only in writing.  The executive director’s decision is non-appealable.  If a coach is ejected from a game, he may not coach another game at any level until his suspension at the level he/she was suspended from is complete. Coaches ejected from game(s) may not be present at the game site – both for the day of the ejection and any subsequent game(s).

No changes or additions to a schedule to satisfy a suspension will be permitted.

It is the responsibility of the individual’s athletic director to enforce this rule and notify the executive director, for documentation purposes only, of the ejection and subsequent suspension.

The game officials’ decisions regarding an individual’s ejection from a game or contest are final and binding; no appeals will be entertained. The officials’ committee has the discretion to consider using media/video during the review process and/or to validate an official’s report.

Failure to enforce the suspension by allowing the ejected individual to participate in the subsequent contest results in the automatic forfeiture of the game or contest in which the de facto suspended individual participated.

The executive director, after conferring with the individual’s head of school, athletic director and officials committee, may impose additional penalties. The additional penalties are non-appealable. Penalties issued by officials for unsportsmanlike or dangerous physical contact to another player may come under the review of the executive director and/or officials committee for additional sanctions. The Executive Director will publish ejection decisions (offense/punishment) to all member schools.

ANY PLAYER ISSUED A RED CARD OR CITED FOR FLAGRANT FOUL, MISCONDUCT OR UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT AFTER TIME HAS EXPIRED WILL SERVE A SUSPENSION AS UNDER NORMAL GAME TIME EJECTIONS. NO EJECTION IS APPEALABLE, REGARDLESS OF THE CONDITION CITED BY THE OFFICIALS TO JUSTIFY THE EXPULSION. THIS WOULD INCLUDE SERIOUSNESS OF THE FOUL OR MISINTERPRETATION OF THE RULES.

Discretionary Disqualification:

Upon a finding by the executive director that a player, coach, and/or team while coaching or competing for an MIAA member school, engaged in flagrant misconduct while on the premises where a game is conducted, said player, coach and/or team may be disqualified from participating in the next scheduled game or games following said determination. The degree of penalty shall be within the discretion of the executive director after conferring with the officials committee and/or executive committee and based upon the nature and extent of such flagrant misconduct. Previous flagrant misconduct shall be a contributing factor in determining the degree of penalty.

Action by Member School:

If it is determined that an MIAA member school’s administration, faculty, coaches, teams, students, or team followers engaged in flagrant misconduct and/or conduct which violates one or more provisions of the Constitution, By-Laws or General Regulations, that member school may be directed by the executive director after conferring with the executive committee to impose appropriate discipline upon such person(s) or to take other rectifying action for such conduct. The MIAA may suggest the member school to take specified rectifying action and/or to impose specified appropriate discipline upon such person(s) as a condition for not imposing penalties upon the member school for flagrant misconduct and/or violations of the Constitution, By-Laws or General Regulations.

16. Protest of Games

The intent to protest must be requested and documented to the official and opposing coach at the point of the infraction before the continuation of the contest.

A protest of a game, excluding a claim of the ineligibility of a player, may only be entered by the Chief Academic Administrator of the school or his/her delegate as restricted by the stipulations of Article Four, Section 1 of the Constitution.

Such protest must be submitted to the Executive Director in writing and be submitted within 72 hours of the completion of the game in question; at the same time, copies must be forwarded to the Chief Administrator and Athletic Director of the opponent school. The Executive Director polls the members of the Executive Committee, in consultation with the Sport Chairperson regarding the disposition of the protest. The decision is final and binding, without recourse to any appeal.

17. Fines and Penalties

Schools not represented or excused from any monthly general meeting could be liable for a fine of $100. Schools not represented at two successive general meetings will be fined $100. Schools not represented by the proper administrator at either of the association’s two business meetings will be fined $100. Schools whose coaches do not attend the preseason or end of season meetings will be fined $100.

Schools who fail to submit all conference nominees or ballots in any sport in the required time frame and prior to the actual voting will be fined $100. Schools may submit a completed ballot to the sport chair before the end of season meeting for any sport, and, should their coach not attend for any reason, the players from that school can be considered for the All MIAA team. If the school does not get approval to miss the meeting from the league in advance, the school will still be fined for lack of attendance.

Required MIAA forms and /or documents, not submitted by specified deadlines, may subject offending school to fines, penalties and/or disqualification of that school’s athletes from MIAA events.

Any violation of league rules reported to the league will be investigated. This investigation will commence with a complaint delivered in writing to the Executive Director by a school head. If the Executive Committee determines the concern is valid enough to warrant a hearing, they will inform the athletic director from the school being investigated. If the school is found to have violated any MIAA rules or by-laws, they could be subject to a penalty of $1,000 and/or disqualification of their team from competing in the MIAA playoffs or championship. This would be an appealable decision to the next higher governing body (Board of Governors).

The deliberate or inadvertent violation of the conditions of a student-athlete’s eligibility results in the forfeiture of all contests in which the ineligible student participated. It is the competence of the Executive Director, upon his own or any member school’s initiative, to judge the eligibility status of a student-athlete.

The Executive Director, in consultation with the Executive Committee, is given the authority to assess a fine and/or forfeiture for any violation of league rules.

18. Governance Decisions

As per Article Four of the MIAA Constitution, any member school wishing to address a concern over a decision by any governance body may do so in one of two ways:

1. File an appeal as outlined in Article Four, Section Eight of the Constitution
2. The Athletic Director or Head of School, through written communication to the ruling body, may request an explanation of any decision rendered by that body. The head of that body would be obliged to respond in writing within 3 days to the inquiry. A request for this explanation would not preclude the member school from filing an appeal of the decision as outlined in the appeal process. It is not acceptable for any coach or other person associated with a member school to address any member of a governance body orally or in writing with regard to these decisions. All communications must be channeled through the Head of School or the Director of Athletics.

19. Movement Between Conferences

Movement between competitive levels in all sports at all levels will be done on a two-year basis. Football is the only exception to this policy, as movement between competitive levels will be done on an annual basis. Schools must announce 15 days prior to the end of season meeting their intention to change a competitive level in any sport. A standard form should be submitted to the MIAA office. A final list of all movement requests will be submitted 3 days prior to the end of season meeting to athletic directors via email.

No movement in competitive level will be considered if this timeframe is not adhered to. A school may start a new program in the middle of a two-year cycle. The school may join the conference of its choice, pending approval of the Competition Committee and provided application is made prior to the end of season meeting.

There will not be any conference/divisional realignment in a non-movement year, unless there are additions or subtractions to that conference in the non-movement year. Under extenuating circumstances, the Competition Committee may hear an appeal in a non-movement year from any school.

All final conference movements and additions must be approved by the Competition Committee.

20. JV Conference Alignment

Junior varsity teams must follow the same conference alignment as at the varsity level unless otherwise requested by the Athletic Director and approved by the Competition Committee. An undersquad team participating in a conference below their varsity team is ineligible for that conference championship. If there is not a corresponding conference for that undersquad team, the team would then be eligible for that conference championship.

21. Migration Between Squad Levels

Migration is defined as movement between lower and upper-level teams in any non-conference contest. This migration is for the benefit of player development and not for support of numerical makeup of higher-level teams. Migration down from upper level to lower-level teams, in conference contests, should only occur if there is a danger of an under-squad team being unable to complete their schedule.

Students participating in team-oriented sports will be permitted to migrate between squad levels in any non-conference competition throughout the season. Students participating in individual oriented sports will follow provisions as established by the sports committee chairperson for that sport.

Squad level migration requests for conference contests must be submitted using the Migration Request Form prior to the migration. Requests must indicate the reasons for the migration and the names and positions of the players to be considered.                                                                                                                                                                                                            (In emergency situations a school may request temporary migration of a specialty position player without impact upon the championship status of the under-squad team.)

Any under-squad team using migrated players in conference contests is ineligible for an under-squad championship. For clarification, all games count in conference standings when using migrating players.

Regardless of the league status of an athletic competition, a student may not participate in two squad levels of the same sport in the same day. (An exceptional circumstance, pending approval by the sport committee chair, may grant temporary permission for an athlete to participate in two levels on the same day).

22. Start Dates / Sports Season/ Practices / Out of Season Practices

All schools will be strictly held to seasonal practice start dates.

Member schools shall conduct all interscholastic athletic contests and practice during defined sports seasons.

The sport season shall be defined as:

1. “Fall” means the first date of allowable practice until the final date of the MIAA championship for that sport.
2. “Winter” means the first date of allowable practice until the final date of the MIAA Championship for that sport.
3. “Spring” means the first date of allowable practiced until the final date of the MIAA Championship for that sport.

If a particular sport does not have a championship or post season tournament, the sport season shall end with the last regular season league contest. No member school shall participate in a post season contest without the written approval of the Executive Director. Individuals selected to participate in post season “showcases” or “all-stars” are excluded from this policy.  For individual sports (cross country, squash, track, swimming, wrestling, tennis and golf), athletes may continue to participate in post season events as an “individual”, not as part of a team.

For clarification, a practice is defined as an organized gathering of student athletes, supervised by a coach or coaches, for the purpose of preparing for an athletic contest or to decide the numerical make-up of a team. Athletes may participate in two different “in- season” sports.

First day of fall practice through May 31st (School Year):

Coaches will be permitted to work with their team outside of the normal season, during the school year, for no more than three hours per week up until their seasonal start date. The three-hour time period is voluntary for students and may include; agilities, practices, individual sessions, and open gyms. Weekend club or rec team games/tournaments and weight training/conditioning activities are not included in this three-hour limitation. The three-hour time limit is cumulative for all coaches. (This includes Spring football) There are no out of season limitations for the individual sports to include: cross country, golf, squash, swimming, tennis and track.

Summer Season:

Fall teams – Summer begins June 1st and ends seven days prior to the member schools’ start date for that sport. During this time coaches can work with student athletes in any capacity. Workouts must be on a voluntary basis. The use of protective padding for football, blocking/tackling sleds or similar apparatus is prohibited and no contact is allowed. Camps are excluded. The blackout period is defined as the seven days prior to the member school’s first day of tryouts. During this period, all player/coach contact is disallowed.

Winter & Spring Sports teams – Summer begins June 1st and ends the first day of Fall practice. During this time coaches can work with student athletes in any capacity. The Fall sports start date signifies the end of summer and the beginning of the out of season practice limitations for Winter and Spring teams.

23. Postponements / Emergency Scheduling Plan

All scores and postponements must be entered into the MIAA website before 10:00am the next day. Any school failing to report a score within this time period will be fined $10 per violation. In the case of postponements, all contests (especially baseball and wrestling) must be rescheduled within 48 hours or the Executive Director in conjunction with the Executive Committee president will set the date and time of the game or match. Regular season games must be completed 72 hours prior to the start of the playoffs unless authorized by the Executive Director after consultation with the Executive Committee. Executive Committee and sport chair approval is required to schedule/reschedule a game 7 days prior to the start of the playoffs.

A member school may not arbitrarily, intentionally, or unilaterally forfeit or cancel a scheduled competition with another member school. It is the competence of the Executive Director to determine the arbitrary or intentional nature of a forfeiture. If a contest is forfeited without authorization, the member school will be issued a $500 fine and will be ineligible for playoffs or team championship. Canceled contests approved by the Executive Director will not carry a fine.

In the event of an Act of God or any other crisis that demands scheduling alternatives, the following plan will be initiated: (A decision of whether to implement the emergency scheduling plan will be made by the Executive Director after consultation with the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors.)

1. Freeze all games and scrimmages
2. All teams make playoffs with seeding by most wins; tie breaker rules are applicable
3. Executive Committee, in consultation with the Calendar Committee, establishes new start date for playoffs and championship dates/venues.
4. Executive Director in consultation with the Executive Committee may determine the top two teams to participate in an undersquad championship.

Member schools may be used as championship venues.

The Executive Director, in consultation with the Executive Committee, reserves the right to revise the playoff/tournament schedule because of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. Every attempt should be made to complete competition by the established Championship date(s). 

24. Seasonal Game Limitations

The MIAA respects the autonomy of each member school to decide the number of games played in each sport. However, budget considerations and overlapping of schedules into another sport season should be taken into consideration when determining the number of games played.

25. Championship Venues

All MIAA varsity championships will take place at a predetermined site. When applicable, the championship site will be moved to a neutral venue.

Championship venues will be based on the following criteria:

1. Revenue or non-revenue sport
2. Cost of the facility and the size of the championship.

In the event that circumstances force the loss of the neutral venue, member schools will be used in place of the scheduled venue. In the event that a school cannot participate in a championship event due to religious restrictions, a new date and venue will be announced as soon as possible.

When a neutral site is used for a championship event, no team can unilaterally arrange for a practice at this site, unless provisions are made by the Executive Director to allot practice time for all participating teams. Other practice sites can be used by arrangement of individual schools.

26. Officials

All schools must use officials sanctioned by this Association for all home games. In exceptional circumstances, the executive director has the competence to waiver this regulation.

27. Athletic Trainers

Every member school participating in varsity competition must have a Certified Athletic Trainer. Additionally, all member schools would be encouraged to have an ATC present at all home varsity events. Off campus home events should be covered through communication or where physically practical. Home teams are required to provide an athletic trainer for all varsity ice hockey games. It would also be recommended that an ATC be available for home under squad contests involving collision sports as defined by Federal Department of Education Title IX guidelines.

Athletic trainers will be paid a fixed stipend for each event amounting to a previously agreed to hourly rate. This stipend will be paid for all MIAA championship events or other games or group events as determined by the league. The fee will be split among all trainers that are assigned to each event.

28. Thunder/Lightning Policy

Contests suspended by weather (act of God) will be picked up at point of stoppage, unless specified by pre-established league rules. A decision not to continue with a contest must be determined by the athletic director or another school administrator. (See Athletic Trainers’ Guidelines and Policies – G.) Rescheduling should be determined by the athletic directors or in consultation with the sport committee chair.

29. Videotaping

Videotaping or filming at all regularly scheduled league or non-league games is permitted. Videotaping or filming of an opponent during scrimmages or practice is strictly forbidden.

All coaches should abide by a Code of Ethics which includes not “scouting” practices and scrimmages unless by prior arrangement.

For Football, each team will be responsible for loading all games into HUDL pool 24 hours post game. Home team must allow one person from visitor’s team to film from a similar location as home team.

For volleyball, all filming should be conducted from the end of the court, corner of the court, or top row of the bleachers. Cameras (or other recording devices) should not be located behind a team bench.

30. Crowd Control

Any school having an interscholastic athletic program, before the start of the school year, should have a well-planned crowd control program. Personnel who should be included in developing the plan are administrators, athletic director, coaches, supervisor of cheerleaders, band director, security personnel, and the game announcer.

Printed copies of the final statement of the crowd control procedures should be distributed to all personnel involved in any way with the conduct of the game. The program should be developed to regulate three stages: 1) before the contest, 2) during the contest, and 3) after the contest. Specific responsibilities should be outlined for all involved.

A designated member of the school’s administrative team (beyond the athletic director) must be present at all home events. For playoffs and championship events, a designated member of the school’s administrative team (beyond the athletic director) should be present and introduced to appropriate personnel to assist with proper contest management and spectator behavior.

Before the Contest

If the athletic program is to be successfully administered, the athletic director must be concerned with the welfare of fans and the student body. Since most schools are in need of the additional revenue from gate receipts for financing the athletic program, all efforts must be put forth to make attendance an enjoyable experience, thus ensuring a return to other contests. Important preplanning steps are as follows:

1. Make sure that all facilities are clean and comfortable.
2. Staff adequate concession stands.
3. Make available to visiting schools necessary game information: include directions for game parking, location of ticket booths, seating arrangement chart, ticket prices, game time, directions for reaching the site and contest checklist.
4. Provide supervised parking. (Use of service clubs or youth organizations is suggested)
5. Designate specific seating areas for students, bands, adults, and visitors. If possible, opposing student bodies should be separated. If a reserved seating section is used, make sure that seats are clearly designated and that an usher is present.
6. Discuss with the student body the need for showing good sportsmanship to visitors. An informative presentation of game rules and their interpretations might be helpful.
7. Inform cheerleaders of the importance of proper timing of yells, display of good sportsmanship to visitors, and cooperation with team, band and other activities.
8. Arrange for adequate police or security supervision.
9. Post in plain sight at the entrance to the stadium or gym, a copy of the reasons for expulsion from the contest, g., use of alcohol, drugs, throwing objects, unruly behavior.
10. Assign officials to dressing facilities separated from both teams. Provide escorts for the officials when it appears that disturbances may develop.
11. During the Contest

    1. Provide for adequate supervision of students and facilities by the home school.
    2. Be sure that visiting schools assume responsibility for supervising their students.
    3. Plan an interesting half-time program.
    4. To prevent long lines, assure extra help at concession stands during half-time and at program.
    5. Arrange for security to prevent fans from getting on the field, around the players’ bench area, or directly into areas of competition.
    6. Have the PA announcer give the location of rest rooms, concession stands, and lost & found station.
    7. Provide a first-aid room for emergencies. Have a doctor in attendance at home football games. Assure access to a telephone from any contest area.
    8. Noisemakers: The MIAA follows NFHS rules. For indoor events, do not use artificial noisemakers or noise enhancers, including, but not limited to cowbells, sirens, clackers, cans with marbles or rocks inside, air horns or any other noisemaking apparatus. Megaphones may be used only by cheerleaders, directed only toward one’s own fans. For outdoor events, the following noisemakers are prohibited: whistles, horns, and electronically enhanced noisemaking devices. The playing of music/sound effects must only be permitted during pregame, time-outs, intermission and post-game.

    A legitimate pep band is permitted under the proper supervision of a school appointed adult.

    After the Contest

    Planning for after the contest is probably the most important of the three stages of crowd control. Most incidents and encounter occur after the game when fans are on their way home. Come of the most important considerations are as follows:

    1. Develop a procedural plan for the exit of teams, officials, and spectators.
    2. Direct the route for movement of all visiting school buses and all home team buses. (Include band, pep club buses, )
    3. Use the PA system to:
       • caution spectators about not walking on the field or floor
       • give directions for leaving the area
       • drive safely.
    4. To facilitate orderly movement of traffic lines, provide directive (local police may help) supervision for cars leaving the parking area.

    MIAA member schools are responsible for the treatment of all visitors and officials attending games conducted by the MIAA member school. Penalties may be imposed by the executive director after conferring with the executive committee upon a MIAA member school which fails to provide reasonable protection for officials and visitors at home games. The nature and extent of any failure to provide protection shall be a guide in determining any penalty imposed. Previous violations shall be a contributing factor in determining the degree of penalty.

     Any penalties imposed by the executive director/executive committee in regards to discretionary disqualification (General Regulation #14), Sportsmanship, Crowd Control (General Regulation #29), that are themselves non-appealable, may be appealed to the Board of Governors as per Article Four, Section Six – Appeals and/or Article Ten, Section 2 – Membership Sanctions of the Constitution.

SPORTSMANSHIP

The Board of Governors and the General Council of the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association are increasingly concerned about the matter of sportsmanship in athletic contests and the clearly identified increase of fighting, abuse of officials, language and trash talking, and the conduct of parents and spectators. The current climate and conduct exhibited in professional and collegiate sports at contests and on television is not promoting appropriate role modeling for our student athletes, and it behooves all educators to take a leadership role in countering the increasing trend toward violent behavior and abusive situations.

Fully recognizing that there are many positive occurrences in our programs, the leadership bodies of the MIAA would like to impress on the leadership of each school the necessity of taking a stand and promoting appropriate educational settings for our students in our schools and in contests between member schools.

Therefore, we are strongly recommending that each school beginning with every season address these issues in the following manner:

1. Hold a meeting on each campus of every coach, chaired by the athletic director and attended by the head of school (or his/her administrative delegate), to bring to the attention of coaching/teachers the proper approach to sportsmanship which would also address the issue of language, fighting, trash talking and respect for officials and opponents.
2. That each season the student/athletes involved in competition be brought together under similar conditions as outlined above.
3. That in each school the entire school is brought together at an appropriate gathering to have a lead administrator and athletic director outline to students the concerns so expressed.
4. That each school communicates by letter to parents at the beginning of the year the school, the Association’s position on sportsmanship. If a school has a booster club or parent’s organization, these groups should be a forum for discussion of this issue.

The MIAA will ask that at the end of each year a report be filed with the Association on actions taken by the member school in following these recommendations. This report should be submitted on school letterhead.

If it is determined that an MIAA member school’s administration, faculty, coaches, teams, or team followers have engaged in unsportsmanlike conduct, the executive director after conferring with the executive committee may impose appropriate discipline/penalty upon such person(s) or to take other rectifying action for such conduct. The degree of discipline/penalty shall be within the discretion of the executive director after conferring with the executive committee and based upon the nature and extent of such unsportsmanlike conduct. Previous unsportsmanlike conduct shall be a contributing factor in determining the degree of discipline/penalty.

ALL MIAA TEAM SELECTION PROCESS

All MIAA teams for the following sports – Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Water Polo, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Baseball, Lacrosse and Rugby – will be selected in this manner:

1. At approximately two to three weeks before the end of the regular season a form will be sent to each individual school.
2. On this form coaches should select players from their own teams who they feel should receive consideration for the All MIAA Team. The number of nominations from any school will be limited to the number on the form.
3. Coaches should nominate their players by name, year, position & number. Coaches may choose to briefly state reasons why an individual player should be considered. Players who are not placed on the original nomination form may not be added at a later date, nor will they be eligible to be selected for the All MIAA team. Players who are not on the league issued ballot are not eligible for the All MIAA team. 
4. These nomination forms should be submitted back to the office of the executive director no later than the indicated due date. If a school has no candidates, nomination forms still must be submitted. Schools who fail to submit their nominations or ballots in the required time frame will be fined $100.
5. A composite of the nominees will be drawn up and a ballot will be sent to each individual school.
6. At the end of season meeting, each coach will be given 2-3 minutes to discuss their nominees (Due to the number of nominations, football coaches will be given up to 5 minutes.) No vote may be taken or submitted prior to all coaches in attendance having had the opportunity to speak about their nominees.
   When selecting the teams, each playing position should be represented on the team. Positions will be determined before the vote by the respective sport committee chairperson.
   Coaches will then complete the ballot with their selections independently from one another.
   Coaches may not vote for their own players.
   While voting is taking place, an Athletic Director must be present to ensure the process is followed. Votes will be tallied by the AD in the room and all ties will be resolved prior to the meeting being adjourned. Schools may submit a completed ballot to the sport chair before the end of season meeting for any sport, and, should their coach not attend for
   any reason, the players from that school can be considered for the All MIAA team. If the school does not get approval to miss the meeting from the league in advance, the school will still be fined for lack of attendance.
   Any player nominated for the team whose coach does not submit a ballot will not be considered for inclusion on the
   team.
7. All MIAA Teams will be chosen from these ballots. The number of athletes named to the teams will be as follows:
   Football-Up to 47 from the “A” & “B” conference, Soccer-Up to 26 from “A” conference, up to 28 from the “B” conference & up to 26 from the “C” conference, Volleyball-Up to 15, Water Polo-Up to 14, Basketball-Up to 15 from the “A” conference, up to 14 from the “B” conference & up to 10 from the “C” conference, Ice Hockey-Up to 11 from the “A” conference & up to 15 from the “B” conference, Baseball-Up to 20 from the “A” conference, up to 20 from the “B” conference & up to 20 from the “C” conference, Lacrosse-Up to 22 from the “A” conference, up to 20 from the “B” conference & up to 22 from the “C” conference and Rugby-Up to 15.These numbers may be adjusted when conference movement occurs.
8. Players chosen to these teams will be given certificates indicating their selection to this team.

Event champions and relay champions for the following sports will be named to the All MIAA team: Cross Country (top 7 finishers from each conference), Indoor Track plus 5 at-large members, Swimming, Wrestling (“A” from championship – “B” top finisher from championship), Tennis plus 4 at-large members from each conference and Track & Field plus 5 at-large members from each conference.

The All MIAA team for squash (up to 12 athletes) & golf (up to 12 athletes from each conference) will be chosen by coaches at the end of season meeting.

AWARDS

*Revolving Awards:
Cross County: A revolving cup will be given to each conference winner of the championship meets.
Football: The Mike Whittles Trophy will be given to the winner of the “A” Conference Championship game.
Indoor Track: The Johnnie Foreman Trophy will be given to the winner of the championship meet.
Wrestling: The Lehigh Cup will be given to the team with the most points at the championship tournament.
Golf: A revolving plaque will be given to the team champion at the individual tournament.
Track & Field: The Gene Hoffman Trophy will be given to the winner of the “A” Conference championship meet.
The Troy Eggleston Trophy will be given to the winner of the “B” Conference championship meet.
In all fresh/soph competitions, a plaque will be given to the winner of the championship game.

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

The MIAA will recognize one student-athlete from each conference in each sport as the MIAA Athlete of the Year. The MIAA Athlete of the year recognizes student-athletes who display excellence in the areas of academics, athletics, character and sportsmanship.

Recipients will receive an award of recognition and will be featured on the MIAA website and social media pages.

Selection criteria

To be considered for the award the nominee must be recognized on the All-Conference team for their sport.

Process

Following the vote for All-Conference selection, the coaches will vote for one of the All- Conference players in each conference to be selected as the MIAA Athlete of the Year. If an All-Conference team is determined otherwise, nominations will be completed at the end of season meeting. Each varsity conference will submit a single name for Athlete of the Year. If the end of season meeting takes place prior to the sport championship, an electronic vote may be taken after the championships.

COACH OF THE YEAR

The MIAA will recognize one coach in each sport as the MIAA Coach of the Year. The MIAA Coach of the Year is to honor a coach who has demonstrated a sound ability to develop and improve individual and team performance throughout the year and upholding the rules, values and goals of the MIAA.

Recipients will receive an award of recognition and will be featured on the MIAA website and social media pages.

Selection criteria

Coaches will be considered for this award based on their ability to develop and improve individual and team performance throughout the year and upholding the rules, values and goals of the MIAA.

Process

At the end of season meeting, coaches will nominate and then vote for a Coach of the Year in each conference.           These selections will then be presented to the sport chairperson. The sport chairperson will reach out to the AD of each nominee for a statement of support.

The sport chairperson will then share the information with the Executive Committee and together will select a Coach of the Year for each sport. If the end of season meeting takes place prior to the sport championship, an electronic vote may be taken after the championships.

PLAYOFF DETERMINATION

The following formula determines the number of varsity teams eligible for post season playoffs:

• Any conference with 5 – 7 teams will have 4 teams eligible for playoffs
• Any conference with 8 – 11 teams will have 6 teams eligible for playoffs
• Any conference with 12 or more teams will have 8 teams eligible for playoffs

The MIAA will recognize a regular season champion but will not have a post season tournament for conferences of less than 5 teams. (Exceptions were granted to ice hockey and rugby.)

JV: For conferences with 6 or more teams, 4 teams are eligible for playoffs. Otherwise, 2 teams are eligible. Fresh/Soph: 2 teams are eligible for playoffs.

BREAKDOWN OF TEAMS ELIGIBLE FOR PLAYOFFS PER SPORT / LEVEL:

*Special circumstances.

For conferences that have two divisions: If “like” seeds are to play one another in post season, (#1 seed vs. #1 seed, #2 seed vs. #2 seed, etc.), home team will be determined by head-to-head victory.

TIE BREAKERS

Tournament and Playoff Seedings

(rev 6/24)

In the event of a three-way tie, the three-way tie breaker will only be used to select the first advancing team. The remaining berth(s) will be decided using the two-way tie breaker rules.

In a double-tie breaker situation (i.e., ties with top teams and lower teams), the highest seed tie breaker will be determined first by allowing the lower seeds to be in the same position.  The top teams combined head-to-head record vs. the lower seeded tied teams will be used to determine the highest seeds.

In the event of a three-way tie, the three-way tie breaker will only be used to select the first advancing team. The remaining berth(s) will be decided using the two-way tie breaker rules.

Fresh/Soph Championships – There will not be play-in games on the fresh/soph level. In the event of a tie for two playoff spots in which normal tie breaking criteria, including sport specific tie breakers, if applicable, does not resolve the issue, a coin flip will be used to determine the higher seed.

If a three-way tie for the higher seed remains after all criteria are used, a coin flip will determine the spots – Odd team is out. Higher seed will be determined using the two-way tie breaker rules.

If a three-way tie for 2nd seed remains after all criteria are used, a coin flip will determine the spot–Odd team is in.

Sport Specific Tie Breakers-

 Tie Breaker for Football

If still tied:

-If two or more teams tied – Average point differential in conference losses gets higher/last seed. Remaining berth will be decided using multiple team tie breaker rules.

(If tie still remains, a coin flip will be used to break the tie. If necessary, the coin flip will take place at a determined location with all schools represented as witnesses.)

Tie Breaker for Volleyball

If the tie breakers listed on the preceding page does not determine seedings, then:

In the event of a three-way tie for two play-off berths, the three-way tie breaker will only be used to select the first advancing team. The remaining berth will be decided using the two-way tie breaker rules.

 Tie Breaker for Water Polo

If the tie breakers listed on the preceding page does not determine seedings, then:

Least amount of goals allowed among tied teams

Tie Breaker for Basketball

 If the tie breakers listed on the preceding page does not determine seedings, then:

Least amount of points allowed among tied teams
Least amount of points allowed vs. teams above (starting with 1st place)

In the event of a three-way tie, the three-way tie breaker will only be used to select the first advancing team. The remaining berth will be decided using the two-way tie breaker rules.

 Tie Breaker for Ice Hockey

Win:        2 points

Loss:      0 points

Tie:         1 point

Most Points is the first tie-breaker (If points are equal, then most wins)
Head to Head Record
Record vs. teams above (starting with 1st place)
Record vs. teams below (starting with first team below tied teams)
Least goals allowed head to head
Least goals allowed during league season in conference games

Tie Breaker for Golf

If the tie breakers listed on the preceding page does not determine seedings, then:

In the event of a three-way tie, the three-way tie breaker will only be used to select the first advancing team. The remaining berth(s) will be decided using the two-way tie breaker rules.

Tie Breaker for Lacrosse

 If the tie breakers listed on the preceding page does not determine seedings, then:

• Least amount of goals allowed among tied teams
• Least amount of goals allowed vs. teams above (starting with 1st place)
• Least number of goals allowed vs. teams below (starting with below tied teams)                                                                  

Tie Breaker for Rugby

Most Points is the first tie-breaker (If points are equal, then most wins). Then:

Head-to-Head Record
Record vs. teams above (starting with 1st place)
Record vs. teams below (starting with first team below tied teams)
Least number of tries allowed head-to-head

Tie Breaker for Tennis

 If the tie breakers listed on the preceding page does not determine seedings, then:

If published tie breakers do not clearly determine seeds, the Executive Director, in consultation with the Executive Committee, will develop a procedure to resolve seeding for playoffs.

   2024-25 COACHES FACT SHEET & EXPECTATIONS

 The following information represents the foundation of the MIAA. Our coaches’ understanding and support of these facts and expectations is critical to the smooth operation of the MIAA.

1. The MIAA is one of the top high school athletic associations in the country. Coaches should have a sense of pride that they are an integral part of the MIAA.

2. MIAA coaches are the “Face of the League”. Every action a coach takes directly reflects upon his school, his players and fans, and the integrity of the MIAA. Coaches are not islands unto themselves, but representatives of many. The commitment of MIAA coaches to sportsmanship, leadership, and overall professionalism is necessary to set our league above and apart from others.

COACHES – You are the leader!!

The coach bears the greatest burden of responsibility for sportsmanship. Your influence upon the attitudes and behavior of the players, the student body and the community are unequalled. In order for good sportsmanship to become a reality, it is essential that the coach subscribe to the values of sportsmanship and teach its principals through word and deed. Specifically, it is expected that the coach will:

• Always set a good example for others to follow by exercising emotional control when under stress.
• Instruct the players in their sportsmanship responsibilities.
• Discipline or reprimand those students who display unsportsmanlike behavior and if necessary, forfeit the privileges of representing the school.
• Respect the officials’ judgment and interpretation of the rules. Public protest can only lead to similar behavior by the players and spectators.
• Publicly shake hands with the officials and opposing coach before and after the contest.
• Be sensitive to explosive situations; remove a player from a contest before serious difficulty arises.

3. All coaches should feel a responsibility to support and follow the Policies and Procedures adopted by the Their cooperation is appreciated and imperative for smooth operation.

4. All coaches should carefully read the MIAA Policies and Procedures Handbook each school year – specifically noting the areas that directly affect their respective sport.

5. All coaches must have a complete understanding of the following areas in the MIAA Policies and Procedures Handbook:

1. Coach’s Code of Conduct – note that a coach is responsible for their conduct and their team’s conduct from the minute they walk onto their own campus or while they are visiting another school’s facility. This responsibility does not end until the coach and their team has departed from the practice or game. MIAA “game rules” will penalize our coaches or our players for inappropriate conduct throughout this period. All coaches are expected to be “good hosts” for home contests. They should greet their opponent (specifically the head coach) and offer information concerning team bench areas, availability of a trainer, restrooms, and locker rooms. A sincere welcome sets the stage for respectful competition. The same courtesy should be afforded to the officials before the start of each home contest. When you are visiting another school clean up after yourselves. The impression left when you do not is hard to live down!
   Inappropriate language by coaches and players is unacceptable behavior at any time in our league. We expect our coaches to be good role models and to set a tone of good sportsmanship for our athletes and spectators to follow. We do not expect officials to tolerate inappropriate language or unacceptable behavior.
2. All varsity coaches must attend or send a representative to preseason and end-of-season meetings. A fine will be assessed when this policy is not followed. It is important for coaches to meet with sport chairs before the start of each season to review policy and to discuss changes. The end-of-season meeting is equally important because this is the only time that coaches can suggest future changes or make proposals. Athletic Directors are presented proposals at their general meeting following the end-of- season meeting, with voting taking place at the subsequent general meeting. It is also the time to vote on All-MIAA selections.
3. Varsity coaches must follow the All MIAA nomination and selection process as it is outlined. Voting is done at the end-of-season meeting. Athletes who are not nominated in accordance with MIAA nomination procedure will not be considered for the All MIAA team. To protect the integrity of that selection process, varsity coaches should make every opportunity to be present at the end-of-season meeting. Our athletes are the ones who will pay the price for failure to follow procedure. No exceptions will be made to this policy.
4. All coaches must make arrangements for scores to be reported to the MIAA website after each home or away game. Staying current and accurate is critical to how effective our website can be. Considering the enormous number of daily hits to the MIAA website it is clear the accuracy and the timely fashion of our reporting is expected and appreciated by the masses.
5. Varsity coaches must make the time to evaluate officials – all coaches are encouraged to evaluate officials. We cannot expect the quality of officiating to improve if we do not give the appropriate input. Evaluation forms are available through your Athletic Director. Consistent evaluations gives coaches input as to who will officiate playoff games, which is an added incentive.

6. The following policies, forms and statements require “special attention and careful understanding”:

1. Sportsmanship – “Sportsmanship Statement” (Inside front cover of Policies & Procedures handbook)
2. Official Start Dates (2024-25 Calendar)
3. Recruiting (General Regulations/Guidelines #5)
4. Transfer Students (General Regulations/Guidelines #6) – Eligibility Verification Form*
5. Female Participation (General Regulations/Guidelines #9) – Hazardous Activity Waiver*
6. NEW Media Policy (General Regulations/Guidelines #14)
7. Ejection Rules (General Regulations/Guidelines #14)
8. Movement between Conferences (General Regulations/Guidelines #19)
9. Migration between Squad Levels (General Regulations/Guidelines #21)
10. Out of Season Practice (General Regulations/Guidelines #22)
11. All MIAA Team Selection Process
12. Officials Evaluations

*These forms are available for download on our website (www.miaasports.net)

Coaches in the MIAA are some of the best coaches in the country. That being said, it should be a goal for all of our coaches to better themselves whenever possible. Staying current with MIAA Policies and Procedures is a responsibility that must not be taken lightly. MIAA Coaches must follow both the letter of the rules and the spirit of those rules. Our league will be stronger as a result of your efforts. Thank you for accepting the responsibility of leading our athletes. What job could be more challenging and, at the same time, more rewarding?

 Please use your Athletic Director at every opportunity for clarification and direction when it comes to MIAA Policies and Procedures.

CROSS COUNTRY

Set Up

*date and venue requested.  Not under contract.

FOOTBALL

Set Up

*Date and Venue requested – Not under contract

SOCCER

Set Up

VOLLEYBALL

Set Up

WATER POLO

Set Up

BASKETBALL

Set Up

 LEAGUE RULES FOR BASKETBALL

(rev 6/23)

1. A 30 second shot clock will be used for the varsity and JV levels.
2. Partial (20s) shot clock reset
   • Fouls
   1. If there is a foul by the defense in the frontcourt and the shot clock is below 20 seconds, then the shot clock resets to 20 seconds.
   2. The shot clock remains unchanged if there is 20s or more when the foul occurs.
   3. Fouls in the backcourt result in a full 30s reset.
   • Offensive rebounds
   1. If the offense takes a shot that hits the ring and secures the rebound in the front court, then the shot clock is reset to 20s reset.
   2. Offensive rebounds in the front court after a free throw result in a 20s reset.
   3. Shots that are deflected out of bounds by the defense in the FC after hitting the ring result in a 20s reset.
   4. A held ball that occurs in the FC after a shot hits the ring but before either team gains possession results in a 20s reset if the offense has the arrow.
   5. If the offense gains possession in the backcourt after a shot hits the ring, then the shot clock is reset to 30s. 
   6. Adoption of this rule requires that the shot clock be equipped with a partial reset button that can be programmed to 20s. If no 20s reset button is available then 15s partial resets may be used. If available equipment does not allow for partial resets during a live ball, then full resets may be used on offensive rebounds.
   • Dead ball turnovers: If the defense gains possession in their front court after a turnover by the offense in which the ball becomes dead (e.g., violation, held ball, ..) the shot clock is set to 20s. in which the ball becomes dead (e.g., violation, held ball, etc…) the shot clock is set to 20s.
3. 20s reset on kicked/fisted ball – This rule applies in the front and back courts.
4. Closely guarded rule: There is no closely guarded violation unless an offensive player holds the ball for 5 seconds while closely guarded in the front court. There is no closely guarded count while the player is dribbling.
5. 10s backcourt count: The shot clock is used to determine 10s backcourt violations. The violation occurs when the shot clock reads 20 seconds and the ball has not obtained front court status.
6. No reset of 10s backcourt count, if the defense a) deflects the ball out of bounds or b) causes a held ball in the backcourt when the offense has the alternating possession arrow. In both cases the offense can “buy” a new 10s by calling a time out. If the ball becomes dead for any other reason and the offense retains possession, they get a ‘new’ 10 seconds.
7. Deflections into the backcourt: Modify the exception to the backcourt violation (Rule 9-9.1) so that deflections by the defense that cause the ball to go into the backcourt can be retrieved by either team regardless of who touched the ball last before going into the BC. For example, A1 is dribbling the ball in the front court when defender B1 deflects the ball off of A1’s foot causing the ball to go into the backcourt. Under the new rule, A1 could retrieve the ball in the backcourt without penalty.
8. Throw in spots in front court: There are four designated spots:
   • The two 28-foot lines on either sideline
   • The two spots just outside the lane line on either side of the lane

   Whenever the ball becomes dead due to a foul, violation, held ball, inadvertent whistle, or timeout and is to be awarded to a team in its front court, then the ball is put in play at the closest designated spot. The one exception is the ball getting deflected out of bounds. In that case, the ball is put back in play at the spot it went out.

9. Modify the basket interference rule by adding the following to the NFHS definition (Rule 4-6) “Art. 5 – Causes the basket or backboard to vibrate when the ball is on or within the basket or the backboard and/or is on or in the cylinder”
10. Goaltending after ball hits backboard – Modify the goaltending rule by adding the following sentence to the end of the current definition (Rule 4-22): “A try or tap is considered to be on the way down if it is touched after it hits the backboard while any part of the ball is above the ring”
11. Head Coaches Rule: After the first direct or indirect Technical Foul charged to the Head Coach, they must sit for the remainder of the game except to request a time out or signal his players to request a time out and stand during the time out or stand between periods to Coach their team. They may also stand to replace a disqualified or injured player.
12. FOR JV & Fr/So: If there is a 35-point differential at the end of the first half or any time after, the game will be continued with a running clock.

Beginning with the ensuing possession when the 35-point differential becomes effective, the following changes, and only these changes, will be made regarding rules determining when the clock will and will not be stopped. The clock will run continuously except for the following situations when it will be stopped:

• Anytime a time-out is charged to a team;
• Stoppage to administer free-throws;
• Intermission between third and fourth quarter;
• Extended injury time-out;
• Anytime officials determine it is necessary for safety reasons.

Reminder: The first half to completion will be played with regular timing. If the differential is 35 points or more at half- time or anytime there is a 35-point differential during the second half, the running clock procedures will be used. If the score margin drops below 25 points, then normal timing will resume for the remainder of the game, or until the 35-point plateau is again reached.

ICE HOCKEY

Set Up

*Date and Venue requested – Not under contract

LEAGUE OT RULES FOR ICE HOCKEY PLAYOFFS

 1. If a SEMIFINAL game ends in a tie:

1. Depending on how much time is left in the ice slot, a sudden death overtime period (5v5) will be played to decide a winner.
• If more than 20 minutes are left in the slot, a 10-minute overtime will be played.
• If 10-19 minutes are left in the slot, a 5-minute overtime will be played.
• If less than ten minutes are left in the slot, a 3-minute overtime will be played.
2. If the game is still tied after the overtime period, a shootout will decide the winner.
• The HOME team will get to decide whether they would like to shoot first, or defend first.
• Any player whose penalty had not been completed when the overtime period ended or who receives a penalty during a shootout procedure is NOT eligible to be one of the players selected to participate in any portion of the shootout procedure(s).
• Any player that has been ejected during the game is NOT eligible to return to participate in the shootout.
• Each team will select 5 shooters. All goalkeepers and all players from both teams listed on the official game sheet shall be eligible to participate in the shootout. These players do not need to be namedbeforehand. The scorekeeper will keep track of who each team sends out and the order they shoot.
3. If after 5 shooters, there is still a tie, it becomes a sudden death competition. A sudden death shootout is defined as each team attempting a shot. Should one team be successful and the other team not, the successful team shall win the shootout.
   • Teams will select their shooters to participate in the sudden death shootout, whether or not they shot in the previous round.
   • Players in a sudden death shootout shall NOT be allowed to take another shot until FOUR additional shooters have completed their attempt.

2. If the CHAMPIONSHIP GAME ends in a tie:

1. There will be a 10-minute sudden death period played (5v5) to decide the winner
• If less than ten minutes are left in the slot, proceed directly to shootout.
2. If the game is still tied after the overtime period:
• If 20 minutes are left in the slot, an additional 10-minute overtime period (5v5) will be played.
• If less than 20 minutes are left in the slot, an additional 5-minute overtime period (5v5) will be played.
3. If the game is still tied after the overtime(s) period, a shootout will decide the winner.
• The HOME team will get to decide whether they would like to shoot first, or defend first.
• Any player whose penalty had not been completed when the overtime period ended or who receives a penalty during a shootout procedure is NOT eligible to be one of the players selected to participate in any portion of the shootout procedure(s).
• Any player that has been ejected during the game is NOT eligible to return to participate in the shootout.
• Each team will select 5 shooters. All goalkeepers and all players from both teams listed on the official game sheet shall be eligible to participate in the shootout. These players do not need to be named beforehand. The scorekeeper will keep track of who each team sends out and the order they shoot.
4. If after 5 shooters, there is still a tie, it becomes a sudden death competition. A sudden death shootout is defined as each team attempting a shot. Should one team be successful and the other team not, the successful team shall win the shootout.
• Teams will select their shooters to participate in sudden death shootout, whether or not they shot in the previous round.
• Players in a sudden death shootout shall NOT be allowed to take another shot until FOUR additional shooters have completed their attempt.

INDOOR TRACK

Set Up

*Date and Venue requested – Not under contract

SQUASH

Set Up

*Date and Venue requested – Not under contract

SWIMMING

Set Up

*Date and Venue requested – Not under contract

WRESTLING

Set Up

BASEBALL

Set Up

*Dates and venue requested – not under contract

LEAGUE RULES FOR BASEBALL

(rev 6/24)

(to be used during inter Association competition)

1. In the case of postponements, all games must be rescheduled within 48 hours or the Executive Director in conjunction with the Executive Committee president will set the date and time of the game. Regular season varsity games must be completed 72 hours prior to the start of the tournament unless authorized by the Executive Director after consultation with the Executive Committee.

2. The official ball of the MIAA is the Wilson A1010HS/PRO or the Rawlings D1HS/PROHS and are to be used in all MIAA league games. Failure to use the league sanctioned ball will result in a $100 fine for the host school.  All balls used in high school baseball competition shall meet the NOCSAE standard at the time of manufacture.

3. Catchers must wear hockey style masks. Catchers are required to wear a chest protector that meets the NOCSAE standard at the time of manufacture.  The NOCSAE standard has been developed to protect the heart and the cardiac silhouette from commotio cordis, which continues the committee’s focus on minimizing risk of injury for players.

4. The visiting team is entitled to get the field for warm-up 20 minutes prior to the start time. If applicable, the visiting team shall be afforded 20 minutes of pre-game hitting in the batting cage while the home team is taking field warm-up.  Pre-game hitting is mandatory in the “A” conference.

5. The MIAA will not adopt the NCAA pitch clock or pitch count policy.

6. Prior to daylight savings time, no inning is to start after 6:15 p.m. provided that the game has 5 completed innings and is not tied. If the game is tied or has not gone 5 innings, the games will be continued until a winner can be decided or any continuing action would jeopardize safety of players. If tied, completion or continuation of any game that is stopped for darkness or safety will resume at the site of the second-round game or will be decided by the MIAA and the schools involved.

7. Regular season games stopped by weather or Act of God:

• if five full innings have been played, or if the home team has scored an equal or greater number of runs in four or four and a fraction turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in five turns at bat; or
• play has gone beyond five full innings and the game is called when the teams have not had an equal number of completed turns at bat, the score shall be the same as it was at the end of the last completed inning; except that if the home team in its half of the incomplete inning scores a run (or runs) which equals or exceeds the opponent’s score, the final score shall be as recorded when the game is called.
• during regular season games, interrupted games is picked up on the next date from the exact point of interruption if the losing team has not had five complete at bats. If the losing team has had five complete at bats, the game is an official game. If the game is tied after both teams have had five complete at bats, the game must be resumed from the point of interruption to determine a winner.  At least five innings must be played in order for the game to be officially concluded.

8. No playoff or championship game can be shortened by rain or darkness or any other Act of God. Interrupted games are to be picked up on the next date from the exact point of interruption if the losing team has not had seven complete at bats. If the losing team has had seven complete at bats, the game is an official game.  If the game is tied after both teams have had seven complete at bats, the game must be resumed from the point of interruption to determine a winner.  At least seven innings must be played in order for the game to be officially concluded.

9. Field Restriction Rule: If a game is stopped prior to completion of 7 innings due to field restrictions, the game will be resumed at the point of suspension on the next available date at the site of the visiting team.  The original home team is responsible for paying the umpires.

10. At any time after 4 1/2 innings of play and after the team behind has completed its time at bat in at least as many half innings as its opponent, if either team is ahead by 10 or more runs, the game will be terminated. This includes playoff and championship games.

11. The “international rule for extra innings” will be used for all regular season games. The rule places a runner on second base prior to the start of each extra inning. The runner placed on second base is the player or substitute player, in the batting order immediately preceding the hitter leading off the extra inning.  

12. A designated hitter will be allowed for any starter, not just the pitcher.

13. Courtesy runner – If a team is going to use a courtesy runner, it must be declared at the pregame conference. Courtesy runners may only be used for the pitcher and/or catcher at any time after reaching any base.  A player cannot be used as a courtesy runner for both positions during any game; he is limited to either the pitcher or catcher position.  In any inning where a player is used as a courtesy runner, he may not be used as a substitute for any other player in that same half-inning.  Players, who have participated in the game in any other capacity, may not be used as a courtesy runner in that game.  Neither the pitcher nor a catcher will be required to leave a game because a courtesy runner is used.

14. Re-entry rule – Any of the starting players, including the designated hitter, may withdraw and re-enter the game one time. These players must bat in the same positions as in the original line-up.  No substitute player may re-enter in any game.

GOLF

Set Up

*Dates and venue requested – not under contract

LEAGUE RULES FOR GOLF

(rev. 6/24)

1. USGA Rules – Ball will be played down at all times except when course condition dictates otherwise. Then Winter rules apply. (to be determined by coaches before start of match) Preferred lies in own fairway. Lift, clean & place will be used. The “embedded ball rule” is played through the green. All golfers will play from the event tees. Starting with the 2012-13 season, all golfers will be allowed to use range finders in MIAA competition, in accordance with Appendix 1 of the USGA rulebook. Players may NOT use a device or an app which provides wind direction or strength, elevation change or suggests what club to use. The exact description of the rule is found in the USGA rules of golf under Equipment
2. Starting time as close to 3:15pm as tee time permits. (3:00pm before daylight savings time)
3. Home team is responsible for obtaining tee times and paying green fees.
4. A coach or adult supervisor of the school must accompany all teams. Up to three coaches per team will be allowed to give advice anywhere on the course except on the green. This may occur anytime during the match, including during the play of a hole, except for reading putts. Coaches are not allowed on the green and may not give advice on the break of a putt. The appointed advice-provider(s) must be identified and announced to the Committee prior to the first stroke played in the first match of competition (the “Committee” is the committee in charge of the competition). The advice-provider(s) may not cite rules infractions that occur during the competition. This applies to team match play competition but not to individual stroke play.
5. A team that fails to show up for a scheduled match forfeits that match.
6. Motorized carts and caddies are not permitted.
7. Scoring will be 12-hole match play for the ‘A’ Conference and 10-hole match play for the ‘B’ & ‘C’ Conferences and JV. There are a total of 21 points available for dual matches. The first 18 points are figured by individual match play. The points are awarded on a front, back and total basis. All ties split the point. The 3 additional points, is a best ball of team within the group. Example: 1 and 2 from Team A are playing against 1 and 2 from Team B. The 12-hole best ball from Team A is matched to the 12-hole best ball from Team B. The team, which wins the match, is awarded one (1) additional team point. In the event of a tie the point is split between teams. Teams are allowed to share information within the group but not between groups for the entire match. Some areas where the sharing of information may come into effect are: Players 1 and 2 may help each other with reading of putts. Players 1 and 2 may help each other with club selection. Discussions are permitted between teammates but not between opposing teams. Discussions are not permitted between teammates in different groups. (i.e. Players 1 and 2 may not give advice to Players 3, 4, 5 and 6 from their own team at any time during the match)

Effective for the 2018 Golf Season, in all “C” Conference match play, including championship matches, the #5 and #6 members of each respective team will adhere to the following guidelines:

• All holes will begin on the forward tee boxes
• Instead of the traditional 10-hole match played by players 1-4 on each team, the 5 and 6 match will adhere to an 8-hole match. Like the other matches, there will be a total of 7 points at stake in the match between the five and six players, with the breakdown as follows:
  • The winner of the first 4 holes of match play will be given 1 point. If the match is tied, then each golfer will receive ½ point. Likewise, the winner of holes 5-8 will also receive 1 point; and, if this 4-hole match is tied, then each player will receive ½ point.
  • The winner of the most holes in this match, including holes 1-8 will receive 1 point; and, in case of a tie, each player will receive ½ point.
  • Finally, there will be a team point allotted to the team that wins the most holes in the match.

8. If a team has less than 6 players, they must fill consecutive spots beginning with number one. Any forfeits begin with #6 player, then #5, etc.
9. Dates, times and sites may be changed by agreement of both schools – any date changes due to holidays, vacations, course availability, etc. should be done in advance of season.
10. Player lineup will be filled out on the Lineup Log given out by the Committee Chair. This document will be kept for the entire year by each team. Lineup should include #1 – #6 for the match. Best player plays #1, second best #2 and so on. Players may not move more than two positions in the lineup from one match to the next unless illness or injury results in the absence of one or more players. The Lineup Log will be given to the opposing coach at the start of the match or can be emailed before the match. The Lineup Log will include all previous match lineups to the date of that match. The Committee Chair should be notified if a coach fails to exchange a Lineup. After the team’s last match, the completed Lineup Log will be sent to the Committee Chair. Every match, including playoffs if a team participates, shall be documented. The Lineup Logs will be distributed to coaches at the end of the year to help with All- Conference selections.

Emergency Substitution for Academics or Injury only:

1. If a numbered starter is arriving late to the course due to an academic conflict, a coach may use an emergency substitute to begin the match in their designated starting position without movement of the remaining golfers. For example, if a team’s #2 starter is running late, the opposing coach will be notified of the approximate time that the original starter is to arrive at the course. The emergency substitute will tee off against the other #2 starter. The regularly scheduled starter must be entered in the match within 15 minutes of arrival to the course. The opposing coach will be notified when that player is on the course. The emergency substitute will finish the hole that is being played. The original starter will tee off on the next hole. This will give them time to warm up. If that starter does not arrive before the start of the 7th hole, then the emergency starter must finish the match. The original starter must report to the course even if they are arriving after the 7th hole to avoid opposing team protesting the match. See clarification below.
2. The emergency substitution rule will also cover injury during match play. If a player is injured during the match, the opposing coach will be notified and the highest number substitute will be inserted into that golfer’s spot. This can happen at any point in the match and does not have to be at the start of a hole.
3. If a player is sick and not in school, the regular substitution rule is in effect. Substitutions are added to the end of the lineup and all golfers move up. If the player that is said to be late, does not show to the course, the opposing team can protest the match with the penalty of forfeiture.

Coaches are expected to exhibit highest moral and ethical standards in submitting their lineup each match.

11. If for any reason a match is discontinued after play has started, because of weather, darkness, etc. the following policy will govern:

The coaches from each school will constitute the committee to determine if play will need to be stopped. At any time, the club pro or one of their assistants or the course superintendent or a designee may also be part of the committee that helps determine if a match is to be suspended. The course workers may also determine, without consent or approval of the coaches, if the match needs to be stopped because of weather or darkness. When inclement weather strikes, it is imperative that coaches are cognizant of the playability of the course. It is important that the match is able to be played at the competitive level in which it began. Inclement weather and darkness have the ability to change and lower the level of play. When the level of play is lowered due to weather or darkness then the match needs to be stopped. In the event of lightning some course will have detection systems that will let the committee know when it is safe to return to the course. In the event that there is no detection system the MIAA recommends that coaches wait 30 minutes from the last visible strike to restart the match. If a second bolt of lightning is seen 20 minutes after the first bolt, then a new 30-minute wait time will begin. This would mean that 50 minutes would elapse before the match could be restarted if no more lightning was witnessed after the second bolt.

If any player has not completed seven (7) holes the entire match will be rescheduled from the start. Example: Players 1 and 2 have completed nine (9) holes. Players 3 and 4 have completed eight (8) holes. Players 5 and 6 are on the seventh (7th) hole but have not completed the hole when the match is stopped due to darkness or inclement weather. The entire match is rescheduled as soon as possible. The next time the two teams meet for the match the score will be 0-0 with Players 1 and 2. Players 3 and 4 and Players 5 and 6 beginning on hole 1 with their match all square. The line-up in the rescheduled match does not have to be the same as the original match. If Players 5 and 6 have completed the seventh (7th) hole then the match will be considered complete. Scores will be figured according to where the match is after the last completed hole (as long as the last completed hole is at least the seventh). Example: Player 5 from Team A and Team B tie the seventh hole with a 5 then they tie the back for score. If Player 6 from Team A scores a 4 and Player 6 from Team B scores a 6 then Player 6 from Team A would win the back.

12. The MIAA has a conference dress code, which must be followed at a minimum. Home course of schools within the MIAA may have an even stricter dress code which each school is required to follow when they are guests at that course. It is the responsibility of the schools with the stricter dress codes to provide these restrictions to schools prior to the contest so they can adhere. The MIAA dress code is as follows:
    • Golfers will be permitted to wear shorts for matches with the following requirements:

                                    -Shorts must be knee-length

                                    -Must be matching in color to the team uniform

                                    -No jean shorts or shorts with print (solid color only)

    -Teams can mix and match pants and shorts, but they must match in color.  Highly recommended that teams designate a “Team Short” to wear for their matches

                                    -If a golf course does not allow shorts the school will notify the opposing team before their match.

    • Student/athletes must wear a collared golf shirt. Shirts must be tucked in at all times.  In the event of cold weather, turtlenecks may be worn but they should be worn under the collared golf shirt. 
    • Outerwear must be a wind shirt – no sweatshirts.
    • Items that may not be worn are t-shirts, numerical sports jerseys, sport jerseys, jeans, tennis shorts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, sweat suits and tank tops.
    • All headgear must be worn with the bill forward.
    • All spectators are to follow this policy also.
    • The MIAA is a soft spike only conference.

13. Spectators and parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend matches but are required to stay on the cart path or in the rough. Spectators/parents may not walk in the same fairway with players. Spectators/parents may not help student/athletes with distances, club selection or any information that may help the student/athlete. In order to help the pace of play spectators/parents may help look for a lost ball but may not touch the ball when it is found. Allow the student/athlete to identify the ball. Spectators/parents who cannot follow these rules may cause forfeiture of the hole for the student/athlete or ultimately disqualification from the match.
14. It is the responsibility of all players and coaches to act in a responsible manner and to honor the traditions and sportsmanship of the game. Profanity, club throwing and public displays of anger will not be tolerated. Failure to comply with these rules could result in disqualification if observed by coach/coaches. Schools are also responsible for disciplining their own players for any violations.
15. The maintenance of the course is the responsibility of all golfers. Each athlete can help maintain the high quality of the facility by adhering to a few rules of thumb. They are as follows: replace all divots, repair all ball marks, rake bunkers and place the rake outside the bunker when finished, take relief from trees and shrubs, and avoid damaging the course with practice swings.
16. Team Championship – There will be a team champion from each conference.
    Varsity “A & B”: Top four teams  Semifinals – 4 @ 1   3 @ 2 “A & B”
    Championships at TBD
    Varsity “C”: Top six teams Quarterfinals – 1 & 2-Byes 6 @ 3 5 @ 4
    Semifinals – Winner of 6/3 @ 2 Winner of 5/4 @ 1
    Championships at higher seed
    JV – Top four teams  Semifinals – 4 @ 1    3 @ 2
    Championships at higher seed
    *Venue requested – Not confirmedFor seedings, a Tie = ½ win + ½ loss

For seedings:  Point system with wins counting as 3 points, ties as 1 point.           

Athletes must compete and complete 50% of the league matches to compete in the championship match.

If a playoff match is tied, the McGinn Method will be used to determine a winner: If a playoff match is tied at the end of 12 holes, the groups will continue play on a playoff hole, to be designated and announced by the home team prior to the commencement of the match. The format of the playoff will be 4-ball match play (the individual low score wins). If there is a winner in the first group (the #1 and #2 foursome), play is over and that team wins. If the #1 and #2 foursome ties, the tiebreaker would fall to the #3 and #4 foursome, and if needed, to the #5 and #6 group, until one group wins the hole outright. (e.g., The # 1 and #2 foursome, all 4 golfers shoot a “four”, that group has tied; the #3 and #4 group, a golfer from Team ‘A’ shoots a” three” and the other golfers in the group each shoot “four”, then Team ‘A’ wins the match and play stops.) Should no winner emerge after the first playoff hole, the format is repeated on a second playoff hole, and so on, until a winner is determined. With this format, to expedite play, groups could successively go off the tee until someone wins. (i.e., the first foursome might be on the green, the second foursome could be in the fairway, and the third foursome could be on the tee waiting to hit. If a winner is declared in the first foursome, all other play becomes unnecessary and ends.)

In any playoff match, other than the championship, if the match is terminated due to weather or darkness, and the match is completed and tied, the McGinn Method will be used the next day to determine the winner. The higher-seeded home team would need to secure a golf course for the playoff, and if they are unable to do so, then the lower seeded team could provide a course. The McGinn Method playoff would begin on hole number one.

For the team championships, all participants will play from the first tee box in front of the tips. If the championship match is terminated due to weather, teams will add up the points they have earned. If one team has secured 11 points, they will be declared the champions. If no team has secured 11 points at the time of termination, the match will be replayed from the beginning.

17. Individual Championship – Varsity: A, B, and C Conference – There will be a 36-hole medal (stroke) play Individual Championship with 18 holes played on two days. Athletes must compete and complete 50% of the league matches to compete in the individual championship.  All participants will play from the first tee box in front of the tips. After the first 18 holes, the low 24 scores and ties and/or anyone within 10 strokes of the lead will make the next round.  Up to 10 finishers within 10 strokes (with ties) of the highest finisher in the B & C conference will also be added, but are only eligible to win their conference individual championship, and not the overall individual championship.  Those who fall below the cut-off score are eliminated from the Individual Championship.  If there is a tie for first place at the end of the 36th hole, there will be a sudden death play-off for those golfers tied.  All other ties will stay as a tie.  There will be an overall champion, in addition to a champion for each conference. Plaques will be awarded for places 1-3 and medals will be awarded for places 4-10.  There will also be a team individual tournament revolving award given to the team with four lowest scores during the individual tournament.  Each member school of the MIAA is allowed to enter up to a maximum of six (6) golfers for the individual tournament. 

18. The All MIAA team for golf (up to 12 athletes from each conference) will be chosen by coaches at the end of season meeting.

LACROSSE

Set Up

*Date and venue requested – not under contract

RUGBY

Set Up

TENNIS

Set Up

LEAGUE RULES FOR TENNIS

(rev 6/24)

Match time and scheduling varsity and JV: All matches begin at 3:45 p.m.

Lateness: If a team is going to be late, it should notify the other school and reschedule if there are severe difficulties. If a team has not rescheduled and has not arrived for the match thirty minutes after it was scheduled, a forfeit may be declared.

Match format:

A team match consists of three singles and two doubles matches with no player repeats. Each match is two of three sets with regular scoring (with ad) and a twelve-point tiebreak at six games each in any set. Singles and doubles matches should be played simultaneously if at all possible. At facilities with less than five courts, the matches will go in order – 1S, 2S, 3S, 1D, 2D – unless agreed upon by both coaches in advance. Each team match is the best of five individual matches (or points). A ten-point Match Tie-break will be played in lieu of a third set if the overall outcome of the match has already been decided when that third set is to begin.

Warm-up: Warm-up is limited to ten minutes.

Leaving the court: Players should not leave the court except for bathroom breaks.  Bathroom breaks should only occur between games or set breaks.  Players should take water, extra racquets, towels, etc., with them at the start of the match.

Team rosters/ladders: Schools are required to submit an MIAA team roster.  In addition, all schools must submit their ladder to the GoogleSheet before their first league match.  Players should be listed in order based off of playing ability.  All players on your team roster must also appear on your ladder. This ladder will remain unchanged for the first half of the season.  Ladders will be shared with all coaches after receipt by the Committee Chair.  At the midway point of the season (the Chair will clarify the specific date at the preseason meeting); changes to the ladder can be made.  All schools must submit a second/final ladder. The ladder on file at the midway point of the season is the ladder for that school for the remainder of the regular season, playoffs and individual tournament.  Ladders are required at both the Varsity and JV levels. 

Chair:  Phil Gilotte – Gerstell Academy       pgilotte@gerstell.org       Phone: 410-861-4415 (W) 410-978-1583 (C)

Line-ups: Coaches should exchange line-ups five minutes prior to match time.

Order of play/Substitutions: 

A coach must play the top three singles players on the team that day in positions 1, 2, and 3, ranked in descending order of ability. Players 4, 5, 6, and 7 can be paired in any combination to form the doubles teams. However, the team playing in the #1 doubles position must be stronger than the team in the #2 doubles position. Coaches have the option to keep doubles teams intact when a substitute is needed for a singles match. If they choose this option, the substitute should be placed in the #3 singles position, which may require moving other players up in the lineup.  Coaches are encouraged to exchange line-up before each match to ensure ladder compliance.

Changeovers and set-breaks: In accordance with USTA rules, there is a two-minute set-break after each set played, whether it ends in an odd or even number of games. At the end of the set-break, the new set commences with players at the same end if the set ended in an even number of games or with players switching ends if the set ends in an odd number of games. After the first game of every set, players change ends in a deliberate fashion (as they do in tie-break end changes) as there is no longer a 90 second break after the first game of any set (its having been replaced by the set-break). For all other odd games, there is still the 90-second changeover.

Coaching: Coaching is allowed only during the two-minute set-break (described above) or during the 90-second odd-game changeovers. (Coaches may not extend the changeover or set-break, of course.) During play, communication between coach and player is limited to cases of injury, questions of procedure, and disputes about score. Coaching should be done either on court or at the fence, making sure not to disrupt adjacent matches. Coaching is not allowed during restroom or injury time outs. Also, coaches must be on site for all matches.

Injuries: A player suffering from a treatable medical condition may be allowed one medical time-out of three minutes for the treatment
of that medical condition. If a school official (coach or trainer) is available to evaluate the injured athlete, the medical time-out (threeminutes)
does not begin until the diagnosis is made, and treatment begins. HOME team keeps clock.

 Interruptions to play: If any match is interrupted, because of inclement weather or darkness, for instance, it shall be resumed at the earliest possible date agreed to by the competing schools at the point it was interrupted. Both coaches should agree upon and record pertinent information about line-ups and the status of each match (precise score, who was serving, which end player was located when play suspended, etc.). The same balls (not new ones) should be used when play is resumed.

 Squad Migration: Under extraordinary circumstances, and with the prior approval of the Tennis Chair, JV players may be permitted to compete in a varsity match and not lose their JV eligibility. Once a player competes in three varsity matches, however, he may not compete again at the JV level in MIAA matches or the MIAA Individual Tournament.

 Entries/Seeding for Individual Championship: When submitting entries for the individual tournament, coaches should only submit the player’s results at the position for which they are entered in the tournament. Athletes must compete and complete 50% of the league matches to compete in the individual championship. No changes/substitutions will be made after tournament brackets have been distributed. Additional information will be provided in the tournament packet.

 Individual Championships: Coaches will wear wristbands that indicate they are allowed to communicate with the players during the approved coaching times. Two wristbands will be distributed to each school and will be collected at the end of the tournament.

Reporting scores: Coaches must report the scores of each team match to the league office (scores@miaasports.net or 1-888-423- 1876) without delay. In addition to team results, coaches are required to report individual match results to the GoogleSheet. Not reporting scores will cause delays in the scheduling of playoffs and result in school fines. The MIAA web address is: www.miaasports.net.

Play-offs:

Varsity A:               The top 4 teams make the playoffs (4 @ 1   3 @ 2)

Varsity B & C:       The top 6 teams make the playoffs (6 @ 3   5 @ 4  1 & 2 – Byes)

JV A:                      Top top 2 teams will compete for the championship (2 @ 1)

JV B:                      The top 4 teams make the playoffs (4 @ 1   3 @ 2)     

If two teams are tied:      

Head-to-Head (record only-not score)
Record vs. Teams Above (starting with 1st place)
Record vs. Teams Below (starting with team below tied teams) *

If three teams are tied:  

Combined record vs. tied teams
Record vs. Teams Above (starting with 1st Place)
Record vs Teams Below (starting with team below tied teams) *

(In the event of a three-way tie for two play-off berths, the three-way tie breaker will only be used to select the first advancing team. The remaining berth will be decided using the two-way tie breaker rule.)

*If the tie breakers listed above do not determine seedings, then:

If two teams tied:             Total sets won in matches head-to-head

Total sets won against teams above (starting with 1st place)

Total sets won against teams below (starting with team below tied teams) Playoff match to determine who gets in – Coin flip only for seeding purposes.

If three (or more) teams tied:

Combined set record vs. tied teams

Total sets won against teams above (starting with 1st place)

Total sets won against teams below (starting with the team below tied teams)

(In the event of a three-way tie for two play-off berths, the three-way tie breaker will only be used to select the first advancing team. The remaining berth will be decided using the two-way tie breaker rules.

Athletes must compete and complete 50% of the league matches to compete in the team and individual championships.                                                                           

The team with the higher seed will host each match. The winners will advance to the championships. The play-offs will be played on the Monday (B & C), Tuesday and Thursday before the individual tournament.

If available, a roaming official will be on site for each of the Varsity Team Championship matches.

JV A & B: The top 4 teams from each conference make the playoffs (4 @ 1 / 3 @ 2). The winners will advance to the championships. The play-offs will be played on the Monday and Wednesday before the individual tournament.

TRACK & FIELD

Set Up