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SPORTS REGULATIONS
2016-2017 GENERAL SPORTS REGULATIONS
OHSAA SPORTS REGULATIONS
Introduction
Article 5-6-1 of the Constitution grants authority to the Board of Directors to determine the contest rules and regulations for each sport.
The Board of Directors has adopted the following contest rules and regulations effective August 1,
- The Commissioner is authorized to modify these regulations when it is deemed necessary by the Commissioner, subject to ratification by the Board of Directors.
These regulations apply to all interscholastic teams and contests, including but not limited to varsity, junior varsity, reserve, junior, sophomore, freshman and 7th & 8th grade teams. For additional regula- tions specifically for grades 7 and 8, see General Sports Regulation 35.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
1. Official Contest Rules The official contest rules and rule books as published by the listed organization have been approved by the Board of Directors for all interscholastic athletic contests in the following sports. (Refer to Bylaw 1-4-3 which states “Interscholastic competition shall be conducted using contest rules adopted by the Board of Directors and modifications or changes in sport rules are not permitted except those provided in the rule book and approved by the Board of Directors.”) CROSS COUNTRY NATIONAL FEDERATION FIELD HOCKEY NATIONAL FEDERATION FOOTBALL NATIONAL FEDERATION GOLF UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION SOCCER NATIONAL FEDERATION TENNIS UNITED STATES TENNIS ASSOCIATION VOLLEYBALL NATIONAL FEDERATION BASKETBALL NATIONAL FEDERATION BOWLING UNITED STATES BOWLING CONGRESS GYMNASTICS U.S.A. GYMNASTICS ICE HOCKEY NATIONAL FEDERATION SWIMMING AND DIVING NATIONAL FEDERATION WRESTLING NATIONAL FEDERATION BASEBALL NATIONAL FEDERATION LACROSSE (BOYS) NATIONAL FEDERATION LACROSSE (GIRLS) NATIONAL FEDERATION SOFTBALL NATIONAL FEDERATION TRACK AND FIELD NATIONAL FEDERATION 2. Mandatory Attendance at OHSAA-Sponsored Rules Interpretation Meetings 2.1) Any school sponsoring a sport recognized by the OHSAA in which a state tournament is held, must have the head varsity coach or assistant varsity coach in that sport or the athletic administrator attend or participate in an OHSAA-sponsored state rules interpretation meet- ing in that sport if such a meeting is held in order for teams or individuals from that school to be eligible to enter the OHSAA-sponsored tournament. 2.2) Those attending a meeting in person will be responsible to be in attendance within 10 min- utes of the start of the meeting and remain until the conclusion of the meeting to receive credit for attendance. 3. Mandatory Requirement for Rating/Voting for Tournament Officials To assist in the process in determining which contest officials will be assigned to OHSAA tourna- ment contests the following school year, member high schools are required to rate and vote for officials. Following each varsity contest, head coaches or athletic administrators are required to rate the con- test officials. Athletic administrators have additional voting responsibilities. The sports in which rating and voting is required; the deadlines in which ratings and voting must be completed, and the
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procedures on how to rate and vote for officials are published in the OHSAA Officials Handbook or the sport-specific OHSAA coaches/officials manual and provided in memos disseminated to athletic administrators. Failure to participate in the required rating or voting process will result in the school being fined $50 per occurrence. The fine will be reduced to $15 per occurrence if rating or voting is submitted after the deadline.
4. Penalties for Failure to Acquire Pupil Activity Program/Coaching Permit High school and 7th-8th grade coaches who do not possess the Pupil Activity Program/Coaching Permit, which is part of the State Board of Education requirements to coach in Ohio, shall not be permitted to coach at any level at an OHSAA member school. Further, high schools shall enter in myOHSAA the name of each board-approved coach along with the Pupil Activity Program/Coach- ing Permit number in each of the 26 recognized sports. Further, any high school coach who does not possess this Permit at the first level of the tournament shall not be permitted to coach at any level of the tournament until such time that the Permit is obtained and verification of such permit is provided to the OHSAA. Falsification of this information shall result in a coach’s removal from the OHSAA tournament. Note: It is the intention of the OHSAA to perform random audits of these permits throughout the school year and to fine schools that have not complied with the bylaw in the amount of $250 per coach. 5. Penalties for Failure to Conduct Pre-Season Meetings When it has been verified that the member school has failed to conduct a pre-season meeting(s) in accordance with Bylaw 3-1-4, the member school shall be fined $500 for each violation. Note: Please be advised that the OHSAA intends to do random audits of compliance with this standard. Please refer to the OHSAA website for a checklist of items that must be covered and sample agendas and other resources to assist with compliance. Each member school shall record on myOHSAA the date and location of each meeting as well as the person responsible for each meeting. 6. OHSAA-Sponsored Tournaments Entry/Withdraw Procedures and Draw/Seed Meeting Dates 6.1) When schools annually submit their OHSAA participation information online and indicate they sponsor a varsity sport, they will also indicate each sport in which they plan to enter the OHSAA tournaments. Instructions for submitting the participation form will be provided to the membership. 6.2) A tournament entry/withdraw deadline will be established the week before the established draw/seeding date for each OHSAA tournament sport. The tournament entry/withdraw deadlines for each OHSAA tournament sport for the upcoming school year are listed below. 6.2.1) Schools may change their tournament participation in a sport prior to the established deadline without penalty. Changes to OHSAA tournament participation after the es- tablished deadline will result in a $150 penalty issued by the Commissioner’s Office. 6.2.2) Schools that desire to enter an OHSAA tournament after the deadline and before the draw/seeding date may do so by filing a “Petition Letter of Entry or Withdraw” with the Commissioner’s Office (not the tournament manager or District Athletic Board) provided the school has met all tournament participation requirements prior to 12: noon on the Friday before the draw/seeding date. The Commissioner’s Office shall have the authority to approve or disapprove such “Petitions of Entry.” Decisions to disapprove an entry may be appealed to the Board of Directors. 6.2.3) Schools that withdraw from an OHSAA tournament after the deadline may do so by filing a “Petition Letter of Entry or Withdraw” with the Commissioner’s Office (not the tournament manager or District Athletic Board). 6.3) All schools that enter the OHSAA tournaments shall complete all tournament and souvenir program forms (roster, pass lists, schedule, submission of team photo, etc.) online prior to the established draw/seeding meeting date. The draw/meeting dates for each OHSAA tour-
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7. Non-School (Non-Interscholastic) Programs or Teams 7.1) Definitions 7.1.1) Definition of a Non-School Program or Team – A non-school (non-interscholastic) pro- gram, also known as a non-school team, is one in which a student-athlete participates in team play or as an individual, and that program or team is not under the direct or indirect control of the OHSAA member school. This means the OHSAA member school does not sponsor (one that is Board of Education- or other governing board-approved), supervise or have financial responsibility for that non-school program or team. The non-school program or team may be composed of participants in grades 7 through 12 and may be located within or operate outside the OHSAA member school. Admission may be charged and fees or expenses may be collected for training and/or competitions sponsored by that non-school program or team. It is not necessary for a coach to be present or for in- struction to be given for a program or team to be considered a non-school program or team. Examples of or names associated with non-school programs or teams are: church, intramu- ral, rec (recreation), YMCA, CYO, AAU, USAVB, USSF, USASwimming, all-star, club, non-interscholastic or any combination of players involved in team play. 7.1.2) Definition of a School Program or Team – A school (interscholastic) program or team is one in which a student-athlete participates in team play or as an individual, and that program or team is under the direct or indirect control of the OHSAA member school. This means the OHSAA member school sponsors, supervises or has financial responsibility for that program or team. 7.1.3) Definition of a Member of a School Team/Team Member (Bylaw 4-3-1) – A student is a member of an interscholastic squad when the student participates in an interscholastic contest. Such status as a squad member continues until the start of the next school season in that sport. An athletic contest involving participants from another school or any non- interscholastic or any organized adult team is a game, preview or a scrimmage. 7.1.4) Definition of a School Contest – A school (athletic) contest is one involving participants from one school against participants from either another school or from a non-school pro- gram or team during the school season. Examples of school contests are games, meets, matches, previews, scrimmages, jamborees, Foundation Games or any other type of compe- tition. See General Sports Regulation 24 for additional information on “Athletic Contests.” 7.1.5) Definition of Coaching – Coaching is providing instruction or being present with a team or individual during contests, tryouts, training and practices. If a school coach, whether paid, volunteer or designated, is approved for his/her coaching position by a Board of Education or similar governing board prior to June 1, the coach is accountable to all OHSAA rules and regulations beginning June 1. For additional regulations on school coaches, see Bylaw 6. 7.2) Regulations Prohibiting Students from Participating on Non-School Teams During the School Team’s Season 7.2.1) Team Sports – A member of a school team in the team sports of baseball, basketball, field hockey, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball and volleyball may not participate in an
2016-17 Sport First-Round Tournament
Tournament Entry/Withdraw
Tournament Entry/Withdraw (w/ Penalty)
Draw/Seed Meeting Date (all at 2:00 unless noted) SPRING SPORTS Softball Sectional 5/6-5/13 7/1-4/24 4/25 4/ Baseball Sectional 5/6-5/13 7/1-4/24 4/25 4/ Lacrosse Regional 5/6-5/13 7/1-4/24 4/25 4/30 (G-3:00pm) Boys Tennis Sectional 5/9-5/14 7/1-4/24 4/25 4/ Track & Field District 5/15-5/20 7/1-4/24 4/25 4/
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athletic contest, a tryout or any type of team or group training or practices with a non-school team in that same sport during the school team’s season. Note: This regulation applies to students invited to participate in a tryout, group training or practice at a college or in contests, tryouts, group training or practices with any non-school program or team. 7.2.2) Individual Sports – A member of a school team in the individual sports of bowling, cross country, golf, gymnastics, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field and wrestling may not participate in an athletic contest with a non-school team or in non-interscholastic competition in that same sport during the school team’s season.
7.3) Regulations Permitting Students to Participate on Non-School Teams Outside of the School Team’s Season 7.3.1) Selected Team Sports – A member of a school program or team in the team sports of base- ball, basketball, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball and volleyball may partici- pate with a non-school program or team in contests, tryouts, training and/or practices prior to and after the school team’s season under the following condition: a) The number of team members on the non-school team who came from the same school or who participated in that sport as a team member at another school in the preceding season is limited to a maximum of 50 percent of the members of a team as defined in the playing rules of the sport. The 50 percent team limit is as follows: 50% Limitation on Sport Number of squad members Baseball 4 Basketball 2 Field Hockey 5 Boys Lacrosse 5 Girls Lacrosse 6 Soccer 5 Softball 4 Volleyball 3 Exceptions: a.) The team members limit for the sport of ice hockey shall be five (5). b.) The 50 percent team limit is not in effect for the sports of basketball, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer and volleyball from June 1 through July 31. c.) The 50 percent team limit is not in effect for the sports of baseball and softball from the Friday before Memorial Day through July 31 provided the members of the school team have completed their school team’s season. d.) A member of a school team may continue to participate with a non-school team in a national qualifying tournament after July 31 until the team is eliminated from the tourna- ment but no later than Labor Day. e.) Graduating seniors are exempt from the 50 percent participation limitation once their school season in the same sport has been completed. f.) These regulations do not apply if the “members” of the non-interscholastic squad are all siblings (by blood or adoption) and no other player from the same interscholastic squad is a participant on behalf of the non-interscholastic squad. 7.3.2) Selected Individual Sports – A member of a school team in the individual sports of bowl- ing, golf, gymnastics, swimming & diving and tennis may participate with a non-school program or team in contests, tryouts, training and/or practices prior to and after the school’s season with no restriction when coached by either a school coach or a non-school coach. 7.3.3) Other Individual Sports – A member of a school team in the individual sports of cross country, track & field and wrestling may participate with a non-school team in contests, tryouts, training and/or practices prior to and after the school’s season with no restriction when coached by a non-school coach.
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Exception 3: Coaches employed by a Board of Education or other governing board to coach students in 7th and 8th grade may coach students from his/her school team without limita- tion so long as the 50 percent limitation is observed. Exception 4: Graduating seniors are exempt from the 50 percent participation limitation and may be coached by a coach employed by a Board of Education or other governing board once the graduating senior’s school season in the same sport has been completed. 7.5.2) Selected Individual Sports – Members of a school team’s coaching staff in the individual sports of bowling, golf, gymnastics, swimming and diving and tennis may coach students from their school teams outside the school (interscholastic) season. In addition: a.) Students from school teams shall not be required to attend the coaching instruction.
7.6) Regulation Limiting Coaches to Coach Their Own Student-Athletes on Non-School Teams Outside of the School Team’s Season (“All-Star” Games) 7.6.1) Interscholastic team coaches may coach players from his or her school in special “All-Star” contests. Coaches are permitted to coach in “All-Star” contests if they meet all the following provisions: a.) Participants shall be selected from at least four schools. b.) All participants shall be graduating seniors or students completing their athletic eligibil- ity at the end of the semester. c.) Participants shall not participate until after they have participated in their final contest for their school. Note on “All-Star” Games: “All-Star” games are non-interscholastic events by rule. Stu- dent-athletes in team sports who wish to participate in one of these “all-star” competitions outside the school season may do so without jeopardy to eligibility provided the students maintain compliance with General Sports Regulation 7.3.
7.7) Exceptions to Participation on Non-School Teams for Students
7.7.1) Special Olympics or Paralympics – After a student becomes a member of a school (inter- scholastic) team sponsored by the Board of Education or other governing board, the student may participate in tryouts and/or a contest(s) sponsored by either the Special Olympics or the United States Paralympics provided: a.) A request for waiver is submitted to the Commissioner’s Office that includes that stu- dent’s name, nature of the disability and the date of the event(s) in which the student desires to compete. The waiver must be submitted by the school’s principal or another senior administrator. 7.7.2) National Governing Body Selection – After a student becomes a member of a school (inter- scholastic) team sponsored by the Board of Education or other governing board, the student may participate as a member of a national team, as determined by the National Governing Body in that sport, or in a national or international competition by virtue of his/her past performance in an OHSAA sport. a.) The waiver process, should one exist for a specific sport, is contained within the specific regulations for that sport. b.) A specific waiver in the sport of golf is listed under Golf Regulation 5.2. c.) A specific waiver in the sport of lacrosse is listed under Boys Lacrosse Regulation 2.1 and Girls Lacrosse Regulation 2.1. d.) A specific waiver in the sport of tennis is listed under Tennis Regulation 6.2. e.) A specific waiver in the sport of swimming and diving is listed under Swimming and Diving Regulation 9.1.
7.8) Penalties for Violation of Regulations in This Section
7.8.1) The maximum penalty for violation of this regulation for any non-senior member of a school team shall be ineligibility in that sport for the remainder of the season or the ensuing season.
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7.8.2) The maximum penalty for violation of these regulations for a senior shall be ineligibility for all interscholastic athletics for the remainder of the school year. 7.8.3) The penalty for a coach for a violation of these regulations may include suspension, proba- tion, public reprimand, a fine not to exceed $1,000 per occurrence, or any other penalty as the Commissioner may deem appropriate.
8. Regulations for Participation in Camps, Clinics, Workshops and Programs Where Individual Skill Instruction is Provided 8.1) Definitions 8.1.1) Definition of Individual Skill/Coaching Instruction – Instruction or coaching provided to a member of a school team in which the techniques and skills of the sport are being taught and the activity does not involve team instruction. 8.1.2) Definition of Providing Individual Skill/Coaching Instruction – It is considered to be providing individual skill/coaching instruction when the techniques and skills of the sport are taught in a one-on-one or individual setting. This means instruction or coaching comes directly to a student-athlete from a coach or instructor. A student-athlete watching video/film with a coach or instructor is also an activity defined as individual skill/coaching instruction. In the team sports of baseball, basketball, field hockey, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, soc- cer, softball and volleyball and the selected individual sports of cross country, track & field and wrestling, individual skill/coaching instruction is permissible when no more than four members of a school team or individuals are present at one time in all facilities where the individual skill/coaching instruction is taking place (see 8.3.1 and 8.3.2 below for an excep- tion in the sport of football). 8.2) General Individual Skill Instruction Regulations 8.2.1) Students from school teams receiving individual skill/coaching instruction shall not be required to participate in sessions where individual skill/coaching instruction is provided. A paid or unpaid school (interscholastic) coach employed by a Board of Education or similar governing board violates this regulation when he/she suggests or implies that a student’s chance to be selected for a school (interscholastic) team is contingent upon this participation. 8.2.2) There is no limit on the number of school coaches that may be present when individual skill/ coaching instruction is provided to student-athletes. 8.2.3) Non-school coaches or instructors may provide individual skill/coaching instruction to a member of a school team provided the individual skill/coaching instruction does not violate any Board of Education (or similar governing board), school administrators’ or school coaches’ policies or the Ohio Revised Code. 8.2.4) Students from school teams may be used for out-of-season demonstration purposes if approved in advance by the Commissioner’s Office. 8.3) Individual Skill/Coaching Instruction – Team Sports of Baseball, Basketball, Field Hock- ey, Football, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball and Selected Individual Sports of Cross Country, Track & Field and Wrestling 8.3.1) From August 1 through May 31 From School Coaches – Individual skill/coaching instruction may be received by a member of a school team at any time prior to and after the school season and outside the defined no-contact periods from school coaches provided that no more than four members of a school team or individuals are present at one time in all facilities where the individual skill/coaching instruction is taking place. Exception: In the sport of football, individual skill/coaching instruction may be received by a member of a school team or individuals at any time prior to and after the school season and outside the defined no-contact periods from school coaches provided that no more than seven members of a school team or individuals are present at one time in all facilities where the individual skill/coaching instruction is taking place. Note: All activities must be non-contact and the only football equipment the player may wear is helmets and cleats.
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board violates this regulation when he/she suggests or implies that a student’s chance to be selected for a school (interscholastic) team is contingent upon this participation.
10. Open Gymnasiums or Facilities Member Schools 10.1) Regulations 10.1.1) A school may open its athletic facilities for unstructured free play provided the activity is supervised by a school employee who may remove participants or spec- tators for disciplinary reasons. 10.1.2) The school may designate the sport or sports that will be played during the free play period, but may not limit participation to a select group of students from within the school. The school may also designate the grade levels involved and may limit participation to students enrolled in the school. 10.1.3) There may be no designation of who will play on which team or who will play whom. Only the students participating may be involved in selecting or substituting players. 10.1.4) The regulation timing of games is not permitted. 10.1.5) Written scorekeeping is not permitted. 10.1.6) No individual invitations, written or oral, are permitted. 10.1.7) A coach, paid or unpaid, violates the provision of these regulations when the coach requires, suggests or in any way implies that a student’s chance to be selected for an interscholastic squad is contingent upon participation at an open gymnasium or facilities program. 10.1.8) Mandatory attendance at open gymnasiums or facilities is not permitted. 10.1.9) Transporting athletes to a school or non-school open gym is a violation for any member of the coaching staff, paid or unpaid. 10.1.10) It is not a violation for the coach or supervisor to participate in unstructured free play in the open gym or facilities. 10.1.11) Member schools may restrict individuals from observing the open gym activity. 10.2) Penalty for Violation 10.2.1) A squad member who violates the open gymnasium or facilities regulations may be penalized not to exceed one year of ineligibility for interscholastic athletics. 10.2.2) A coach who violates any of the open gymnasium or facilities regulations may be prohibited from involvement for one year in any open gymnasium or facilities programs in or out of school. 10.2.3) A school which permits use of athletics facilities in violation of the open gym- nasium or facilities regulations is subject to penalty as specified in Bylaw 11. Non-School 10.3) Regulations for School Squad Members (Bylaw 4-1-3) A school squad member may participate in unstructured free play at non-school athletic fa- cilities without jeopardizing athletic eligibility providing there are no violations of the fol- lowing regulations. 10.3.1) There may be no designation of who will play on which team or who will play whom. Only the students participating may be involved in selecting or substituting players. 10.3.2) The regulation timing of games is not permitted. 10.3.3) Written scorekeeping is not permitted. 10.3.4) No individual invitations, written or oral, are permitted. 10.3.5) A coach, paid or volunteer, violates the provision of these regulations when the coach requires, suggests or in any way implies that a student’s chance to be selected
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for an interscholastic squad is contingent upon participation at an open gymnasium or facilities program. 10.3.6) Mandatory attendance at non-school facilities is not permitted. 10.3.7) Transporting athletes to a school or non-school open gym is a violation for any member of the coaching staff, paid or unpaid. 10.4) Penalty for Violation 10.4.1) A squad member who participates at a facility where there is one or more violations of the open gymnasium or facilities regulations may be penalized not to exceed one year of ineligibility for interscholastic athletics. 10.4.2) A school coach who is responsible for causing a violation of any of the open gym- nasium or facilities regulations by a squad member may be prohibited from involve- ment in any open gymnasium or facilities program in or out of school for one year.
11. Mandatory No Contact Periods — Coaches
11.1) Any coach, paid or volunteer, approved by the Board of Education to coach basketball, field hockey, football, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer or volleyball is prohibited from providing coaching, providing instruction or supervising conditioning and physical fitness programs or open gyms to members of a school team in their sport for the period of time starting with the first day after the school’s last interscholastic contest and ending 28 days later. This includes any type of tryouts in or out of school for purposes of non-interscholastic competition. 11.2) Any coach, paid or volunteer, approved by the Board of Education to coach baseball, basketball, ice hockey, lacrosse or softball is prohibited from providing coaching, providing instruction or supervising conditioning and physical fitness programs or open gyms to members of a school team in their sport for the period of time between August 1 and August
- This includes any type of tryouts in or out of school for purposes of non-interscholastic competition. EXCEPTIONS — Activities which may be conducted by a coach with members of a school team in their sport during the mandatory no-contact period include: all-star contests, awards ceremonies, fund-raisers; providing oversight during weight training; verbal contact with underclass athletes for the purpose of reviewing the season that just concluded and goal setting for the next season; verbal contact with a senior athlete for the purpose of facilitating the college recruitment process; contact as a faculty member assigned to teach in the regular curriculum (ex.: physical education courses such as weight training, fitness, etc.); contact as a certified athletic trainer involved with athlete rehabilitation and treatment, pick up and return of school-issued equipment, and attendance at OHSAA tournaments. PENALTY — Any coach who violates the mandatory no contact periods regulations may be pro- hibited for one calendar year from out-of-school season contact with athletes from the school where employed. A school whose coach violates the mandatory no contact periods regulations is subject to penalty as specified in Bylaw 11. 12. Cheerleader Pyramids and Acrobatic Routines
12.1) Regulations for OHSAA Tournaments: 12.1.1) Pyramids and mounts by cheerleaders are prohibited. Individuals may not stand on another’s shoulders or support another individual in any type of mount. 12.1.2) Mini trampolines are prohibited. 12.2) Penalty In OHSAA-sponsored tournaments, individual cheerleaders violating the regulations shall be removed from the floor immediately. 12.3) Recommendation It is recommended that schools adopt the same regulations for cheerleading activities at regular season contests sponsored by schools.
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14.2) Coaches Any coach ejected or disqualified from an interscholastic contest for unsporting conduct shall be suspended from coaching in all contests for the remainder of that day. In addition, the coach shall be suspended from coaching for all contests at all levels in that sport until two regular season/tournament contests (one in football; two points in wrestling) are played at the same level as the ejection or disqualification and shall be fined $100. In addition, the coach shall take the National Federation of State High School Association’s “Teaching and Modeling Be- havior” course, which must be completed within 30 days of the ejection and can be taken at www.nfhslearn.com. Any coach ejected for unsporting conduct during a scrimmage or preview shall be ineligible for all scrimmages or previews for the remainder of that day. If a scrimmage occurs prior to the season, the coach shall also be ineligible for the first regular season contest (previews are only permitted prior to the first regular season contest). If a scrimmage occurs after the first regular season contest, the coach shall be ineligible for the next regular season or OHSAA tournament contest. If the ejection or disqualification occurs in the last contest of the season, the coach shall be ineligible for the same period of time as stated above in the same sport during the following season in the next school year. On the day of the ejection, a coach who has been disqualified shall be ejected from the vicinity of the playing area and is prohibited from further contact, direct or indirect, with team mem- bers, managers and other coaches during the remainder of the contest. The coach must return to the locker room or team bus or leave the premises. The coach shall not go to the spectator area. The penalty for failure of the coach to comply with the ejection regulation shall result in the forfeiture of the contest. If a coach is ejected/disqualified from a contest and no other coach or a person authorized by the Board of Education from that school is present (Bylaw 3-2-1), the contest shall be forfeited. After the initial ejection and suspension, a coach who has been suspended from coaching for the next contest(s) may attend the next contest(s), but must be seated in the spectator area and may not give instructions to the players or to the individual who has been assigned to coach the team any time prior to or during the contest including halftime or any intermission. A sus- pended coach shall not travel with the squad to an away contest. A coach who has been ejected or disqualified for unsporting conduct for the second time in a scrimmage, preview, regular season contest or OHSAA tournament contest shall be suspend- ed indefinitely and required to attend a mandatory conference with the Commissioner at the OHSAA headquarters. The principal of the school shall be required to attend this conference as well. Any penalty shall be determined in accordance with Bylaw 11. It is the responsibility of the local school authorities to ensure this regulation is enforced. When a suspended coach is allowed to participate, forfeiture of the contest is mandatory. This regulation shall apply to all regular season and tournament contests and shall in no way limit the discretionary authority of the Commissioner as specified in the OHSAA tournament regulations. In accordance with Bylaw 8-3-1, the decisions of contest officials are final.
15. Participants Leaving The Playing Area No member of any school-sponsored interscholastic athletics squad shall leave the ‘playing area’ in which a contest is being conducted and enter the ‘spectator area’ of the facility to engage in any type of conflict—verbal or physical. If a student-athlete leaves the ‘playing area’ and enters the ‘spectator area’ of a facility to so engage a person, the minimum penalties shall be: 15.1) The student-athlete’s privileges to participate in interscholastic athletics shall be revoked and the student-athlete shall be ineligible for the remainder of the school year. 15.2) The school shall be immediately placed on probation pending an investigation (and report) into what happened, what caused it to happen, what was done by the school to diffuse what happened and what ‘safeguards’ have been implemented by the school to prevent future hap- penings.
SPORTS REGULATIONS
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16. Tournaments 16.1) Recognized and Emerging Sports 16.1.1) See Bylaw 1, Section 5 for the definition of “Recognized” Sports. The Board of Directors may accord a new sport as “recognized” when a minimum of 150 schools sponsor teams or individuals in the sport. 16.1.2) The Board of Directors may accord a new sport as “emerging” when less than 150 schools sponsor teams or individuals in the sport. While in the emerging sport category, the sport shall be conducted as a “recognized” sport as follows: a.) All applicable OHSAA bylaws and general sports regulations shall be adhered to; b.) Specific sport regulations, tournament regulations and a tournament series shall be developed and adopted, and c.) A process for training and registering contest officials and for assigning officials to tournament contests shall be developed/continued and adopted and a director(s) of officiating development shall be hired. However, as an “emerging” sport, the Board of Directors: a.) Has the discretion to suspend compliance with General Sports Regulation 16.2, Divisions Determination (251 schools needed to add a second division); b.) Has the discretion to approve regulations, tournament regulations and/or tournament procedures that help ensure the sport maintains solvency, and c.) Shall conduct an annual review to determine if the sport shall continue as an “emerging” sport. 16.2) Regulations for Sponsoring and Conducting OHSAA tournaments will be sponsored and conducted in divisions according to the number of schools sponsoring a team in the recognized sport. Team Sports —Those that require a certain number of players to form a team. Presently, those sports are baseball, boys and girls basketball, field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, boys and girls soccer, softball and volleyball. Individual Sports —Those that involve primarily participation and scoring by individuals and in which team scoring could be obtained by totaling the efforts of individuals. Presently, those sports are boys and girls bowling, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls golf, gymnastics, boys and girls swimming & diving, boys and girls tennis, boys and girls track & field and wrestling. The minimum number of individuals required for a team designation* follows: Bowling 5 Swimming & Diving 7 Cross Country 5 Tennis 4 Golf 4 Track & Field 9 Girls Gymnastics 3 Wrestling 7 * The number for a team designation has been selected to reflect either the minimum number of participants needed to score in a contest or the number of participants needed to compete in at least half of the contest’s events. Divisions Determination —The number of divisions in OHSAA tournaments in a sport shall be determined by the number of school teams that participated in the tournaments the preceding year or years, depending upon the sport. Number of Teams Participating in Tournaments Divisions 250 or less I 251-500 I, II 501-750 I, II, III 751 or more I, II, III, IV Sports tournament changes relative to adding a division or discontinuing a division or adding a tournament or discontinuing a tournament may be made only after the number of schools has been higher or lower for two successive years.
SPORTS REGULATIONS
GENERAL SPORTS REGULATIONS 2016-
scheduling the contest (time, date and/or location), provided that such rescheduled dates do not adversely affect the next round of the tournament competition/ tourna- ment schedule. 16.4.2) Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Gymnastics, Swimming & Diving, Tennis, Track & Field, Individual Wrestling If a team or individual participant “fails to appear” or is not ready to compete at the time of their scheduled competition, the team or individual participant shall be disqualified and removed from the event or tournament competition. In the event of a school “closure” within 48 hours of a tournament contest in which the school is scheduled to participate, the tournament shall proceed as scheduled.* *Note: The Commissioner’s Office, in collaboration with the administrative staff, District Athletic Boards and/or Board of Directors and tournament personnel, re- serves the right to delay or reschedule a tournament competition when all factors related to the severity of the situation are considered and provided it is practical to delay or reschedule such competitions. In the event of a “closure” at the site of the tournament competition within 48 hours of a tournament competition in which schools are scheduled to participate, the Com- missioner’s Office, in collaboration with the administrative staff, District Athletic Boards and/or Board of Directors and tournament personnel, shall reschedule (time, date and/or location) the tournament competition for the schools thus affected. 16.4.3) Information on any changes regarding OHSAA tournaments will be posted on the Association’s website (www.ohsaa.org). A Note on Public Health Issues Ohio health professionals have advised that it will be the decision of each local health authority in Ohio or each board of education/governing Board as to whether or not to close a school or university due to a public health issue. The Center for Disease Control does not recommend closures except in extreme circumstances. Help Links
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention Emergency Preparedness and Response: http://emergency.cdc.gov/planning/
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention Preparedness for All Hazards: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/hazards-all.asp
- Ohio Department of Health Guidelines and Publications: http://www.odh.ohio.gov/odhPrograms/chss/schnurs/guidepub.aspx 17. Athletic Uniforms Uniforms worn by participants in a high school athletic contest must conform to the playing rules adopted by the OHSAA for that sport. Any lettering or emblems on uniforms must pertain to the school name, school nickname, individual’s name, the sport, drug use prevention, sportsmanship, ethics or integrity or be of a patriotic nature and provided it does not violate the rules of the sport in regard to location. Any visible manufacturer’s logo on a uniform or undergarment must conform to the rules adopted by the national rules committee for that sport. However, if there is no specific rule, the maximum size is 2 1 / 4 square inches with no dimension exceeding 2^1 / 4 ˝. 18. Individual Non-Interscholastic Competition Date In all sports, an athlete who has not participated for a school in a given sport that season must cease all non-interscholastic competition in a given sport six weeks (42 days) prior to the Monday of the week of the state tournament in that sport in order to be eligible for OHSAA tournament competition provided applicable bylaws and regulations have been followed. In addition, an athlete who has participated for the school in an individual sport (bowling, cross country, golf, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field, and wrestling) and who violates this non- interscholastic competition date by participating in a non-inter scholastic contest shall be ineligible for OHSAA tournament competition in that sport in addition to any other penalties that may be prescribed. Note: See Golf Regulation 5.2 for an exception to this regulation.
SPORTS REGULATIONS
2016-2017 GENERAL SPORTS REGULATIONS
19. Non-Recognized Sports There is no bylaw that requires a school to comply with all OHSAA bylaws and applicable sports regulations when conducting interscholastic athletics programs in sports which are not recognized, (not recognized means a sport that is not one of the OHSAA tournament sports – See Bylaw 1-5- for a complete list of the current Board of Directors adopted “recognized” sports). Therefore, there is no requirement to register a non-recognized sport with the OHSAA. Nor is it re- quired that the school comply with eligibility standards for students in those sports. A local school district could, however, require participants in non-recognized sports to meet certain eligibility standards and conform to certain sports regulations. Catastrophe insurance under the OHSAA plan for Recognized and Emerging sports will not be available for non-recognized sports. Schools are offered an opportunity to purchase catastrophe insurance coverage for non-recognized sports under a separate plan. 20. Regular Season Participation Limitation Penalty A team that exceeds the regular season participation limitation (maximum number of contests permitted) or participates in regular season contest(s) prior to the designated start date for contests in the respective sport is subject to the penalties outlined in Bylaw 11, which will include denial of participation in the OHSAA tournament. Athletes from sub-varsity teams may not be used to replace the varsity team in the OHSAA tournament. An athlete who exceeds the regular season participation limitation (periods, quarters, halves, or contests) as specified in the individual sports regulations becomes an ineligible athlete. The athlete is ineligible for further regular season competition if the violation occurs prior to the end of the season or tournament competition if the violation occurs during the last regular season contest in the sport concerned. The forfeiture bylaws apply as written in Bylaw 10. Should a team in an individual sport exceed the regular season participation limitation but a spe- cific individual athlete on that team did not exceed the individual participation limitation, that specific individual athlete may be eligible for participation in the OHSAA tournament. Should a team in an individual sport participate in a regular season contest(s) prior to the desig- nated start date for contests but a specific individual athlete on that team did not participate in a contest(s) prior to the designated start date for contests, that specific individual athlete may be eligible for participation in the OHSAA tournament. 21. Transportation To and From Interscholastic Contests It is the responsibility of the Board of Education or other governing board of a member school to provide for the safe transportation of student-athletes and other contest participants to and from athletic events. The OHSAA Catastrophe Accident Insurance Policy covers team or group travel directly to and from a covered event. A covered event is defined by the OHSAA (the authorized policy holder) as any regular-season (includes scrimmages and previews) or tournament competi- tion in an interscholastic athletic event in an OHSAA-recognized sport, sponsored by the Board of Education or governing board of a member school. Travel must be supervised by staff members or designated representatives of the member school. Therefore, it is recommended that schools require student-athletes and other participants in inter- scholastic athletic events to travel with their school squads in school-authorized carriers. It is not recommended that students be released to travel with parents or other persons; however, permission to make alternative travel arrangements remains the purview of the Board of Education/governing board of the member school. In the event that such alternative arrangements are approved, it is strongly recommended that the Board of Education secure proof of insurance from those who will be providing the transportation. 22. Interscholastic Scrimmage 22.1) An interscholastic scrimmage is defined as a contest in sports in which the rules of the sport are not followed in all respects. With the exception of golf, the length of the scrimmage is limited to a maximum of three hours per squad or individual per day for grades 9-12, and two hours per squad or individual per day for grades 7-8. 22.2) A scrimmage may involve any number of teams from various schools. A scrimmage does not count in the won/lost record for any school involved in the scrimmage.
SPORTS REGULATIONS
2016-2017 GENERAL SPORTS REGULATIONS
27. Sunday Contests Sunday contests are permitted by the Board of Directors. Local Board of Education policies and administrative decisions will be determining factors. 28. Exhibition Competition Any event or competition involving students representing member schools may involve only stu- dents who are eligible in all respects insofar as age, enrollment and attendance, scholarship, resi- dence and individual sports limitation. So-called “scratch” or “exhibition” competition permitted or conducted by any school could result in ineligibility for athletes and suspension of the school. Exception: The Board of Directors may authorize competition in events within specific sports in order to accommodate students with disabilities without affecting team scoring in those sports. 29. School Teams Member schools may sponsor more than one varsity or sub-varsity teams for interscholastic com- petition, but each team must have its own schedule and is limited according to specific contest limitations for that sport. No school may enter more than one team in any OHSAA-sponsored team tournament. Note: See the specific sport regulations for participation limits for individuals. 30. Squad Member A student who has participated in an interscholastic athletic contest representing a school. 31. Team Play Any activity of individuals with more than one player opposing one player (2-on-2, 2-on-1, 3-on-2, 3-on-3, 4-on-4, 5-on-5, etc.). 32. Pick-up Games Unsupervised, unstructured contests in which there is no adult planning, scheduling or organization involved. 33. Interrupted Contest If an interscholastic contest (game, match, meet, etc.) is interrupted for any reason beyond the control of the responsible administrative authority, the contest shall be resumed from the point of interruption. EXCEPTION: Those sports which have a specific procedure for determining the outcome of an interrupted contest: e.g., baseball, football, lacrosse, soccer and softball. 34. Regular Season No Contests/Tournament Forfeits Any scheduled regular season contest which is not started due to inclement weather; a strike; a natural or technological/man-made disaster; an issue deemed catastrophic or an emergency, or the local health authority has cancelled all high school classes and school-sponsored extracurricular activities due to a specific public health/safety concern that would cause a team to fail to appear, shall be considered a “no contest.” A “no contest” shall not be included in won-lost records. Any tournament contest in which a team fails to appear for reasons other than those outlined in Sports Regulation 16.4 or a team has been removed from the tournament in accordance with Bylaw 11-1-2, Penalties, shall be considered a “forfeit.” Should a “forfeit” occur, the “forfeit” shall be included in won-lost records and the opposing team shall advance to the next round of competition. 35. Grades 7 & 8 35.1) A student shall not participate in more than one interscholastic contest on any one day un- less permitted by specific sports regulations. EXCEPTIONS: baseball, basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis. (See specific sport regulations.) 35.2) Sports Season Waiver — Schools, leagues or conferences may adjust seasons to accommo- date school teams because of the lack of availability of physical facilities or personnel. Pro- posed changes in seasons shall be submitted in writing to the Commissioner and include the proposed dates of the 7th & 8th grade season not to exceed the length of the interscholastic season for the sport concerned. All other regulations regarding contest limitations, required practice time and coaching requirements shall be followed. 35.3) 7th & 8th grade students may not practice with, participate on the same team with or com- pete against 9th through 12th grade students.
SPORTS REGULATIONS
GENERAL SPORTS REGULATIONS 2016-
35.4) Students below the 7th grade may not practice with or participate with 7th through 12th grade students. 35.5) It is strongly recommended that the coaches of 7th & 8th grade sports attend the OHSAA rules interpretation meetings for the sports they are coaching.
36. Penalties PENALTIES for violations will be administered in accordance with Bylaw 11 if not otherwise stated.
CONCUSSION REGULATIONS I mplementation of State Law and NFHS Playing Rules Related to Concussion and Concussed Athletes and Return to Play Protocol It is important for all individuals involved in interscholastic athletics to recognize the potential for catastrophic injury and even death from concussions. Thus it is extremely important that each coach, administrator, contest official and medical support personnel review their responsibilities in protecting students. Further both students and parents have responsibilities in this area as well. Note: It has always been the ultimate responsibility of the coaching staff, in all sports, to ensure that students are only put into practice or contests if they are physically capable of performing. However, all individuals involved in the conduct of interscholastic competition have responsibilities in this endeavor. In January 2011, the OHSAA Board of Directors adopted a sports regulation which incorporated the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) playing rules related to concussion recognition and management. On April 26, 2013, legislation adopted by Ohio’s General Assembly on concussion and head injuries in youth sports became effective. On February 14, 2013, the OHSAA Board of Directors mandated that these regulations become effective on April 26, 2013, for the remainder of the spring sports season and thereafter. This OHSAA regulation, as amended to incorporate this recent legislation, now reads: Any student, while practicing for or competing in an interscholastic contest, who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with having sustained a concussion or head injury (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from the practice or contest by either of the following:
- The individual who is serving as the student’s coach during that practice or competition.
- An individual who is serving as a contest official or referee during that practice or competition.
RETURN TO PLAY PROTOCOL If a student is removed from practice or competition due to a suspected concussion or head injury, the coach or referee who removes the student shall not permit the student, ON THE SAME DAY THE STUDENT IS REMOVED, to return to that practice or competition or to participate in any other practice or competition for which the coach or contest official is responsible. Thereafter, which means no earlier than the next day, the coach or contest officials shall not permit the student to return to practice or competition until both of the following conditions are satisfied:
- The student’s condition is assessed by either of the following: a. A physician, who is a person authorized under Chapter 4731 of the Ohio Revised Code (OCR) to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine or surgery (M.D. or D.O.) b. Any other licensed health care provider that the school district board of education or other governing authority of a chartered or non-chartered nonpublic school, authorizes to assess the student who has been removed from practice or competition.
- The student receives written authorization that it is safe for the student to return to practice or competition from a physician or other licensed health care provider authorized to grant the clearance. Go to the “Sports Medicine” Section of the OHSAA website (www.ohsaa.org) to retrieve the OHSAA’s Medical Authorization to Return To Play (RTP) form. A school district board of education or governing authority of a chartered or non-chartered nonpublic school may authorize a licensed health care provider who is NOT a PHYSICIAN to make an assessment and grant authorization for a student to return to participation ONLY if the provider is acting in accordance with one of the following as applicable to the provider’s authority to practice in Ohio:
