PROPOSED MINNESOTA HOCKEY RULE
From the Minnesota Hockey web site:
"1] D. Players registered and rostered on a MH team may not participate as members of non-MH/USA Hockey teams during the season. Exception: programs that focus exclusively on training and skill development instead of games."
Apparently Minnesota Hockey is attempting to justify this proposed rule by pointing to the Minnesota State High School League’s rule that prevents high school athletes from competing on non-sanctioned teams during a high school sports season. Notably, the Minnesota State High School League rule does NOT apply to middle school or elementary school athletics. (MSHL Bylaw 208.00). Equally as important, violation of the MSHL rule does not immediately result in expulsion from the sport for the full season.
Moreover, trying to compare the mission of Minnesota Hockey to the mission of the Minnesota State High School League doesn’t work. The organizations’ missions are different. The Minnesota State High School League is created by special statute in Minnesota. In a nutshell, the purpose of the Minnesota State High School League is to provide EDUCATIONAL opportunities for students through athletic and fine arts programs while ensuring that ACADEMIC PRIORITIES COME BEFORE PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETIC OR FINE ARTS ACTIVITIES.
In contrast, the stated purpose of Minnesota Hockey is limited to promoting amateur hockey in the State of Minnesota.
Let’s look at and compare the purposes of the Minnesota State High School League and Minnesota Hockey.
MINNESOTA STATE HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE
The Founding Purposes of the Minnesota State High School League
The Minnesota State High School League is organized for the following educational purposes:
1. To provide promote, extend, manage and administer a program of activities for youth of the schools of the state on subsection, section and state levels in the fields of athletics, speech, music and dramatics on a competitive basis, as well as such other curricular and extracurricular activities as may from time to time be sponsored by the schools of Minnesota.
2. To establish uniform and equitable rules for youth in inter-school activities.
3. To elevate standards of sportsmanship and to encourage the growth of responsible citizenship among the students, member schools and their personnel.
4. To protect youth, member schools and their personnel from exploitation by special interest groups.
5. To provide mutual benefit and relief plans for the assistance of school students injured in athletic events or supervised school activities in meeting medical and hospital expenses incurred by reason of such injuries.
6. To serve the best interests of member schools and their students by providing a medium of cooperation and coordination in educational fields of endeavor and a series of related activities on a state-wide basis, which they individually could not achieve or accomplish for their students and which aid and assist the schools in maintaining a constantly improved program.
Mission Statement
The Minnesota State High School League provides educational opportunities for students through interscholastic athletic and fine arts programs and provides leadership and support for member schools.
Beliefs
We believe that…
• Participation in school activity programs is a privilege and not a right.
• Sportsmanship needs to have a constant presence in all school-based activity programs.
• Students should have an equal opportunity to participate in all activities offered by their school.
• Ethical behavior, dignity and respect are non-negotiable.
• Student participants who choose to be chemically free must be supported.
• Collaborative relationships with parents enhance a school's opportunity to positively impact student success.
• Academic priorities must come before participation in athletic or fine arts activities.
• Positive role models and an active involvement in a student's life by parents and others are critical to student success.
• High school activity programs are designed for student participants, and adults must serve in a supportive role.
• The success of the team is more important than individual honors.
• Compliance with school, community and League rules is essential for all activity participants.
• Participation in school-sponsored activities must be inclusive, not exclusive.
• Ethical behavior, fairness, and embracing diversity best serve students and school communities.
MINNESOTA HOCKEY
Minnesota Hockey’s stated purpose provides:
The purposes of the corporation are: To encourage and improve the standard of youth and other amateur ice hockey in the Minnesota area; to conduct ice hockey tournaments and to select representative teams to participate in tournaments; to associate with other ice hockey associations; to do any and all acts necessary or desirable in the furtherance of the foregoing purposes; to buy, sell, lease and otherwise deal in all kinds of property, real, personal and mixed, for the purpose of creating further interest in youth and other amateur hockey.
CONCLUSIONS
By its terms, the proposed rule protects Minnesota Hockey’s monopoly. Trying to tie MinnHock’s reason for the proposed rule to the Minnesota State High School League reason for adopting its rule doesn’t fly. The Minnesota State High School League’s mission is to make sure kids put academics first and are not jeopardizing academic success by overloading themselves (or corrupting themselves) through athletic participation. That’s a worthy mission.
In contrast, Minnesota Hockey has no legal connection to any school and its desire to pass this rule has nothing to do with making sure kids put academics first.
It appears to this innocent bystander that Minnesota Hockey desperately wants to escalate the fight arising from the recently filed lawsuit. To craft a proposed rule--without adequately notifying its members--and to vote on the proposed rule without adequate period for comment smacks of testosterone run amok.
MInnesota Hockey proposed rule follows District 6's rule
Moderators: Mitch Hawker, east hockey, karl(east)
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hockey_is_a_choice
- Posts: 239
- Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2008 10:48 am
I posted today on another thread about this rule..
Your post is dead on !! This is another of those under the radar decisions by some dunderhead at Minnesota Hockey. I don't know if this is in concert with the District 6 situation or not. And I don't really care. What I do care about is Minnesota hockey's small minded attempt to lock out any type of competition. The tremendous growth of summer hockey in the last few years should be ringing a few bells somewhere. They are not doing anyone a favor in this latest ostrich maneuver.
Your post is dead on !! This is another of those under the radar decisions by some dunderhead at Minnesota Hockey. I don't know if this is in concert with the District 6 situation or not. And I don't really care. What I do care about is Minnesota hockey's small minded attempt to lock out any type of competition. The tremendous growth of summer hockey in the last few years should be ringing a few bells somewhere. They are not doing anyone a favor in this latest ostrich maneuver.
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greybeard58
- Posts: 2568
- Joined: Sat Aug 21, 2004 11:40 pm
The new rule proposal will be located under Article II Registration and is a continuation of Item B. The complete article II with the proposal. Since Mn Hockey registers players, coaches and teams this would fall completely within their jurisdiction. Leagues are usually administrated by the individual District or a combination of Districts with the Metro League for the High school age player.
II. REGISTRATION
A. The USA Hockey and MH Player Registration fees and dates shall be set annually by USAH and the MH Board of Directors. The fees and dates are published on the inside front cover of the MH Handbook.
B. No Player shall be registered with two or more MH/USA Hockey teams at the same time regardless of league division or classification, except:
1. Players on city house teams may play with both their team and a city traveling team.
2. This provision shall not apply to female youth age players who may register on both a youth C or House team and also register with a girl's A or B team for the purpose of practice, exhibition games, league games and tournament competition including the USA Hockey National Women's Tournament. This exception should not dissuade an association from starting a girls program at any age level.
3. Special Events approved by the MH Board. Such events must comply with requirements established by MH, and must be on the Winter Meeting agenda at the latest, according to the Bylaw requirements for putting items on the agenda. Approval of Special Events shall be by 2/3 vote.
C. CITY LEAGUES - Where a league exists within a city, the team representing the city may be formed of players from any of the league teams providing ALL the teams are properly registered as house teams by the proper dates, and the twenty (20) player squad to represent the city in the district and state tournament play is declared by the player registration date of December 31st.
[R1] D. Players registered and rostered on a MH team may not participate as members of non-MH/USA Hockey teams during the season. Exception: programs that focus exclusively on training and skill development instead of games.
II. REGISTRATION
A. The USA Hockey and MH Player Registration fees and dates shall be set annually by USAH and the MH Board of Directors. The fees and dates are published on the inside front cover of the MH Handbook.
B. No Player shall be registered with two or more MH/USA Hockey teams at the same time regardless of league division or classification, except:
1. Players on city house teams may play with both their team and a city traveling team.
2. This provision shall not apply to female youth age players who may register on both a youth C or House team and also register with a girl's A or B team for the purpose of practice, exhibition games, league games and tournament competition including the USA Hockey National Women's Tournament. This exception should not dissuade an association from starting a girls program at any age level.
3. Special Events approved by the MH Board. Such events must comply with requirements established by MH, and must be on the Winter Meeting agenda at the latest, according to the Bylaw requirements for putting items on the agenda. Approval of Special Events shall be by 2/3 vote.
C. CITY LEAGUES - Where a league exists within a city, the team representing the city may be formed of players from any of the league teams providing ALL the teams are properly registered as house teams by the proper dates, and the twenty (20) player squad to represent the city in the district and state tournament play is declared by the player registration date of December 31st.
[R1] D. Players registered and rostered on a MH team may not participate as members of non-MH/USA Hockey teams during the season. Exception: programs that focus exclusively on training and skill development instead of games.
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greybeard58
- Posts: 2568
- Joined: Sat Aug 21, 2004 11:40 pm
Since By-Law 208 is mentioned here is the complete 208 including penalties and interpretations further down.
BYLAW 208.00 NON-SCHOOL COMPETITION AND TRAINING
(TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL SPORTS)
1. During the High School Season:
Cross Reference: Bylaw 411.10 Definition #10 (End of Season)
A. A student who is a member of a high school team may not participate as an individual competitor or as a member of a non-school team in the same sport during the high school season. Participation Definition: Participation is defined as practice, training, scrimmaging, tryouts and competing. Exceptions:
1) Baseball, softball and skiing.
2) A student who is cut or who elects to drop from the squad shall be permitted to play on a non-school team in that sport.
3) Non-school training during the high school season for athletes who qualify as individual competitors to the state tournament (Swimming, Cross Country Running, Tennis, Skiing, Girls’ Gymnastics, Wrestling, Synchronized Swimming, Golf, and Track and Field):
a) Lessons/Training: During the League high school season athletes may take lessons from professionals and other non-school coaches without limit as to where, when or who may provide the training. Athletes may not miss a high school practice, game, or meet to take a lesson or train for a non-school event. Athletes may take lessons/train with a non-school team/club during the high school season in the same sport;
b) Competition: Athletes may compete in non-school events/competitions that do not match the events in which athletes currently compete in high school competition.
B. Students who have been eliminated from further participation in a League tournament series may participate on a non-school team or as an individual competitor in that sport.
C. A student may receive training through private lessons from a person who is not a salaried or non-salaried member of the student’s sophomore, B-squad, junior varsity or varsity high school coaching staff in that sport. Fees for non-school coaching or training must be provided by the student or the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) unless approved by the Board of Directors.
2. During the School Year, Prior To and Following the High School Sports Season:
A. A student may participate as an individual competitor or as a member of a non-school team provided that the student’s participation is voluntary and not influenced or directed by a salaried or non-salaried member of the student’s sophomore, B-squad, junior varsity or varsity high school coaching staff in that sport.
B. Students may not use any type of high school uniform.
C. A student may not receive coaching or training from a salaried or non-salaried member of the student’s sophomore, B-squad, junior varsity or varsity high school coaching staff in that sport. Power skating and indoor soccer are included in this limitation.
D. A student may receive coaching or training including private lessons from a person who is not a salaried or non-salaried member of the student’s sophomore, B-squad, junior varsity or varsity high school coaching staff in that sport. Fees and expenses for non-school coaching, training or private lessons must be provided by the student or the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) unless approved by the Board of Directors.
E. Participation in Captains Practice: Captains Practice is primarily for the purpose of physical conditioning organized and conducted by the students. Students may participate in Captains Practice provided that salaried or non-salaried school personnel are not involved in any capacity. It is the responsibility of school officials to become aware of the preseason activities in their school district and to insure that the spirit and intent of the League rules are observed.
F. Participation in Open Gym: Open gym refers to the use of school facilities for recreational activities. Students may participate in open gym if all of the following conditions are met:
1) the school facilities are available for students to participate in a number of activities.
2) the recreational activities are open to all students.
3) there is no coaching of the skills and techniques of activities provided in the school interscholastic athletic program.
4) there is no requirement for students to attend open gym activities as a prerequisite for membership on a high school team.
3. Summer Vacation Period:
Cross Reference: Bylaw 411.10 (Definitions - Summer)
A. Students may participate in camps, clinics/non-school teams, provided that these summer activities are voluntary and they are not influenced or directed to participate by a salaried or non-salaried member of the student’s sophomore, B-squad, junior varsity or varsity high school coaching staff in that sport.
B. A student may not use any type of high school uniform. Balls and goalie equipment may be issued for summer use. A student may rent personal protective equipment from the school, i.e. helmets and shoulder pads, for summer use only.
C. A student may receive coaching or training from a salaried or non-salaried member of the student’s sophomore, B-squad, junior varsity or varsity high school coaching staff in that sport provided the school has approved summer coaching for that sport. Fees and expenses for non-school coaching or training must be provided by the student or the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) unless approved by the Board of Directors.
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4. Summer Coaching Waiver:
A. Member schools shall have the authority to approve a coaching waiver for their salaried and non-salaried coaches. The summer coaching waiver grants permission to high school coaches to coach and instruct members of the high school team during the summer waiver period. The summer waiver period begins on June 1 and concludes on July 31. With the exception of Baseball and Softball the summer waiver period also includes a one-week no-contact period in July the week of July 4. During the no-contact period salaried and non-salaried coaches may not coach members of their high school program. Coaches who have been granted a summer coaching waiver by their high school to coach a summer league team may continue to coach that team through Labor Day if that team participates in an end-of-the-season tournament as a natural extension of the summer team season. Said exception must be approved, in writing, by the high school athletic director of that school.
B. Summer Camp/Clinic Waiver:
Member schools shall have authority to approve a coaching waiver for camps and or clinics beginning on June 1 and ending on July 31. With the exception of Baseball and Softball the summer waiver period also includes a one-week no-contact period in July the week of July 4.
C. Procedure for Granting Summer Coaching or Summer Camp/ClinicWaivers:
The designated school representative of the member high school shall document, in writing and keep on file in the school:
1) A letter of verification from the coach indicating an agreement to coach the students;
2) The letter required for summer coaching shall be documented on an official League Summer Coaching Form, which is available on the League web site.
5. Auditions for College Teams:
Students/athletes who have been members of a varsity, junior varsity, B-squad or sophomore team are not eligible to participate in tryouts or auditions for college or university scholarships, etc. until their high school eligibility in that sport has been completed.
6. Penalties: Students in violation of the non-school competion and training rules during the high school season, during the school year prior to and following the high school season, and during the summer vacation period are subject to the following penalties.
A. First Violation: The student shall lose eligibility IN THAT SPORT for the next two consecutive interscholastic contests or two weeks, 14 calendar days, of that season, whichever is greater.
B. Second Violation: The student shall lose eligibility IN THAT SPORT for the next six consecutive interscholastic contests or three weeks, 21 calendar days, whichever is greater.
C. Third or Subsequent Violations: The student shall lose eligibility IN THAT SPORT for the next 12 consecutive interscholastic contests or four weeks, 28 calendar days, whichever is greater.
D. Applying the Penalty:
1) If there are fewer events remaining in that sport season than are required to satisfy the penalty, the loss of eligibility will continue into the next season in that sport.
2) A senior who violates the bylaws at the end of a sport season will serve the complete suspension in the next sport season in which the student participates.
E. Penalties shall be progressive beginning with the first violation and continuing through the student’s high school career. A student who is under penalty for violation of a League bylaw may not join a second sport in the same season in order to fulfill a penalty. Penalties shall be served consecutively.
7. Definitions:
A. High School Team or Squad: These terms are synonymous and include all students who place themselves under the supervision, control and instructions of the coach assigned to that sport. Competition may be sponsored by a member school of the League at such levels as varsity, B-squad, junior varsity or sophomore.
B. Participation: Membership on a team and listed on the school’s Master Eligibility List.
C. End of Season:
1) Student Participation on a Non-School Team While the Season is Still in Progress:
a) The season shall end when the student or the student’s team has been eliminated from further participation in a League tournament series.
b) Students who have been eliminated from further participation in a League tournament series may participate as an individual or as a member of a non-school team in that sport.
2) School Team Practice and Competition:
The “end of season” shall be defined to be the last date of the state tournament in that sport.
a) Schools may continue to conduct practice and training for all squad members, including the students who have been eliminated from further individual competition in a League-sponsored series, until completion of the state tournament conducted by the League in that activity.
b) Dual contests may be scheduled after the start of the official League tournament series providing the school does not exceed the maximum number of games/matches/meets permitted in that activity.
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D. Summer: Summer shall be the defined as the period from the Saturday following the fourth Friday in May through Labor Day. Summer for the sport of soccer shall be defined as the day following the fourth Friday in May through the Sunday immediately prior to the official starting date of the MSHSL high school soccer season. Note: Students may participate in activities during the summer, as defined above, even though their high school sport season in the same sport has begun, i.e. students may play tennis tournaments or participate in road races through Labor Day. Soccer is excluded from dual participation as defined above.
E. Non-School Team: A non-school team is defined as any group of players who receive coaching, training, uniforms or equipment or who participate in a meet/game/contest/tryouts or a tournament.
F. Coaching, Training and Lessons: Training shall be defined as receiving instruction in the techniques and skills of a particular sport.
G. Spontaneous Recreation: Spontaneous, recreational activities are not included in the definition of non-school teams. Such activities could include: school-sponsored intramural teams, high school class teams for the purpose of inter-class tournaments, parent-student recreation teams or faculty-student games.
H. Season: The season shall begin with the first official date practice is allowed and end with the individual’s or team’s elimination from further participation in a League tournament series.
BYLAW 208.00 INTERPRETATIONS
Q. May a student on a cross country or track team compete in a 1/2 marathon, marathon, fun run, road race, or a race for a cause, e.g., Race for the Cure, during the season?
A. Yes, provided that the distance run in the competition is different in length than high school cross country running or track events. Swimmers would likewise be able to compete in non-school competition in events significantly different in length than high school swimming events.
Q. Can high school coaches participate as a player on a non-school league team or in games during open gym with students they coach on their high school team?
A. No. It is the philosophy of the Minnesota State High School League that students should have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities prior to and following the high school sports season provided that these activities are voluntary and not influenced or directed by a salaried or non-salaried member of the student’s high school coaching staff. The presence of the student’s high school coach as a participant violates the intent of the rule which seeks to prevent school personnel from exerting undue influence on students to participate on non-school teams or attend open gym.
Q. I am the head coach of the high school wrestling program and a member of my high school wrestling team is going to compete at a national tournament in April. Can I coach him at the tournament?
A. The provisions of MSHSL Bylaw 208—Non-School Competition and Training are quite clear. You cannot coach members of your high school team outside of the season, except during the summer waiver period.
Q. During summer waiver practices, can a player from another school practice with our players? For example, if a cousin is visiting here for the summer, can he practice?
A. There is no such thing as summer waiver practices. Remember, the summer waiver gives your coach permission to have coaching access to his or her student athletes. It is not a school function, it is not your school team, and your school has no responsibility. Your coach is an independent contractor—not acting in his/her official capacity as a high school representing the school.
Q. Is it permissible for a student to participate on a non-school sponsored team and on a school team at the same time?
A. Yes. A student may participate on a non-school sponsored team and a school sponsored team at the same time provided the non-school team is not in the same sport.
Q. May non-school teams use school facilities/equipment?
A. In as much as these are non-school teams, schools may not provide school facilities or equipment. However, schools may lease/rent facilities/non-personal equipment (volleyball standards, wrestling mats, personal protection equipment such as helmets and shoulder pads, etc.) as they would for any other non-school group or organization in accordance with the school’s non-school facility use policy. School uniforms may not be used by non-school teams. This also includes the use of school transportation. Non-school teams must lease/rent the school vehicles.
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BYLAW 208.00 INTERPRETATIONS
Q. May students who have been members of a school athletic squad attend specialized sport camps and or clinics during the school year?
A. Yes. A student who has been a member of a varsity, B-squad, junior varsity, or sophomore team in a given sport may attend a school, camp or clinic in that sport during the school year provided the student receives approval from the high school principal and the student’s high school coach in that sport does not own, organize or coach the clinic.
Q. What may a coach do and not do before and after the high school season with his/her high school athletes?
A. MAY DO
1) Provide camp and non-school team information to athletes if approved for a summer waiver and authorized by your athletic director to do so.
2) Coaches approved for summer coaching may provide coaching during the prescribed time period. Ref. Bylaw 208, Summer Coaching Waiver.
MAY NOT DO
During the school year, prior to and following the sport season and outside of the approved summer coaching waiver period:
1) May not provide coaching, instruction, training, etc. to any member of their high school team, B-squad, J.V. or varsity other than during the season or under the summer waiver.
2) May not influence or direct a player’s non-school play. This includes:
a) Directing athletes to play in a league or attend a camp or clinic.
b) Place athletes on a roster; develop or organize a team roster; draft players for a team; select, secure, evaluate or otherwise influence the placement of athletes on a team for leagues, tournaments, camps or clinics other than those athletes approved for the summer coaching waiver.
3. May not direct or unduly influence an athlete to participate in open gym, captain’s practice, or non-school teams, leagues or camps.
4. May not organize, supervise, direct or otherwise be involved in the organization of captain’s practice.
BYLAW 208.00 NON-SCHOOL COMPETITION AND TRAINING
(TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL SPORTS)
1. During the High School Season:
Cross Reference: Bylaw 411.10 Definition #10 (End of Season)
A. A student who is a member of a high school team may not participate as an individual competitor or as a member of a non-school team in the same sport during the high school season. Participation Definition: Participation is defined as practice, training, scrimmaging, tryouts and competing. Exceptions:
1) Baseball, softball and skiing.
2) A student who is cut or who elects to drop from the squad shall be permitted to play on a non-school team in that sport.
3) Non-school training during the high school season for athletes who qualify as individual competitors to the state tournament (Swimming, Cross Country Running, Tennis, Skiing, Girls’ Gymnastics, Wrestling, Synchronized Swimming, Golf, and Track and Field):
a) Lessons/Training: During the League high school season athletes may take lessons from professionals and other non-school coaches without limit as to where, when or who may provide the training. Athletes may not miss a high school practice, game, or meet to take a lesson or train for a non-school event. Athletes may take lessons/train with a non-school team/club during the high school season in the same sport;
b) Competition: Athletes may compete in non-school events/competitions that do not match the events in which athletes currently compete in high school competition.
B. Students who have been eliminated from further participation in a League tournament series may participate on a non-school team or as an individual competitor in that sport.
C. A student may receive training through private lessons from a person who is not a salaried or non-salaried member of the student’s sophomore, B-squad, junior varsity or varsity high school coaching staff in that sport. Fees for non-school coaching or training must be provided by the student or the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) unless approved by the Board of Directors.
2. During the School Year, Prior To and Following the High School Sports Season:
A. A student may participate as an individual competitor or as a member of a non-school team provided that the student’s participation is voluntary and not influenced or directed by a salaried or non-salaried member of the student’s sophomore, B-squad, junior varsity or varsity high school coaching staff in that sport.
B. Students may not use any type of high school uniform.
C. A student may not receive coaching or training from a salaried or non-salaried member of the student’s sophomore, B-squad, junior varsity or varsity high school coaching staff in that sport. Power skating and indoor soccer are included in this limitation.
D. A student may receive coaching or training including private lessons from a person who is not a salaried or non-salaried member of the student’s sophomore, B-squad, junior varsity or varsity high school coaching staff in that sport. Fees and expenses for non-school coaching, training or private lessons must be provided by the student or the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) unless approved by the Board of Directors.
E. Participation in Captains Practice: Captains Practice is primarily for the purpose of physical conditioning organized and conducted by the students. Students may participate in Captains Practice provided that salaried or non-salaried school personnel are not involved in any capacity. It is the responsibility of school officials to become aware of the preseason activities in their school district and to insure that the spirit and intent of the League rules are observed.
F. Participation in Open Gym: Open gym refers to the use of school facilities for recreational activities. Students may participate in open gym if all of the following conditions are met:
1) the school facilities are available for students to participate in a number of activities.
2) the recreational activities are open to all students.
3) there is no coaching of the skills and techniques of activities provided in the school interscholastic athletic program.
4) there is no requirement for students to attend open gym activities as a prerequisite for membership on a high school team.
3. Summer Vacation Period:
Cross Reference: Bylaw 411.10 (Definitions - Summer)
A. Students may participate in camps, clinics/non-school teams, provided that these summer activities are voluntary and they are not influenced or directed to participate by a salaried or non-salaried member of the student’s sophomore, B-squad, junior varsity or varsity high school coaching staff in that sport.
B. A student may not use any type of high school uniform. Balls and goalie equipment may be issued for summer use. A student may rent personal protective equipment from the school, i.e. helmets and shoulder pads, for summer use only.
C. A student may receive coaching or training from a salaried or non-salaried member of the student’s sophomore, B-squad, junior varsity or varsity high school coaching staff in that sport provided the school has approved summer coaching for that sport. Fees and expenses for non-school coaching or training must be provided by the student or the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) unless approved by the Board of Directors.
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4. Summer Coaching Waiver:
A. Member schools shall have the authority to approve a coaching waiver for their salaried and non-salaried coaches. The summer coaching waiver grants permission to high school coaches to coach and instruct members of the high school team during the summer waiver period. The summer waiver period begins on June 1 and concludes on July 31. With the exception of Baseball and Softball the summer waiver period also includes a one-week no-contact period in July the week of July 4. During the no-contact period salaried and non-salaried coaches may not coach members of their high school program. Coaches who have been granted a summer coaching waiver by their high school to coach a summer league team may continue to coach that team through Labor Day if that team participates in an end-of-the-season tournament as a natural extension of the summer team season. Said exception must be approved, in writing, by the high school athletic director of that school.
B. Summer Camp/Clinic Waiver:
Member schools shall have authority to approve a coaching waiver for camps and or clinics beginning on June 1 and ending on July 31. With the exception of Baseball and Softball the summer waiver period also includes a one-week no-contact period in July the week of July 4.
C. Procedure for Granting Summer Coaching or Summer Camp/ClinicWaivers:
The designated school representative of the member high school shall document, in writing and keep on file in the school:
1) A letter of verification from the coach indicating an agreement to coach the students;
2) The letter required for summer coaching shall be documented on an official League Summer Coaching Form, which is available on the League web site.
5. Auditions for College Teams:
Students/athletes who have been members of a varsity, junior varsity, B-squad or sophomore team are not eligible to participate in tryouts or auditions for college or university scholarships, etc. until their high school eligibility in that sport has been completed.
6. Penalties: Students in violation of the non-school competion and training rules during the high school season, during the school year prior to and following the high school season, and during the summer vacation period are subject to the following penalties.
A. First Violation: The student shall lose eligibility IN THAT SPORT for the next two consecutive interscholastic contests or two weeks, 14 calendar days, of that season, whichever is greater.
B. Second Violation: The student shall lose eligibility IN THAT SPORT for the next six consecutive interscholastic contests or three weeks, 21 calendar days, whichever is greater.
C. Third or Subsequent Violations: The student shall lose eligibility IN THAT SPORT for the next 12 consecutive interscholastic contests or four weeks, 28 calendar days, whichever is greater.
D. Applying the Penalty:
1) If there are fewer events remaining in that sport season than are required to satisfy the penalty, the loss of eligibility will continue into the next season in that sport.
2) A senior who violates the bylaws at the end of a sport season will serve the complete suspension in the next sport season in which the student participates.
E. Penalties shall be progressive beginning with the first violation and continuing through the student’s high school career. A student who is under penalty for violation of a League bylaw may not join a second sport in the same season in order to fulfill a penalty. Penalties shall be served consecutively.
7. Definitions:
A. High School Team or Squad: These terms are synonymous and include all students who place themselves under the supervision, control and instructions of the coach assigned to that sport. Competition may be sponsored by a member school of the League at such levels as varsity, B-squad, junior varsity or sophomore.
B. Participation: Membership on a team and listed on the school’s Master Eligibility List.
C. End of Season:
1) Student Participation on a Non-School Team While the Season is Still in Progress:
a) The season shall end when the student or the student’s team has been eliminated from further participation in a League tournament series.
b) Students who have been eliminated from further participation in a League tournament series may participate as an individual or as a member of a non-school team in that sport.
2) School Team Practice and Competition:
The “end of season” shall be defined to be the last date of the state tournament in that sport.
a) Schools may continue to conduct practice and training for all squad members, including the students who have been eliminated from further individual competition in a League-sponsored series, until completion of the state tournament conducted by the League in that activity.
b) Dual contests may be scheduled after the start of the official League tournament series providing the school does not exceed the maximum number of games/matches/meets permitted in that activity.
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D. Summer: Summer shall be the defined as the period from the Saturday following the fourth Friday in May through Labor Day. Summer for the sport of soccer shall be defined as the day following the fourth Friday in May through the Sunday immediately prior to the official starting date of the MSHSL high school soccer season. Note: Students may participate in activities during the summer, as defined above, even though their high school sport season in the same sport has begun, i.e. students may play tennis tournaments or participate in road races through Labor Day. Soccer is excluded from dual participation as defined above.
E. Non-School Team: A non-school team is defined as any group of players who receive coaching, training, uniforms or equipment or who participate in a meet/game/contest/tryouts or a tournament.
F. Coaching, Training and Lessons: Training shall be defined as receiving instruction in the techniques and skills of a particular sport.
G. Spontaneous Recreation: Spontaneous, recreational activities are not included in the definition of non-school teams. Such activities could include: school-sponsored intramural teams, high school class teams for the purpose of inter-class tournaments, parent-student recreation teams or faculty-student games.
H. Season: The season shall begin with the first official date practice is allowed and end with the individual’s or team’s elimination from further participation in a League tournament series.
BYLAW 208.00 INTERPRETATIONS
Q. May a student on a cross country or track team compete in a 1/2 marathon, marathon, fun run, road race, or a race for a cause, e.g., Race for the Cure, during the season?
A. Yes, provided that the distance run in the competition is different in length than high school cross country running or track events. Swimmers would likewise be able to compete in non-school competition in events significantly different in length than high school swimming events.
Q. Can high school coaches participate as a player on a non-school league team or in games during open gym with students they coach on their high school team?
A. No. It is the philosophy of the Minnesota State High School League that students should have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities prior to and following the high school sports season provided that these activities are voluntary and not influenced or directed by a salaried or non-salaried member of the student’s high school coaching staff. The presence of the student’s high school coach as a participant violates the intent of the rule which seeks to prevent school personnel from exerting undue influence on students to participate on non-school teams or attend open gym.
Q. I am the head coach of the high school wrestling program and a member of my high school wrestling team is going to compete at a national tournament in April. Can I coach him at the tournament?
A. The provisions of MSHSL Bylaw 208—Non-School Competition and Training are quite clear. You cannot coach members of your high school team outside of the season, except during the summer waiver period.
Q. During summer waiver practices, can a player from another school practice with our players? For example, if a cousin is visiting here for the summer, can he practice?
A. There is no such thing as summer waiver practices. Remember, the summer waiver gives your coach permission to have coaching access to his or her student athletes. It is not a school function, it is not your school team, and your school has no responsibility. Your coach is an independent contractor—not acting in his/her official capacity as a high school representing the school.
Q. Is it permissible for a student to participate on a non-school sponsored team and on a school team at the same time?
A. Yes. A student may participate on a non-school sponsored team and a school sponsored team at the same time provided the non-school team is not in the same sport.
Q. May non-school teams use school facilities/equipment?
A. In as much as these are non-school teams, schools may not provide school facilities or equipment. However, schools may lease/rent facilities/non-personal equipment (volleyball standards, wrestling mats, personal protection equipment such as helmets and shoulder pads, etc.) as they would for any other non-school group or organization in accordance with the school’s non-school facility use policy. School uniforms may not be used by non-school teams. This also includes the use of school transportation. Non-school teams must lease/rent the school vehicles.
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BYLAW 208.00 INTERPRETATIONS
Q. May students who have been members of a school athletic squad attend specialized sport camps and or clinics during the school year?
A. Yes. A student who has been a member of a varsity, B-squad, junior varsity, or sophomore team in a given sport may attend a school, camp or clinic in that sport during the school year provided the student receives approval from the high school principal and the student’s high school coach in that sport does not own, organize or coach the clinic.
Q. What may a coach do and not do before and after the high school season with his/her high school athletes?
A. MAY DO
1) Provide camp and non-school team information to athletes if approved for a summer waiver and authorized by your athletic director to do so.
2) Coaches approved for summer coaching may provide coaching during the prescribed time period. Ref. Bylaw 208, Summer Coaching Waiver.
MAY NOT DO
During the school year, prior to and following the sport season and outside of the approved summer coaching waiver period:
1) May not provide coaching, instruction, training, etc. to any member of their high school team, B-squad, J.V. or varsity other than during the season or under the summer waiver.
2) May not influence or direct a player’s non-school play. This includes:
a) Directing athletes to play in a league or attend a camp or clinic.
b) Place athletes on a roster; develop or organize a team roster; draft players for a team; select, secure, evaluate or otherwise influence the placement of athletes on a team for leagues, tournaments, camps or clinics other than those athletes approved for the summer coaching waiver.
3. May not direct or unduly influence an athlete to participate in open gym, captain’s practice, or non-school teams, leagues or camps.
4. May not organize, supervise, direct or otherwise be involved in the organization of captain’s practice.
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seek & destroy
- Posts: 328
- Joined: Wed Jul 23, 2008 2:38 pm
I have yet to see how Minnesota Hockey OR D6 have 'locked out any type of competition'. The fact is that they are simply not allowing players on their teams to play on two teams that would inevitably have some form of conflicts. That forces some people who like outside programs to have to make a choice on which program they want to do. Comparing and making choices about what you want is what competition is all about. If you like the other program so much you should do it...just don't participate in Mn. Hockey programs.Quasar wrote:I posted today on another thread about this rule..
What I do care about is Minnesota hockey's small minded attempt to lock out any type of competition. The tremendous growth of summer hockey in the last few years should be ringing a few bells somewhere.
Is that risky for them to make people choose? Sure because if the other program is good, many of the best players may start going there for better development and Mn Hockey could become the 2nd rate league with primarily the B & C players. You correctly point out how AAA hockey is growing fast as are other outside training programs. People are willing to pay large sums of money to play on these teams and are willing to travel. It is not far fetched to think that there will be a point where some of the best players in the State decide to play year round AAA hockey and choose to play only that because Mn Hockey forces them to pick a team. Once it starts, if they have success, you will see more and more people doing it and Mn. Hockey will be scrambling to keep players.
But for now they have not locked out the competition. People are just not allowed to try everything at once and pick and choose what they feel like they want to do on any given night.