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2014-15 FHSAA Swimming & Diving Sport Manual 1

Swimming & DivingSport Manual2014-15 Edition

2 2014-15 FHSAA Swimming & Diving Sport Manual

Table of Contents

How to Find Information ................................................. 2

Sport Specific ProceduresSwimming & Diving...................................................... 3-8

Additional Applicable Administrative Procedures2 Regular Season Procedures .............................. 9-113 Florida High School State Championships Procedures ....................................................... 12-19

Important Applicable Operational Bylaws7 Sportsmanship ....................................................... 208 Interscholastic Contests ................................... 22-229 Student Eligibility .............................................. 22-2910 Compliance and Enforcement .......................... 30-34

Important Applicable Administrative Policies4 Interscholastic Contests .................................... 35-366 Sport Season Limitations .................................. 36-377 Multi-School, Special and Sanctioned Athletic Events .................................................. 37-3910 Florida High School State Championships ....... 39-4111 OfficialStateEntryList ........................................... 4113 Districts and District Meetings, Scheduling, Seeding, Bracketing & Tournaments/Meets ...... 42-4318 Practices and Scrimmages ............................... 44-45

19 Advisory Committees ........................................ 45-4620 Summer Athletic Participation ................................ 4621 Off-Season Conditioning ................................... 46-4722 Non-School Team and/or Off-Season Participation ...................................................... 47-4823 Open Facilities Program ........................................ 4924 Coaching Schools, Camps, Clinics, Combines or Workshops by Member Schools ................... 49-5025 Participation by Student-Athletes and Teams in Coaching Schools, Camps, Clinics, Combines or Workshops ................................... 50-5126 Participation by Student-Athletes in All-Star Games and Showcases ......................................... 5130 Unsportsmanlike Conduct ................................. 51-5331 Use of Alcohol, Tobacco Human Growth Hormones, Steroids, Performance-Enhancing Drugs, or Schedule 3 Narcotics ............................. 5432 Inclement Weather and Suspended Contests ....... 5433 Sideline Cheerleading ............................................ 5534 Photographing, Filming and Videotaping Athletic Contests ............................................... 55-5636 Athletic Recruiting ............................................. 56-5837 ImproperContact&ImpermissalbeBenefits .... 58-5938 Financial Assistance ......................................... 59-6140 Concussions ..................................................... 61-6341 Heat Acclimatization .......................................... 63-65

Look for On Page(s) Look for On Page(s)

FHSAA Sport Administrator

Kellie Doucette, [email protected], ext. 450

How to find information:• OpendocumentwithAdobeReaderorAdobeAcrobat• Typeinthe“Find”box(seebelow)awordorphrase(if you do not see the find box then press “Ctrl+F” for Windows

or “+F” for Mac)• Press“Enter”• Thewordorphrase,iffound,willbehighlighted• Eachsuccessivepressingofthe“Enter”keywillfindsubsequentfindingsofthewordorphrase


4.12 Swimming & DivingAdministrator:KellieDoucette,ext.450,[email protected] Regular Season Procedures 4.12.1.1 Rules of Competition 4.12.1.1.1 Competition Rules.NFHSSwimming&DivingRules,asmodifiedbytheFHSAA,aretheofficialrulesforallswimming&divingmeets,includingtheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsmeets.ThefollowingmodificationstothoseruleshavebeenadoptedbytheBoardofDirectors.

• Whistles:Theuseofwhistlesaspreparatorycommandsisthemethodforallstartsatalllevelsofcompetition.• 1-3-14,3-2-3.Declaredfalsestarts:DuringFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsevents,nodeclaredfalsestarts

arepermitted.• 2-3-1,2-7-2.Waterdepth:Inpoolswithawaterdepthatthestartingendoflessthanfive(5)feet,thestartforall

swimmingeventsforallcontestantsmustbegininthewater.Therewillbenovariances.Inpoolswithawaterdepthoffive(5)feetormore,startingplatformsmaybeusedinaccordancewithNFHSrules.

• 3-1-2.Entriesbyteamindualmeets:Eachteamwillbeallowedamaximumoftwoentriesperindividualeventandtworelayeventsinapoolwithfivelanesorless;amaximumofthreeentriesperindividualeventandonerelayeventinapoolwithsixorsevenlanes;andamaximumoffourentriesperindividualeventandtworelayeventsinapoolwitheightlanesormore.Onlytworelayteamsmayscoreforeachteamineachrelayevent.

• 3-2-1.Entriesbyindividual:Acompetitorwillbepermittedtoenteramaximumoffour(4)events,nomorethantwo(2)ofwhichmaybeindividualevents.Prelimsandfinalsareconsideredthesameevent.If,however,aswimmercompetesinonlythree(3)eventsinprelims,he/shecouldcompeteinthosethreeeventsaswellasanadditionalrelayinfinalsprovidedhe/shewasdesignatedonthatrelayentrycard.

• 3-2-1(a).Exhibitions:Exhibitionswimming&divingand/orpracticedivingduringameetisallowedifallheadcoachesinvolvedinthemeetagree,anddeterminewhicheventswillbeexhibitionswims.TheathletesmustbeeligibleandcompliantwithFHSAArulesandregulations.

• 3-2-3.Relaycardprocedures:Relayathletesaretobelistedlefttorightintheorderthattheywillswim.Relayteamsaretopresentcompletedcardtothelanetimeratthetimeoftheswim.Namesmaynotbeaddedafterpreliminaryheatshavebeencompleted.Onlythenameslistedontheprelimcard(upto8)areeligibletoswiminthefinals.

• 3-3-1.Uniforms:AnyuniformthatisusedbyaswimmermustcoverALLofthebuttocksandmustbemadeofamaterialthatdoesnotbecometransparentwhenwet.Anycompetitorinviolationofthisrulewillnotbeallowedtoenterintocompetitionuntiltheoffendingattireisreplaced.Ifacompetitorisfoundinviolationofthisruleafterenteringanevent,thecompetitorwillbedisqualifiedfromthateventandwillnotbeallowedtoparticipatefurtheruntiltheoffendingattireisreplaced.

• 3-3-3.SwimmerswithDisabilities: Acompetitorwithadisabilitymayrequestspecificaccommodation(s) inthestart,strokes,turnsetc.whichdoesnotrequireequipment,providingtheaccommodation(s)doesnotfundamentallyalterthesportand/ornoadvantageisgained.Disabilityisdefinedasapermanentphysicalormentalimpairmentthatsubstantiallylimitsoneormoremajorlifeactivities.TheRefereehastheauthoritytomodifytherulesforthecompetitor.RequestsforaccommodationsthatarenotprovidedforinthissectionshallberequestedthroughtheFHSAAOfficeperNFHSRule3-3-3.

(a) Responsibilities.• Swimmer—The swimmer (or the swimmer’s coach) is responsible for notifying theReferee, prior to the

competition,ofanydisabilityoftheswimmer.Theswimmer/coachshallprovideanyassistant(s)orequipment(tappers,deckmats,etc.)ifrequired.

• Referee—TheReferee’sresponsibilitiesinclude:• Inquiringwithregardtotheswimmer’sneedsanddeterminingwhatmodificationswillbeutilized.• InstructingtheStarterandStroke&Turnofficialsastotheaccommodationstobemadeforthatswimmer.

(b)Modifications.SomeofthemodificationswhichtheRefereemaymaketoaccommodatetheswimmerwithadisabilityare:• Achangeinstartingposition.• Reassignmentoflaneswithinaheat,e.g.,exchangingLanes2and7.• Allowingtheswimmer’sassistant(s)onthedeckorinthewatertoassistwithastart.Otherallowablemodifications

arefurtherdescribedinthissectionunderthetypeofdisability.(c) UseofIDcardforswimmerswithadisability.Allswimmerswithadisability,whohaveanInternationalParalympics

Committeeauthorizedclassification,willbeissuedanIDcardlistingtheirspecificInternationalParalympicsCommitteeswimmingruleexceptionsonthereverseofthecard.Swimmersshallbejudgedunderthesespecificexceptions,whendocumentationispresented.

(d) Blindandvisuallyimpaired.


• Start—Withanaudiblestartingsystem,nomodificationisusuallyrequiredforablindorvisually-impairedswimmer.Theymay,however,requireassistancegettingtoandontheblock.Shouldtheyfeelinsecurestartingfromtheblockordeck,anin-the-waterstartmaybeallowed.

• TurnsandFinishes—Ablindorvisually-impairedswimmerispermittedtohavea“tapper”,whichisapolewithasoft-tippedend.Theswimmeristappedwiththe“tapper”asnotificationofturnsandthefinish.Sounddevicesshallnotbeused.Itistheswimmer’sresponsibilitytoprovidethetapper(s)andoperator(s),whoshallbepositionedwithintheconfinesoftheswimmer’slaneattheendsofthepool.

• RelayTake-Offs—Aphysicaltouchmayberequiredtosignaltherelayswimmerwhenhis/herteammatehastouchedthewall.Thespecificmethodmaybetailoredtotheswimmer’spreferencesolongasitdoesnotaidtheswimmer’stake-offorinterferewiththetiming.

(e) Deafandhardofhearing.• Deafandhardofhearingswimmersmayrequireavisualstartingsignal,i.e.,astrobelight(whenavailable)and/

orStarter’sarmsignals.TheRefereemayreassignlaneswithintheswimmer’sheat,i.e.,exchangingonelaneforanother,sothatthestrobelightorStarter’sarmsignalcanmorereadilybeseenbythedeaforhardofhearingswimmer.StandardStarter’sarmsignalsareshowninFigure1.Arecallropeisrequiredintheeventofaheatbeingrecalled.

• Strobelightlocation(whenavailable)—TheStartershalladvisetheswimmersaboutthelocationofthestrobelightandthelightshallbelocatedwheretheswimmerscanclearlyseeitforthestart.Forbackstrokestarts,thelightshouldbepositionedsothattheswimmersdon’thavetoturntheirheadstolookbackwards.

(f) Mentallyimpaired.Adeckorin-the-waterstartisallowableandtheswimmermaybepermittedtohaveanassistanton thedeckwhennecessary.Noother specific rulemodifications are requiredother thanpatience andclarity incommunicatinginstructions.

(g) Physicaldisabilities.• Start—Swimmerswithphysicaldisabilities:Maytakelongertoassumetheirstartingposition;• Maynotbeabletoholdontothestartinggripsorgutterforastart;• Mayneedassistanceonthedeckorfrominthewatertomaintainastartingposition;• Mayneedtoassumeamodifiedstartingpositionontheblocks,deck,gutterorinthewaterinordertomaintain

theirbalance.• Forfreestyle,breaststrokeandbutterfly,aforwardstart(facingthecourse)shallbeused.TheReferee,however,

mayallowmodificationssuchasthefollowing:• Theswimmermaystartfromasittingpositionontheblockoronthedeck;• Theswimmermayassumeastartingpositioninthewater,withorwithoutassistance;• Iftheswimmercannotuseahandand/orfoottomaintaincontactwiththewall,someotherpartofthebody

maybeused.• Forbreaststrokeandbutterfly,afterthestartandaftereachturn,aswimmerwhoisunabletopushoffwiththe

leg(s)mayperformoneasymmetricalstroketoattainthebreastposition.• Stroke/Kick—Injudgingthestrokeorkickofaswimmerwithaphysicaldisability,theRefereeandStroke

&TurnJudgeshouldfollowthegeneralrulethat:ifapartofthebodyisabsentorcannotbeused,itisnotjudged;ifitisusedduringthestrokeorkick,itshouldbejudgedinaccordancewiththeNFHSrulesandRegulations.Judgments should bemadebasedon the actual rule—not on the swimmer’s technique. For example, thebreaststrokeswimmerwithonearmorlegshorterthantheother,mayhaveanon-symmetricalstrokeorkick,butaslongasthearmorlegactionissimultaneous,itwouldmeetthatportionoftherule.Noflotationdevicesshouldbepermitted.

• Turn/Finishes—Touchesshallbejudgedinthesamemannerasstrokesandkicks,i.e.,onthebasisofthearm(s)and/orhand(s)thattheswimmercanuse.Inbreaststrokeandbutterflyevents,theswimmermustreachforwardasifattemptingasimultaneoustwo-handtouch.Whenaswimmerhasadifferentarmlength,onlythelongerarmmusttouchthewall,butbotharmsmustbestretchedforwardsimultaneously.Swimmerswithnoarmsorwithupperlimbstooshorttostretchabovetheheadmaytouchthewallwithanypartoftheupperbody.

• Relays—Relayswimmerswhocannotexitthewaterimmediatelymaybeallowedtoremaininthelaneuntilallrelayshavefinishedsolongastheydonotinterferewiththeotherswimmersorthetimingequipment.

• 5-4-5.AlternateQualifiers:Thenexttwohighestnon-qualifiersshallbenamedinordertoguaranteeafullcomplementoffinalists.Alternatequalifiersshallbeusedprovidedthereisnodelayinthemeet.DuringtheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships,thesealternatesmaybemovedintotheconsolationfinals.Thefinalheatsmaybereseededifthemeetrefereeisnotifiedpriortoalanevacancyandiftimepermits.AlternatequalifiersarenotconsideredforadvancementbetweenthedifferentlevelsoftheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.


• 8-1-1,2.Starts:AllFHSAAeventswillutilizetheNFHSSuggestedGuidelinesforStarters’Protocolforwhistlestarts.• 8-1-6.NoRecallProcedures:NoRecallStartProcedureswillbeconductedduringallFHSAAswimmingevents.

Meetsaretobeconductedaccordingtothefollowingprotocol:(a) OneOfficial. Theofficialshall:

• Uponobservingafalsestart,raiseahandwithopenpalmassoonaspossibleafterthestart,butbeforetheswimmershavecompletedtheirfirstlength,indicatingtheviolation.

• Atthecompletionoftherace,s/heshallnotifytheswimmer(s)and/orcoach(es)ofthedisqualification.(b) DualConfirmation. Therefereeshall:

• Uponobservingafalsestart,recordinwritingthelaneorlanesthathavecommittedafalsestart.• Comparewrittenrecordswiththestarterand,uponconfirmingthatbothhaveobservedthesameviolation,

willdisqualifytheswimmer(s).S/hewillalsonotifytheswimmer(s)and/orcoach(es)oftheviolation. Thestartershall:• Uponobservingafalsestart,recordinwritingthelaneorlanesthathavecommittedafalsestart.• Comparewrittenrecordswiththerefereetoconfirm/notconfirmthepotentialviolation(s).

(c) RecallingtheEntireHeat.Thestarter/refereemayrecalltheentireheat:• Whenthestartissuchthatthestarter/refereeisnotsatisfiedthattheracewasproperlybegun,itisalways

permissibleforthestarter/refereetorecalltheentireheat.• Itisnotnecessarytochargeanyswimmerwithafalsestartundertheseconditions,althoughthatmayalso

occur.• Thingsthatnegativelyaffectthestart(suchasaloudnoisejustasthestartingsignalisgiventhataffects

oneormoreswimmers)shouldbepartofanystarter’sawarenesswhencommencingarace. 4.12.1.1.2 Order of Events. Theorderofeventsforallmeetsshallbethe200-yardmedleyrelay,200-yardfreestyle,200-yardindividualmedley,50-yardfreestyle,One-meterDiving,100-yardbutterfly,100-yardfreestyle,500-yardfreestyle,200-yardfreestylerelay,100-yardbackstroke,100-yardbreaststroke,400-yardfreestylerelay.TheDivingeventmaybethefirsteventinthecompetitionbypriormutualconsentofcompetingteams. 4.12.1.1.3 Diving Competition.Thereshallbenominimumtotaldegreeofdifficultyforoptionaldives.ThedegreeofdifficultyforalldivesislistedintheNFHSSwimming&DivingRulesBook.

• NFHSRule9-4-6:VoluntaryDiveGroups.ThevoluntarydivegroupsandthecorrespondingcalendarweekfortheFHSAARegularSeasonareasfollows:Week1Forward;Week2Back;Week3Inward;Week4Twisting;Week5Reverse.Inthecaseofaregularseasonmeetthatispostponedandsubsequentlyrescheduled,thevoluntarydivegroupthatisrequiredforthecalendarweekthatthemeetisrescheduledwillbeused.IfadditionalmeetsoccurafterWeek5,pleaserevertbacktoWeek1.

4.12.2 Florida High School State Championships Procedures 4.12.2.1 District Meeting 4.12.2.1.1 Date.MondaythroughFridayofWeek8 4.12.2.1.2 Meeting Agenda.Inadditiontosection3.4.2,thefollowingitemsofbusinessmustbeaddressedatthedistrictmeetingandreflectedintheminutes:

• Selecthostschool,siteanddeterminetimeschedule.(Note:Ifusingalternatesites,oneschoolmustbeselectedasthehostandberesponsibleforsubmittingallrequiredreportsattheconclusionofthedistricttournamentwithFHSAApolicies.)ThehostschoolmustbewillingandabletousethescoringsystemapprovedbytheExecutiveDirectortoconductthedistrictmeet.Thehostmustalsosubmitthe“DistrictHomeInformationSheet”within48hoursofthemeeting.

• DeterminedeadlineforseedingreportformifdifferentfromtherecommendedFHSAAdeadline. 4.12.2.2 Meet Structure and Time Schedules 4.12.2.2.1 District Meets

(a) Dates,TimeScheduleandSite.(1) Dates.1A&2A-Week18;3A&4A-Week17(2) TimeSchedule.Eachdistrictwilldeterminethetimescheduleforitsmeetatthedistrictmeeting.Nodistrict

maybeginpreliminarycompetitionearlierthan9a.m.Alldistrictmeetsaretimedfinals.(3) Site.Eachdistrictwilldetermineasiteforitsmeetatthedistrictplanningmeeting.


(4) Seeding.SeedinginformationisduetothedistricthostMondayofWeek16for3A/4AandWeek17for1A/2Aunlessdeterminedotherwiseatthedistrictplanningmeeting.Usethe“DistrictMeetSeedingReportForm”(FormSW3ontheFHSAASwimming&Divingpage)forthispurpose,orsubmitentriesthroughthescoringsystemapprovedbytheExecutiveDirectorviae-mail.Allentriesmustbetyped.Nohand-writtenentrieswillbeaccepted.

(b) CoachesMeeting.Apre-meetcoachesmeetingshallbeheldpriortothestartofthedistrictmeettocoveritemsofinformationorrulingsthatarenecessaryfortheadministrationofthemeet.Thismeetingisnotaseedingmeeting,andnoentriesshallbeacceptedatthistime.Contestantsmaybewithdrawn(scratched)fromthemeetbytheircoachesatthistimebynotifyingthemeetmanager.Contestantsscratchedatthistimeshallbedisqualifiedfromparticipatinginthemeet.Nosubstitutionsarepermitted.Coachesmustmakeeveryefforttoreviewthelistingofcontestantsineacheventtoensurethateachoftheircontestantsisproperlyenteredandthateachnameiscorrect.

(c) Officials.TheFHSAArequiresthemeetrefereetobeanFHSAAregisteredofficialatDistrictcompetitions. 4.12.2.2.2 Regional Meets

(a) Complexes.Competitionwillbeconductedinfourregionalcomplexesineachclassification.Districts1through3willcomprisetheRegion1complex,Districts4through6willcomprisetheRegion2complex,Districts7through9willcomprisetheRegion3complex,andDistricts10through12willcomprisetheRegion4complex.

(b) Dates,TimeScheduleandSite.(1) Dates.1A&2A-Week19;3A&4A-Week18(2) TimeSchedule.Eachregionhosthaspredeterminedthetimescheduleforitsmeet.PleasevisitFHSAA.orgfor

themostcurrentinformation.Allregionmeetsaretimedfinals.(3) Sites.AlistingofregionalmeetsitesisavailableatFHSAA.org.(4) InvitationstoHost.Preferenceshallbegiventothoseprospectivehostswhohaveaccesstoandabilitytouse

thescoringsystemapprovedbytheExecutiveDirector.(c) Officials.TheFHSAArequiresthemeetrefereetobeanFHSAAregisteredofficialatRegionalcompetitions.(d) Intheeventaregionmeetdoesnotoccur,timesfromthedistrictmeetswillbeusedtoadvancetheswimmerstothe

statefinals. 4.12.2.2.3 Florida High School State Championships

(a) Dates.TheFHSAASwimming&DivingFinalsstatemeetshallbeheldonThursdaythroughSaturdayofWeeks19and20.

Theorderofstatechampionshipcompetitionshallrotateaccordingtoclassificationeachyearasfollows: 2014 2015 Class4A Class1A Class3A Class2A Class2A Class3A Class1A Class4A(b) TimeSchedule.TheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipstimeschedulewillbepostedontheFHSAAWebsite:(c) CoachesPacket.Acoach’spacketwillbeavailableontheFHSAAWebsite.Theheadcoachofeachparticipating

teamisrequiredtoviewtheinformationpriortotheevent. 4.12.2.2.4 Advancement of Teams and Individuals

(a) DistricttoRegional.(1) SwimmingEvents.Twenty-four(24)contestantsshalladvancefromdistrictmeetstothecorrelatingregional

meetsineachindividualeventinswimmingcompetitionasfollows:thetoptwo(2)finishersineachswimmingeventfromeachdistrictmeetaswellasthenextoverallbesttimesatlargeforafieldof24fromtheremainingbesttimesamongtopsixteen(16)finishersinthedistrictmeetscomprisingtheregion.Intheeventofatieforthelastat-largequalifyingplacetotheregionalmeet,allofthecompetitorstiedshallbeallowedtoadvancetotheregionalmeet.

(2) RelayEvents.Sixteen(16)teamsshalladvancefromdistrictmeetstothecorrelatingregionalmeetsineachrelayeventinswimmingcompetitionasfollows:thetopfinisherineachrelayeventfromeachdistrictmeetaswellasthenextoverallbesttimesatlargeforafieldof16fromtheremainingbesttimesamongtopeightfinishersinthedistrictmeetscomprisingtheregion.

(3) DivingCompetition.Twenty-four(24)contestantsmayadvancefromdistrictmeetstothecorrelatingregionalmeetsindivingcompetitionasfollows:thefirsttwo(2)placesindivingcompetitionfromeachdistrictmeet,providedthediverhasaminimumqualifyingscoreof280.0pointsindistrictcompetition.Anyremainingavailablespacesshallbefilledonanat-largebasisfromallcompetingdiverswhoplacedinthetopsixteen(16)intheir


respectivedistrictmeetscomprisingtheregionandmettheminimumqualifyingscoreof280.0pointsforafieldof24.Intheeventofatieforthelastat-largequalifyingplacetotheregionalmeet,allofthecompetitorstiedshallbeallowedtoadvancetotheregionalmeet.

(4) Qualifyingtimes/scoresforat-largeentriesintotheregionalmeetwillbepostedonFHSAA.orgafteralldistrictsinthatregionhavereportedtheirresults.

(5) Relayteamsqualifyfromthedistrictmeettotheregionalmeetasateam,notasindividuals.(6) Anyeligibleswimmerwhosenameappearsonanofficialentrylistmayswimonarelayteamprovidedthe

swimmer’snamealsoisenteredontherelaycard.(b) RegionaltoFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.

(1) SwimmingEvents.Twenty-four(24)contestantsshalladvancefromregionalmeetstotheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsineachindividualeventinswimmingcompetitionasfollows:thetoptwo(2)finishersineachswimmingeventfromeachregionalmeetaswellasthenextoverallbesttimesatlargeforafieldof24fromtheremainingbesttimesamongtopsixteen(16)finishersinthefourregionalmeets.Intheeventofatieforthelastat-largequalifyingplacetotheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships,allofthecompetitorstiedshallbeallowedtoadvancetotheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.

(2)RelayEvents.Sixteen(16)teamsshalladvancefromregionalmeetstotheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsineachrelayeventinswimmingcompetitionasfollows:thetopfinisherineachrelayeventfromeachregionalmeetaswellasthenextoverallbesttimesatlargeforafieldof16fromtheremainingbesttimesamongtopeightfinishersintheregionalmeets.

(3) DivingCompetition.Twenty-four(24)contestantsmayadvancefromregionalmeetstotheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsindivingcompetitionasfollows:thefirsttwo(2)placesindivingcompetitionfromeachregionalmeet,providedthediverhasaminimumqualifyingscoreof280.0pointsinregionalcompetition.Anyremainingavailablespacesshallbefilledonanat-largebasisfromallcompetingdiverswhoplacedinthetopsixteen(16)intheirrespectiveregionalmeetsandmettheminimumqualifyingscoreof280.0pointsforafieldof24.Intheeventofatieforthelastat-largequalifyingplacetotheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships,allofthecompetitorstiedshallbeallowedtoadvancetotheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.

(4) Qualifyingtimes/scoresforat-largeentriesintotheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipswillbepostedonFHSAA.org.

(5) RelayteamsqualifyfromtheregionalmeettotheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsasateam,notasindividuals.

(6) Anyeligibleswimmerwhosenameappearsonanofficialentrylistmayswimonarelayteamprovidedtheswimmer’snamealsoisenteredontherelaycard.

4.12.2.3 Meet Regulations 4.12.2.3.1 General

(a) Pools.Aneight(8)-lanepool,withadequatewarm-upandwarm-downlanes,ispreferredforallFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsmeets.

(b) AthleticTrainers.ThepresenceofacertifiedathletictrainerormedicalstaffisrecommendedforallFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsmeets.

(c) Squads.(1) ScratchedContestant.AcontestantwhoisenteredintoanindividualeventintheFHSAAStateSwimming&

DivingSeriesonanylevelandislaterscratchedfromthateventwillbedisqualifiedfromparticipatinginallremainingeventsinthatmeetandasanindividualonsucceedinglevelsinthatevent.

(2) Substitutions. Nosubstitutionmaybemadeforany individual inanyevent,onceentered,whoqualifies toparticipateinaneventbutisunabletocompete.ThisappliestoindividualswhoqualifyfromthedistrictmeettotheregionalmeetandfromtheregionalmeettotheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships,andbetweentheprelimsandthefinalsonanylevel.

(3) RelayPersonnel.Relaypersonnelmaybechangedbetweenthedistrictandregionalmeets,betweentheregionalmeetandtheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships,andbetweentheprelimsandfinalsonanylevelaslongassuchchangeismadeincompliancewithproceduresestablishedbytheFHSAAanddoesnotresultinanoverentry.

(4) Ties. In swimming events, all ties inpreliminarieswhichwould result inmore than eight qualifiers to theconsolationorchampionshipfinalsmustbebrokenbyaswim-off.

4.12.2.3.2 Failure to Appear and Compete.Astudent-athletewhoqualifiesinaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsmeetasanindividualisexpectedtocompeteonsuccessivelevelsoftheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsunlessill,injured,suspendedduetodisciplinaryaction,orforanyotherreasonacceptabletotheExecutiveDirector.Ifthestudent-athletedoesnotcompeteonasuccessivelevel,thestudent-athletewillnotbepermittedtocompeteinanyothereventintheFlorida


HighSchoolStateChampionshipsinthatsport.Personnelonrelayteamsmaybechangedinaccordancewiththerulesgoverningthosesports.AschoolmustsubmitinwritingtotheFHSAAOfficethenameofthestudent-athleteandanexplanationfortheinabilitytocompeteinadvanceofthecompetitionwheneversituationsmakeitpossibletodoso.Failuretoparticipateinthedistrict/regionalmeetbyanindividualorrelayteamisaviolationofFHSAApolicyandshallsubjecttheschooltoa$50penaltyunlessthereasonforfailuretoparticipateisapprovedbytheFHSAAOffice.Astudent-athletewhoqualifiesinaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsmeetisexpectedtocompeteonsuccessivelevelsoftheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsunlessill,injured,suspendedduetodisciplinaryaction,orforanyotherreasonacceptabletotheExecutiveDirector.AschoolmustsubmitinwritingtotheFHSAAOfficethenameofthestudent-athleteandanexplanationfortheinabilitytocompeteinadvanceofthecompetitionwheneversituationsmakeitpossibletodoso. 4.12.2.3.3 Meet Committee.AmeetcommitteewillbeappointedbythemeetmanagerinaccordancewithNFHSRule4-1-1ateachdistrictandregionalmeetandtheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.Themeetcommitteewillconsistoffivecoachesand/orathleticdirectorsfromfivedifferentparticipatingschools.Thiscommitteewillserveasajuryofappeals.Whenactingasajuryofappeals,amemberofthiscommitteewhoseteamorindividualcontestantisapartytoanappealmustrecusehimself/herselfandbereplaceduntiltheappealisconcluded.Therequestforanappealshallbedirectedtothemeetcommitteethroughthemeetmanager.Thedecisionofthemeetcommitteeshallbefinal.Themeetcommitteemaynotsetasideanyrule. 4.12.2.3.4 Meet Management Software.EachdistrictshallusethescoringsystemapprovedbytheExecutiveDirectortoscoreitsmeetandtransmitresultstotheFHSAAOffice.TheschoolnamesandabbreviationsdevelopedbytheFHSAAOffice(see4.12.4)shallbeusedwhenenteringcompetitorsintothecomputer.Hy-TekSchoolAbbreviationsforSwimming&DivingcanbefoundontheFHSAAWebsite. 4.12.2.3.5 Order of Events.Theorderofeventsaslistedins.4.12.1.3shallbefollowedinallFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsmeets.Girlseventswillprecedethecorrespondingboysevents,withtheexceptionofdivingcompetitionsattheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships,whichshallberotatedannually. 4.12.2.3.6 Participant Passes

(a) Eachparticipantwillbestampedwithawaterproofstampuponarrivaltothefacility.Inaddition,forthoseschoolsthathavequalifiersfortheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships,coacheswillbeissuedwristbandsseparatelyforgirlsandboyscompetitionasfollows:• Onetofiveparticipants–oneheadcoach• Sixormoreparticipants–oneheadcoachandoneassistantcoach

Inaddition,schoolsthatqualifydivingcompetitorswillbeprovidedoneadditionalwristbandforadivingcoach.(b) Nomanagerswillreceiveparticipantpasses.(c) Participantandcoachwristbandswillnotbetransferableandwillentitlethosepersonswhoreceivesuchpassestosit

onlyintheparticipantseatingarea.Coacheswillnothaveaccesstothelockerroomsatanytime. 4.12.2.3.7 Scoring.FloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsmeetsshallbescoredinaccordancewithNFHSRule7.Sixteen(16)placesshallbescoredatdistrictmeets,regionalmeetsandtheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.Places1-8shallcomefromthechampionshipfinalsandplaces9-16fromtheconsolationfinals. 4.12.2.3.8 Timing Devices.(a) District/RegionalMeets.ElectronictimingdevicesmustbeusedinDistrict/RegionalMeets.(b) FloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.TheuseofanelectronictimingdeviceattheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsismandatory. 4.12.2.3.9 Podium Attire. Anystudent-athletewhoreceivesamedalatthestatefinalsmustwearattirerepresentinghis/herschoolwhileonthepodium(warm-upsuit,t-shirtandshorts,sweatshirt,etc.).


Additional Applicable Administrative ProceduresADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE 2

REGULAR SEASON PROCEDURES2.1 Coaches2.1.1 Sports Safety Course. Asperstatestatute1012.55(2)(b)FloridaStatutes,completionoftheNationalCenterforSportSafetyPREPAREonlinecourse(http://www.sportsafety.org/prepare)shallcountfor6hoursofrequiredschooldistrictin-serviceinstructionforathleticcoachingcertification.ThiscoursehasbeenapprovedandrecommendedbytheFHSAABoardofDirectors.Allcoachesatpublicorprivateschoolsareencouragedtoutilizethisprogram.2.1.2 Concussion in Sports Course.AllFHSAAmemberschoolcoachesarerequiredtoviewtheFREEonlineeducationcourse“ConcussioninSports–WhatYouNeedtoKnow”priortothestartofpractice.ThisNFHSconcussioncoursemaybeviewedonlineatwww.nfhslearn.com.Allmemberschoolpersonnel,contestofficials,student-athletes,parentsandmediaareencouragedtoeducatethemselvesbyviewingtheFREEonlineeducationcourse“ConcussioninSports–WhatYouNeedtoKnow”.2.1.3 A Guide to Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention.AllFHSAAmemberschoolcoachesareencouragedtoviewtheFREEonlineeducationcourse“AGuidetoHeatAcclimatizationandHeatIllnessPrevention”.ThisNFHScoursemaybeviewedonlineatwww.nfhslearn.com.

2.2 Team Sport Clarification2.2.1 Club Teams.ClubteamsareteamswhicharenotsponsoredbytheschoolorschoolsponsoredteamsinsportsnotrecognizedorsanctionedbythisAssociation.Schoolteamswhichareconsideredsponsoredbytheschoolmayinclude,butnotlimitedto,thefollowing: 2.2.1.1 Schoolissuinguniforms 2.2.1.2 Schoolownedand/orissuedequipment 2.2.1.3 Useofschoolfacility(withoutuseofthirdpartyfacilityusageagreement) 2.2.1.4 Useofschool’sparentalconsentforms,physicalforms,anyotherdocumentationproducedand/ormaintainedbytheschool 2.2.1.5 School’sboosterclubfunding 2.2.1.6 Schoolprovidesstaff(i.e.coach,coachesinsurance,sponsor,supervisor,etc.) 2.2.1.7 Schoolinsurancecoversparticipants 2.2.1.8 Schoolallowspublishing,distributingmaterialsrelativetotheactivity(includingannouncements)

2.3 Athletic Uniforms2.3.1 Athletic Uniforms.Commercialadvertising,withtheexceptionofthemanufacturer’slogoaspermittedbyNFHSrules,isprohibitedonallathleticuniforms.

2.4 Regular Season Public Address Protocol2.4.1 Regular Season Public Address Protocol.Thepublicaddressannouncershallbeconsideredabenchofficialforallevents.He/sheshallmaintaincompleteneutralityatalltimesand,assuch,shallnotbea“cheerleader”foranyteam.SchoolsarehighlyencouragedtofollowtheprotocollistedinAdministrativeProcedure3.1.6whenapublicaddressannouncerisusedataregularseasonevent.

2.5 Line-up Cards and Scorebooks2.5.1 Line-up Cards and Scorebooks.Theheadcoach’soractingheadcoach’sfirstandlastname,aswellaseachofficial’sfirstandlastname,arerequiredtobeincludedontheline-upcardrosterand/orscorebookinallteamsportsforallcontests.

2.6 Officials2.6.1 Officials.SeeFHSAAOfficialsGuidebook(whichcanbedownloadedfromFHSAA.org).


2.7 Preseason Jamborees and Classics2.7.1 Preseason Jamborees and Classics.Schoolsarelimitedtoparticipationineitherone(1)Jamboreeorone(1)Classicduringthepreseason.PreseasonJamboreesandClassicsmaynotbeplayedoutsidethestateofFlorida. 2.7.1.1 Limitation.PreseasonJamboreesandClassicsarelimitedtoonlyvarsitysquads/teams. 2.7.1.2 Contest Dates.PreseasonJamboreesandClassicsmaybeplayedduringtheschoolweekpriortothefirstregularseasoncontestweek,unlessotherwisespecified.2.7.2 Preseason Jamborees 2.7.2.1 Team Sports.PreseasonJamboreesforteamsportsmustincludefourormorevarsityteams;eachvarsityteammayplayamaximumoftwoquarters/periods.Theopponentmayormaynotbedifferenteachquarter/period.Allplayingrulesusedduringtheregularseasonapplyforpreseasonclassics. 2.7.2.2 Football. PreseasonJamboreesforfootballmustincludefourormorevarsityteams;eachvarsityteammayplayamaximumoftwo12-minutequarters.Opponentsmaybethesameordifferentineachquarter.AllNFHSfootballplayingrulesmustbefollowed.Eachteammayrequestamaximumoftwo(2)timeoutsperquarter.JamboreesmayonlybeplayedtheThursdaythroughSaturdayoftheweekpriortothefirstregularseasoncontestweek.2.7.3 Preseason Classics 2.7.3.1 Team Sports.PreseasonClassicsfortheteamsportsarelimitedtoafieldoffourvarsityteams;eachteammayplayamaximumoftwogames.Preseasonclassicsexceedingfour(4)teamsaresubjecttoconditionalapprovalbytheExecutiveDirector.Allplayingrulesusedduringtheregularseasonapplyforpreseasonclassics. 2.7.3.2 Individual Sports. PreseasonClassicsfor theindividualsportsarelimitedtoafieldoffourvarsityteams.Preseasonclassicsexceedingfour(4)teamsaresubjecttoconditionalapprovalbytheExecutiveDirector.Allplayingrulesusedduringtheregularseasonapplyforpreseasonclassics. 2.7.3.3 Football. PreseasonClassicsforfootballarelimitedtotwovarsityteams;maybemodifiedtoallownon-varsitysquadsfrombothschoolstoparticipateagainsteachotherinthefirsttwoquarters,followedbyparticipationbythevarsitysquadsfrombothschoolsinthefinaltwoquartersorsomesimilarformatsubjecttoapprovalbytheFHSAAOffice.Ifanyformatotherthanacompletegamebetweenvarsitysquadsisused,itmustbestipulatedinthecontract.AllNFHSfootballplayingrulesmustbefollowed.Regardlessoftheformatused,arunningscoreforeachschoolmustbekeptfortheentiregame.Oneschoolmustbedeclaredthewinner.ClassicsmayonlybeplayedtheThursdaythroughSaturdayoftheweekpriortothefirstregularseasoncontestweek.

2.8 FHSAA Identification Card2.8.1 FHSAA Identification Card.FHSAAIdentificationCardsareprovidedtotheprincipalofeachmemberschooleachyearinbulkquantitytodistributetomembersofhis/heradministrativestaffandfacultywhoaredirectlyorindirectlyaffiliatedwiththeschool’sathleticprograms.Thiscardisintendedtoserveonlyasameansofidentifyingthebearerasanemployeeofamemberschooland,inandofitself,isnotconsideredtobeapassofanykind.Memberschools,however,mayattheirdiscretionhonorthesecardsforcomplimentaryadmissiontoregularseasonathleticevents.TheFHSAAIdentificationCardonlyallowsadmittanceintothecontest.Itdoesnotgrantaccesstothefield,court,orpooldeck.UndernocircumstancesarethesecardstobehonoredforcomplimentaryadmissiontoanyFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestonthedistrict, regionalorstate level. Latesubmittalof the“MemberSchoolAthleticPersonnelList/FHSAAIdentificationCardOrderForm”(GA1)bythedeadlinewillsubjecttheschooltoaminimum$50administrativefee.

2.9 Broadcast of Events 2.9.1 Regular Season 2.9.1.1 Rights Held by Host/Home School.Radiobroadcast,telecast,cablecastandinternetbroadcastrightsforregularseasoncontestsinallsportsareheldbythehome/hostschool.TheFHSAAcannotgrantradiobroadcast,telecast,cablecastorinternetbroadcastrightstoregularseasoncontests.Outletswishingtobroadcast,telecast,cablecastorwebcastaregularseasoncontestshouldcontacttheprincipalofthehome/hostschooltosecurerightsandmakearrangements. 2.9.1.1.1Memberschoolscandeclineanoutlet’srequesttoradiobroadcast,telecast,cablecastorinternetbroadcastaregularseasoncontest. 2.9.1.2 Liability Waiver. AnoutletthatbroadcastsaregularseasoncontestshallagreetoholdtheFHSAAanditsmemberschoolsharmlessbecauseofanyinjurytopersonorpropertyonthepremises.Theoutletshallfurtheragreetoassumeallresponsibilityforanydamageswhichareadirectresultoftheactivitiesofthebroadcast.TheoutletshallalsoagreetodefendallclaimsmadeagainsttheFHSAAoritsmemberschoolsfordamagesoccasionedbytheoutletofanynature.


2.9.2 Obtaining Broadcast Rights 2.9.2.1 Notification of Approval. Uponapprovalofanoutlet’sbroadcastapplication,theFHSAAwillfaxand/ore-mailtotheoutlettheapprovedapplicationformsignedbytheExecutiveDirectororhis/herdesigneewhichgrantstheoutletpermissiontobroadcastthecontest.Theapprovedapplicationformwillalsobefaxedand/ore-mailedtothehostschoolprincipalorcontestmanager.Anoutlet’sbroadcastcrewshouldhaveacopyofthebroadcastapprovalinitspossessiontoensureadmissiontothefacility.

2.10 Sample Eight (8) Team Tournament Bracket

1

8

4

5

3

6

2

7

Semifinals Finals

Champion

Quarterfinals


ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE 3

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS PROCEDURES3.1 Florida High School State Championships3.1.1 Administration and Management.AsspecifiedinBylaw4.3.2,allFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsshallbeconductedinaccordancewiththepoliciesestablishedbytheBoardofDirectorsandshallbeunderthedirectionandsupervisionoftheFHSAAOffice.3.1.2 Enforcement of Rules & Policies.ParticipatingschoolsshalladheretoallregulationsandpoliciesgoverningtheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.Thedeterminationofthehostschoolforeacheventshallbeconditionedinpartontheschool’swillingnesstocomplywithandenforceregulationsandpoliciesgoverningtheevent.Thisincludesfinancialterms,aswellaslicensingandmerchandisingpolicies.Aschoolthatdoesnotcomplywithandenforcesuchregulationsandpoliciesshallforfeititsopportunitytoserveashost.3.1.3 Signs and/or Banners.Thedisplayofsigns,banners,placardsorsimilaritemsatmatchesintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsispermitted,provided:(a) Theyareingoodtasteandreflectgoodsportsmanshipintheirmessageanduse;(b) They reflect identificationandencouragement toparticipantsand their schoolorcommunity,andmakeno reference to the

opposingteam,itsschool,playersorcommunity;(c) Theyarenotdisplayedonthecourt,orinamannerwhichinterfereswithplay;(d) Theydonotobstructtheviewofparticipantsorspectators;(e) Theyarenotsafetyhazards;and(f) Theyarenotprohibitedbyfacilitymanagement.3.1.4 Noisemakers.Whistles,orartificialnoisemakingdevisesthatmimicorsimulateagamewhistle,airhorns,andallotherartificialormechanicalnoisemakingdevises,areprohibitedinallFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsevents.3.1.5 Bands. 3.1.5.1 OutdoorSports.Withtheexceptionoffootballandflagfootball,bandswillnotbeallowedtoplayatFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipstournaments/meetsinoutdoorsports.Bandsareprohibitedatfootballdistricttiebreakers. 3.1.5.2 IndoorSports.Withtheexceptionofbasketball,bandswillnotbeallowedtoplayatFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipstournaments/meetsinindoorsports.Pleasesee4.2.3.3.4forbasketballspecificinformation.3.1.6 Merchandising.TheFHSAAretainstheexclusiverighttoproduceandsellsouvenirproducts(apparelandotherwise)atallgames,tournamentsandmeetsheldaspartoftheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships;hostschools/organizationsarerequiredtosellitemsprovidedbytheofficialFHSAAeventsouvenirmerchandiser.Thehostschool/organizationofaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipseventmaybepermittedtosellgenericmerchandiseunrelatedtotheevent(i.e.,apparelandothermerchandisebearingthehostschool/organization’smark),providedsuchmerchandisehasbeenmadeavailableforsaleonaconsistentbasisthroughouttheyearandhasnotbeenproducedspecificallyforsaleattheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsevent.3.1.7 Souvenir Programs.Allhostschoolsofdistricttournaments/meetsandregionaltournaments/meetsthatproduceaprogrammustdisplayontheprogramcoverboththeappropriateFHSAAsportlogoandsportsmanshiplogo.Thelogosmustalsobedisplayedprominentlyinsideorontheteamrosterinserts.3.1.8 Public-Address Protocol.Thepublic-addressannouncershallbeconsideredabenchofficialforallFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsevents.He/sheshallmaintaincompleteneutralityatalltimesand,assuch,shallnotbea“cheerleader”foranyteam.TheannouncerwillfollowtheFHSAAscriptforpromotionalannouncements,whichareavailablefromthisassociation,playerintroductionsandawardsceremonies.Otherannouncementsarelimitedto:• Thoseofanemergencynature(e.g.,pagingadoctor,lostchildorparent,etc.);• Thoseofa“practical”nature(e.g.,announcingthatadriverhaslefthis/hervehiclelightson);• Startinglineupsorentirelineupsofbothparticipatingteams(whatisannouncedforthehometeammustbeannouncedforthe

visitingteam);and• Messagesprovidedbyhostschoolmanagement;and• AnnouncementsthatFHSAAsouvenirmerchandise,souvenirprogramsandconcessionsareonsaleinthefacility.Duringthe

contest,theannouncer:• Shouldrecognizeplayersabouttoattemptaplay(e.g.,cominguptoinbaseball,punting,kickingorreceivingapuntorkickin

football,servinginvolleyball,etc.);• Shouldrecognizeplayer(s)makingaplay(e.g.,“BasketbyJones”inbasketball,“Smithonthekill”involleyball,etc.);


• Shouldreportapenaltyassignaledbythereferee;• Shouldreportsubstitutionsandtimeouts;• Mustnotcallthe“play-by-play”orprovide“colorcommentary”asifhe/shewereannouncingforaradioortelevisionbroadcast;• Mustnotmakeanycommentthatwouldoffereithercompetingteamanunfairadvantageinthecontest;and• Mustnotmakeanycommentcriticalofanyschool,team,player,coachorofficial;oranyothercommentthathasthepotential

toinciteunsportingconductonthepartofanyindividual.Theannouncershouldbecertainoftheaccuracyofhis/herstatementsbeforemakingthem.Whenindoubt,theannouncershouldremainsilent.3.1.9 All-Tournament/Meet Teams.NoemployeeoftheFHSAAorthelocalmanagermayinfluenceinanywaytheselectionofanyall-tournament/meetteam,includingtheselectionofamostvaluableplayerorother“playerofthegame.”3.1.10 Uniformed Security.ThelocalmanagerforaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipseventisresponsibleforprovidingappropriateuniformedsecurityattheeventthathis/herschoolishosting.3.1.11 Contest Officials.ThehostschoolforFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestsbeyondthedistrictlevelshallprovidecontestofficialswithasecureandadequatedressingroom(oneeachformixedgendercrews)withproperlyoperatingbathroomfacilitiesincludingshowerswithwarmwateratthesiteofthecontest.Ifthesitedoesnothavesuchfacilities,thehostschoolshallobtainandprovideatitsexpenseanappropriatehotel/motelroom(s)reasonablyclosetothesite.Thehostschoolisrequiredtocompletedressingroomarrangementsandhavetheinformationavailabletotheheadrefereeatleast24hourspriortothescheduledstartingtimeofthecontest.Itistheresponsibilityoftheheadrefereeorumpire-in-chieftocontacttheschooladministrationatleast24hourspriortothescheduledstartingtimeofthecontesttoverifythearrangementsforthecontest.Therefereeorumpire-in-chiefshallreporttotheFHSAAOfficethefailureofanyhostschooltoprovidedressingfacilitiesasrequired.3.1.12 Media Restrictions. 3.1.12.1 Access to Locker/Dressing Rooms.TheFHSAAoperatesunderaclosedlockerroompolicyatallFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsevents.Atnotimewillnewsmediarepresentativesbegrantedaccesstolockerroomsordressingroomsatanystatechampionshipevent.Teamboxes,teambenches,teamhuddlesanddugoutsareconsideredextensionsoflocker/dressingrooms. 3.1.12.2 Access to Competition Area.Mediarepresentativesarenotpermittedinthecompetitionarea(i.e.,withinthefieldofplay,ontheplayingcourt,etc.)atanytimeduringaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestuntilthecompetitionhasconcludedandawinnerhasbeendetermined.Photographersshallhonorphotographerlinesanddesignatedareaswhenmarked.

3.2 Tournament/Meet Structure3.2.1 Sanctioned Sports. 3.2.1.1 Series Structure.Thesuccessivetournamentseriesshallbedesignatedrespectivelyasdistrict,regionalandFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsforallsanctionedsportsexceptforBoysWeightlifting(districtandFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships). 3.2.1.1.1 Team Sports.Thesuccessiveroundsfollowingthedistricttournament(completionofdistrictseasonforfootball,includingDistrictTiebreakers)inteamsportswillbeRegionalQuarterfinals(except1A,1B,2Aand2Bfootballand1Agirlsvolleyball,boysandgirlsbasketball,baseballandsoftball),RegionalSemifinals,RegionalFinals,StateSemifinalsandStateChampionship. 3.2.1.2 District Complex 3.2.1.2.1 Team Sports.Participatingschoolsaregeographicallyassignedtooneofsixteen(16)districtcomplexesintheirrespectiveclassificationsexceptforthe1A,1B,2Aand2Bfootballand1Agirlsvolleyball,boysandgirlsbasketball,baseballandsoftballclassificationswhichwillbeassignedtoeight(8)districtcomplexes.Exceptforfootball,atournamentshallbeconductedineachdistrictcomplexattheconclusionoftheregularseasontodeterminethetwoteams(championandrunner-up)thatshallrepresentthedistrictcomplexintheremainderoftheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.Infootball,thechampionandtherunner-upshallrepresentthedistrictcomplexintheremainderoftheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships. 3.2.1.2.2 Individual Sports.Participatingschoolsaregeographicallyassignedtothenumberofcomplexesaslistedbelow.

• CrossCountry–Sixteen(16)districtcomplexes,boysandgirls• Golf–Twenty-four(24)districtcomplexes,boysandgirls• Swimming&Diving–Twelve(12)districtcomplexes,boysandgirls• Track&Field–Sixteen(16)districtcomplexes,boysandgirls• BoysWeightlifting–Nine(9)districtcomplexes• Wrestling–Sixteen(16)districtcomplexes


3.2.2 Recognized Sports. 3.2.2.1 Series Structure. Thesuccessive tournamentseriesshallbedesignatedrespectivelyasdistrictandFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsforallrecognizedsportsexceptforCompetitiveCheerleading(regionandFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships). 3.2.2.1.1 Team Sports.The successive rounds following thedistrict tournament for teamsportswill be asfollows:

(a) Flag Football – First-RoundPlay-Ins, Second-RoundPlay-Ins, StateQuarterfinals, State Semifinals andStateChampionship

(b) Lacrosse – First-Round Play-Ins, Second-Round Play-Ins,Third-Round Play-Ins, State Semifinals and StateChampionship

(c) BoysVolleyballandWaterPolo–FirstRoundPlay-Ins,StateQuarterfinals,StateSemifinalsandStateChampionship 3.2.2.2 District Complex. Participatingschoolsaregeographicallyassignedtothenumberofcomplexesaslistedbelow.

• Bowling–Fourteen(14)districtcomplexes,boysandgirls• FlagFootball–Thirty-two(32)districtcomplexes• Lacrosse–Thirty-two(32)districtcomplexes• BoysVolleyball–Sixteen(16)districtcomplexes• WaterPolo–Sixteen(16)districtcomplexes,boysandgirls• GirlsWeightlifting–Ten(10)districtcomplexes

3.3 Bracketing and Sites3.3.1 Sanctioned Team Sports Except Football.Forthesanctionedteamsportsofbaseball,boysbasketball,girlsbasketball,boyssoccer,girlssoccer,softballandgirlsvolleyballthefollowingprocedurewillbefollowed: 3.3.1.1 Regional Tournament. Oneof the competing schools shall serve as the host school for regionaltournamentquarterfinal,semifinalandchampionshipgames.ThehostschoolshallbedesignatedbytheFHSAAasfollows:

(a) Inthequarterfinals,thechampionofeachdistrictwillhosttherunner-upfromtheirneighboringdistrict.(b) Intheregionalsemifinals,theschoolonthebottomlineofthebracketineachgameshallbedesignatedthehostschool,

exceptthatwhenadistrictchampionplaysadistrictrunner-up,thedistrictchampionalwaysshallbedesignatedthehostschool.

(c) Intheregionalchampionships,theschoolonthebottomlineofthebracketineachgameshallbedesignatedthehostschool.If,however,theschoolonthebottomlineofthebracketservedasahostschoolintheregionalsemifinalsandtheschoolonthetoplineofthebracketwasavisitorintheregionalsemifinals,theschoolonthetoplineofthebracketwillbedesignatedthehostschoolfortheregionalfinal.Inanycase,whenadistrictchampionplaysadistrictrunner-up,thedistrictchampionalwaysshallbedesignatedthehostschool.NOTE: the host school line position (top line or bottom line) alternates each year; what initially begins on the bottom line this year will alternate to the top line next year.

(d) Determinationofahostschoolusingthesecriteriaisnotabsolute.Inallcases,theFHSAAOfficereservestherighttoselectanalternatesite.

3.3.1.2 Florida High School State Championships.Theschoolonthebottomlineofthebracketshallbethehometeamforthestatechampionshipgame.3.3.2 Recognized Team Sports 3.3.2.1 Fortherecognizedteamsportsofflagfootball,lacrosse,boysvolleyballandwaterpolothefollowingprocedurewillbefollowed: 3.3.2.1.1 Play-in Games. Oneofthecompetingschoolsshallserveasthehostschoolforplay-ingames.ThehostschoolshallbedesignatedbytheFHSAAasfollows(NOTE: the host school line position, i.e. top line or bottom line, alternates each year; what initially begins on the bottom line this year will alternate to the top line next year):

(a) First Round Play-in Games.Thehometeamforeachgameshallbetheteamonthebottomlineof thebracketandthevisitingteamshallbetheteamonthetoplineofthebracketinthefirstroundplay-ingameineachregion.Consequently,thehostschoolofthetournamentmaynotnecessarilybethe“hometeam”duringcompetitioninthatevent.

(b) Second Round Play-in Games.Thechampiononthebottomlineofthebracketshallserveashosttothechampiononthetoplineofthebracketinthesecond-roundplay-ingameineachregion.If,however,theschoolonthebottomlineofthebracketservedasahostschoolinthefirst-roundplay-ingameandtheschoolonthetoplineofthebracketwasavisitorinthefirst-roundplay-ingame,theschoolonthetoplineofthebracketwillbedesignatedthehostschoolforthesecond-roundplay-ingame.


(c) Third Round Play-in Games.Thechampiononthebottomlineofthebracketshallserveashosttothechampiononthetoplineofthebracketinthethird-roundplay-ingameineachregion.If,however,theschoolonthebottomlineofthebracketservedasahostschoolinthesecond-roundplay-ingameandtheschoolonthetoplineofthebracketwasthevisitorinthesecond-roundplay-ingame,theschoolonthetoplineofthebracketwillbedesignatedthehostschoolforthethird-roundplay-ingame.

(d) Determination of Host.Determinationofahostschoolusingthesecriteriaisnotabsolute.Inallcases,theFHSAAOfficereservestherighttoselectanalternatesite.

3.3.2.1.2 Florida High School State Championships.Theschoolonthebottomlineofthebracketshallbethehometeamforthestatechampionshipgame. 3.3.2.1.3 Determination of Host.Determinationofahostschoolisnotabsolute.Inallcases,theFHSAAOfficereservestherighttoselectanalternatesite.3.3.3 Competitive Bracketing for Team Sports.Inestablishingthecompetitiverotationofthebracket,Regions2,3,and4rotateclockwiseagainstthestationaryRegion1.Therotationforthenextthreeyearsforallteamsportsexceptfootball,lacrosse,soccer,boysvolleyballandwaterpoloisasfollows:• 2014-15—Region1vs.Region2;Region3vs.Region4• 2015-16—Region1vs.Region3;Region2vs.Region4• 2016-17—Region1vs.Region4;Region2vs.Region3 3.3.3.1 Home Team.ThefollowingRegionChampionswillbedesignatedasthehometeamineachsemifinalgameoftheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsFinalsforthenextthreeyears:• 2014-15—Region1andRegion3• 2015-16—Region3andRegion4• 2016-17—Region1andRegion2

3.3.4 Florida High School State Championships Finals Championship Brackets.ChampionshipbracketsfortheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsFinalswillbepostedontheFHSAAwebsiteandinonlineSportsManualforeachteamsport.

3.4 District Meeting3.4.1 Team Sport Meeting Agenda.Thefollowingitemsofbusinessmustbeaddressedatthedistrictmeeting:• ReviewFHSAArules,policies,termsandconditionsgoverningtheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships,includingthe

FHSAA“LicensingandRoyalties”Policy.• Scheduleallmandatorygamesbetweendistrictopponentswithinthepermissibledates.Alldistrictgamesmustbescheduled

duringthismeeting.Ifaschooldoesnothavetheappropriaterepresentativepresentatthemeeting,thedistrictcoordinatorshallschedulethedistrictgamesforthatschool.

• Selecthostschool,siteanddeterminescheduleortournamentgamesandnumberofsessionsforthedistricttournament.(Note:AnactualhostschoolmustbeselectedatthismeetingandmaybesubsequentlychangedonlywiththepermissionoftheFHSAAOffice.DesignatingtheNo.1seed,etc.,whendetermined,asthehostschoolisnotpermitted).Whendeterminingthenumberofcontestsandthesiteofthedistricttournament,theFHSAAOfficeasksforeachschooltotaketravelexpensesintoaccount.

• Reviewtheseedingandbracketingprovisions.• Determineteamawardstobeordered.• Selectandmakearrangementsforpurchaseofappropriateequipment(i.e.balls,etc.).• Determinenumberofpassestobeallowedparticipatingteams.• SelectofficialsandsubmitrecommendedlisttoFHSAAOfficebydeadline(seeAppendixCortheFHSAAOfficialsGuidebook,

whichcanbedownloadedfromFHSAA.org).• Selectofficialscorerandsettheircompensation.• DeterminefinancialarrangementsandcompletetheFinancialTermsFormincludedinthedistrictmeetingpacket.SeePolicy

9.Determinehowexpenses/profitswillbesharedamongparticipatingschools.• Determineallocationofticketstoparticipatingschoolsonanequitablebasisifseatingislimited.• Determinetheamountofcompensation,nottoexceed$100totalfortheevent,tobepaidtothetournamentmanager.• Useofsatellitesitesfordistricttournamentsispermitted.Ifsatellitesitesareused,therestillmustbeatournamenthostselected

thatisresponsibleforallthearrangementsforthetournament.• Otherbusiness(i.e.,AEDavailability,medicalpresence,etc.).• Anyotherbusinessrelevanttothemanagementofthetournament.• AllpertinentinformationmustbeincludedintheminutesofthemeetingthataresenttoeachschoolandtheFHSAAOffice.


AdditionalagendaitemsmaybesentbytheFHSAAOfficeofasportspecificnature.3.4.2 Individual Sport Meeting Agenda.Thefollowingitemsofbusinessmustbeaddressedatthedistrictmeeting:• ReviewFHSAArules,policies,termsandconditionsgoverningtheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships,includingthe

FHSAA“LicensingandRoyalties”Policy.• Selecthostschool,siteanddeterminescheduleortournamentgamesandnumberofsessionsforthedistricttournament.(Note:

AnactualhostschoolmustbeselectedatthismeetingandmaybesubsequentlychangedonlywiththepermissionoftheFHSAAOffice.)

• Determineteamawardstobeordered.• Determinenumberofpassestobeallowedparticipatingteams(ifapplicable).• DeterminefinancialarrangementsandcompletetheFinancialTermsFormincludedinthedistrictmeetingpacket.SeePolicy

9.Determinehowexpenses/profitswillbesharedamongparticipatingschools.• Determinetheamountofcompensation,nottoexceed$100totalfortheevent,tobepaidtothetournamentmanager.• Otherbusiness(i.e.,AEDavailability,medicalpresence,etc.).• Anyotherbusinessrelevanttothemanagementofthetournament.• AllpertinentinformationmustbeincludedintheminutesofthemeetingthataresenttoeachschoolandtheFHSAAOffice.AdditionalagendaitemsmaybesentbytheFHSAAofficeofasportspecificnature.3.4.3 Report Form. TheFHSAAOfficewille-maileachdistrictcoordinatoraformonwhichtorecordthedecisionsmadeduringthedistrictmeeting.ThereportformshouldbecompletedandreturnedtotheFHSAAOfficewithinseven(7)daysoftheconclusionofthemeeting.Acopyofthereportformaswellastheminutesofthemeetingshallbesenttoeachschoolinthedistrict.

3.5 Local Management3.5.1 Team and Non-timed Individual Sports.TheFHSAArepresentativeofthehostschoolwillbethelocalmanagerfor theFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsevent thathis/herschoolishosting.He/shewillberesponsibleformakingthenecessarypreparationstohosttheeventandforthefilingofallnecessaryreportstotheFHSAAOfficeuponconclusionoftheevent.ThelocalmanagerofaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipseventisrequiredtoreporttotheFHSAAthearrangementsfortheevent(s)his/herschoolwillhostnotlaterthan12a.m.(midnight)ESTonthedateoftheevent;aswellasthescore(s)ofthecontest(s)intheeventthathis/herschoolhosteduponitsconclusionandtheupdatedwin-lossrecordsofparticipatingteams.ReportsmustbesubmittedonlineviaC2CSchools,exceptforthesportsofcompetitivecheerleading,tennis,weightliftingandwrestling.FailuretoreporttheresultsofanyFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipseventwillsubjectthehostschooltoaminimum$50administrativefee.FailuretoreportarrangementsforthenextlevelFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipseventwillsubjecttheschooltoaminimum$50administrativefee.3.5.2 Cross Country, Swimming & Diving, Track & Field. TheFHSAArepresentativeorhis/herdesigneeofthehostschoolwillbethelocalmanagerforthedistrictorregionalmeetthathis/herschoolishosting.He/shewillberesponsibleformakingthenecessarypreparationstohostthemeetandforthefilingofnecessaryreportstotheFHSAAOfficeuponconclusionofthemeet.ThelocalmeetmanagermustsubmittoboththeFHSAAOfficeandthenextlevelmeetmanagertheresultsofthemeetthathis/herschoolhosted.TheseresultsmustbetransmittedusingHy-TekMeetManagersoftware.Thefirstandlastnamesofeachparticipant,togetherwiththeirrecordedtimes(manualorFAT),mustbeprovided.Theseresultsmustbesubmittedwithin24hoursoftheconclusionofthemeet.FailuretoreporttheresultsofanyFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipseventwillsubjectthehostschooltoaminimum$50administrativefee.FailuretoreportarrangementsforthenextlevelFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipseventwillsubjecttheschooltoaminimum$50administrativefee.

3.6 Post-Competition Procedures3.6.1 Florida High School State Championships Preliminary Rounds. For district, district tiebreaker(football),play-in,regionalandstatesemifinal(football)roundsoftheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships,thehostschoolshouldcooperatewithnewsmediarepresentativesinprovidingthemaccesstoaworkareaandtelephonefollowingaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestsothattheycanfiletheirreportsonthecontest.Theheadcoachofeachcompetingteamisrequiredtocooperatewiththenewsmediabyparticipatingininterviewsasquicklyaspossiblefollowingtheconclusionofthecontestandprovidingconteststatistics/resultsifavailable.Participationbyathletesininterviewsisvoluntaryandatthediscretionoftheheadcoach.3.6.2 Florida High School State Championships.Thehostsitemustdesignatearoomorareasecludedfromthegeneralpublicforapost-contestpressconferenceinvolvingtheheadcoachanduptofive(5)playersfromeachteamparticipatinginthejust-concludedcontest.Participationbytheheadcoachinthepressconferenceismandatory.Participationbyathletesisvoluntaryandatthediscretionoftheheadcoach.Boththeheadcoachandathletesmayagreetosupplementalone-on-oneinterviews,attheirdiscretion,followingtheirpressconference.Newsmediarepresentativesmustremainoffthefield/courtandnointerviewsmaytakeplaceduringtheawardsceremonyfollowingthechampionshipcontest.Whereapplicable,thesemediaaccommodationsshallbeestablishedintheagreementbetweentheFHSAAandthehostorganization.


3.7 Awards3.7.1 Team Awards. 3.7.1.1 District Tournaments.Trophiesareavailableforawardingtothechampionandrunner-upteams,andmaybepurchasedfromtheFHSAA’sauthorizedvendor.Thereshallbenootherteamawardspresentedbyoutsideorganizationsorindividuals.TheFHSAAwillawardatrophy,atnoexpensetotheschool,toeachdistrictchampionfootballteam.SeePolicy9.10.8forfurtherclarification. 3.7.1.2 Regional Tournaments.Trophiesareavailableforawardingtothechampionandrunner-upteams,andmaybepurchasedfromtheFHSAA’sauthorizedvendor.Thereshallbenootherteamawardspresentedbyoutsideorganizationsorindividuals.SeePolicy9.10.8forfurtherclarification. 3.7.1.3 Florida High School State Championships. Trophieswillbeawardedtothechampionandrunner-upineachclassintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.Incaseofatieforthechampionship(ifthesportrulesallowforatie),co-championswillbedeclaredandnorunner-uptrophywillbeawarded.Thereshallbenootherteamawardspresentedbyoutsideorganizationsorindividuals. 3.7.1.4 FHSAA Authorized Vendor.TrophiesmustbeorderedfromtheauthorizedvendoroftheFHSAA.Thevendorshouldalsobecontactedifproblemsareexperiencedinreceivingtrophiesontimeandingoodcondition.3.7.2 Individual Awards. 3.7.2.1 Regional Individual Awards Eligibility.Tobeeligibleforindividualhonorsontheregionallevelastudent-athleteshallcompeteforindividualhonorsonthedistrictlevel. 3.7.2.2 Florida High School State Championships.Medallionswillbepresentedtomembersofthechampionandrunner-upteamsattheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.Medallionswillbeawardedtotheindividualsandrelaysfortheappropriatesportsasfollows: 3.7.2.2.1 Bowling–6individualplacingmedallions 3.7.2.2.2 CrossCountry–10individualplacingmedallions 3.7.2.2.3 Golf–6individualplacingmedallions 3.7.2.2.4 Swimming&Diving–8individual&relayplacingmedallions 3.7.2.2.5 Tennis–2individualplacingmedallionsforeachsingles&doublesdivision;2individualoverallmedallionsforsingles&doubles 3.7.2.2.6 Track&Field(includingAdaptedTrack&Field)–8individual&relayplacingmedallions 3.7.2.2.7 Weightlifting–6individualplacingmedallionsforeachweightclass 3.7.2.2.8 Wrestling–6individualplacingmedallionsforeachweightclassAllindividualmedallionsmustbepickedupbytheheadorassistantcoachpriortoleavingtheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.Nomedallionswillbeshippedtoschools.SchoolsmaypurchaseadditionalmedallionsbycontactingtheFHSAAOffice.ThereshallbenootherawardspresentedtoanyindividualbyanyorganizationorindividualattheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships. 3.7.2.3 Florida High School State Championships Individual Awards Eligibility.Tobeeligibleforindividualhonorsonthestatelevelastudent-athleteshallcompeteforindividualhonorsonboththedistrictandregionallevel.

3.8 Official Ball.InformationconcerningtheofficialFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsgame/contestballwillbepostedontheFHSAAwebsiteandintheonlineSportManualforeachsportusinganofficialgame/contestball.Theuseofanofficialgame/contestballshallbemandatoryineachdistricttournament,play-inround,regionaltournamentandtheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.Thehostschoolforeachdistricttournament,play-inroundandregionaltournamentshallensuretheuseoftheofficialball.Thepurchaseofofficialgame/contestballs,ifnecessary,willbeconsideredanexpenseofthetournamentandreportedassuchonthefinancialreportform.TheFHSAAwillprovideofficialballstobeusedattheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.Failuretocomplyshallsubjectthehostschooltopenaltiesincluding,butnotlimitedto,financialpenaltiesandrevocationofFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipseventhostingprivilegesintherespectivesport.

3.9 Official Florida High School State Championships Souvenir Program3.9.1 Team Data Form and Photo.TheFHSAAOfficewillproducetheofficialsouvenirprogramforselectFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsandwillretainallproceedsfromitssale.SchoolsthatadvancebeyondcertainpointsintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships(pleaseseethespecificsportsection)mustsendtotheFHSAAOfficeacompleted“FloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsTeamDataFormforOfficialSouvenirProgram&PressBooklet”,alongwithaphotographoftheteamforpublicationintheofficialsouvenirprogram.TheteamdataformmustbedownloadedfromFHSAA.org,completedinacomputerandtransmittedelectronicallyviae-mail to“[email protected]”. Thedigital teamphotoalsomustbetransmittedasane-mailattachmenttothesamee-mailaddress.TheteamphotoshouldbesavedinaTIFFformat.PhotossentinaJPEGformat,however,willbeacceptedprovidedtheyhavearesolutionofatleast150dpi(300dpipreferred).ThedeadlineforthereceiptofthesematerialsintheFHSAAofficeis9a.m.EDTonthedatespecifiedinthe“ImportantDates”sectionforeachsport.Eachschoolthatdoesnot


meetthisdeadlineshallbeassesseda$50monetarypenalty.IftheschooladvancestotheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsandthematerialsarenotreceivedbytheFHSAAOffice’spublicationdeadline,theschoolshallbeassessedmonetarypenaltiesofupto$300.3.9.2 Up-to-Date Statistics.TheschoolswhoseteamsqualifytoadvancetotheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsstatechampionshiptournamentmustreporttotheFHSAAOfficeup-to-datecumulativestatisticsthroughtheendoftheregionaltournamentorplay-ingamesbycompletingthe“FloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsUp-to-DateTeamStatistics”formforselectFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.Theup-to-datestatisticsformmustbedownloadedfromFHSAA.org,completedinacomputerandtransmittedelectronicallyviae-mailto“[email protected]”.EachqualifyingschoolthatdoesnotmeetthenoonEDTdeadlineshallbeassesseda$100monetarypenalty.

3.10 Admittance to Florida High School State Championships Contests3.10.1 District, Regional Levels. Onlythefollowingindividualsmaybeadmittedtothefacilitywithoutcharge: 3.10.1.1 Student-athleteswhoaremembersoftheteam,coaches,managers,teambusdrivers,etc.; 3.10.1.2 Cheerleadersinuniform,theirsponsor(s)andtheirbusdriver(s); 3.10.1.3 Infootballonly,bandmembersanddrill-teammembers,theirchaperonesandtheirbusdriver(s); 3.10.1.4 Workingnewsmediawithappropriateidentification; 3.10.1.5 BroadcastcrewsfromradioandtelevisionoutletswhosebroadcastshavebeenapprovedbytheFHSAAOfficeuponpaymentoftheappropriatebroadcastrightsfees; 3.10.1.6 Visitingschooladministrators(i.e.,principal,FHSAArepresentative,assistantprincipalsandathleticdirector)whoarerequiredbytheirprincipaltoattendtheeventforsupervisorypurposesuponpresentationofaphotoI.D.,providedthevisitingschoolsubmitstheirnamestotheeventmanagerbyfaxinwritingonschoolstationerynotlessthan24hourspriortothescheduledstartingtimeoftheevent; 3.10.1.7 Uniformedpoliceorsecurity; 3.10.1.8 IndividualsholdingFHSAALifetimeFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsPassesorFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsPassesissuedbytheExecutiveDirector;and 3.10.1.9 AuthorizedindividualswithFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsPassesuponpresentationofaphotoI.D.

3.10.2 State Level.Onlythefollowingindividualsmaybeadmittedtothefacilitywithoutcharge: 3.10.2.1 Student-athleteswhoaremembersoftheteam,coaches,managers,etc.withappropriatepassesasissuedbytheFHSAAOfficeaccordingtotheathleticregulationsgoverningtheparticularsportandtheteambusdriver(s); 3.10.2.2 Cheerleadersinuniform,theirsponsor(s)andtheirbusdriver(s); 3.10.2.3 Pepbandswhoaretoperform,theirsponsor(s)andtheirbusdriver(s); 3.10.2.4 Infootballonly,bandmembersanddrill-teammembers,theirchaperones(1chaperonper10students)andtheirbusdriver(s); 3.10.2.5 WorkingnewsmediawithappropriatecredentialsasissuedbytheFHSAAOfficeaccordingtotheMediaCredentialsPolicy; 3.10.2.6 BroadcastcrewsfromradioandtelevisionoutletswhosebroadcastshavebeenapprovedbytheFHSAAOfficeuponpaymentoftheappropriatebroadcastrightsfees; 3.10.2.7 Uniformedpoliceorsecurity; 3.10.2.8 IndividualsholdingFHSAALifetimeFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsPassesorFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsPassesissuedbytheExecutiveDirector;and 3.10.2.9 AuthorizedindividualswithFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsPassesuponpresentationofaphotoI.D.

3.11 Broadcast of Events 3.11.1 Florida High School State Championships 3.11.1.1 Rights Held by FHSAA. AnoutletwishingtobroadcastacontestintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsmustrequestandbegrantedrightsbytheFHSAApriortooriginatingoracceptingfeedofsuchabroadcastandmakepaymenttotheFHSAAOfficeoftheappropriaterightsfee.Suchrightsarenotexclusive. 3.11.1.2 Delaying a Contest is Prohibited. Therecanbenodelayinthestartofacontesttoaccommodatealiveortape-delayradiobroadcastoratape-delaytelecastofaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontest;neithercanthere


beanyradioortelevisiontimeouts,oranyextensionofhalftime.Provisionsforlivetelecasts,whenpermitted,arefoundin3.11.2.1below. 3.11.1.2.1 Exception for Live Telecasts. Livetelecastsoffootballandbasketballgames,whenpermitted,mayoperateunderthefollowingguidelinesuponapprovaloftheExecutiveDirector:

(a) Theintermissionbetweenthefirstandsecondquarters,thethirdandfourthquarters,andovertimeperiodswillbeextendedfrom60secondsto90seconds;

(b) Theoutletwillbegrantedone90-secondtelevisiontimeoutduringeachquarter.Thistimeoutwillbegrantedatthedeadballfollowingthechangeofpossessionwhichoccursnearest tothemidpointofthequarter.Thistelevisiontimeoutwillbegrantedregardlessofwhetheroneofthetwoparticipatingteamshascalledachargedtimeoutclosetothemidpointofthequarter.Additionally,thistelevisiontimeoutwillnotprecludeeitheroneofthetwoparticipatingteamsfromcallingachargedtimeoutnearthemidpointofthequarter;and

(c) Allchargedtimeoutscalledbyeitherteamwillbeafull60secondsinduration.(d) Itwillbetheresponsibilityoftherefereetoseethattheseguidelinesfortelevisiontimeoutsarestrictlyadheredto.

3.11.1.3 FHSAA Approval of Broadcast. FHSAAapprovalofbroadcastsofFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestsisfinal.HostschoolsorcontestmanagerswillberequiredtopermitallbroadcastsapprovedbytheFHSAA,andadmittothefacilitywithoutchargepersonneloriginatingthesebroadcastsuponpresentationoftheproperdocumentation. 3.11.1.4 Seating and Equipment Setup. Theoutletmustmakeallarrangementsforseatingandequipmentsetupwiththehostschoolprincipalorcontestmanager.Theoutletmustassumeallexpensesinconnectionwiththebroadcast,andmustprovideallequipmentnecessaryforthebroadcast.Thisincludesarrangingforbroadcastlineswiththeappropriatetelephonecompany. 3.11.1.5 Seating Policies. Personneloriginatingapprovedbroadcastswhoare tobeadmitted to thefacilitywithoutchargemustnotexceedfour(4)persons.Thehostschoolprincipalorcontestmanagermustmakeeveryefforttoprovidethesepersonnelwithseatingwhichprovidesthemwithanunobstructedviewoftheplayingarea. 3.11.1.6 Limited Seating Areas.Infacilitieswhereseatingislimitedinthepressboxorbroadcastbooth,thehostschoolprincipalorcontestmanagershouldprovideseatingtotheone(1)primaryoutletcoveringeachparticipatingschool.Thereafter,seatinginthepressboxorbroadcastboothshouldbeprovidedonafirst-come,first-servedbasis.Anoutletmustunderstandthatitmaybenecessaryforittosetupoperationsinthespectatorseatingareaatfacilitieswithlimitedspaceinthepressboxorbroadcastbooth.Theprimaryoutletforaparticipatingschoolisconsideredtobetheoutletwhichhasbroadcastthegreatestnumberofregularseasoncontestsand/orFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestsinwhichtheschoolhasparticipated. 3.11.1.7 Camera Positioning.Thehostschoolprincipal,contestmanagerand/ortheofficialsassignedtoworkthecontestwillhavetheauthoritytorequiretherepositioningoftelevisioncamerasandvideographersiftheybelievetheirplacementmaythreatenthesafetyoftheparticipantsorinterferewiththeconductofthecompetition. 3.11.1.8 Failure to Comply.Theoutletmustabidebyeachandalltermsandconditionsofthispolicy.ThehostschoolprincipaloreventmanagerwillhavetheauthoritytoactonthebehalfoftheFloridaHighSchoolAthleticAssociationinenforcingthispolicyduringallFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestsathis/herfacility. 3.11.1.9 Unauthorized Broadcast.AhostschoolprincipalorcontestmanagerwhopermitsthebroadcastofaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestthathasnotbeenapprovedbytheFHSAAwillsubjecthis/herschool,organizationorfacilitytoamonetarypenaltytoincludepaymentoftheappropriaterightsfeesand,formemberschools,afinancialassessmentintheamountof$50pergamebroadcast. 3.11.1.10 Liability Waiver.AnoutletwhichbroadcastsaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestmustagreetoholdtheFHSAAanditsmemberschoolsharmlessbecauseofanyinjurytopersonorpropertyonthepremises.Theoutletmustfurtheragreetoassumeallresponsibilityforanydamageswhichareadirectresultoftheactivitiesofthebroadcast.TheoutletmustalsoagreetodefendallclaimsmadeagainsttheFHSAAoritsmemberschoolsfordamagesoccasionedbytheoutletofwhatevernature.

3.11.2 Obtaining Broadcast Rights 3.11.2.1 Notification of Approval. Uponapprovalofanoutlet’sbroadcastapplication,theFHSAAwillfaxand/ore-mailtotheoutlettheapprovedapplicationformsignedbytheExecutiveDirectororhis/herdesigneewhichgrantstheoutletpermissiontobroadcastthecontest.Theapprovedapplicationformwillalsobefaxedand/ore-mailedtothehostschoolprincipalorcontestmanager.Anoutlet’sbroadcastcrewshouldhaveacopyofthebroadcastapprovalinitspossessiontoensureadmissiontothefacility.


Important Applicable BylawsOPERATIONAL BYLAW, ARTICLE 7

Sportsmanship7.1 SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES7.1.1 Sportsmanship Requirement.Players,coaches,administrators,spectators,contestofficialsandallotherpersonsconnecteddirectlyorindirectlywithamemberschoolshallpracticeandpromotethehigheststandardsofsportsmanshipandethicsbefore,duringandafteranyinterscholasticevent.7.1.2 Principal’s Duty.Itshallbetheresponsibilityofeachmemberschoolprincipaltoexercisecontroloverallindividualstotheextentnecessarytoensuresafetyandfairplayforallparticipantsandadherencewiththesestandards.

7.2 UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT 7.2.1 “Unsportsmanlike Conduct” Defined.Astudentwhocommitsanactofmaliciousandhatefulnaturetowardacontestofficial,anopponentoranyotherpersonattendinganathleticcontestshallbeguiltyofunsportsmanlikeconduct.Suchactsmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,profanity,strikingorthreateningacontestofficial;physicalcontactwithanopponentwhichisbeyondthenormalscopeofcompetition;spittingonacontestofficialoropponent;directinggender,racialorethnicslurstowardacontestofficial,anopponentoranyotherpersonattendinganathleticcontest;orothersuchactsdeemedtobeunacceptableconductaccordingtotheprincipalofthememberschoolthestudentattendsorthisAssociation. 7.2.1.1 Penalty for Students.Studentswhoarefoundtohavecommittedunsportsmanlikeconductwillbeineligibletoparticipateininterscholasticathleticcompetitionforapenaltyperioduptooneormorecalendaryears. 7.2.1.2 Restoring Eligibility. TheExecutiveDirector,theSectionalAppealsCommittee,ortheBoardofDirectorsonappeal,mayrestorethestudent’seligibilitypriortotheendofthepenaltyperiod,wheninthediscretionoftheExecutiveDirector,thestudenthasbeenproperlydisciplinedandthestudentsignsawrittenstatementofhis/herintentiontocomplywiththesestandardsinthefuture.7.2.2 Executive Director’s Powers. TheExecutiveDirectorshallhavefullauthoritytoinvestigateallegationsandincidentsofunsportsmanlikeconductandinvokepenaltiesagainstmemberschoolsorindividualsinvolved.7.2.3 Disqualifications. Thedisqualificationfromparticipationofacoachorstudent,orremovalofaspectatororotherrepresentativeofamemberschooldue tounsportsmanlikeconductduringan interscholasticeventwillsubject theschool to theappropriatepenalties.7.2.4 Removal by Coach or Administrator. Theremovalofateamorindividualcompetitorbyacoachoradministratorbecauseoftheirdissatisfactionwithcontestofficialsorotherconditionsofthecontestshallbeconsideredunsportsmanlikeconductandwillsubjecttheschooltotheappropriatepenalties.7.2.5 Unsportsmanlike Conduct at Tournaments, Meets, or Contests.TheExecutiveDirector,intheeventofunsportsmanlikeconductonthepartofarepresentativeofthememberschoolduringanathletictournament,meet,orcontest,shallhavetheauthoritytodenyfurtherparticipationatsaidtournament,meet,orcontest,tosuchteamorindividual.7.2.6 Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Human Growth Hormone, Steroids, Performance-Enhancing Drugs, or Schedule 3 Narcotics.Theuseofhumangrowthhormone,steroids,performance-enhancingdrugs,orschedule3narcoticsbyastudentisconsideredtobeanactofunsportsmanlikeconduct,andassuchthestudentshallbeineligibleforcompetitionuntilsuchtimeasmedicalevidencecanbepresentedthatthestudent’ssystemisfreeofhumangrowthhormone,steroids,performance-enhancingdrugs,orschedule3narcotics. 7.2.6.1 Anystudent-athleteunderthecareofapediatricendocrinologistoranappropriatelytrainedspecialistbeingtreatedwithidiopathicshortstature(ISS)asoutlinebytheUnitedStatesAnti-DopingAgency(USADA)mayappealforexemptionandshallprovideappropriatemedicaldocumentationtotheprincipalpriortocompetition. 7.2.6.2 Any student-athlete, under the direct care of a physician,whohas been prescribed to use anyhormonereplacementdrugshallprovidetheappropriatemedicaldocumentationtotheprincipalpriortocompetition.7.2.7 Crowd Control. Anymemberschoolwhoseprincipalcommitsunsportsmanlikeconductorwhoseprincipal failstocontroltheconductofthestudentbody,faculty,andspectatorsshallbesubjecttotheappropriatepenalties,whichmayincludeexpulsionfrommembershipinthisAssociation.


OPERATIONAL BYLAW, ARTICLE 8 – ABRIDGED

Interscholastic Contests8.1 INTERSCHOLASTIC CONTEST8.1.1 Definition of Interscholastic Contest.AninterscholasticcontestisanycompetitionbetweenorganizedteamsorindividualsofdifferentschoolsinasportrecognizedbythisAssociation,andthereforeshallbesubjecttoallregulationspertainingtosuchcontests.8.1.2 Protests.Anydecisionmadebyacontestofficialshallnotbecontested.Thedecisionsofthecontestofficialsarefinal.

8.2 RULES OF COMPETITION8.2.1 NFHS Rules.Unlesswaivedbyatleastatwo-thirdsvoteoftheBoardofDirectors,therulespublishedbytheNationalFederationofStateHighSchoolAssociations(NFHS),orthoseapprovedbyit,shallbetheofficialrulesforinterscholasticathleticcompetitioninallsports.

8.3 SCHOOLS WITH WHICH CONTESTS MAY BE HELD8.3.1 Eligible Contestants.Memberschoolsmayonlyengageininterscholasticcontestswiththefollowing:(a) SchoolswhicharemembersofthisAssociation;(b) FloridaschoolswhicharenotmembersoftheFHSAA(Non-FHSAAmemberschool),provided:

1. TheNon-FHSAAmemberschoolmustverifythatathleticmedical,catastrophicaccidentandcatastrophicdisabilityinsurancecoverageisprovidedforeachofitsstudentathletes(Policy8.1,8.2and8.3).TheNon-FHSAAmemberschoolmustprovidegeneralliabilityinsuranceforitself(Policy8.4)TheminimumlimitsforeachtypeofinsurancecoveragemustbethesameasthoseestablishedforFHSAAmemberschools(Policy8.1,8.2,8.3and8.4).TheNon-FHSAAmemberschoolprincipal,orheadofschool,mustprovidetheFHSAAwithcopiesofcertificatesofcoverageforeachofthesevariousinsurancetypes,verifyingthattheNon-FHSAAmemberschoolhaspurchasedtheinsurancecoveragerequired(Bylaw3.5.3and3.6.1.1.2);and

2. AnFHSAAgame/contestcontract(seeBylaw8.4.1)hasbeenfullyexecutedbyallparticipatingschools;and3. Allstudent-athletesintheNon-FHSAAmemberschool,whowillbecompetinginthecontestorevent,meettheeligibility

criterialistedinFloridaStatutesforstudent;athletesofFHSAAmemberschools(F.S.1006.15);and4. Allstudent-athletesintheNon-FHSAAmemberschool,whowillbecompetinginthecontestorevent,haveappropriate

insuranceasspecifiedinF.S.1006.16;and5. Allstudent-athletesintheNon-FHSAAmemberschool,whowillbecompetinginthecontestorevent,mustsatisfactorily

passamedicalevaluationasspecifiedinF.S.1006.20(2)(c),and6. Allstudent-athletesintheNon-FHSAAmemberschool,whowillbecompetinginthecontestorevent,musthaveonfilea

signedconsentandreleaseform(waiverofliabilityandparentpermissiontoparticipate)asspecifiedinF.S.1006.20(2)(k),and

7. Non-FHSAAmemberschoolsmustagreetoabidebytheNFHSandFHSAArulesforthecontestoreventbeingconducted(Bylaw8.2.1).

(c) Out-of-stateschoolswhicharemembersingoodstandingofassociationsthataremembersoftheNFHSoraffiliatemembersoftheNFHSandregulateinterscholasticathleticsforschoolswithintheirstate.TheymustfollowcomparableeligibilityguidelinesandtheseasonforthesportinvolvedmustrunconcurrentlywiththatoftheFloridaHighSchoolAthleticAssociation.

(d) Memberschoolsshallnotparticipateinathleticcontestsorcontractuallyobligatethemselvestoparticipateinanytournament,meetorcontestinwhichanyschoolswhichdonotmeetthesecriteriaarescheduledtoparticipate,orwithnon-schoolteams,groupsorclubteams.

(e) Competitioninvolvingmiddleschools(grades6-8),combinationmiddleschoolprograms(grades6-8)andjuniorhighschools(grades7-9)mustbebetweenmiddleschools,combinationmiddleschoolprogramsandjuniorhighschools,respectively,aswellasbetweenmiddleschoolsandcombinationmiddleschoolprograms.

8.6 PARTICIPATION BY GENDER8.6.1 Girls on Boys’ Teams.Girlsmayplayonaboys’teaminasportiftheschooldoesnotsponsoragirls’teaminthatsport.8.6.2 Boys on Girls’ Teams.Boysmaynotparticipateonagirls’teaminanysportiftheschool’soverallboys’athleticprogramequalsorexceedsthegirls’overallathleticprogram.


8.6.3 Mixed Gender Teams. Teamsportsthathavebothboysandgirlsarerequiredtocompeteintheboysdivisioninthatsport.8.6.4 State Series.Inanindividualsport,girlsmaynotparticipateonboys’teamsinthestateserieswhenasportisofferedinthestateseriesforgirls.


Student Eligibility9.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES9.1.1 Participation in Interscholastic Athletics a Privilege.Participationininterscholasticathleticprogramsbyastudentisaprivilege,notaright.Studentswhoparticipatearerequiredtomeettherequirementsestablishedinstatelaw,FHSAAregulations,andbytheirrespectiveschools. 9.1.1.1 Local Rules May Be More Stringent.Schoolsand/orschooldistrictsmayadoptmorestringentrulesforthestudentsundertheirsupervision.Noschoolorschooldistrict,however,mayadoptrulesthatarelessstringentthanthoseoftheFHSAA.9.1.2 School Responsible to Ensure Student Eligibility.Aschoolmustnotpermitastudenttorepresentitininterscholasticathleticcompetitionunless thestudentmeetsalleligibilityrequirementsand theschoolhascertified thestudent’seligibilitytotheFHSAAOffice. 9.1.2.1 Ineligible Student.Anineligiblestudentshallnotbeallowedontheplayers’bench,intheteamboxoronthefieldofplaywearinganyportionofateamuniform. 9.1.2.2 Falsification of Information.Astudentand/orparent/legalguardianappointedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdictionfalsifiesinformation togaineligibilityshallbedeclaredineligibletorepresentanymemberschoolforaperiodofoneyearfromthedateofdiscovery. 9.1.2.3 Eligibility of Recruited Students. Astudentmaybedeclared ineligiblebasedonviolationofrecruitingrulesif:(a) Thestudentorparent/legalguardianappointedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdictionhasfalsifiedanyenrollmentoreligibilitydocument;or(b) Thestudentorparent/legalguardianappointedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdictionacceptedanybenefitoranypromiseofbenefitifsuchbenefitisnotgenerallyavailabletotheschool’sstudentsorfamilymembers;or(c) Thebenefitorpromiseofbenefitisbasedinanywayonathleticinterest,potential,orperformance.9.1.3 Rationale for Eligibility Standards.Eligibilityrulesarenecessaryforparticipationininterscholasticathleticsbecause:(a) Theyprotecttheopportunitiesofqualifiedstudentstoparticipate;and(b) Theypromotecompetitiveequityamongschools;and(c) Theyencourageacademicachievementbystudent-athletes.

9.2 ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS9.2.1 Student May Only Participate at School he/she First Attends Each School Year. Astudentmustattendschool,andmayparticipateonlyintheinterscholasticathleticprogramssponsoredbytheschoolhe/shefirstattendseachschoolyear,whichiseither:(s.1006.20(2)(a),FloridaStatutes)(a) Theschoolwherethestudentfirstattendsclasses;or(b) Theschoolwherethestudentfirstparticipatesinathleticactivitiesonoraftertheofficialstartdateofthatsportseasonbefore

he/sheattendsclassesatanyschool. 9.2.1.1 Definition of “Attend School.”Astudentattendsschoolifhe/sheispresentinaschoolclassroomonaregularbasisorisa“Non-Traditional”studentparticipatingforamemberschool.Astudentcanattendonlyoneschoolatatimeforthepurposesofinterscholasticathleticeligibility. 9.2.1.2 Definition of “Interscholastic Athletic Programs.” Interscholasticathleticprogramsencompassallactivitiesrelatingtocompetitivesportcontestsinvolvingindividualstudentsorteamsofstudentsfromoneschoolagainstindividualstudentsorteamsofstudentsfromanotherschool.Suchactivitiesinclude,butarenotlimitedto,tryouts,offseasonconditioning,summerworkouts,preseasonconditioning,in-seasonpracticeandcontests. 9.2.1.3 Students with Multiple Residences.Astudentwho,throughtheactionsofacourtofcompetentjurisdiction,isrequiredtohavemultiplephysicalresidenceswillestablishhis/herschoolresidenceasperBylaw9.2.1.


9.2.2 Attendance Exceptions 9.2.2.1 Home Education Student.Alegallyregisteredhomeeducationstudentmayparticipateatoneofthefollowing:(s.1006.15(3)(c),FloridaStatutes)

(a) Thepublicschoolthestudentwouldbeassignedaccordingtodistrictschoolboardattendanceareapolicies;or(b) Apublicschool,operatedbytheschooldistrict,thestudentcouldchoosetoattendaccordingtothecontrolledopen

enrollmentprovisionsoftheschooldistrictandprovidedthedeadlinesestablishedintheprovisionsaremetbythestudent;or

(c) Aprivateschoolthatwillacceptthestudentforparticipation;or(d) Ahomeeducationcooperativetowhichthestudentbelongs.

9.2.2.1.1 Home Education Student Requirements.Toparticipateininterscholasticathletics,ahomeeducationstudentmust:(s.1006.15(3)(c)1-7,FloridaStatutes)

(a) registerasahomeeducationstudentwiththedistrictschoolsuperintendentofthecountyinwhichhe/sheresides;and(b) registerwiththeschoolofhis/herintenttoparticipatebeforethebeginningdateoftheseasonforthesportinwhich

he/shewantstoparticipate;and(c) meetthesamestandardsofacceptance,behaviorandperformanceastheschoolrequiresofotherparticipatingstudents;

and(d) certifytotheschoolattheendofeachsemesterthathe/shehastheminimumcumulativegradepointaveragerequired

forparticipation;and(e) meetallotherFHSAAeligibilityrequirements;and(f) mustbeapprovedbytheFHSAAOfficeeachyearusingaformprovidedbytheAssociation.

9.2.2.2 Charter School Student.Astudentwhoattendsacharterschoolthatdoesnotsponsoraninterscholasticathleticprograminoneormoresportsmayparticipateinthesportorsportsnotsponsoredbythecharterschoolateitherofthefollowingschools:(s.1006.15(3)(d),FloridaStatutes)


enrollmentprovisionsoftheschooldistrictandprovidedthedeadlinesestablishedintheprovisionsaremetbythestudent.

9.2.2.2.1 Charter School Student Requirements.Toparticipateininterscholasticathletics,acharterschoolstudentmust:(s.1006.15(3)(d)1-7,FloridaStatutes)

(a) meettherequirementsofthecharterschooleducationprogramasdeterminedbythecharterschoolgoverningboard;and

(b) meettheminimumgradepointaveragestandardsthatarerequiredofallstudents;and(c) meetthesameresidencyrequirementsasotherstudentsintheschoolatwhichhe/sheparticipates;and(d) meetthesamestandardsofacceptance,behaviorandperformancethatarerequiredofotherstudentsininterscholastic

athletics;and(e) registerwiththeschoolhis/herintenttoparticipateininterscholasticathleticsasarepresentativeoftheschoolbefore

thebeginningdateoftheseasonforthesportinwhichhe/shewishestoparticipate;and(f) meetallotherFHSAAeligibilityrequirements(noformisrequired).

9.2.2.3 Students in Dual Enrollment and Early Admission Programs.Astudentwhoattendsadualenrollmentorearlyadmissionprogramoperatedbyacommunitycollegeoruniversitymayparticipateattheschoolthestudentwouldattendif:

(a) Theschoolawardscredittowardgraduationfortheworkthestudentcompletesatthecommunitycollegeoruniversity;and

(b) Thecommunitycollegeoruniversityofficiallyissuesgradesonthesamescheduleastheschool’ssemester;and(c) Thestudenthasnotmetthegraduationrequirementsasspecifiedbytheschool’sorschooldistrict’sstudentprogression

planforhighschoolgraduation;and(d) Thestudentdoesnotparticipateintheintercollegiateathleticprogramsofthecommunitycollegeoruniversity;and(e) ThestudentmeetsallotherFHSAAeligibilityrequirements(noformorletterisrequired).

9.2.2.4 Students in Alternative or Special Schools.Astudentwhoattendsanalternativeschoolorotherspecialschooloperatedbyaschooldistrictanddoesnotsponsoraninterscholasticathleticprogrammayparticipateat:




9.2.2.4.1 Alternative or Special School Student Requirements. Toparticipate in interscholasticathletics,analternativeorspecialschool:

(a) Mustbereportedbythedistrictsuperintendentordistrictathleticdirectorasaschoolqualifiedtoallowstudentstoparticipateunderthisbylaw;and

(b) Thestudentmustregisterhis/herintenttoparticipateininterscholasticathleticsasarepresentativeoftheschoolbeforethebeginningdateoftheseasonforthesportinwhichhe/shewishestoparticipate;and

(c) ThestudentmustmeetallotherFHSAAeligibilityrequirements. 9.2.2.5 Non-member Private School Students.Astudentwhoattendsaprivateschoolshallbeeligibletoparticipateinaninterscholasticorintrascholasticsportatapublichighschool,apublicmiddleschool,oracombinationpublicschoolthatthestudentiszonedforthephysicaladdressatwhichthestudentresidesif:(s.1006.15(8),FloridaStatutes)

(a) TheprivateschoolinwhichthestudentisenrolledisnotamemberoftheFHSAA;and(b) Theprivateschooldoesnotofferaninterscholasticorintrascholasticathleticprogram:and(c) Theprivateschoolenrollmentconsistsof125studentsorfewer.

9.2.2.5.1 Non-member Private School Student Requirements.Toparticipateininterscholasticathletics,anon-memberprivateschoolstudentmust:(s.1006.15(8),FloridaStatutes)

(a) makeall student records, including,butnot limited to, academic,financial, disciplinary, andattendance records,availableuponrequestoftheFHSAA;and

(b) meettheminimumgradepointaveragestandardsthatarerequiredofallstudents;and(c) meetthesameresidencyrequirementsasotherstudentsintheschoolatwhichhe/sheparticipates;and(d) meetthesamestandardsofacceptance,behaviorandperformancethatarerequiredofotherstudentsininterscholastic


thebeginningdateoftheseasonforthesportinwhichhe/shewishestoparticipate;and(f) meetallotherFHSAAeligibilityrequirements;and(g) beapprovedbytheFHSAAOfficeeachyearusingaformprovidedbytheAssociation.

9.2.2.6 Florida Virtual School – Full Time Program (FLVS-FT) Students.AstudentoftheFloridaVirtualSchoolfull-timeprogrammayparticipateinanyinterscholasticextracurricularactivityat:



9.2.2.6.1 FLVS-FT Student Requirement.Toparticipateininterscholasticathletics,anFLVS-FTstudentmust:(s.1006.15(3)(e)1-5,FloridaStatutes)

(a)meetanyadditionalrequirementsasdeterminedbytheboardoftrusteesoftheFloridaVirtualSchool;and(b) meettheminimumgradepointaveragestandardsthatarerequiredofallstudents;and(c) meetthesameresidencyrequirementsasotherstudentsintheschoolatwhichhe/sheparticipates;and(d) meetthesamestandardsofacceptance,behaviorandperformancethatarerequiredofotherstudentsininterscholastic


thebeginningdateoftheseasonforthesportinwhichhe/shewishestoparticipate;and(f) meetallotherFHSAAeligibilityrequirements.

9.2.2.7 Participation in Summer Athletic Activities by Students Changing Schools or Entering a Member School or Combination School for the First Time.Astudentmayparticipateinathleticactivitiessponsoredbyaschoolduringthesummerperiodimmediatelyprecedingattendanceinthatschoolifthestudenthasbeenassignedtooracceptedbytheschoolandnolongerattendshis/herpreviousschool.Astudentwhoisassignedtoand/oracceptedbymorethanoneschoolwillbeconsideredtohaveestablishedresidenceintheschoolhe/shefirstattendsorparticipatesinsummerathleticactivitiespriortoattendance,whichevercomesfirst. 9.2.2.8 Middle School Students Attending Non-member Public Schools.Astudentingrades6through8whoattendsapublicschoolthatisnotamemberofthisAssociationandhasnoathleticprogramduetolowstudentpopulationmayrepresentamemberpublicschoolthatispartofthesameschooldistrictininterscholasticcompetition,providedsuchparticipationisatthejuniorhighormiddleschoollevel.9.2.3 Attendance Within First 10 Days of Semester Required. Astudentmustattendclasseswithinthefirst10schooldaysofasemester.Otherwise,thestudentwillnotbeeligibleuntil:(a) Thestudenthasmadeupallclassworkmissedduringhis/herabsence;and


(b) Thestudenthasattendedoneschooldayforeachschooldaymissed.9.2.4 Contact between Member School Coach and Student in Non-School Athletic Activities.TheFHSAAsupportsandendorsesFlorida’sphilosophyofschoolofchoiceforacademicpurposes.However,ifastudentchoosestoattendorparticipateforaschool,publicorprivate,thefollowingshallaffectstudenteligibilityrelatedtoparticipationinanynon-schoolathleticactivitiesaffiliatedwithamemberschoolfollowedbyattendingtheaffiliatedmemberschoolwithin365days.Ifastudentbeginsattendingorparticipatingforaschool,publicorprivate,within365daysfollowingdirectcontactwithamemberschool’scoach,duringthepreviousschoolyearandinanon-schoolactivitythestudent’sparticipationisimpactedinthefollowingmanner:(a) Thestudentmustparticipateatthesub-varsitylevelforthesport(s)inwhichthecontactoccurred,foraperiodof365days;thestudentmayparticipateatthevarsitylevelforeveryothersportsponsoredbythememberschoolattheschool’sdiscretion;OR(b) Thestudentmayparticipateatthevarsitylevelinanysport,providedthestudentbeganattendingthenewschoolduetothefactthathe/shecouldnolongerattendthepreviousschoolbecauseofitsterminalgrade;OR(c) Thestudentmayparticipateatthevarsitylevelofthesport(s)inwhichthecontactoccurred,however,theschool’scoachshallnotparticipateinanymannerattheschoolintheimpactedsport(s)foraperiodof365calendardays.ThisdoesnotprecludethedeterminationofaviolationoftheFHSAA’spolicyonAthleticRecruitingbyclearandconvincingevidence.AmemberschoolwhichallowsastudenttoparticipatewithoutmeetinganyoftheaforementionedprovisionsshallbeconsideredtohaveallowedanineligibleplayertoparticipateinaccordancewithBylaw10. 9.2.4.1 Non-School Athletic Activities Affiliated with a School. Non-schoolathleticactivitiesaffiliatedwithaschoolareanyathleticactivitiesnotsponsoredbytheschoolbutareorganized,coachedand/orsupervisedbyacoach(paidorunpaid)ofanFHSAAmemberschool.Suchactivitiesinclude,butarenotlimitedto:

(a) club/travelteams;(b) recreationalleagueteams;(c) personalinstructionsessions;and(d) anyothertypeofactivitydeterminedbytheFHSAAtobeanathleticactivity.

9.2.5 Relocation of a Coach. Astudentwhoestablishesresidenceataschoolwithinoneyearoftherelocationofanymemberofthecoachingstaffofthesport(s)inwhichthestudentparticipates,onanylevelregardlessofwhichlevelthestudentparticipated,mayparticipateatthenewschoolunderthefollowingprovisions:(a) Thestudentmustparticipateatthesub-varsitylevelforthesport(s)inwhichthecontactoccurred,foraperiodof365days;thestudentmayparticipateatthevarsitylevelforeveryothersportsponsoredbythememberschoolattheschool’sdiscretionprovidedthecoachdoesnotcoachinanyothersport;OR(b) Thestudentmayparticipateatthevarsitylevelinanysport,providedthestudentbeganattendingthenewschoolduetothefactthathe/shecouldnolongerattendthepreviousschoolbecauseofitsterminalgrade;OR(c) Thestudentmayparticipateatthevarsitylevelofthesport(s)inwhichthecontactoccurred,however,theschool’scoachshallnotparticipateinanymannerattheschoolintheimpactedsport(s)foraperiodof365calendardays.ThisdoesnotprecludethedeterminationofaviolationoftheFHSAA’spolicyonAthleticRecruitingbyclearandconvincingevidence.AmemberschoolwhichallowsastudenttoparticipatewithoutmeetinganyoftheaforementionedprovisionsshallbeconsideredtohaveallowedanineligibleplayertoparticipateinaccordancewithBylaw10.9.2.6 Ineligible Student Cannot Change Schools to Become Eligible.Astudentwhoisdeemedineligibleforaperiodoftimecannotchangeschoolsandbecomeeligible.Attendinganewschoolatthebeginningoftheschoolyeardoesnotdecreaseoreliminatetheperiodofineligibility.

9.3 TRANSFER REGULATIONS9.3.1 “Transfer” Defined.Atransferoccurswhenastudentmakesanychangeinschoolsafterhe/sheestablishesresidencyataschooleachyear.9.3.2 Transfer Eligibility.Astudentwhotransfersfromoneschooltoanotherwillbeeligibleatthenewschoolprovidedthestudentqualifiesunderoneofthefollowing: 9.3.2.1 Transfer of Schools before a Sport Season. Thestudenttransfersandbeginsattendingthenewschoolonorpriortothebeginningdateofthesportseason,asestablishedintheFHSAACalendar,meetsallothereligibilityrequirementsinArticle9andprovided:

(a) Thetransferhasbeenapprovedpursuanttodistrictschoolboardpoliciesinthecaseofatransfertoapublicschoolorpursuanttotheprivateschoolpoliciesinthecaseofatransfertoaprivateschool;and

(b) Aformtobeprovidedbytheassociation(EL6Form–NoticeofTransfer)hasbeensubmittedtotheassociation. 9.3.2.2 Full and Complete Move to New Residence.Thestudentmovestoanewhomeaddressduetoafullandcompletemovebythestudentandthepersonswithwhomhe/shehasbeenlivingforatleastonecalendaryearthatmakesitnecessaryforthestudenttoattendadifferentschoolandthestudentmeetsallothereligibilityrequirementsinArticle9.Astudentandhis/herparentscannotoccupyaresidenceatmorethanoneaddress,andonlythestudent’scurrentresidencemaybeusedforeligibilitypurposes.


9.3.2.2.1 Full and Complete Move Defined.Thefollowingitemsareevidenceamoveisfullandcomplete:(a) Theformerresidenceisnotoccupiedforanypurposeatanytimebythestudentoranyofthepersonswithwhomthe

studenthasbeenliving;and(b) Allpersonalbelongingsaremovedfromtheformerresidence;and(c) Mailisreceivedatthenewresidence;and(d) Allutilitiesaretransferredtothenewresidence;and(e) Driver’slicense,voterregistrationandotherformsoflegalidentificationarechangedtothenewresidence.

9.3.2.3 Necessary Relocation to Residence of Another Individual.Thestudenttransfersbecausehe/shehastomoveintotheresidenceofanotherpersonwholivesataresidencethatmakesitnecessaryforthestudenttoattendadifferentschoolandthestudentmeetsallothereligibilityrequirementsinArticle9.Thisexceptionappliesonlytothefollowingspecificsituations:

(a) Oneofthepersonswithwhomthestudenthasbeenlivingdies;or(b) Oneofthepersonswithwhomthestudenthasbeenlivingisimprisonedorcommittedbycourtordertoamental

facility;or(c) Thestudentismadeawardofthecourtorstateandisplacedinafosterhomebyacourtoflegaljurisdiction.Inthis

case,acertifiedcopyofthecourtorder,acopyofthepetitionuponwhichtheorderwasbased,andotherevidencethecourthadtoconsiderinissuingtheordermustbeprovidedtotheFHSAAOffice.Permanentguardianshipmustbeappointedlegallybyacourtofcompetentjurisdiction.

9.3.2.4 Move to New Residence Following Marriage.Thestudentmarriesandimmediatelyestablishesanewresidencewithhis/herspouseataresidencethatmakesitnecessaryforthestudenttoattendadifferentschoolandthestudentmeetsallothereligibilityrequirementsinArticle9. 9.3.2.5 Reassignment by District School Board.Thestudentisreassignedduringtheschoolyeartoadifferentschoolbythedistrictschoolboard,aslongasthereassignmentisnotforathleticordisciplinaryreasons,andisnotrequestedbythestudentorhis/herparents,andthestudentmeetsallothereligibilityrequirementsinArticle9.Inthiscase,thestudentmayparticipateininterscholasticathleticcompetitionatthepublicschoolwherehe/sheisassignedoraprivateschoolhe/shechoosestoattend. 9.3.2.6 Transfer of Schools within the First Twenty Days.Thestudenttransfersschoolswithinthefirsttwenty(20)schooldaysoftheacademicschoolyear,meetsallotherrequirementsinArticle9andprovided:

(a) Thestudenthasnotengagedinanyathleticactivitiesaffiliatedwitheitherschoolpriortothetransfer;and(b) Thestudenthasnotbeenrecruited;and(c) Thestudentisnottransferringinwholeorinpartforathleticreasons;and(d) Thestudentisnottransferringbecauseofdisciplinaryreasonsand/ormisconduct;and(e) Thelosingschoolprincipalcommunicatesandverifieswiththenewschoolprincipalthat9.3.2.6(a)-(d)havebeen

metbythestudent. 9.3.2.7 Need to Attend a Different School Defined.WhendeterminingwhetherachangeinresidencemakesitnecessaryforastudenttoattendadifferentschoolasrequiredinBylaws9.3.2.2,9.3.2.3and9.3.2.4,theFHSAAOfficewillconsiderthefollowingcriteria:

(a) Isthestudentnotpermittedtoattendhis/heroldschoolbythedistrictschoolboardbecausethenewresidenceisoutsidetheschool’sattendancezone?

(b) Ispublictransportationfromthestudent’snewresidencetotheoldschoolnotprovided?9.3.3 Qualifying Transfer Student Becomes Eligible on Sixth Day of Attendance.AtransferstudentwhoqualifiesunderoneofBylaws9.3.2.2,9.3.2.3,9.3.2.4,9.3.2.5or9.3.2.6willbeeligibleforcompetitiononthesixthschooldayofattendanceatthenewschoolif:(a) Theschoolhasreceivedandevaluatedthestudent’sofficialsealedtranscriptprovidedbyhis/herformerschool;and(b) Theschoolhasdeterminedthatthestudentmeetsalleligibilityrequirements. 9.3.3.1 Transfer Student Must Provide Academic Records.Astudentwhotransferstoamemberschoolfromanonmemberschoolafterbeginninghighschoolmustprovidethememberschoolwithanofficialsealedtranscriptshowingallgradeshe/shehasreceivedatallschoolsattendedsincebeginningeighthgrade.Thestudentmustalsoprovidetheschoolwithallinformationtheschoolneedstodeterminethestudent’seligibilityusingthescaleinBylaw9.4.2.Thestudentcannotbedeclaredacademicallyeligiblebythememberschooluntilallsuchinformationisreceivedtoitssatisfaction.FinalgradespreviouslyearnedbythestudentshallnotbeconvertedusingthescaleinBylaw9.4.2. 9.3.3.2 Transfer Student’s Former School Must Verify Eligibility Status Upon Request. Thememberschoolformerlyattendedbyatransferstudentmustverifythestudent’seligibilitystatusifrequestedtodosobythestudent’snewschool.


9.3.3.3 Transfer Student Not Eligible for One Full Semester if Transcript Cannot be Obtained.Atransferstudentwhoseformerschoolcannotorwillnotprovideanofficialsealedtranscriptwillnotbeeligibleinthenewschooluntilhe/shehasbeeninattendanceforonefullsemesterandhasestablishedacumulativeGPA.TheschoolmustsubmitawrittenreporttotheFHSAAOfficethatincludesthestudent’sname,dateoffirstattendanceintheschool,andthebeginningandendingdatesoftheprevioussemester.9.3.4 Ineligible Student Cannot Transfer to Become Eligible. Atransferstudentwhoisdeemedineligibleforaperiodoftimecannottransferschoolsandbecomeeligible.Attendinganewschoolatthebeginningoftheschoolyeardoesnotdecreaseoreliminatetheperiodofineligibility. 9.3.4.1 Students Under Expulsion.Astudentwhohasbeenexpelledbyaschooldistrictorschoolshallnotbeconsideredeligibleatanymemberschoolduringthelengthoftheexpulsion.Ifthestudentwhochoosesnottoattendanalternativeschool,ifofferedbytheschooldistrictorschool,shallbeineligibletorepresentamemberschoolforthenexttwoconsecutive“full”semesters.Attendinganewschoolatthebeginningoftheschoolyeardoesnotdecreaseoreliminatetheperiodofineligibility.9.3.5 Transfer Students Who Are Not Eligible. ThefollowingtransferstudentsarenoteligibleintheirnewschooleveniftheyotherwisequalifyunderoneofBylaws9.3.2.1,9.3.2.2,9.3.2.3,9.3.2.4,9.3.2.5or9.3.2.6. 9.3.5.1 Student Who Transfers After FHSAA Florida High School State Championships in a Sport Begins.AstudentwhotransferstoanyschoolaftertheFHSAAFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsinasportbeginswillnotbeeligibletoparticipateinthatsportthroughtheconclusionoftheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships. 9.3.5.1.1 Student Who Participated in a Florida High School State Championships in Another State. AstudentwhoattendsamemberschoolafterhavingparticipatedinaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsinasportinanotherstateisineligibletoparticipateinthatsportforthatschoolyear.

9.4 ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS 9.4.1 2.0 GPA Required for Academic Eligibility.Amiddle/juniorhighstudentmusthave2.0GPA,ortheequivalentofa2.0GPAbasedona4.0scale,attheconclusionofeachsemester.Ahighschoolstudentmusthaveacumulative2.0gradepointaverageona4.0unweightedscale,oritsequivalent,attheconclusionofeachsemestertobeacademicallyeligibleduringthenextsemester(s.1006.15(3)(a)1,FloridaStatutes).FinalgradespreviouslyearnedbythestudentfromanotherschoolshallnotbeconvertedusingthescaleinBylaw9.4.2.

9.5 LIMIT OF ELIGIBILITY9.5.1 High School Student Has Four Years of Eligibility. Astudent is limited tofourconsecutivecalendaryearsofeligibilityfromthedatehe/shebeginsninthgradeforthefirsttime.Thisdoesnotimplythatthestudenthasfouryearsofparticipation.Afterfourconsecutiveyears,thestudentispermanentlyineligible. 9.5.1.1 Student Whose Limit of Eligibility Expires During Sports Season. Astudentwhosefour-yearlimitofeligibilityexpiresduringtheseasonofasportinwhichthestudentisparticipatingmaycompletetheseasonifthestudentcontinuestomeetallothereligibilityrequirements.Thestudent,however,willnotbepermittedtoparticipateinanyothersportthatbeginsafterhis/herlimitofeligibilityhasexpired. 9.5.1.2 Participation Prior to High School Does Not Affect Limit of Eligibility. Astudent’sfour-yearlimitofhighschooleligibilityisnotaffectedbythestudent’sparticipationininterscholasticathleticsbeforebeginningtheninthgradeforthefirsttime.9.5.2 A 6th, 7th or 8th Grade Student Has 1-Year Limit of Eligibility in Each Grade.A6th,7thor8thgradestudentmayparticipateonlyoneyearineachgradelevel.A6th,7thor8thgradestudentwhorepeatsagradewillnotbeeligibleduringthegradebeingrepeated.

9.6 AGE 9.6.1 High School Age Limit.Astudentmayparticipateatthehighschoolleveluntilthedayhe/shereachestheageof19years9monthsifthestudenthasnotexceededhis/herfour-yearlimitofeligibility.Thestudentbecomespermanentlyineligibleatthehighschoollevelonthedayhe/shereachestheageof19years9months.Beginningwithstudentsenteringgrade9in2014-15,andthereafter,astudentwhoreachestheageof19onorafterSeptember1st,andwhohasnotexceededhis/herfour-yearlimitofeligibility,mayparticipateininterscholasticathleticsduringthatschoolyear. 9.6.1.1 Student Who Reaches Age Limit During FHSAA Florida High School State Championships.Astudentwhoreachestheageof19years9monthsduringaFHSAAFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsinwhichhe/sheisparticipatingmaycompletetheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsifthestudentcontinuestomeetallothereligibilityrequirements.Thestudent,however,willnotbeallowedtoparticipateinanyothersportthatbeginsafterhe/shehasreachedtheageof19years9months.


9.6.2 Junior High School Age Limit. Astudentmayparticipateininterscholasticathleticcompetitionatthejuniorhighschoolleveluntilthedayhe/shereachestheageof16years9months.Thestudentbecomespermanentlyineligibleforinterscholasticathleticcompetitionatthejuniorhighschoollevelonthedayhe/shereachestheageof16years9months.Beginningwithstudentsenteringgrade7in2014-15,andthereafter,astudentwhoreachestheageof16onorafterSeptember1stmayparticipateininterscholasticathleticsduringthatschoolyear. 9.6.2.1 When Junior High Age Limit Applies.The16year9monthjuniorhighschoolagelimitappliestoaparticipatingstudentonlywhen:

(a) Teamsrepresentingjuniorhighschoolscompeteagainsteachother;or(b) Teamsrepresentingthejuniorhighschooldepartmentsofcombinationjunior-seniorhighschoolscompeteagainst

eachother.9.6.3 Middle School Age Limit. Astudentmayparticipateininterscholasticathleticcompetitionatthemiddleschoolleveluntilthedayhe/shereachestheageof15years9months.Thestudentbecomespermanentlyineligibleforinterscholasticathleticcompetitionatthemiddleschoollevelonthedayhe/shereachestheageof15years9months.Beginningwithstudentsenteringgrade6in2014-15,andthereafter,astudentwhoreachestheageof15onorafterSeptember1stmayparticipateininterscholasticathleticsduringthatschoolyear. 9.6.3.1 When Middle School Age Limit Applies.The15year9monthmiddleschoolagelimitappliestoaparticipatingstudentonlywhen:

(a) Teamsrepresentingmiddleschoolscompeteagainsteachother;or(b) Teamsrepresentingthemiddleschooldepartmentsofcombinationmiddle-seniorhighschoolscompeteagainsteach

other.9.6.4 School Must Verify Age of Student. Aschoolmustverifytheageofeachstudentwhorepresentsitininterscholasticathleticcompetition.Thestudentmustprovidedocumentedproofofhis/herageforthispurpose.Astudentwhoisunabletoprovidedocumentedproofofhis/heragecannotparticipate. 9.6.4.1 What is Documented Proof of Age?Documentedproofofageisoneormoreofthefollowing:

(a) Anoriginalbirthcertificateissuedbytheofficeofvitalrecordsinthecountry,province,state,countyorcitywherethestudentwasborn;

(b) Apassport,visaor“greencard”thatliststhestudent’sdateofbirth;or(c) Anofficialrecordofbirthfromthehospitalinwhichthestudentwasborn.

9.7 PHYSICAL EVALUATION (FHSAA Form EL2 – Pre-participation Physical Examination)9.7.1 Student Must Have a Physical Evaluation Each Year. Astudentmusthaveaphysicalevaluationeachyearandbecertifiedasbeingphysicallyfittoparticipateininterscholasticathleticprograms.Aphysicalevaluationshallbevalidforaperiodnottoexceedonecalendaryearfromthedateofpractitioner’ssignature.Thestudentcannotbeallowedtoparticipateinanyactivityrelatedtointerscholasticathleticprogramsuntilthefullyexecutedphysicalevaluationformisonfileintheschool(s.1002.20(17)(b),FloridaStatutes).9.7.2 Qualified Practitioners. Theannualphysicalevaluationmustbeadministeredeitherbyalicensedphysician,alicensedosteopathicphysician,alicensedchiropracticphysician,alicensedphysicianassistant,oracertifiedadvancedregisterednursepractitioner.9.7.3 Filing Requirements.Thestudent-athleteshallberequiredtofilewiththeprincipalorhis/herdesigneeafullyexecutedphysicalevaluationformsignedbythepractitionerandmedicalhistoryquestionnairesignedbythestudentandhis/herparent(s)orguardian(s).9.7.4 Evaluation Requirements.TheBoardofDirectorsshalladoptminimumrequirementsforthephysicalevaluationtowhicheachmemberschoolshalladhere.

9.8 CONSENT AND RELEASE (FHSAA Form EL3 – Consent and Release from Liability Certificate)9.8.1 Student Must Provide School with Signed Consent and Release Form to Participate.Astudentmusthavetheconsentofhis/herparent(s)orlegalguardian(s)toparticipateininterscholasticathleticprogramsatamemberschool.Thestudentandhis/herparent(s)orlegalguardian(s)mustalsoreleasetheFHSAA,itsmemberschoolsandcontestofficialsfromallliabilityforanyinjuryorclaimthatmayresultfromthestudent’sparticipationininterscholasticathletics.ThisconsentandreleasefromliabilitymustbeprovidedinwritingonaformdevelopedbythisAssociationforthatpurpose.Theformmustbesignedbythestudentandhis/herparent(s)orlegalguardian(s).Thestudentcannotbeallowedtoparticipateinanyactivityrelatedtointerscholasticathleticprogramsuntilthefullyexecutedconsentformisonfileintheschool.


9.8.1.1 Board of Directors to Adopt Language for Consent and Release Form.TheBoardofDirectorswilladoptthelanguagethatmustbecontainedintheconsentandreleaseform,which,ataminimum,willincludethefollowing:

(a) Astatementacknowledgingthatparticipationininterscholasticathleticsmayrequirethestudenttomissclasses;(b) AstatementauthorizingtheschooltoprovidetotheFHSAAforinspectionthestudent’sacademic,attendanceand

financialassistancerecordswhenrequested;(c) Astatementwarningofthehealthrisksinvolvedinparticipatingininterscholasticathletics;(d) A statement authorizing theuseordisclosureof the student’s individually identifiablehealth information should

treatmentforillnessorinjurybecomenecessary;and(e) Astatementgrantingtothereleasedpartiestherighttophotographandvideotapethestudentandtousehis/hername,

face,likeness,voiceandappearanceinconnectionwithexhibitions,publicity,advertising,promotionalandcommercialmaterialswithoutreservationorlimitation.

9.9 AMATEURISM9.9.1 General Principles. AstudentmaynotparticipateinanathleticactivityofthisAssociationunlesshe/sheisanamateur.Anamateurisonewhoengagesinathleticcompetitionsolelyforthephysical,mental,social,andpleasurebenefitsderivedfromtheactivity.9.9.2 Forfeiture of Amateur Status.Astudent-athleteforfeitsamateurstatusinaparticularsportforoneyearby:(a) Competingformoneyorothermonetarycompensations;(b) ReceivinganyawardorprizeofmonetaryvaluewhichhasnotbeenapprovedbytheFHSAA;(c) Capitalizingonathleticfamebyreceivingmoneyorgiftsofamonetarynature;(d) Signingaprofessionalplayingcontractinanysportorhiringanagenttomanagehis/herathleticcareer;(e) Competingunderanassumedname.9.9.3 Permissible Awards, Gifts, or Other Compensation.Astudent-athletewillnotforfeithis/heramateurstatusforaccepting:(a) Symbolicawards suchas school letters,medals, trophies, ribbons,plaques,pins,keys,or ribbonsof smallmonetaryvalue

purchasedfromanestablishedawardscompany;(b) Rings,sweaters,jackets,orawardblanketsprovidedthattheyarepresentedbytheschoolwhichtheyrepresentanddonotexceed

thevalueofthepurchasepricefromanestablishedawardscompany;(c) Remunerationof“essentialexpenses”foranygameinwhichhe/sheparticipatesasaplayer; limitedtomeals, lodging,and

transportation;(d) Acollegescholarshipoffer. 9.9.3.1 Amateur Sports Guidelines.TheFHSAAusestheguidelinesofthenationalgoverningbodyofaparticularsport,whenapplicable,todeterminethetypesandamountsofbenefitsanamateurmayreceive.9.9.4 Violations.Violationoftheamateurruleinonesportdoesnotmakeastudentineligibleinallothersports.

NOTE: Any student who may consider participating in athletics as an amateur after high school should determine whether any action they intend to take while in high school would violate the amateurism regulation of the governing body at the level of competition at which he or she intends to participate.

9.10 STUDENT-ATHLETE PARTICIPATION9.10.1 Athletic Participation Defined. Astudent inathleticuniformduringanathleticcontest isdefinedashavingparticipated.Anymemberschoolwhichallowsastudenttoparticipateininterscholasticathleticcompetition(dressinanypartofthefulluniformwornforthatcontestwiththeexceptionofacap)inviolationoftheregulationsofthisAssociationwillbeheldguiltyofusinganineligiblestudentandsubjecttothepenaltiesassessed.



Compliance and Enforcement10.1 PRINCIPLES AND PENALTIES10.1.1 General Principles. TheExecutiveDirectorshallhavetheauthoritytodirectauditsandcompliancereviewsandtoinvestigateallallegedviolationsofthisAssociation’sBylaws,aswellasregulations,guidelines,policiesorproceduresestablishedbytheBoardofDirectors.TheproceduresoutlinedinPolicy39(PolicyonInvestigativeProcedures),whichshallbeinfullcompliancewithFloridaStatute1006.20(2)(g),willbefollowedforsuchinvestigations.Allfindingsshallbedisclosedtothememberschoolinwriting,settingforththefindingsoffactandspecificviolationuponwhichthedecisionisbased.10.1.2 Penalties and Sanctions.TheExecutiveDirectorshallhavefullauthoritytoinvokeoneormoreofthefollowingpenaltiesand/orsanctionsagainsttheviolatingschoolorperson:(a) REPRIMAND—Anofficialletterofcensuretotheconcernedpartyinregardtotheoffensecommittedwhichwarnsagainst

furtherviolations.Thisletterwillbekeptonfileforfuturereference.(b) FINE—Amonetarypayment.(c) FORFEIT—Theforfeitureofaninterscholasticathleticcontest.(d) PROBATION—Typesofprobationthatmaybeimposedareasfollows: 1) AdministrativeProbation—Theschoolorpersonisreprimanded,finedandservednoticethatitisinaperiodofwarning

foraminimumofonecalendaryear.Additionalviolationsduringthistimewillresultinincreasedpenaltieswhichmayincludeexpulsion.

2) RestrictiveProbation—The school or person faces the samepenalties as administrative probation,with the additionalconsequenceofrestrictionfromparticipationinchampionshipcompetitioninoneormoresports,orotherrestrictionsdeemedappropriatebytheExecutiveDirector,foroneormorecalendaryears.

3) SuspensionProbation—The schoolorperson faces the samepenalties as administrativeprobation,with the additionalconsequenceofsuspensionfromoneormoresportsforoneormorecalendaryears.

(e) EXPULSION—Involuntaryterminationofaschool’smembershipintheAssociationforoneormorecalendaryears.AnymemberschoolthatcompeteswithacurrentlyexpelledschoolmaysubjectitselftoexpulsionfromtheAssociationforonecalendaryear.

10.1.2.1 Restricted Membership.TheBoardofDirectors,insteadofexpulsion,mayrestrictone,moreorallthemembershipprivilegesoftheschool.Theschoolremainsamemberevenifallofitsmembershipprivilegesarerestricted.10.1.2 Reimbursement of Expenses.AmemberschoolfoundtohavecommittedaviolationshallpaytothisAssociationanyexpensesincurredrelatedtosuchviolation,including,butnotlimitedto,thecostsoftheinvestigation,attorney’sfeesandlegalcosts,andallotherrelatedcosts. 10.1.2.1 Ifamemberschoolisassessedafinancialpenaltyasaresultofacoachcommittingamajorviolation,thecoachshallreimbursethememberschoolbeforebeingallowedtocoach,participatein,orattendanyathleticactivitysponsored,recognized,orsanctionedbytheFHSAAandamemberschool.10.1.3 Sanctions on Coaches. Sanctionsplaceduponanindividualcoachmayinclude,butarenotlimitedto,prohibitingorsuspendingthecoachfromcoaching,participatingin,orattendinganyathleticactivitysponsored,recognized,orsanctionedbytheFHSAAandthememberschoolforwhichthecoachcommittedtheviolation.IfacoachissanctionedbytheFHSAAandthecoachtransferstoanothermemberschool,thosesanctionsremaininfullforceandeffectduringthetermofthesanction.10.1.4 Court Injunctions. Ifamemberschoolorstudent, inviolationofornoncompliancewithanyprovisionsof thisAssociation’srules,competesbasedonaninjunctionorrestrainingorderwhichislatervoluntarilyvacated,stayedorreversed,oritisdeterminedthatinjunctivereliefisnotorwasnotjustified,theywillstillbesubjecttothepenaltieslistedin10.1.1.

10.2 FORFEITURE OF CONTEST10.2.1 General Principle. If an ineligible student is intentionally permitted to participate in an interscholastic athleticcontest,forfeitureofthegameandhonorsshallbeautomaticandmandatory.Ifanineligiblestudentisinadvertentlypermittedtoparticipateinaninterscholasticathleticcontest,forfeitureofthegameandhonorsshallbeautomaticandmandatoryifthecoachorschooladministratorkneworshouldhaveknownthatsuchusewouldbeaviolationoftheassociation’srulesandregulations. 10.2.1.1 Team or Individual Sports.Inteamsports,thecontestandhonorsshallbeforfeited.Inindividualsports,thepointswonbytheineligiblestudent,individuallyorasthememberofarelayteamshallbeforfeited.Ifanineligiblestudentparticipatesonarelayteam,therelayteamshallbedisqualified. 10.2.1.2 Procedures. Ifanineligiblestudentisallowedtoparticipateinanathleticcontest,theprincipalshallnotifytheExecutiveDirectorthedatesofthecompetitionandprovidecopiesofthelettersofforfeituretotheopposingschool(s)thestudentparticipatedagainst.


10.2.1.3 Intentional Use of Ineligible Students. TheExecutiveDirectorshallhavefullauthoritytoinvokeadditionalpenaltiesagainstamemberschoolthatinhis/herdeterminationintentionallypermitsanineligiblestudenttoparticipate. 10.2.1.4 Prospective Contests. Theassociationwillnotlimitthecompetitionofstudentathletesprospectivelyforruleviolationsoftheschoolbyitscoachesorotherrepresentativesoftheschool’sathleticinterests.Theassociationwillnotunfairlypunishstudentathletesforeligibilityorrecruitingviolationsperpetratedbyateammate,coach,administratororotherrepresentativesoftheschool’sathleticinterests.Contestswillnotbeforfeitedforothereligibilityorrecruitingviolationsinexcessofthenumberofconteststhatthecoachesorotherrepresentativesoftheschool’sathleticinterestsresponsiblefortheviolationsareprospectivelysuspended.

10.3 PROTEST PROCEDURE10.3.1 Protesting Actions of Another School.AnymemberschoolfilingaprotestovertheeligibilityofastudentortheactionsofamemberschoolshallsubmittotheExecutiveDirectorinwritingafullstatementofthefactssignedbytheprincipal.TheExecutiveDirectorshallprovidetheaccusedpartyorpartieswithacopyoftheaccusationanddetermineiftheallegationswarrantaninvestigation.Ifallegationsconcerningtheeligibilityofastudentwarrantaninvestigation,TheproceduresoutlinedinPolicy37(PolicyonInvestigativeProcedures),whichshallbeinfullcompliancewithFloridaStatute1006.20(2)(g),willbefollowedforsuchinvestigations.10.3.2 Protesting Actions of Contest Officials. Thedecisionsofcontestofficialsshallbefinalandnotsubjecttoreview.MemberschoolsshouldfilereportswiththeExecutiveDirectorofunsatisfactoryperformancebycontestofficialswhichmaybeduetoallegedlackofknowledgeoftherules,errorsinjudgmentorimproperconduct.

10.4.1 Eligibility Appeals.Whenastudentisdeterminedtobeineligiblebyamemberschooland/orisruledineligiblebytheExecutiveDirector,thememberschoolprincipalmayappealtherulingoftheExecutiveDirectorifhe/sheorthestudenttakesissuewithit,andmustdosoatthestudent’srequest.Ifpossible,suchdispositionoftheappealistobemadebeforetheendoftheapplicablesportseason.10.4.2 Rules Violations Appeals. Anystudentathlete,coachormemberschoolwhoisfoundtobeinviolationoftherulesofthisAssociationmayappealthefindingoftheExecutiveDirectorifhe/shetakesissuewithit,ormayappealthepenaltyimposedifhe/shebelievesittobetoosevere,andmustbedoneatthestudent’srequest.10.4.3 Disputes Between Member Schools Appeals. AmemberschoolprincipalmayappealthefindingsbytheExecutiveDirectorwhicharisefromadisputebetweenoneormorememberschools.10.4.4 Undue Hardship Waivers.Amemberschoolprincipalmayfilearequestforunduehardshipwaiveronbehalfofthestudentwhenenforcementoftheprovision(s)whichrender(s)thestudentineligibleworksanunduehardshipuponthestudent,andmustdosoatthestudent’srequest. 10.4.4.1 Basic Principle.TheeligibilityrulesofthisAssociationaredesignedtopromoteacademicachievementandtoencouragestudentstoadvancewiththeirgraduatingclass.Unlessastudentexertseveryreasonableefforttomakeupcreditnotearned,sucheffortincludingattendanceatsummerschoolorotheralternativeprograms,anunduehardshiprequestseekingawaiverofthelimitofeligibilityshallnotbegranted. 10.4.4.2 Criteria for an Undue Hardship Waiver Determination. Byseekinganunduehardshipwaiver,thestudentandthememberschoolacceptthefactthatthestudentisineligibleundertheFHSAABylawsbutareaskingforagrantofwaiverofthoseBylaws.ForthepurposeofdeterminingwhethertograntordenyanunduehardshipwaivertheSectionalAppealsCommitteesandtheBoardofDirectionsshallbeguidedbythefollowingcriteria,othercriteriacontainedintheseBylawsandFHSAAPolicies,andtheirrespectiveexperiencerelatedtohighschoolathletics. 10.4.4.2.1 Insufficient Grounds for Undue Hardship Waiver.Thefactthatastudentisretainedinalowergradeshallnotbesufficientgroundsforgrantinganunduehardshipwaiverifthestudentfailstopasstherequirednumberofcourses,orisvoluntarilywithdrawnfromschool,orrepeatsalowergradetogainphysical,socialoremotionalmaturity 10.4.4.2.2 Potentially Sufficient Grounds for Undue Hardship Waiver. Thefactthatastudentisunableordesirestoparticipateininterscholasticathleticsshallnot,inandofitself,begroundsforgrantinganunduehardshipwaiverrequest.Thefactthatastudentisretainedinalowergradebecausehe/shemissesschoolforaprolongedperiodoftimeduetoseriousinjuryorillness,whichmustbesupportedbyaphysician’srecordindicatingthattheabsencewasdirectlyandsolelyrelatedtosuchinjuryorillness,oreventswhichwerebeyondthecontrolofthestudentand/ortheparentorguardianwhichcausesthestudenttomissschoolforaprolongedperiodoftimecausingthestudenttorepeatagrade,maybegroundsforgrantinganunduehardshipwaiverrequest.10.4.5 Mediation of Decisions.Theprincipalofamemberschool,onbehalfofastudent,mayrequestthattheExecutiveDirectormediatethedecisionoftheSectionAppealsCommitteeregardingthestudent’seligibility.10.4.6 Waiver of Bylaws Due to Special Circumstances. Theprincipalofamemberschoolorhis/herdesigneemayrequestawaiverofanyBylaworotherregulation,guideline,policyorprocedureofthisAssociationnotdirectlyrelatedtostudenteligibilitywhenspecialcircumstances,intheopinionofthepersonorentitymakingtheappeal,callforarelieffromoramodificationtotheeffectsoftherule.


10.4.7 Appeals of Executive Director’s Findings.Theprincipalofamemberschoolorhis/herdesignee,oranyotherindividual,whoisfoundtobeinviolationoftherulesofthisAssociationbytheExecutiveDirector,whetherornotsuchfindingresultsintheimpositionofpenalty,mayappealthefindingoftheExecutiveDirectorifhe/shetakesissuewithit,ormayappealthepenaltyimposed,ifany,ifhe/she,whilenotdisagreeingwiththefinding,believesthepenaltytobetoosevere.10.4.8 No Appeal or Waiver of Florida Statutes.TheSectionalAppealsCommittee,theInfractionAppealsCommitteeandtheBoardofDirectorsdonothavetheauthoritytowaiveaprovisionoftheFloridaStatutesincludingbutnotlimitedto:(a) MandatoryGPArequirements(s.1006.15(3)(a)2,FloridaStatutes);(b) Definitionofagradingperiodasbeingonesemester;(c) Mandatorygradingscale(s.1003.437,FloridaStatutes);(d) Authorityofschooldistrictstoestablishcodesofconductbywhichstudentsmustabidetobeeligibletoparticipateininterscholastic

competition;(e) HomeEducationguidelines(s.1006.15(3)(c)1-7,FloridaStatutes);(f) CharterSchoolguidelines(s.1006.15(3)(d)1-7,FloridaStatutes);(g) Non-FHSAAMemberPrivateSchoolguidelines(s.1006.15(8),FloridaStatutes);(h) FloridaVirtualSchoolguidelines(s.1006.15(3)(e)1-5,FloridaStatutes).

10.6 APPEAL AND REQUEST FOR WAIVER PROCEDURES10.6.1 Filing an Initial Appeal or Request for Waiver. AnappealorrequestforwaivermustbefiledwiththeExecutiveDirectorontheform(s)providedbythisAssociationandmustbeaccompaniedbyallnecessarydocumentation.Theappealorrequest,includingallrequireddocumentation,mustbesignedbytheprincipalandreceivedintheofficeofthisAssociationnotlaterthan5p.m.EasternTimeonthefilingdatesestablishedbytheBoardofDirectorsandprintedintheFHSAAPlanningCalendar.AppealsandrequestsreceivedafterthedeadlinedatewillnotbeconsideredatthatSectionalAppealsCommitteemeeting,butwillbeplacedontheagendaforthenextregularlyscheduledmeeting.Incompleteappealsorrequestsforwaiverwillbereturnedtothepersonorentitymakingtheappealforanopportunitytoresubmitwithallthenecessaryinformationpriortothedeadline,iftimeallows.10.6.2 Filing an Appeal or Request for Waiver to the Board of Directors.TherequestforanappealhearingbeforetheBoardofDirectorsmustbemadeinwritingtotheExecutiveDirector,mustbesignedbythememberschoolprincipalorhis/herdesigneeandmustbereceivedintheofficeofthisAssociationwithinfive(5)businessdaysfollowingthedateoftheSectionalAppealsCommitteemeetingortheInfractionAppealsCommitteemeeting.FailuretofilearequestforanappealhearingbeforetheBoardofDirectorswithinthefive(5)businessdaysfollowingthedateoftheSectionalAppealsCommitteemeetingortheInfractionAppealsCommitteemeetingshallbedeemedawaiveroftherightofanappealasgrantedherein.10.6.3 Appearances Before Sectional Appeals Committee, Infraction Appeals Committee, Emergency Appeals Committee and/or Board of Directors.Thepersonor entitymaking the appeal has theopportunitytoappearbeforetheSectionalAppealsCommittee,InfractionAppealsCommittee,EmergencyAppealsCommitteeand/ortheBoardofDirectorsifhe/shesochooses.Thepersonorentitymakingtheappealmustgivenoticeoftheirchoicetoappearatthetimetheappealorrequestforwaiverisfiled.Appearancebythestudentandaschoolrepresentativeismandatoryforanappealorrequestforunduehardshipwaiverinvolvingage,limitofeligibilityandunsportsmanlikeconductprovisionswhenheardbytheSectionalAppealsCommittee,andisoptionalwhenheardbytheBoardofDirectors. 10.6.3.1 Procedure for Appearance.Apersonorentitymakingtheappealwhoisrequired,orwhochooses,toappearbeforetheSectionalAppealsCommittee,InfractionAppealsCommitteeand/ortheBoardofDirectorswillbeassignedatimefortheappearance.Atwenty(20)-minuteblockwillbeallottedforeachcaseinvolvinganappearance. 10.6.3.2 Student Appearance.Astudentwhoisrequired,orchooses,toappearbeforetheSectionalAppealsCommittee,InfractionAppealsCommitteeand/ortheBoardofDirectorsmustbeaccompaniedbyaschoolrepresentativeandmaybeaccompaniedbyhis/herparent(s)orotherindividualswithwhomhe/shelives.Theschoolrepresentativewhoisrequiredtoaccompanythestudentmustbeafull-timeemployeeoftheschoolandmustbeidentifiedontheformatthetimeoffiling.Thestudentmayberepresentedbyanattorney.Suchrepresentationwillnotexcusetheappearanceofastudentwhenthatappearanceisrequired. 10.6.3.3 Additional Information.Additionalinformationmaybesubmittedandheardatthetimeoftheappeal,forstudenteligibilitycases.10.6.4 Appeals of Executive Director’s Findings.ToappealthefindingoftheExecutiveDirector,theappealmustbefiledsothatitisreceivedintheofficeofthisAssociationwithinten(10)businessdaysofthereceiptoftheExecutiveDirector’sfindingand/ornotificationoftheimpositionofpenalty.FailuretofileanappealsothatitisreceivedintheofficeofthisAssociationwithintheten(10)businessdaysallowedshallbedeemedawaiveroftherighttoappealasgrantedherein.10.6.5 Mediation 10.6.5.1 Written Notice.TherequestformediationmustbemadeinwritingtotheExecutiveDirectorontheform(s)providedbytheAssociation,mustbesignedbythememberschoolprincipalorhis/herdesigneeandmustbereceivedintheofficeofthisAssociationwithinfive(5)businessdaysfollowingthedateoftheSectionalAppealsCommitteehearing.Therequestmustincludeadeclarationofwhatthememberschool,astherepresentativeofthestudent,isseekingasasuccessfulmediationofthe


eligibilityissue.TheExecutiveDirectormayacceptthetermsofthismediationrequestwithoutfurtheractionorhe/shemaysettherequestformediation. 10.6.5.2 Mediators. Ifmediation is set, themediator shallbe selected fromapanelof experiencedmediatorsdesignatedbytheBoardofDirectorsforthepurposeofmediatingeligibilitydecisions. 10.6.5.3 Parties to the Mediation.ThepartiestothemediationshallbetheExecutiveDirector,orhis/herdesigneeonbehalfoftheAssociation,andarepresentativefromthememberschoolandthestudentand/orparent(s)onbehalfofthestudent. 10.6.5.4 Mediation Date.Mediationhearings,ifneeded,willbeheldonceamonthondatesestablishedannuallybytheBoardofDirectors. 10.6.5.5 Mediation Procedures. Mediationsessionsshouldnotrequiremorethantwenty(20)minutespersession.However,ifthemediatordeterminesthatthemediationisproceedingtowardapositiveresolution,themediationsessionmaybeextended.MediationshallbeheldattheFHSAAbuildingunlessthepartiesandthemediatoragreetoatelephonic/electronicmediation. 10.6.5.6 Terms from Mediation.Ifthepartiesreachanagreementatmediation,thenthememberschoolandstudentwaiveallrightstofurtherappealsofthismatter.Ifthepartiesdonotreachanagreementatmediation,thenthememberschoolmayproceedwithanappealtotheBoardofDirectors.Noticeofappealmustbeinwritingandreceivedwithin5businessdaysfollowingthemediationsession. 10.6.5.7 Cost of Mediation.Thecostofmediationshallbesharedequallybybothparties.10.6.6 Infraction Appeals Committee Appeals Procedure 10.6.6.1 Written Notice of Appeal.Tobeconsideredbytheappropriateappealscommittee,theschool’swrittennoticeofappealofthefindingsoffactorthepenaltyimposed,orboth,mustbereceivedintheFHSAAOfficenotlaterthan10businessdaysfromthedatethattheschoolreceivestheFHSAAstaff’sdecisioninsecondarycases,orconfirmsitsreceiptoftheinfractionsreportinmajorcases.Thenoticeofappealmustindicatewhethertheschoolwillsubmititsappealinwritingonlyorwhetheritwillappearbeforetheappealscommitteeatthetimetheappealisconsidered.Theschoolmustsubmitsupportinginformationforitsappeal,ifany,totheFHSAAOfficebythedeadlineestablishedbytheFHSAA. 10.6.6.1.1 Appeal of Secondary Violations.SectionalAppealsCommitteeshearandactonappealsofsecondarycases. 10.6.6.1.2 Appeal of Major Violations.TheInfractionsAppealsCommitteehearsandactsonappealsofmajorcases. 10.6.6.2 Basis for Granting an Appeal 10.6.6.2.1 Appeal of Findings.AnappealscommitteemaysetasidefindingsoffactandviolationsarrivedatONLYiftheschoolshowsthat:

(a) ThefindingoftheFHSAAstaffisclearlynotsupportedbyevidencethatiscredible,persuasiveandofakindonwhichreasonablyprudentpersonsrelyintheconductofseriousaffairs;

(b) Theschool’sactionsdonotconstituteaviolationofFHSAArules;or(c) AproceduralerroraffectedthereliabilityoftheinformationthatwasusedtosupporttheFHSAAstaff’sfinding.In

thiscase,theschoolmustdemonstratehowitcontendsthestaffwasinerror. 10.6.6.2.2 Appeal of Penalties.AnappealscommitteemaysetasideapenaltyimposedbytheFHSAAstaffiftheappealscommitteedeterminesthatthepenaltyisexcessiveorinappropriatebasedonalltheevidenceandcircumstances.OnlytheBoardofDirectorsmaymodifyapenaltyimposedbythisAssociation. 10.6.6.2.3 Committee Acts on Basis of Record in Case. Anappealscommitteecanactonlyonthebasisoftherecordinthecase.Thisrecordconsistsofthenoticeofinquiryand/orallegationstotheschool,thereportoftheinvestigatorandthewrittenresponsebytheschool.ThecommitteecannotconsiderinformationthatwasnotavailabletotheFHSAAstaffwhenissuingitsfindingandimposingthepenalty. 10.6.6.2.3.1 New Evidence.TheappealscommitteemaystayanappealwhennewinformationisintroducedandreferthecasebacktotheFHSAAstaffforreviewifthecommitteeconcludesthat:

(a) Thenewinformationwasnotavailable,andthroughtheexerciseofreasonableduediligencecouldnothavebeenavailable,atthetimetheFHSAAstaffissueditsfinding;and

(b) Thenewinformationisdemonstrablyrelevanttothefindingsofthestaff. 10.6.6.3 Appeal of Unfavorable Decision by Appeals Committee.AschoolthatisunsuccessfulinitsappealtotheSectionalAppealsCommitteeorInfractionsAppealsCommitteemayappealthecommittee’sdecisiontotheFHSAABoardofDirectors.Theschool’swrittennoticeofappealofthecommittee’sdecisionmustbereceivedintheFHSAAOfficenotlaterthanfivebusinessdaysfromthedateofthehearingbeforetheappealscommittee.Thenoticeofappealmustindicatewhethertheschoolwillsubmititsappealinwritingonly,orwhetheritwillappearbeforetheBoardofDirectorsatthetimetheappealisconsidered.


10.6.6.3.1 Board Acts on Basis of Record in Case.TheBoardofDirectorscanactonlyonthebasisoftherecordinthecase.Thisrecordconsistsoftheinformationthatwasavailabletotheappealscommitteeatthetimeitrendereditsdecision.TheBoardofDirectorsmaystayanappealwhennewinformationisintroducedandreferthecasebacktotheFHSAAstaffforreviewpertheconditionsofparagraph10.6.6.2.3.1.10.6.7 Emergency Appeals Committee Appeals Procedures 10.6.7.1 Request for an Emergency Appeal. ArequestforanemergencyappealshallbefiledwiththeExecutiveDirectorwithin48hoursafterthememberschoollearnsthatthereisaneedforadecisionbeforethemattercanbeconsideredataregularlyscheduledmeetingoftheSectionalAppealsCommittee.Failuretofilearequestwithin48hoursshallbedeemedawaiveroftherightofanemergencyappeal. 10.6.7.2 Telephone Conference Call.ByrequestingahearingbytheEmergencyAppealsCommittee,thememberschoolconsentstosuchahearingbeingconductedbytelephoneconferencecallandshallbegovernedbyBylaw4.1.3.1. 10.6.7.3 Cost of Emergency Appeal.ByrequestingahearingbytheEmergencyAppealsCommittee,thememberschoolagreestopayallexpenseincludingexpensessuchasthecostofthetelephoneconferencecallandthecostsofthestenographicrecordingofsuchhearing.

10.9 COMPLIANCE WITH DECISIONSTheadministrativedecisionsoftheBoardofDirectors,InfractionAppealsCommittee,SectionalAppealsCommitteeandExecutiveDirectorshallbeacceptedingoodfaithbyallmemberschools.Theprincipalofanymemberschoolwho,byanyactorattitude,shallrefusetoaccept,orshallholdincontemptorderision,orshallpermitoracquiesceinsuchcontemptorderisiononthepartofanygrouporindividualassociatedwithhis/herschool,shallsubjecthis/herschooltoexpulsionfromthisAssociation.Theseprovisionsarenottobeconstruedaspreventingtheprincipalofamemberschoolfromexercisinghis/herschool’srighttodueprocessbyappealingdecisionsoftheExecutiveDirectortotheSectionalAppealsCommittee,InfractionAppealsCommitteeand/ortheBoardofDirectors.


Important Applicable Administrative PoliciesPOLICY 4 – ABRIDGED

INTERSCHOLASTIC CONTESTS 4.1 Interscholastic Contests 4.1.1 Interscholastic Contests Defined.FHSAABylaw8.1.1definesaninterscholasticcontestas“anycompetitionbetweenorganizedteamsofdifferentschoolsinasportrecognizedorsanctionedbythisAssociation.”AllsuchcontestsaresubjecttoFHSAABylawsaswellastheguidelines,regulations,policiesandproceduresadoptedbytheBoardofDirectorsforthatsportandingeneral. 4.1.1.1 Penalties Assessed to Schools.

(a)Permittingastudent-athletetocompeteinaninterscholasticcontestpriortohis/hernamebeingsubmittedtotheFHSAAOfficeonanAnnualEligibilityReportwillsubjecttheschooltoamonetarypenaltyofaminimumof$50perstudent.

(b)Failuretocontractwithsanctionedlocalofficialsassociationsforregisteredofficialsatallinterscholastichomecontestswillsubjecttheschooltoamonetarypenaltyofaminimumof$100percontest.

(c)Actionswhichmaynotberegardedasunsportsmanlikewhichresultinacontestbeingprematurelyconcludedwillsubjecttheschooltoamonetarypenaltyofaminimumof$100.

4.1.2 Submission of Schedule 4.1.2.1 SportsOtherThanFootball.MemberschoolsmustsubmittheirschedulestotheFHSAAonlineviaC2CSchoolspriortothefirstweekofregularseasoncompetitionofthesport. 4.1.2.2 Football. EachmemberschoolmustsubmittotheFHSAAviaC2CSchoolsnotlaterthanMarch31ofeachyearthevarsityfootballscheduleforthefollowingschoolyear. 4.1.2.2.1 Out of State Games. Schoolsthathavescheduledgameswithoutofstateopponentsmustentereachoutofstateopponent’sfootballscheduleintotheC2CSchoolsfootballschedule. 4.1.3 Sport Rosters 4.1.3.1 Initial Sport Roster. MemberschoolsmustsubmittotheFHSAAonlineviaC2CSchoolstheirinitialsportsrosterforeachsportbythefirstregularseasoncompetitionofthesport.Rosterscancontinuetobeaddedtoanddeletedfromuntilthedateofthelastregularseasoncontests. 4.1.4 Reporting Scores 4.1.4.1 Team Sports Other Than Football. Memberschools,committedtoeitherFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsorindependent,mustreporttotheFHSAA,viaC2CSchools,nolaterthan5p.m.ETofMondayofeachweekthescoresofregularseasonvarsitygamesasfollows: 4.1.4.1.1 TheHOMEteamshallreportthescoreofthepreviousweek’sgames. 4.1.4.1.2 IntheeventamemberschoolplaysinagamehostedbyaschooloutsideofthestateofFloridaorplaysanonmemberFloridaschoolpermissiblebystatestatute,thememberschoolshallberequiredtoreportthescorefollowingthesameprocedurein4.1.4.1.1. 4.1.4.2 Football. Memberschools,committedtoeitherFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsorindependent,mustreporttotheFHSAAeachweekthescoresofregularseasonvarsityfootballgamesasfollows: 4.1.4.2.1 TheHOMEteamshallreportthescoreofthepreviousweek’sgamestotheFHSAAonlineviaC2CSchoolsnolaterthan9a.m.ETofthedayfollowingthegame. 4.1.4.2.2 IntheeventamemberschoolplaysinagamehostedbyaschooloutsideofthestateofFloridaoranonmemberFloridaschoolperstatestatute,thememberschoolshallberequiredtoreportthescorefollowingthesameprocedurein4.1.4.2.1.4.1.5 Prohibited Contests 4.1.5.1 Practicegames,exhibitiongames,non-contractgamesandscrimmagegameswithotherschools,groups,alumniorleagueteamsarestrictlyprohibited.Allsuchgamesorsessionsshallbeonanintra-squadbasis.Non-squadmembersmaynotparticipateinanyteampractice,gameorcontest. 4.1.5.2 Games,tournamentsormeetswithschoolsinsportsthatarenotsanctionedbyorrecognizedbyanNFHSmemberassociationoranAffiliateNFHSmemberassociationareprohibited.4.1.6 Absence from School 4.1.6.1 Travel Within Florida.Nomorethanoneschooldayorpartofoneschooldaymaybemissedinaweekfortravelingto,travelingfromandparticipatinginanathleticcontest(s)unlessapprovedbytheExecutiveDirector.


4.1.6.2 Travel Outside Florida.Nomorethantwoschooldaysorpartoftwoschooldaysmaybemissedinaweekfortravelingto,travelingfromandparticipatinginanathleticcontest(s)unlessapprovedbytheExecutiveDirector.4.1.7 Sunday Contests.NointerscholasticathleticcontestmaybeheldonaSundayexceptunderemergencyconditionsintournamentsormeetswhichareapprovedbytheExecutiveDirectorortheBoardofDirectors.TheconductofpracticesessionsofanykindonaSundayisprohibited.4.1.8 Tournaments and Meets. Tournaments/meetsshallbelimitedtoamaximumfieldof32teams.Tournaments/meetsexceedingthemaximumfieldmaybesubjecttoconditionalapprovalbytheExecutiveDirector.Singleelimination,doubleelimination,roundrobinandpoolplayformatsarepermissible.Eachandeverycontestplayedbytheteaminatournament,however,shallcounttowardthemaximumcontestlimitations. 4.1.8.1 Penalties Assessed to Schools.Exceedingthenumberofcontestsallowedinatournamentorwithdrawingfromatournamenttoavoidexceedingnumberofcontestsallowedwillsubjecttheschooltoamonetarypenaltyofaminimumof$250.4.1.9 Student Participants.Onlystudentsingrades6through12areallowedtopracticeorparticipateininterscholasticathleticsforamemberschool.

4.2 Outcome of Interscholastic Contests 4.2.1 Outcome is Final.Theoutcome(i.e.winnersandlosers)ofallinterscholasticcontestsarefinal,andcannotbereversed,exceptwheretherulesofthesportpermitorinthecasewhereawinnermustforfeititsvictoryorpoints.4.2.2 Elimination is Final. EliminationfromaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscompetitionofindividualsorteamsisfinal.Defeatbyindividualsorteamsthatarelaterorderedtoforfeittheirvictory,placeand/orpoints,orarevacatedfromthebracket,willnotbringaboutreinstatementoradvancementintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscompetitiononthepartoftheindividualorteamthathasbeeneliminated.4.2.3 Championship is Final.ChampionshipsorotherplacementsinFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscompeti-tionsarefinal.Championshipsorotherplacementsorderedvacatedbyindividualsorteams,willnotbringaboutadvancementinplacementsorreceiptofawardsforthoseplacements.

POLICY 6

SPORTS SEASONS LIMITATIONS Thefollowingguidelinesshallgovernseasonlimitations,contestlimitationsandindividualstudentlimitationsforallmemberschoolsparticipatinginFHSAA-sponsoredsports.

6.1 General Principles.6.1.1 Season Limitations. Amemberschoolshallnotorganizeitsteamsforinterscholasticpracticeorinterscholasticcompetitioninasportoutsideofthedateslistedforthatsport.TheBoardofDirectorswillestablishthedatesforthefirstdayofallowablepractices/tryouts,pre-seasoncontests,first and lastdaysof regular seasoncontests and theFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsforeachsport.ThesedateswillbepublishedontheFHSAAWebsite.TherewillbenofurtherpracticesfollowingthedateofthelastregularseasoncontestorthedateofeliminationfromFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscompetition,whicheverislasttooccur. 6.1.1.1 Spring Practice.CompetitiveCheerleadingandfootballmayengageinspringpracticeforamaximumof20sessionsconductedexclusivelyduringmonthofMayorthelast20daysoftheschoolyear,whichevercomesfirst.Thevarsityteamandeachindividualstudentmaycompetein1jamboreeor1springclassicgameduringthefinalweek,whichmustbecountedasoneofthe20sessions. 6.1.1.2 Restrictions for Football and Wrestling 6.1.1.2.1 Football.Duetotheprotectiveequipmentrequiredinfootball,theseproceduresapplyforbothfallandspringpractices:

(a) thefirsttwo(2)daysofpracticearerestrictedtohelmetsonly,(b) days3-5canintroduceshoulder-padswithshorts,(c) beginningdaysix(6)ofpractice,fullgearcanbeutilizedandbody-to-bodycontactispermitted.

Student-athleteswhobeginpracticewithateamafterthestartofofficialpracticewillberequiredtofollowthissame6dayprocedure.During the initialfive (5)days, theuseofarmshields, tacklingandblockingdummies, sledsandotherdevicescanbeused forinstructionalpurposes,however,deliberatebody-to-bodycontactisprohibited. 6.1.1.2.2 Wrestling.Eachstudentmustparticipateinminimumof10practicesessionson10separatedayspriorto


firstcompetition(exceptastudentwhoparticipatesinafallsportmaycompeteafterparticipatingin5practicesessionson5separatedays). 6.1.1.3 Penalties to School.Failuretocomplywiththispolicywillsubjecttheschooltoamonetarypenaltyofaminimumof$250.6.1.2 School Contest Limitations.Schoolcontestlimitationsareforregularseasoncontestsonlyandarenotinclusiveofpermissiblepreseasonorpostseasoncontests.Eachsportwillhavethefollowinggame/meet/matchlimitationsforeachlevel(i.e.varsity,juniorvarsity,freshman,etc.)regardlessofhowmanyteamsparticipateateachlevel,whichwillbeinclusiveofallgames/meets/matchesplayedintournaments(forthesportsofbowling,tennisandwrestling,eachtournamentcountsas2matches):(a) Baseball,Basketball,Soccer,Softball,VolleyballandWaterPolo–25games/matches(b) Bowling,Lacrosse,TennisandWrestling–18games/matches(c) CrossCountry,Swimming&Diving,Track&FieldandWeightlifting–13meets(d) FlagFootball–12games(e) FootballandCompetitiveCheerleading–10games,highschoolvarsitylevel;8games,allotherlevels(f) Golf–14matches 6.1.2.1 Levels of Participation.Amemberschoolislimitedtoonevarsityteampersportbutmayhavemultiplesub-varsityteams,including,butnotlimitedto,oneormorefreshmanteams,oneormorejuniorvarsityteams,etc.,eachofwhichhasthelimitsasspecifiedin6.1.2. 6.1.2.2 Penalties to School.Failuretocomplywiththispolicywillsubjecttheschooltoamonetarypenaltyandareductionofcontestsforthefollowingschoolyearforthatspecificsportandlevel.6.1.3 Individual Limitations. An individual studentshallnotexceed theestablishedcontest limitations,as listed inPolicy6.1.2(exceptforfootball),duringanyschoolyear,regardlessofwhetherthestudenttransfersattendancetoadifferentschool,movesbackand/orforthbetweenvarsityandsub-varsitylevelsorcompetesatthehighschoolormiddle/juniorhighschoollevel.Anindividualstudentcannotparticipateasamemberofvarsityandsub-varsityteamsonsameday. 6.1.3.1 Football.Theseasonlimitationforfootballis11games,inclusiveofallgamesplayed.Aftertheconclusionofthesub-varsityseason,sub-varsityplayersmaycompletethevarsityregularseason.Astudent-athletecanparticipateinonlyone(1)footballcontestduringthesameschoolweek;MondaythroughSaturday(exclusiveoftheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships).6.1.4 Standardized Calendar.AllFHSAASportsSeasonswillbedeterminedbydatesestablishedinaccordancewiththestandardizedcalendardevelopedbytheNationalFederationofStateHighSchoolAssociations.Thiscalendarwillnumbertheweeksoftheyear,withWeekOne(1)beingthefirstfullweekofJuly(SundaythroughSaturday).Hereinafter,thiscalendarwillbereferredtoastheFHSAAStandardizedCalendar.

POLICY 7

MULTI-SCHOOL, SPECIAL AND SANCTIONED ATHLETIC EVENTSTheBoardofDirectorshasestablishedthefollowingpolicyfortheapprovalofamemberschooltohostinterscholasticmulti-teamathleticevents,tournamentsandsanctionedevents.Multi-teamathleticeventsandtournamentsinrecognizedsportsdonotrequireapprovalbytheFHSAAOfficeunlesstheeventmeetsthedefinitionofaThirdPartySpecialEventinPolicy7.8ortheeventrequiresNFHSsanctioning.SeePolicy9.9forfeesandreportingrequirementsforfootballclassicsandjamborees.SeePolicy7fordeadlinesforfilingandlatefilingfinancialpenalties.

7.1 Definitions.7.1.1 Multi-Team Event.Amulti-teameventisaneventofconvenienceinschedulingduetotime,siteorfacilityconstraintsbytheparticipatingschools.7.1.2 Tournament. Atournamentisanyeventinwhichany,butnotlimitedto,ofthefollowingoccur: 7.1.2.1 Bracketsofanytypefortheeventareestablished(i.e.RoundRobin,SingleElimination,DoubleElimination,Shoot-outs,etc.);or 7.1.2.2 Awardsofanytypearegivenforplacementintheevent(i.e.1stPlace,2ndPlace,etc.);or 7.1.2.3 Sponsorshipofanypartoftheeventissecured,including,butnotlimitedto,corporatesponsors,boosterclubsortitledevents;or 7.1.2.4 Entryfeesarecharged.


7.1.3 Special Events.Aspecialeventis,butnotlimitedto,apreseasonjamboreegameortournament,preseasonclassicgameortournament,springfootballjamboreeorclassic,footballpostseasongame,andthirdpartyorganizedorsponsoredgamesortournaments(i.e.KSAEvents,ESPN,ParagonSports,etc.).7.1.4 Sanctioned Events. Asanctionedeventisanyeventthatrequiresasanctionapplication(i.e.regularseasonmulti-schoolmeetsortournaments,interstateandinternationalmulti-schoolmeetsortournaments,etc)bytheFHSAAand/ortheNFHSaspartoftherequirementfortheevent.7.1.5 Host 7.1.5.1Amemberschoolisconsideredahostwhenitorganizes,producesandmanagestheeventoncampusorthroughrightstouseanoffcampusfacilityandprovidesalleventstaff,officials,ticketsales,insurance,concessionsandparking.Inaddition,theHostwouldretainalleventrevenue. 7.1.5.2Colleges,Universities,and/orThirdPartyentities,includingprivatecorporationsandnon-profitorganizationsrequestingtohosteventsmustenterintoacontractdirectlywiththeFHSAAforsanctionapproval.

7.2 Multi-Team Events and Tournaments. 7.2.1 Application.AnyathleticeventhostedbyanFHSAAmemberseniorhighschoolinasanctionedsportwhichinvolvesthree ormore schools such as a tournament ormeet; preseason classic tournament; preseason jamboree; fall or spring footballjamboreeorclassic;oranytournamentormeetwhichisheldtodeterminethechampionofacity,county,conferenceorleague,mustbeapprovedbytheFHSAAOffice.Approvalisnotrequiredformulti-teamregularseasonevents,suchastri-meetsandquad-meets,inindividualsportsorforanyeventhostedbyamembermiddleschoolorjuniorhighschool.Thememberschoolisresponsibleformakingapplicationforapprovalontheformsentitled“ApplicationforApprovalofAthleticEvent”:FormAT2.SeePolicy9.5and9.9foradministrativefeesfortheseevents.TheapplicationforapprovalmustbesubmittedtotheFHSAAOfficeutilizingtheofficialAssociationprocessasapprovedbytheExecutiveDirector,withatimestampbearingadatenotlaterthan30dayspriortothefirstdayoftheeventtoavoid,inadditiontothestandardadministrativefee,thefollowinglateprocessingfees: 7.2.1.1 Fewerthan30dayspriortothefirstdayoftheevent:$50; 7.2.1.2 Fewerthan10dayspriortothefirstdayoftheevent:$100;and 7.2.1.3 Afterthefirstdayoftheevent:$200.7.2.2 Events Between Middle/Junior and Senior High Schools.Independentmiddleschoolsand/orjuniorhighschoolsshallnotbepermittedtoenterteamsintotournamentsormeetsinwhichseniorhighschoolteamsparticipate.7.2.3 Sub-Varsity Restrictions.Nojuniorvarsity,middle/juniorhighorothersub-varsityteammayparticipateinatournamentinvolvingavarsityteam.Juniorvarsity,juniorhighandothersub-varsitytournaments,ifheld,mustbeheldasseparateevents.7.2.4 Preseason. Avarsityteammayparticipateineitherapreseasonjamboreeorclassic,butnotboth.Sub-varsitypreseasonjamboreesandclassicsareprohibited.

7.3 Interstate Sanctions. Amemberschoolwhichhostsamulti-schoolathleticeventinwhichanout-of-stateschool(s)isinvitedtoparticipatemayberequiredtosubmittotheNFHSanonlineapplicationfor“SanctionofInterstateAthleticEvent”inadditiontotheFHSAAformentitled“ApplicationforApprovalofAthleticEvent”(FormsAT2orAT3).NFHSproceduresregardingapplicationforsanctionofinterstateathleticeventsareavailableatNFHS.org.

7.4 International Sanctions.Amemberschoolwhichhostsanymulti-schoolathleticeventorsingleathleticcontestinvolvingateamfromanothercountryoraffiliatememberoftheNFHSmustsubmittotheFHSAAanAT2SorAT3S(“ApplicationforApprovalofAthleticEvent-Supplement”)Form,inaddition:7.4.1 NFHS Online Application.MemberschoolsmustsubmitanonlineNFHSapplicationfor“SanctionofInternationalEvent”.NFHSproceduresregardingapplicationforsanctionofinternationalathleticeventsareavailableatNFHS.org. 7.4.1.1 Exception.Two(2)andthree(3)schoolcompetitionswithaschoolorschoolsfromCanadaorMexicowhichareamemberingoodstandingofassociationsthataremembersofNFHSoraffiliatemembersoftheNFHSand/orwhichnecessitatesaroundtripoflessthan600milesarenotrequiredtosubmittheNFHSapplication.

7.5 Participation by Member School in Out-of-State Event or Contest. Amemberschoolwhichisinvitedtoparticipateinamulti-teamathleticeventorsingleathleticcontestwhichistobeconductedoutsidetheneighboringstatesofAlabama,GeorgiaandMississippiisrequiredtosubmitanAT16formwhichmustbesubmittedtotheFHSAAOfficewithin60daysoftravel.AmemberschoolisnotrequiredtosubmitanapplicationforsanctionforthiseventorcontesttotheFHSAAOffice.SuchapplicationmustbesubmittedbythehostschoolthroughitsstateassociationtotheNationalFederationofStateHighSchoolAssociationsandapprovedbytheFHSAAOffice.NomemberschoolmayparticipateinanyeventorcontestinwhichanyschoolthatisnotamemberingoodstandingofassociationsthataremembersofNFHSoraffiliatemembersoftheNFHSandwhichregulatesinterscholasticathleticcompetitionwithinitsstateisscheduledtoparticipate.Out-of-stateeventswhichdonotadheretotheFHSAApolicywillnotbeapprovedbytheFHSAAOffice.


7.6 Participation in Unsanctioned Events or Contests.Memberschoolsareprohibitedfromhostingorotherwiseparticipatinginmulti-teamathleticeventsorsingleathleticcontestsonanintrastate,interstateorinternationalbasiswhicharenotsanctionedorapprovedbytheFHSAAandtheNationalFederationofStateHighSchoolAssociations.

7.7 Penalty for Violation of Sanction Policy.Aminimumfinancialpenaltyof$100andprobation,administrativeand/orrestrictive,willbeassessedagainstanymemberschoolwhichviolatesanyprovisionofthisSanctionPolicy.

7.8 Third Party Special Events7.8.1 MemberschoolsservingasHost(asdefinedinPolicy7.1.5)foraneventoncampusorthroughrightstouseanoffcampusfacilitywheretheeventisco-sponsoredortitledinthenameofanorganizationoutsidetheschoolcommunitywithathirdpartyentity,ortheeventinvolvesanationaltelevisionnetwork(i.e.butnotlimitedto,KSAEvents,ESPN,ESPNU,Fox,TBS,ParagonSports,etc.)mustobtainpermissiontoparticipateaminimumof90dayspriortotheeventbyfilingaFormAT2orAT3alongwiththerequiredsupplementalformAT2SorAT3S.AllsucheventshostedwithinthestateofFloridamustincludetheFHSAAasapartytothecontractwiththethirdpartypromoterandtheadministrativefeeduetoFHSAAshallbeindividuallynegotiatedforeacheventwithaminimumfeeequivalentto20%ofgatereceiptsfornon-televisedevents,oraminimumfeeequivalentto25%ofgatereceiptsfortelevisedeventsunlessotherwiseapprovedbytheExecutiveDirector.AmemberschoolwhofilesaformAT2orAT3onbehalfofapromoterisfullyresponsibleforallfinancialobligationsoftheeventinregardtopaymenttotheFHSAA.Thispolicyappliesonlytonationalpromotersanddoesnotapplytolocallytelevisedregularseasonevents.7.8.2 ThirdPartyeventsheldinprivateorcorporatefacilities,oronschoolfacilitieswherethememberschoolisnotfulfilling“Host”dutiesasdefinedinPolicy7.1.5,requireadirectcontractbetweentheFHSAAandThirdPartyforsanctionapproval.7.8.3 AnyeventhostedbyorheldonacollegeoruniversitycampusmustbedirectlysanctionedbytheCollege,UniversityorthirdpartywiththeFHSAA.

POLICY 10 – ABRIDGED

FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 10.1 Participation in Florida High School State Championships10.1.1 Participation is Voluntary.ParticipationintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsineachsportbyaschoolisvoluntaryandislimitedtovarsityparticipationonly.It,however,isthepreferenceoftheBoardofDirectorsthateveryeligibleschoolthatcanandshouldparticipate,doso.Aschoolforlegitimatereasonsmayexercisetheoptionofindependence.Suchreasonsinclude,butarenotlimitedto:anewlyopeningschool;aschoolthathasconsistentlybeenunabletocompeteintheclassificationtowhichitisassigned;aschoolthatisgeographicallyisolatedandchoosesnottoparticipateforfinancialreasons;aschoolwhoseeducationalphilosophiesprohibitsuchextendedathleticparticipation;oraschoolthatdoesnotorcannotcompeteforreligiousreasons.TheoptionofindependenceisnotintendedforusebyoneormoreschoolsorganizinginprotestoftheAssociation’spoliciesand/ortoestablishapostseasonchampionshipcompetitionseparatefromtheFHSAAFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.Tothisend,anysucheffortbyagroupofmemberschoolstodeclareindependenceinasportandorganizeaconferenceorleaguewiththeintentofconductinganyformofplayofftodetermineachampion(s)aftertheconclusionofFHSAA-approvedregularseasoncompetitionisprohibitedunlessapprovedbytheFHSAABoardofDirectors.Allcompetitionstodetermineachampion(s)thatareconductedbyconferencesorleagueswhosemembersalsoaremembersoftheFHSAAmustbeconductedaspartoftheFHSAA-approvedregularseason.10.1.2 Participation is for Full Member Senior High Schools.ParticipationintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsislimitedtovarsityparticipationandonlytothosefullmemberseniorhighschoolsthataremembersoftheAssociation.CompensationforexpensesofschoolscompetinginaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsisnotguaranteed.

10.2 Team Participation 10.2.1 Eligibility for Participation.TobeeligibleforparticipationintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsinanyteamsport:(a) Theschoolsuccessfullysponsorsavarsityprograminthepreviousschoolyear(i.e.completesacomparabledistrictscheduleto

theotherschoolsinthedistrictwhichtheywouldbeplaced).(b) The school files a commitment (team sports) or intent (individual sports) to participate in theFloridaHighSchool State

ChampionshipswithFHSAAbythespecifieddeadline.(c) Avarsityteamshallengageinaminimumoffour(4)interscholasticcontests(games,matchesormeets)ortherequirednumber

ofdistrictcontestsasdeterminedinthedistrictmeeting,whicheverisgreater,inthesport.Tocountasacontest,theschool’s


teamactuallyshallparticipateinandcompletethecontest.Scheduledconteststhatarecanceledornotcompleted(inaccordancewiththeplayingrulesofthesportinquestion)maynotbecounted.

(d) Avarsityteammustplaynotlessthan60percentofitsregularseasoncontestsinthesportagainstFHSAAmemberschools.(e) AvarsityteammustnottakemorethanonetripperschoolyearinthesportbeyondtheneighboringstatesofAlabama,Georgia

andMississippi.10.2.2 Only One Varsity Team May Enter.AschoolmayenteronlyonevarsityteamintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsinasport.10.2.3 Provisional Period Members Not Eligible.AprovisionalperiodmemberseniorhighschoolshallnotbeeligibletoenterateamintotheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsinanysportduringitsperiodofprovisionalmembership.

10.3 Individual Participation10.3.1 Minimum 4 Contest Requirement.TobeeligibleforparticipationintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsinasport,anindividualstudent-athleteshallparticipateinaminimumoffour(4)interscholasticcontestsinthatsportforthecurrentseason,unlessawrittenrequestforawaiverisapprovedbytheExecutiveDirectororhis/herdesignee.Astudent-athletewhoisacademicallyineligibleatthebeginningofasportsseasonandwhoregainshis/hereligibilityduringthatsportsseason,butisunabletoparticipateintheminimumoffour(4)interscholasticcontestsinthatsport,shallbeexemptedfromthisprovision.10.3.2 Individual Honors Requirements.Inanindividualsport,tobeeligibleforindividualhonorsontheregionalandstatelevels,astudent-athleteshallcompeteforindividualhonorsonthedistrictlevel.Tobeeligibleforindividualhonorsonthestatelevel,astudent-athleteshallcompeteforindividualhonorsonthedistrictandregionallevels.10.4 Mixed Gender Restrictions.BoysmaynotparticipateonagirlsteamorinthegirlsdivisionintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsinanysport.Inateamsport,agirlmayparticipateonaboysteamintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsonlyiftheschooldoesnotsponsoragirlsteaminthatsport.Inanindividualsport,agirlmaynotparticipateintheboysdivisionintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsifcompetitionisconductedinagirlsdivisioninthatsport.However,foragirltoparticipateinthegirlsdivisionoftheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsinasport,theschoolmustfilea“DeclarationofIntenttoParticipateinFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships”forminthatsport.

10.7 Failure to Appear10.7.1 Team Failure to Appear. IntheeventateamfailstoappearattheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipseventsitetoplayatthescheduledtimeforitscontest,thecontestshallbedeclaredforfeitedtotheteam’sopponent,andthatteamshalladvancetothenextround.Inthisevent,theFHSAAOfficemustbenotifiedimmediately.Ifateam’sarrivalisdelayedduetomechanicalproblemsorinclementweather,everyreasonableeffortmustbemadebythelocalmanagerinconsultationwiththeFHSAAOfficetomakeadjustments,ifpossible,inthestartingtimeofthecontesttoaccommodatetheabsentteam.Otherwise,failuretoappearshallsubjecttheschooltoa$250monetarypenalty.10.7.2 Student Athlete Failure to Appear.Astudent-athletewhoqualifiesinaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsmeetasanindividualisexpectedtocompeteonsuccessivelevelsoftheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsunlessill,injured,suspendedduetodisciplinaryaction,orforanyotherreasonacceptabletotheExecutiveDirector.Ifthestudent-athletedoesnotcompeteonasuccessivelevel,thestudent-athletewillnotbepermittedtocompeteinanyothereventintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsinthatsport.Personnelonrelayteamsmaybechangedinaccordancewiththerulesgoverningthosesports.AschoolmustsubmitinwritingtotheFHSAAOfficethenameofthestudent-athleteandanexplanationfortheinabilitytocompeteinadvanceofthecompetitionwheneversituationsmakeitpossibletodoso.Failuretoparticipateinthedistrict/regionalmeetbyanindividualorrelayteamisaviolationofFHSAApolicyandshallsubjecttheschooltoa$50penaltyunlessthereasonforfailuretoparticipateisapprovedbytheFHSAAOffice.

10.8 Neutrality10.8.1 Neutrality. ItistheresponsibilityofthehostschooltoensurethatanatmosphereofneutralityismaintainedinallFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsevents.Sucheventsarenot“homecontests”forthehostschools.Specialfestivitiesheldaspartof,orinconjunctionwith,regularseasonhomecontests(i.e.,pregameactivitiesdesignedtorallysupportforthehometeam,suchaslightshows,orgivingspecialrecognitiontomembersofthehometeam)arenotpermittedduringtheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.

10.9 Allegations and Protests10.9.1 Allegations and Protests.Allegationand/orprotestingactionsofanotherschoolreceivedlessthanforty-five(45)dayspriortothebeginningofFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscompetitioninasportmaynotbeconcludedpriortotheconclusionofthesport’schampionshipseries(correspondingwithBylaw10.3).


10.9.2 Withholding Information.Member schools (or persons defined inBylaw1.4.18)who intentionallywithholdinformationimpactingFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsparticipationshallbeconsideredunethicalandunsportsmanlikeandaddressedinaccordancewithPolicy44.


OFFICIAL STATE ENTRY LIST (SEL) ThefollowingpolicyshallgovernOfficialStateEntryLists(SEL)fortheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships:

11.1 Submission Required. Eachmember school that commits to andqualifies toparticipate inFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscompetitioninasportmustgenerateandsubmittothetournament/meetmanager(regionalopponentinfootball)anOfficialStateEntryList(SEL)utilizingtheofficialAssociationprocessasapprovedbytheExecutiveDirector.Thetournament/meetmanager(regionalopponentinfootball)willreceivetheSELviae-mailandmayalsodownloadtheSELutilizingtheofficialAssociationprocessasapprovedbytheExecutiveDirector.TheSELmustcontainthenamesofthosestudent-athleteswhowillrepresentthememberschoolinFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscompetitioninthatsport.Allstudent-athletesmustbeeligibleinaccordancewithallFHSAArulesandregulationsinordertobeplacedonateamrosterandtheSEL.Permittingastudent-athletetocompeteinaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestwhowasnotsubmittedtotheFHSAAOfficeontheSELforthatsportwillbesubjecttoamonetarypenaltyofaminimumof$50.

11.2 Requirements.TheSELmustcontainonlythenamesofthosestudent-athleteswhohavebeenpreviouslyreportedtotheFHSAAOfficeonanAnnualEligibilityListelectronicallybyuseofutilizingtheofficialAssociationprocessasapprovedbytheExecutiveDirector.Onlythosestudent-athleteswhomeettherequirementsofBylaw9foraschoolpriortothefollowing:11.2.1 Team Sports.Thelastpermissibledateforadistrictcontestinteamsports(i.e.baseball,basketball,flagfootball,lacrosse,soccer,softball,volleyballandwaterpolo);or11.2.2 Competitive Cheerleading and Football.AsspecifiedontheFHSAAWebsiteforcompetitivecheerleadingandfootball;or11.2.3 Individual Sports.TheSaturdaythatisimmediatelypriortotheMondayonwhichtheSELisdueinindividualsports(i.e.bowling,crosscountry,golf,swimming&diving,tennis,track&field,weightlifting,wrestling).

11.3 Number of Participants.Thenumberofstudent-athleteswhosenamesmaybeplacedonanSELinagivensportbyamemberschoolshallbelimitedtothefollowing:(a) BaseballandSoftball–twenty(20)student-athletes;(b) Basketball,CrossCountryandVolleyball–fifteen(15)student-athletes;(c) Bowling–Eight(8)student-athletes;(d) CompetitiveCheerleading,FlagFootball,Swimming&Diving,Track&FieldandWrestling–nolimit;(e) Football–sixty(60)student-athletes;(f) Golf – ten (10) student-athletes, ofwhich anyfive (5)mayparticipate on a given level of theFloridaHighSchoolState

Championships;(g) Lacrosse–twenty-five(25)student-athletes;(h) Soccer–twenty-two(22)student-athletes;(i) Tennis–twelve(12)student-athletes;(j) WaterPolo–eighteen(18)student-athletes;(k) Weightlifting–three(3)student-athletesineachweightclass;ofwhichanytwo(2)mayparticipate;ThetermsandconditionsgoverningtheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsineachrespectivesportshallstipulatethenumberofstudent-athleteswhomayactuallydressinuniform/participate(seeBylaw9.10.1)inaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontest.

11.4 Authorization Required.Tobevalid,theSELmustbeauthorizedbytheFHSAArepresentativeortheathleticdirector.


POLICY 13

DISTRICTS AND DISTRICT MEETINGS, SCHEDULING, SEEDING, BRACKETING AND TOURNAMENTS/MEETS 13.1 District Assignments.SchoolsthatcommittoparticipateintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipsinasportshallbeassignedonageographicalbasistoadistrictintheappropriateclassification.Atournament/meetshallbeconductedineachdistrictfollowingtheconclusionoftheregularseasononthedatessetbytheBoardofDirectorstodeterminethetwoschoolsthatshallrepresentthatdistrictintheremainderoftheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.13.1.1 District Coordinator.Oneschoolineachdistrictwilldesignatedasthedistrictcoordinator.TheFHSAArepresentativeorhis/herdesigneeatthedistrictcoordinatorschoolshallberesponsibleforhosting,conductingandreportingtotheFHSAAOfficeresultsofthedistrictscheduling/planningmeeting.Thetournament/meetmanagerisresponsibleforallaspectsofthedistricttournament/meet,includingtheseedingofteams,uponconclusionofthedistrictplanningmeetingandreceiptofthemeeting’sminutes.

13.2 District Scheduling/Tournament Planning 13.2.1 District Schedule.Eachschoolassignedtoadistrictinateamsportshallberequiredtoscheduleoneortworegularseasoncontestswitheveryotherschoolinthatdistricttobeeligibletoparticipateinthedistricttournament.Theresultsofthedistrictcontestsshallbeusedtodetermineseedingforthedistricttournament.Thedecisiontoplayaone-contestdistrictschedule,ratherthantwo,mustbebymajorityvoteofrepresentativespresentatthedistrictmeeting.Ifamajoritycannotagreetoplayaonecontestschedule,thenatwo-contestscheduleshallbeplayed.Ifadistrictvotestoplayaone-contestdistrictscheduleandtwodistrictopponentselecttoplayeachothermorethanonce,thentheresultsofthecontestlistedonthemasterschedule,asscheduledattheschedulinganplanningmeeting,willcounttowarddistrictseeding.Aschool,however,shallnotscheduleadistrictcontesttobeplayedlaterthanSaturdaytwoweekspriortotheweekinwhichthedistricttournamentisscheduledtobeplayed.Ifascheduleddistrictmatchispostponedduetoinclementweatherorotherunforeseenandunavoidablesituationsandcanonlybeplayedafterthedeadline,theFHSAAOfficemaygrantpermissionforthematchtobeplayedafterthedeadlineandcounted.Thisexception,however,willbegrantedonlyifthematchwasoriginallyscheduledtobeplayedpriortothedeadline.Anyschoolthatdoesnotcomplywiththisrequirementshallnotbepermittedtoparticipateinthedistricttournament.13.2.2 Scheduling and Planning Meeting.Adistrictscheduling/planningmeetingshallbeconductedineachsporttodetermineasiteandmakearrangementsforthedistricttournament/meet,includingtheselectionofofficials,tomakearrangementsforthedistricttournament/meetforthefollowingseasonandforteamsports,todeterminethenumberofdistrictconteststobeplayedbydistrictmembersandtoschedulethosenecessarydistrictcontests,accordingtothefollowingbasicguidelines: 13.2.2.1 ThemeetingineachdistrictshallbeconductedbytheFHSAArepresentativeofthememberschoolthatisdesignatedthecoordinatorforthatdistrictonadatetobedeterminedbytheFHSAAOffice.Thesiteandtimeofthemeetingshallbedeterminedbythedistrictcoordinator,exceptthatthetimeofthemeetingshouldcausenolossoftimefromschoolforanyattendee.ThedistrictcoordinatorshallgivewrittennoticetotheFHSAArepresentative,athleticdirectorandappropriateheadcoachofeachschoolinhis/herdistrictastothedate,timeandsiteofthemeetingatleastseven(7)daysinadvanceofthedateofthemeeting.If,however,theFHSAArepresentative,athleticdirectorandappropriateheadcoachatagivenschoolhasnotreceivedwrittennotificationfromthedistrictcoordinatorastothedate,timeandsiteofthemeeting,itishis/herresponsibilitytocontactthedistrictcoordinatorforthearrangements. 13.2.2.2 TheathleticdirectororFHSAArepresentativeofeachschoolinthedistrictisencouragedtoattendorotherwisetosendarepresentativetoattendthemeetingandvoteonbehalfoftheschoolonallmatterspertainingtoplansforthedistricttournament.Aschoolthatisnotrepresentedatthemeetingshallbeassesseda$100penalty.Ifaschoolwishestosubmitaninvitationtohostthedistricttournamentatthemeetinganditsrepresentativepresentisnottheprincipal,FHSAArepresentativeorathleticdirector,therepresentativemusthaveinhis/herpossessionaletterofinvitationsignedbyoneormoreoftheprincipal,FHSAArepresentativeorathleticdirector.AdistrictcoordinatormayrequestoftheExecutiveDirectororhis/herdesigneepermissiontoconductadistrictscheduling/planningmeetingbyteleconferenceifhis/herdistrictisspreadoveralargegeographicarea. 13.2.2.3 Forteamsports,noregularseasoncontestforthefollowingseasonmaybescheduledinadvanceofthedistrictschedulingmeeting.Agreementsorcontractstoplayacontestthatisenteredintoinadvanceofthemeetingarenullandvoid. 13.2.2.4 Thedecisiontoplayaone-contestdistrictschedule,ratherthantwo,shallbebymajorityvoteofrepresentativespresentatthemeeting.Intheeventofatievote,atwo-contestdistrictscheduleshallbemandatory.Ifadistrictvotestoplayaone-contestschedule,buttwoormoredistrictmembersopttoscheduleandplayeachothermorethanonceduringtheregularseason,thenonlytheresultsofthecontestlistedonthemasterschedule,asscheduledattheschedulingandplanningmeeting,betweendistrictopponentsshallbecountedforseedingpurposes.13.2.3 Postponed Contests.Ifascheduleddistrictcontestispostponedduetoinclementweatherorotherunforeseenandunavoidablesituationsandcanonlybeplayedafterthedeadline,theExecutiveDirectormaygrantpermissionforthecontesttobeplayedafterthedeadlineandcounted.Thisexception,however,willbegrantedonlyifthecontestwasoriginallyscheduledtobeplayedpriortothedeadline.


13.2.4 Satisfaction of Requirements. Themannerinwhichanytwoschoolswithinadistrictsatisfytheserequirementsisatthediscretionofthetwoschools,providedthecontestsarepartoftheregularseasonscheduleofbothschoolsandnotcontestsplayedbetweenthetwoschoolsaspartofatournament.Itisnotnecessarythatthetwocontestsbeplayedonahome-and-homebasis.Itisacceptableforthetwoschoolstoplayeitherorbothcontestsataneutralsiteorbothcontestsateitherschool’sfacility.If,however,twoschoolsinadistrictcannotagreetoanyalternativearrangement,thentheymustplayeachotheronahome-and-homebasis.

13.3 Seeding and Bracketing 13.3.1 Bracket Seeding. Eachschool inadistrictshallbeseededandplacedon thebracket for itsdistrict tournamentaccordingtothefollowingprovisions: 13.3.1.1 Inthesportsofbaseball,basketball,flagfootball,lacrosse,softball,volleyballandwaterpolo,eachschoolshallbeseededbasedonitswin-lossrecordinthecontestsplayedagainstalldistrictopponentsduringtheregularseason.TheschoolwiththebestdistrictrecordshallbeseededNo.1;theschoolwiththesecond-bestdistrictrecordshallbeseededNo.2;etc. 13.3.1.2 Inthesportofsoccer,eachschoolshallbeseededbasedonthedistrictpointsitaccumulatesinthegamesplayedagainstalldistrictopponentsduringtheregularseason.Three(3)pointsshallbeawardedforeachvictoryoveradistrictopponent.One(1)pointshallbeawardedforeachtiewithadistrictopponent.TheschoolwiththemostdistrictpointsshallbeseededNo.1;theschoolwiththesecond-mostdistrictpointsshallbeseededNo.2;etc. 13.3.1.3 IntheeventtwoormoreschoolswithinthedistrictareunabletoplaytherequireddistrictcontestsduetoinclementweatherorotherunforeseenandunavoidablesituationswhicharedeemedacceptablebytheExecutiveDirector,allschoolswithinthatdistrictshallbeseededaccordingtothepercentageofdistrictcontestswon(averageofpointsaccumulatedinsoccer).Theschoolwiththehighestpercentageofdistrictcontestswon(averagepointsinsoccer)shallbeseededNo.1;theschoolwiththesecond-highestpercentageofdistrictcontestswon(averagepointsinsoccer)shallbeseededNo.2,etc.13.3.2 Two Schools Tied.Whentwoschoolsaretiedforaseed,thefollowingprocedureshallbeusedinthefollowingorderuntilthetieisbroken:(a) Won-lossresultsofhead-to-headdistrictcompetitionbetweenthetwoschools;(b) Won-lossrecord(pointsinsoccer)indistrictcompetitionofthetwoschoolsversusthehighest-seededschool(andproceeding

throughthelowest-seededschool,ifnecessary);(c) Numberofdistrictvictories(pointsinsoccer)ontheroadindistrictgames/matches;(d) Numberofdistrictvictories(pointsinsoccer)athomeindistrictgames/matches;and(e) Cointossorblinddrawbythedistricttournament/meetmanager.13.3.3 Three (or more) Schools Tied.Whenthreeormoreschoolsaretiedforaseed,thefollowingprocedureshallbeusedinthefollowingorderuntilthetiehasbeenreducedtotwoschools,thenthetwo-schooltiebreakerformulashallbeused:(a) Totalwon-lossrecord(pointsinsoccer)ofdistrictcontestsplayedamongthetiedschools;(b) Won-lossrecord(pointsinsoccer)indistrictcompetitionofthetiedschoolsversusthehighest-seededschool(andproceeding

throughthelowestseededschool,ifnecessary);(c) Numberofdistrictvictories(pointsinsoccer)ontheroadindistrictgames/matches;(d) Numberofdistrictvictories(pointsinsoccer)athomeindistrictgames/matches;and(e) Blinddrawbythedistricttournament/meetmanager.13.3.4 Bracketing.Inthesportsofbaseball,basketball,girlsandboyssoccer,softballandgirlsvolleyball,everydistrictmembershallbeplacedonthetournamentbracketaccordingtoseed.Inthesportsofflagfootball,boysvolleyball,lacrosseandwaterpolo,thetopfourseedsonlyshallbeplacedonthetournamentbracket.Asingle-elimination,standardprogressionbracketshallbeused.TheNo.1,4,5,8,9,12,13and16seedsshallbeplacedintheupperhalfofthebracketandtheNo.2,3,6,7,10,11,14and15seedsshallbeplacedinthelowerhalfofthebracket.Byes,ifany,shallbeawardedtothehigher-seededschools.Thehigher-seededteamofthebracketineachtournamentcontestshallbedesignatedthehomeschoolforthatcontest.13.3.5 Seeding Report. Eachschoolinthedistrictshallreporttothetournament/meetmanageritsfinaldistrictwin-lossrecord(pointsinsoccer)notlaterthan10a.m.Mondayoftheweekimmediatelyprecedingtheweekinwhichthedistricttournamentistobeplayed.Thetournament/meetmanagerthenshallseedtheschools,placetheschoolsonthebracketaccordingtotheirseed,andassigncontestdatesandtimesinaccordancewiththeprovisionshereinandthearrangementsagreeduponduringthedistrictscheduling/tournamentplanningmeeting.Acopyofthefinalizedbracketshallthenbefaxedbythetournament/meetmanagertoallschoolsinthedistrict,aswellastotheFHSAAOffice.


POLICY 18

PRACTICES AND SCRIMMAGES 18.1 General Practices 18.1.1 Onlythosestudent-athleteswhoareattendingamemberschool,orwhoareeitherhomeeducationprogramorcharterschoolprogramstudentsregisteredwithamemberschool,mayparticipateinthepracticeofanathleticteamwhichrepresentsthatmemberschool.18.1.2 Practicesessions,practicegamesorexhibitions/exhibitiongamesinwhichstudentsfromtwoormoreschoolsparticipateareprohibited.18.1.3 Theconductofpracticesessions,practicegamesorexhibitions/exhibitiongamesofanykindonaSundayisprohibited.18.1.4 Violationofthispolicycouldresultinamonetarypenaltyofaminimumof$250peroccurrence.

18.2 Spring Football Practice18.2.1 SpringFootballpracticeisacontinuationoftheregularfallfootballseason.Consequently,astudentwhotransfersschoolsanddoesnotmeetoneoftheprovisionsinBylaw9.3.2,isnoteligibletoparticipateinaspringjamboreeorspringclassicgameinthenewschool.18.2.2 Springpracticeisconfinedtoamaximumof20sessionscommencingwiththeMondayofWeek44orthelast20daysoftheschoolyear,whichevercomesfirst,inclusiveofthespringjamboreeorclassic.18.2.3 Studentswhoareseniorsmaynotparticipateinspringfootballpractice.18.2.4 Studentswhoarenotenrolledandinattendanceinaschoolcannotparticipateinspringfootballpracticeatthatschool.18.2.5 Eighthgradestudentsmayparticipateinspringfootballpracticeatthepublichighschoolforwhichthestudentsarezonedandwillattendasninth-gradersinthefollowingschoolyearunderthefollowingconditions: 18.2.5.1 ThestudentsmaypracticeonorinthehighschoolfacilityonlyifsuchpracticeisapprovedinwritingtotheFHSAAOfficebythedistrictschoolsuperintendent. 18.2.5.2 ThestudentsmaybeinstructedinpracticebyhighschoolcoachesonlyifsuchinstructionisapprovedinwritingtotheFHSAAOfficebythedistrictschoolsuperintendent. 18.2.5.3 TheprincipalsofbothschoolsmustgivetheirpermissioninwritingtotheFHSAAOfficeforthestudentstoparticipateinsuchpractice. 18.2.5.4 Thestudentsmusthavecatastrophicinsurancecoverageforsuchpractice. 18.2.5.5 Thestudentsmusthavethewrittenpermissionoftheirparentsorlegalguardianstoparticipateinsuchpracticeonfileintheschooloffice. 18.2.5.6 Thestudentsmusthaveundergoneaphysicalexaminationwithinthelastcalendaryear. 18.2.5.7 Thestudentsmustnotsufferanylossoftimefromschool. 18.2.5.8 Thestudentsmaynotparticipateinaspringfootballjamboreeorspringclassicgame. 18.2.5.9 Thestudentsmaynotparticipateinpracticeorhavephysicalcontactinanymannerwithstudent-athletesinthe9th,10thor11thgradeswhoaremembersofthehighschoolteam.

18.3 Spring Competitive Cheerleading Practice18.3.1 SpringCompetitiveCheerleadingpracticeisacontinuationoftheregularfallcompetitivecheerleadingseason.18.3.2 Springpracticeisconfinedtoamaximumof20sessionscommencingwiththeMondayofWeek44orthelast20daysoftheschoolyear,whichevercomesfirst.18.3.3 Studentswhoareseniorsmaynotparticipateinspringpractice.18.3.4 Studentswhoarenotenrolledandinattendanceinaschoolcannotparticipateinspringpracticeatthatschool.18.3.5 Incoming9thgradestudentscannotparticipateinspringpractice.

18.4 Scrimmages 18.4.1 Bona Fide Students Only. Onlythosestudent-athleteswhoareattendingamemberschool,orwhoareeitherhomeeducationprogramorcharterschoolprogramstudentsregisteredwithamemberschool,mayparticipateinthescrimmageofanathleticteamwhichrepresentsthatmemberschool.18.4.2 Multi-Schools Prohibited. Scrimmagesandscrimmagegamesorexhibitionsandexhibitiongamesinwhichstudentsfromtwoormoreschoolsparticipateareun-contracted interscholasticcontestsandareprohibitedexcept forFHSAA-sponsored


officialsclinics(onlythosestudentswhomeetalloftheFHSAAeligibilityrequirementsareallowedtoparticipate).Suchscrimmagesandscrimmagegamesmaybeonanintra-squadbasisonly.18.4.3 Non-School Groups Prohibited. Scrimmagesandscrimmagegamesinvolvinggroups,alumniteams, leagueteams,etc.,comprisedinwholeorinpartofindividualswhoarenotbonafidestudentsofthememberschoolareprohibited.Suchscrimmagesandscrimmagegamesmaybeonanintra-squadbasisonly.18.4.4 Violationofthispolicycouldresultinamonetarypenaltyofaminimumof$250peroccurrence.


ADVISORY COMMITTEES 19.1 Advisory Committees.TheBoardofDirectorshasestablishedanumberofadvisorycommitteescomprisedofindividuals–expertsintheirfield–whoworkwiththevariousprogramsoftheAssociation.Theseadvisorycommitteesshalloperateaccordingtothefollowingguidelines:

19.2 Purpose, Authority and Compensation19.2.1 AnadvisorycommitteeexistssolelyforthepurposeofevaluatingtheFHSAAprogram(s)withwhichitischarged.Inachievingitspurpose,thecommitteeshallreviewFHSAAregulationswhichgoverntheprogram(s);offertotheBoardofDirectorsrecommendationsforchangetosuchregulationsasitdeemsappropriate;andofferadviceandguidancetotheBoardofDirectorsandstaff.19.2.2 Anadvisorycommitteeshallhavenodirectauthoritytoestablishguidelines,regulations,policiesorprocedures;anditsdecisionsandrecommendationsshallnotbefinalunlessadoptedbytheBoardofDirectorsingeneralsession.19.2.3 AnitemmustpassanadvisorycommitteebysimplemajorityvotetobereferredtotheBoardofDirectors.Atievoteamongvotingmembersonanyitemshalldefeattheitem.19.2.4 Anitemfirstpassedbyanadvisorycommitteeshallbepublicizedforoneyearuntilthenextregularlyscheduledmeetingofthatadvisorycommitteeinthefollowingschoolyear.Atthismeeting,theadvisorycommitteewillreconsidertheitemforsecondpassage.Uponsecondpassage,theitemwillbeplacedontheagendaforthenextmeetingoftheBoardofDirectors.TheExecutiveDirector,however,mayauthorizethatarecommendationbefast-trackedthroughtheprocessifhe/shedeterminestherecommendationtobeessentialtothebettermentoftheprogram.Anyitemnotpassedmaynotbere-introducedforaminimumoftwocalendaryears.19.2.5 Vacancies. If,foranyreason,avacancyshouldoccurinanyseatwithanunexpiredtermonanadvisorycommitteetheExecutiveDirectorshallappointaqualifiedindividualfromtherepresentedgrouptofillthevacantseatforthedurationoftheunexpiredterm.Insuchcases,theindividualappointedtocompleteatermforsomeoneelsemaysucceedthemselvesonetime.19.2.6 AnadvisorycommitteemayintroduceaproposedamendmenttotheFHSAABylawsforconsideration.19.2.7 NomemberoftheBoardofDirectorscanserveonanadvisorycommittee.19.2.8 Anindividualcanserveononlyoneadvisorycommittee.19.2.9 Alladvisorycommitteemembers,andchaperoneforstudent-athletemembers,willbereimbursedfortravelfollowingtheStateofFloridaEmployeetravelregulationsandrates.19.2.10 Committee Chairperson.Eachcommitteeshallelectachairpersonandvicechairpersonfromamongitsmembers.Thechairpersonwillserveaschairofthecommitteeforoneyear.Thevicechairpersonwillactintheabsenceofthechairpersonandwillimmediatelysucceedthechairpersonuponthecompletionofhis/hertermaschairperson.Thevicechairpersonmusthavenofewerthantwoyearsremaininginhis/hercurrentterminordertoserveasthevicechairperson.Aftertheinitialelectionofachairpersonandvicechairpersonofacommittee,thelastorderofbusinessofthecommitteeforthatyearshallbetheelectionofthevicechairpersonforthesubsequentyear.

19.4 Sports Advisory Committees 19.4.1 Committees.ThereshallbeanadvisorycommitteeineachsportinwhichtheFHSAAsanctionsaFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships competition.Currently, these sports are baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball,swimming&diving,tennis,track&field,girlsvolleyball,boysweightliftingandwrestling.19.4.2 Composition.Eachsportadvisorycommitteeshallbecomprisedof10individuals–twomemberschoolheadcoachesfromeachoftheAssociation’sfouradministrativesections,theFloridaAthleticCoachesAssociation(FACA)statechairpersoninthatsportifhe/sheisnotelectedtorepresentasection,andamemberoftheOfficialsAdvisoryCommitteeinanex-officiocapacity.Insportsinwhichtherearebothgirlsandboysteams,representationonthecommitteeshallbeone-halfgirlsteamcoachesandone-halfboysteamcoaches.TheFHSAAstaffshallestablisharotationtoensuresuchequitablegenderrepresentation.19.4.3 Elections.EachsportadvisorycommitteememberwillbeelectedbytheirpeersfromeachoftheAssociation’sfouradministrativesections.


19.4.4 Term.EachelectedmemberandtheFACArepresentativeofthecommitteeshallserveatermofthreeyearsandshallnotbeeligibletoimmediatelysucceedhimself/herself.Arotationoftermsshallbeestablishedtoensurethatnotmorethanone-halfoftheelectedmembers’termsexpireinanygivenyear.19.4.5 Meetings.EachsportsadvisorycommitteeshallmeetonceannuallyfollowingtheconclusionofitsrespectiveFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipstoevaluatetheFHSAAprogramforthatsport.19.4.6 Quorum.Five(5)ofthevotingmembersofanadvisorycommitteeshallconstituteaquorum.

POLICY 20

SUMMER ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION 20.1 Policy 20.1.1 Not Regulated in Summer. TheFHSAAdoesnotregulatetheathleticactivitiesofmemberschoolsheldwiththeirownstudentsduringthesummerasdefinedhereinwiththeexceptionoffootballandlacrosse.Theindividualmemberschoolprincipal,districtschoolsuperintendent,districtschoolboardorprivateschoolgoverningbodyareresponsibleforadoptingregulationsgoverningtheactivitiesoftheirrespectiveschoolsduringthisperiodoftime.20.1.2 Football. Amemberschoolshallnotpermitstudent-athletesinitsfootballprogramtowearhelmetsorpadsorengageinphysicalcontactinanyactivitysponsoredbyorunderthesupervisionoftheschoolduringthesummer.Thisshallnotprecludetheschoolfromissuingschool-ownedequipmenttoastudent-athleteforhis/heruseatasummerfootballcamp,providedthecampisorganized,operatedandconductedbyathird-partyentity.Campshostedbyathirdparty,whichallowtheuseofhelmetsorpadsorengageinphysicalcontact,maynotbeheldataparticipatingmemberschool’sfacility.

20.2 Summer Defined.ThesummerseasonisdefinedasthatperiodoftimeoutsidetheFHSAAsportsyear.Thisperiodforeachmemberschoolisdefinedasbeginningthedayfollowingtheschool’slastdayofclassesforthespringsemesterorthedayfollowingtheschool’slastdayofspringathleticactivities(includingspringfootballpractice),whicheverislater,orJune1forschoolswhoselastdayofclassesforthespringsemesteroccursonMay31orthereafter,andconcludingwiththeSaturdayofWeek5intheFHSAAstandardizedcalendarforthefollowingschoolyear.

POLICY 21

OFF-SEASON CONDITIONING 21.1 Definitions. 21.1.1 Off-season.“Off-season”meanstheperiodoftimeduringtheregularschoolyearbutoutsidethedefinedsportseasonforaspecificsport.21.1.2 Sports Season. “Sportsseason”meanstheperiodoftimeforaspecificschoolteamineachrespectivesportthatbeginswiththefirstpermissibledateofpracticeinthatsportandendseitherwith 21.1.2.1 the last permissible date for a regular season contest (if not participating inFloridaHighSchool StateChampionshipscompetition)inthatsport;or 21.1.2.2 thedateoftheteam’seliminationfromFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscompetitioninthatsport;or 21.1.2.3 thestatechampionshipgameinthatsport,whicheverfirstoccursforthatteam.21.1.3 Conditioning. Weight training is theuseof freeweights and stationaryapparatus.Cardiovascularconditioning isdistanceandintervaltraining.Plyometricsistheuseofpre-setconditioningprograms.ConditioningISNOTteachingsportspecificskillsanddrills,andDOESNOTinvolvetheuseofsportspecificequipment(i.e.startingblocks,hurdles,rebounders,ballmachines,bats,balls,rackets,etc.).

21.2 Off-seasonconditioningprogramsconductedbyaschoolshallonlybeopentoparticipationbyallstudentsattendingthatschoolorasperBylaws9.2.2.1,9.2.2.2,9.2.2.3,9.2.2.4,9.2.2.5or9.2.2.6.

21.3 Allpreseasonand/orpostseasonconditioningprogramparticipantsshallfilewiththeschoolthe“FHSAAConsentandReleaseofLiabilityCertificate”andthe“FHSAAPre-participationPhysicalEvaluation”form.


21.4 Participationshallbevoluntaryandshallnotberequired,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,formembershiponaninterscholasticteam.

21.5 Supervisionbyschoolpersonnelisrequired.

21.6 Schoolsshallprovideinformationinthefollowingareas:21.6.1 Properuseofweightroomequipment;21.6.2 Properweighttrainingtechniques;21.6.3 Propernutrition;21.6.4 Propercardiovascularconditioningtechniques;21.6.5 Ergogenics.

21.7 Failuretocomplywiththeseguidelinesmayresultintheassessmentofpenaltiesincluding,butnotlimitedto,thefollowingasperPolicy44:21.7.1 Assessmentofaminimummonetarypenaltyof$2,500perviolation.21.7.2 Lossofpermissiblepracticetime.21.7.3 Lossofprivilegetoparticipateinapreseasonjamboreeorpreseasonclassicwithreimbursementofaminimumof$500toeachaffectedschoolandtheFHSAA.21.7.4 Reducednumberofregularseason“home”contests.21.7.5 LossofprivilegestoparticipateintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.

POLICY 22

NON-SCHOOL TEAM AND /OR OFF -SEASON PARTICIPATION22.1 Definitions. 22.1.1 Off-Season. “Off-season”meanstheperiodoftimeduringtheregularschoolyearbutoutsidethedefinedsportseasonforaspecificsport.22.1.2 Sports Season.“Sportsseason”meanstheperiodoftimeforaspecificschoolteamineachrespectivesportthatbeginswiththefirstpermissibledateofpracticeinthatsportandendseitherwith 22.1.2.1 the last permissible date for a regular season contest (if not participating inFloridaHighSchool StateChampionshipscompetition)inthatsport;or 22.1.2.2 thedateoftheteam’seliminationfromFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscompetitioninthatsport;or 22.1.2.3 thestatechampionshipgameinthatsport,whicheverfirstoccursforthatteam.22.1.3 Coach.“Coach”meansanyperson,regardlessofwhetherhe/sheisemployedbytheschoolorvolunteer,whoinstructs,supervises,orotherwisemanagesstudent-athletesinconjunctionwithapractice,tryout,drill,workout,evaluationorcompetitiveactivity.22.1.4 “Involved In Any Respect.”“Involvedinanyrespect”meansengagedinanythingtodowithanon-schoolteam,includingbutnotlimitedtocoaching,scheduling,transporting,officiatingandthehiringofofficials,training,taping,managingteamexpenses,purchasingofuniformsandequipment,etc.

22.2 Duringtheoff-season,acoachshallnothavecontactwithstudentsoutsidethenormalteacher-studentclassroomenvironmentexceptto:22.2.1 makearrangementsforandassistintheconductofphysicalexaminations;or22.2.2 explaineligibilityregulations;or22.2.3 solveinsuranceproblems;or22.2.4 reviewfilms;or22.2.5 conductoff-seasonconditioningasdefinedinthe“Off-SeasonConditioningGuidelines”asperPolicy21.


22.3 Acoach,prospectivecoachofanymemberschooloranyindividualinvolvedinanyrespectmaynotbeinvolvedwithanon-schoolteaminasportunlessthenon-schoolteammeetsthefollowingrequirements:22.3.1 Theteammustbeaffiliatedwithanoutsideagencypromotingathleticparticipationopportunitiessuchas,butnotlimitedto:

• Baseball–BabeRuth,AmericanLegion,city/countyleagues• Basketball–AAU,USA,USOC• Football–USAFootball• Golf–USGA,AJGA• Lacrosse–USLacrosse• Soccer–FIFA,Youthleagues• Softball–ASA,USSSA• Swimming&Diving–USS,NISCA,ASCA,CSCAA,AAU• Tennis–FTA,USTA,USOC,ITF• Track&Field–USA,AAU• Volleyball–USVBA,USOC,USA,AVA• Wrestling–USA,AAU

22.3.2 Participationmustincludecompetitioninthepublishedscheduledeventsoftheoutsideagency.22.3.3 Studentathletesandcoaches,whereapplicable,arenotpermittedtowearanyportionofaschool’sathleticuniform.22.3.4 Allfeesorassessmentforparticipationmustbedocumented.22.3.5 Participationshallbevoluntaryandshallnotberequired,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,formembershiponaninterscholasticteam.22.3.6 Memberschoolsmaymake theirgymnasiumsandotherathletic facilitiesavailable tooutsidegroupsororganizationsprovidedafullyexecutedusageagreementisprovidedandavailableuponrequest.22.3.7Thepersonnelaffiliatedwiththenon-schoolteam,including,butnotlimitedto,anycoach,assistant,director,manager,supervisor,organizer,etc.,mustprovidenotificationinwritingtothestudentathletesthatparticipationwiththeteamcouldjeopardizetheireligibilitytoparticipateinhighschoolinterscholasticathleticsandverificationofsuchnotificationmustbemadeutilizingtheofficialAssociationprocessasapprovedbytheExecutiveDirector(GA6Form–AffidavitofCompliancewithPolicyonNon-SchoolTeamsandOff-SeasonParticipation).

22.4 Participationbyastudentinnon-schoolathleticactivities(i.e.AAU,AmericanLegion,clubteams,travelteams,etc.)thatisaffiliatedwithanyschoolotherthantheschoolwhichthestudentattends,orattendedthepreviousschoolyear,followedbytheestablishmentofschoolresidencebythatstudentattheaffiliatedschool,shallrenderthestudentineligibleattheschoolwhichthatstudentestablishedschoolresidence.Thestudentshallbeineligibletorepresentthatschoolininterscholasticathleticcompetitionforaperiodof365consecutivedaysfromthedateofhis/herestablishmentofschoolresidenceatthatschool.Ateamaffiliatedwithaschoolisonethatissupervisedby,organizedbyand/orcoachedbyanymemberofthecoachingstaffat,oranyotherpersonwhoisarepresentativeofthatschool’sathleticinterests;and/oronwhichthemajorityofthemembersoftheteam(participantsinpracticeand/orcompetition)arestudentswhoattendthatschool(Bylaw9.2.4.1).22.4.1 Coaches.Acoachatamemberschoolthathashadmorethanone(1)appealdeniedtowaivetheabovepolicyorBylaw9.2.4throughthedueprocessproceduresasperBylaw10.4,anddidnotprovideevidenceofthewrittennotificationtothestudentathleteasspecifiedinPolicy22.3.7orbysomeothereffectivemeansbytheschool,shallnotbepermittedtocoachinanyFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestforoneormoreyears.

22.5 Failuretocomplywiththeseguidelinesmayresultintheassessmentofpenaltiesincluding,butnotlimitedto,thefollowingasperPolicy44:22.5.1 Assessmentofaminimummonetarypenaltyof$2,500perviolation.22.5.2 Lossofpermissiblepracticetime.22.5.3 Lossofprivilegetoparticipateinapreseasonjamboreeorpreseasonclassicwithreimbursementofaminimumof$500toeachaffectedschoolandtheFHSAA.22.5.4 Reducednumberofregularseasonhomecontests.22.5.5 LossofprivilegestoparticipateintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.


POLICY 23

OPEN FACILITIES PROGRAM23.1 Duringtheschoolyear,memberschoolsmayopentheirgymnasiumsandotherathleticfacilitiesonlytotheirstudentswithoutbeinginviolationofFHSAABylawsunderthefollowingguidelines:23.1.1 ThefacilitymustbeopentoallstudentswhoarebonafidestudentsinthatschoolasdefinedinBylaw9.2.1orasperBylaws9.2.2.1,9.2.2.2,9.2.2.3,9.2.2.4,9.2.2.5or9.2.2.6.Openingfacilitiestoaselectgroupofstudentstopracticeindividualskillsforaspecificsportisaviolationofthispolicy.23.1.2 Astudentmayparticipateinopenfacilityactivitiesonlyintheschoolinwhichhe/sheisabonafidestudentasdefinedinBylaw9.2.1orasperBylaws9.2.2.1,9.2.2.2,9.2.2.3,9.2.2.4,9.2.2.5or9.2.2.6.23.1.3 AmiddleschoolstudentcannotparticipateinopenfacilitiesactivitiesofferedbyaseniorhighschoolunlessthemiddleschoolstudentisabonafidestudentinthatseniorhighschoolasdefinedinBylaw9.2.1orasperBylaws9.2.2.1,9.2.2.2,9.2.2.3,9.2.2.4,9.2.2.5or9.2.2.6andasdefinedin3.2.2.3.23.1.4 Supervisionbyschoolpersonnelisrequired.Schoolpersonnel,includingfacultyandnon-facultycoachesinattendance,however,shallnotprovidecoachingorinstructionintheskillsandtechniquesinanysport.Theirpresencemaybeinasupervisorycapacityonly.23.1.5 Participationshallbevoluntaryandshallnotberequired,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,formembershiponaninterscholasticteam.23.1.6 Nosport-specifictasksordrillsshallbetaughtorassignedtostudentstoperformduringopenfacilityactivities.23.1.7 Openfacilityactivitiesinaspecificsport(withtheexceptionofthefallsports)shallbeconcludedaminimumoftwoweekspriortothefirstpermissibledateofinterscholasticpracticeinthatsport.


POLICY 24

COACHING SCHOOLS, CAMPS, CLINICS, COMBINES OR WORKSHOPS BY MEMBER SCHOOLS Memberschools,coachesorotherathleticdepartmentemployeesofmemberschools,andindividuals,groupsororganizationsrelatedtooraffiliatedwithmemberschoolsmayconductcoachingschools,camps,clinics,combinesorworkshopsprovided:

24.1 Theeventisconductedonlyduringthesummerasdefinedinthe“PolicyonSummerAthleticParticipation.”24.1.1 Exception.Coachesmayparticipateincamps,clinics,workshopsprovidedthefollowingcriteriaaremet: 24.1.1.1 Theevent ishostedbya thirdparty (not-for-profitorganization),ofwhich thecoach isnotanorganizer,supervisor,owner,etc.;and 24.1.1.2 Thecoachparticipatesinaninstructionalcapacityonly;and 24.1.1.3 Thecoachdoesnotwearanyschoolparaphernaliawhichidentifiestheschoolwithwhichthecoachisaffiliated;and 24.1.1.4 ThecoachissubjecttotheprovisionsofPolicy36andthestudentsaresubjecttoBylaw9.2.4Policy22.4,and/orPolicy36;and 24.1.1.5 Theeventisnotheldonthecoach’sschoolcampus.24.1.2 Exception. Representativesofmemberschoolsathleticinterestsmayprovidepersonalinstructionprovided: 24.1.2.1 Theindividualprovidinginstructionownsorisemployedbyacompanywhichprovidesinstructionofathleticskills;and


24.1.2.1.1 Instructionprovidedtostudentswhoattendtheschoolwithwhichtherepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsisaffiliatedmaynotexceedmorethantwostudentsduringthetimeofinstruction,iftheinstructiontakesplaceonthatschool’scampus. 24.1.2.2 Thecompanywhichtheindividualownsorisemployedbyisalicensedbusiness,containingacurrenttaxidentificationnumber;and 24.1.2.3 Properlyexecutedfacilityusageagreement,ifinstructionisprovidedonamemberschool’scampusandmadeavailableuponrequest;and 24.1.2.4 Allfeesorassessmentforparticipationmustbedocumented;and 24.1.2.5 Participationshallbevoluntaryandshallnotberequired,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,formembershiponaninterscholasticteam;and 24.1.2.6 Thepersonnelaffiliatedwiththenon-schoolteam,including,butnotlimitedto,anycoach,assistant,director,manager,supervisor,organizer,etc.,mustprovidenotificationinwritingtothestudentathletesthatparticipationwiththeteamcouldjeopardizetheireligibilitytoparticipateinhighschoolinterscholasticathleticsandverificationofsuchnotificationmustbemadeutilizingtheofficialAssociationprocessasapprovedbytheExecutiveDirector(GA6Form–AffidavitofCompliancewithPolicyonNon-SchoolTeamsandOff-SeasonParticipation);and 24.1.2.6.1 Owners,managers,etc.whohaveageneraladministrativeand/orinstructionalfunctionintheactivityareconsideredtohavecontactwithallstudentsreceivinginstructionthroughthisactivity. 24.1.2.6.2 Individualswhoworkinaninstructionalcapacityonly,areconsideredtohavecontactwithonlythestudentshe/shedirectlycontactthroughhis/herinstructionalcapacity.However,thisdoesnotexemptinstructorsfromcompliancewithPolicy36. 24.1.2.7 Therepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsissubjecttotheprovisionsofPolicy36.

24.2 Failuretocomplywiththeseguidelinesmayresultintheassessmentofpenaltiesincluding,butnotlimitedto,thefollowingasperPolicy44:24.2.1 Assessmentofaminimummonetarypenaltyof$2,500perviolation.24.2.2 Lossofpermissiblepracticetime.24.2.3 Lossofprivilegetoparticipateinapreseasonjamboreeorpreseasonclassicwithreimbursementofaminimumof$500toeachaffectedschoolandtheFHSAA.24.2.4 Reducednumberofregularseasonhomecontests.24.2.5 LossofprivilegestoparticipateintheFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships.

POLICY 25

PARTICIPATION BY STUDENT-ATHLETES AND TEAMS IN COACHING SCHOOLS, CAMPS, CLINICS, COMBINES OR WORKSHOPS ThefollowingguidelinesgovernparticipationofstudentsofFHSAAmemberschoolsincoachingschools,camps,clinics,combinesorworkshopsforaninterscholasticsport.

25.1 Individuals.StudentsfromFHSAAmemberschoolsmayparticipateasindividualsincoachingschools,camps,clinics,combinesorworkshopsatanytimeoftheschoolyearwithoutjeopardizingtheirinterscholasticathleticeligibility,provided:25.1.1 Studentsparticipatingintheeventdonot,inanyway,representtheirschool.25.1.2 Feesforthestudentswhoparticipateintheeventarenotpaidbytheschool,coachorschooldistrict.25.1.3 Studentsprovidetheirowntransportationorareprovidedtransportationbytheirownschool.Nostudentmaybetransportedtoorfromtheeventbyanemployee,athleticdepartmentstaffmemberorrepresentativeoftheathleticinterestsofanyschoolotherthantheschoolthatthestudentcurrentlyattends.

25.2 Teams.FHSAAmemberschoolsmaypermittheirathleticteamstoparticipateincoachingschools,camps,clinics,combinesorworkshopswithoutjeopardizingtheirinterscholasticathleticeligibility,provided:25.2.1 Thecoachingschool,camp,clinic,combineorworkshoptakesplaceonlyduringthesummerasdefinedinthe“PolicyonSummerAthleticParticipation.”Participationbyschoolteamsincoachingschools,camps,clinicsorworkshopsheldduringtheschoolyearisstrictlyprohibited.


25.2.2 Feesforthestudentsorteamwhoparticipateintheeventarenotpaidbytheschool,coachorschooldistrict;however,internalaccountfundsgeneratedfromfund-raisingactivitiesmaybeused.25.2.3 Participationintheeventbystudentsisnotanactualorimpliedprerequisitetotheirmembershipontheteam.


POLICY 26

PARTICIPATION BY STUDENT-ATHLETES IN ALL-STAR GAMES AND SHOWCASES The following guidelines govern participation of students of FHSAAmember schools in all-star games and showcases for aninterscholastic sport. TheFHSAA recognizesFloridaAthleticCoachesAssociation (FACA) sponsoredAll-StarClassics. TheFACAmeetstheprovisionsofthispolicywhichgovernstudentparticipationinitsAll-Starclassics.ThefollowingguidelinesgovernparticipationofstudentsofFHSAAmemberschoolsinanyall-stargamesorshowcasesforaninterscholasticsport:

26.1 All-Star Teams.Ahighschoolall-starteamisateamcomprisedofathleteswhoareselectedasteammembersorinvitedtoparticipateinatryoutformembershipontheteamastheresultoftheathletes’performanceashighschoolathletes.Nostudentatamemberschoolshallparticipateonahighschoolall-starteaminasportasaresultofhis/herperformanceasahighschoolathleteuntilthestudentcompleteshis/herinterscholasticathleticeligibilityinthatsport.26.1.1 All-Star Games. StudentsfromFHSAAmemberschoolsmayparticipateasindividualsinall-stargameswithoutjeopardizingtheirinterscholasticathleticeligibility,provided: 26.1.1.1 Theall-stargame,ortryoutsorpracticesfortheall-stargame,maynotbeconductedpriortothecompletionoftheregularseasoninthesportinwhichtheall-stargameistobeconducted.Anall-stargame,however,shallnotbeplayedonanydateonwhichanFHSAASeriescontestinthatsportisscheduled. 26.1.1.2 Thestudent-athletehasexhaustedhis/hereligibilityinthesportinwhichtheall-starcontestistobeconducted. 26.1.1.3 Feesforthestudent-athletewhoparticipatesintheall-starcontestarenotpaidbytheschool,coachorschooldistrict;however,internalaccountfundsgeneratedfromfund-raisingactivitiesmaybeused.26.1.2 Failuretocomplywiththeseguidelinesmayresultintheassessmentofpenaltiesincluding,butnotlimitedto,thelossofthestudent’seligibilitytorepresentanyFHSAAmemberschoolinthatsportforaperiodofonecalendaryearfromthedateofparticipationinthecontest.

26.2 Showcases. Showcasesareeventscomprisedofathleteswhoareselectedorinvitedtoparticipateasaresultoftheathletes’performanceasanathlete.Anystudentathletewhoparticipatesin,butnotlimitedto,combinesandshowcasesdosoathis/herownperilasitrelatestoBylaw9.2.4.1andPolicy36.

POLICY 30

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT 30.1 Sportsmanship and Ethics Student-athletes,coaches,administrators,spectatorsandallotherpersonsconnecteddirectlyorindirectlywithamemberschool,aswellascontestofficials,shalladheretotheprinciplesofgoodsportsmanshipandtheethicsofcompetitionbefore,duringandafterallcontestsinwhichtheyparticipateand/orattend.


30.1.1 Penalties Assessed the School. 30.1.1.1 Stormingtheplayingfield,court,orpoolbyspectatorsandstudentsduringorattheconclusionofanathleticcontestmayresultinamonetarypenaltyofaminimumof$250forindooreventsor$500foroutdooreventsandmaybeincreaseddependingontheseverityoftheincident. 30.1.1.2 Removalbyacoachorschoolpersonnelofateamorindividualfromanathleticcontestpriortoitsnormalconclusionwillsubjecttheschooltoamonetarypenaltyofaminimumof$250. 30.1.1.3Vandalismbyateam,student-athlete,coachorschoolpersonnelmayresultinaminimum$250monetarypenalty,oranyotherpenaltiesasoutlinedinBylaw10.1,inadditiontotheschoolbeingfinanciallyresponsibleforrestitutionoftheitem(s)vandalized.

30.2 Unsportsmanlike Act by a Student-Athlete 30.2.1 Penalties Assessed the Student-Athlete.Student-athleteswhocommitunsportsmanlikeactsbefore,duringorafteracontestwillbesubjecttothefollowingsuspensionlevelsasdeterminedbythedesigneeoftheExecutiveDirector: 30.2.1.1 Level 1 Suspension. Astudent-athletewhocommitsanunsportsmanlikeactoraflagrantfoulforwhichhe/sheisejectedfromthecontestwillbeineligibletocompetefortheremainderofthatcontestandforaminimumofthenexttwo(2)contests,atthesamelevelofparticipationinthesportofthesuspensionandinanyinterscholasticathleticcontestinanysport,atanylevel,duringtheperiodofsuspension,inallsportsexceptfootball.Forfootball,thestudentwillbeineligibleforaminimumofone(1)footballgame,atthesamelevelofparticipation,andanyinterscholasticathleticcontestinanysportduringtheperiodofsuspension.Iftheunsportsmanlikeactorflagrantfouloccursinthelastcontestofaseason,thestudentwillbeineligibleforthesameperiodoftimeasstatedaboveinthenextsportinwhichthestudentparticipates;or 30.2.1.2 Level 2 Suspension. A student-athletewho receives a secondLevel1Suspensionor commits anunsportsmanlikeact,asdefinedinBylaw7.2.1,willbeineligibletocompeteinanyinterscholasticathleticcontestinanysport,atanylevel,foraperiodofuptosix(6)weeks;or 30.2.1.3 Level 3 Suspension. Astudent-athletewho receivesasecondLevel2Suspensionorcommitsanegregiousunsportsmanlikeact,asdeterminedinthesolediscretionoftheExecutiveDirector,willbeineligibletocompeteinanyinterscholasticathleticcontestinanysportforaperiodofuptoone(1)year;or 30.2.1.4 Level 4 Suspension.Astudent-athletewhoreceivesthree(3)ormoreLevel2Suspensionsorcommitsanegregiousunsportsmanlikeact,asdeterminedinthesolediscretionoftheBoardofDirectors,willbeineligibletocompeteinanyinterscholasticathleticcontestinanysportforthedurationofthestudent-athlete’shighschoolcareer. 30.2.1.5 Itistheresponsibilityofthelocalschoolauthoritiestoensurethispolicyisenforced.Whenanineligiblestudentisallowedtoparticipate,forfeitureofthecontestismandatory.ThispolicyappliestoallregularseasonandFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontests.30.2.2 Penalties Assessed the School. 30.2.2.1 Intheeventthatmorethanthree(3)studentsfromthesameschoolhavebeenassessedwithanysuspensionlevel,asdefinedin30.2.1,inanyonesport,beginningwiththefourthsuspension,theschoolwillbeimmediatelyplacedonadministrativeprobationinthatsportforoneormoreyears,andwillbeassessedaminimumfinancialpenaltyof$100persuspensioninthatsportfortheremainderofthatsport’sseason. 30.2.2.2 OnthefirstLevel2suspensionorhigher,asdefinedin30.2.1,ofastudentinanysport,awrittenwarningshallbeissuedtotheschoolthateachsubsequentsuspension,atLevel2orhigher,inanysportwillsubjecttheschooltoaminimumfinancialpenaltyof$250peroccurrence.Beginningwiththenextsuspensionofastudent,atLevel2orhigher,theminimumfinancialpenaltyof$250willbeassessed. 30.2.2.3 Participationbyoneormorestudent-athletesinanaltercationinthebencharea,orbyleavingthebenchandenteringthecourtorplayingfield(i.e.,bench-emptying)orbyleavingtheirdesignatedpositiononthecourtorplayingfieldtoengageinanaltercationwillsubjecttheschooltoaminimum$100perstudentmonetarypenalty.30.3 Unsportsmanlike Act by a Coach or Other Representative of the School’s Athletic Interests30.3.1 Penalties Assessed the Coach or Other Representative of the School’s Athletic Interests. Coachesorotherrepresentativesoftheschool’sathleticinterests(seeBylaw1.4.18)whocommitunsportsmanlikeactsbefore,duringorafteracontestwillbesubjecttothefollowingsuspensionlevelsasdeterminedbythedesigneeoftheExecutiveDirector: 30.3.1.1 Level 1 Suspension.Acoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterests(seeBylaw1.4.18)whocommitsanunsportsmanlikeactforwhichhe/sheisejectedfromthecontest,willbeineligibletocoachorattendtheremainderofthatcontestandforaminimumofthenexttwo(2)contests,atthesamelevelofparticipationinthesportofthesuspensionandinanyinterscholasticathleticcontestinanysport,atanylevel,duringtheperiodofsuspension,inallsportsexceptfootball.Forfootball,thecoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestswillbeineligibleforaminimumofone(1)footballgame,atthesamelevelofparticipation,andanyinterscholasticathleticcontestinanysportduringtheperiodofsuspension.Iftheunsportsmanlikeact


occursinthelastcontestofaseason,thecoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestswillbeineligibleforthesameperiodoftimeasstatedaboveinthenextsportinwhichthecoachparticipates;or 30.3.1.2 Level 2 Suspension. Acoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterests(seeBylaw1.4.18)whoreceivesasecondLevel1Suspensionorcommitsanunsportsmanlikeact,asdefinedinBylaw7.2.1,willbeineligibletocoachorattendanyinterscholasticathleticcontestinanysport,atanylevel,foraperiodofuptosix(6)weeks;or 30.3.1.3 Level 3 Suspension. Acoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterests(seeBylaw1.4.18)whoreceivesasecondLevel2Suspensionorcommitsanegregiousunsportsmanlikeact,asdeterminedinthesolediscretionoftheExecutiveDirector,willbeineligibletocoachorattendanyinterscholasticathleticcontestinanysportforaperiodofuptoone(1)year. 30.3.1.4 Whenacoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsisdisqualified(ejected)fromacontest,thecoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsshallimmediatelyleavethepremisesorfacility(i.e.gymnasiuminbasketball,volleyballandwrestling;stadium/fieldinbaseball,football,soccerandsoftball,etc.)toaplacewherethecoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsisnotvisibletoeitherstudent-athletes,officials,spectatorsorothercoaches;andtowherethecontestitselfisnotvisibletothecoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterests.Adisqualified(ejected)coachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsshallnothaveanyfurthercontactwithorgiveinstructiontoathletesorothermembersofthecoachingstafffortheremainderofthecontest,includinghalftimeintermission,breaksbetweenquarters,periodsorinningsandpost-contestactivities. 30.3.1.5 Acoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestswhoissuspendedfromthenextcontestornumberofcontestsafterhavingbeendisqualified(ejected)fromapreviouscontestshallnotattendthecontest(s)fromwhichhe/shehasbeensuspendedinanycapacityandshallnotbepresentatthesite(s)ofsuchcontest(s).Asuspendedcoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsalsoshallbeprohibitedfromaccompanyinghis/herteamtothesite(s)ofsuchcontest(s). 30.3.1.6 Allcoachesorotherrepresentativesoftheschool’sathleticinterestswhohavebeendisqualified(ejected)fromacontestmustcompletetheNationalFederationofStateHighSchoolAssociations(NFHS)FundamentalsofCoachingCoursepriortothecompletionofthesuspensionorwithinthirty(30)calendardays,whichevercomesfirst.AcopyofthecertificateofcompletionmustbesenttotheFHSAAattimeofcompletion.ThiscourseisaccessiblefromtheNFHSLearingCenteronline.30.3.2 Penalties Assessed the School. 30.3.2.1 Aschoolwhosecoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestscommitsanunsportsmanlikeactbefore,duringorafteracontestshallbeassessedaminimumfinancialpenaltyof$100.Additionalminimummonetarypenaltiesupto$250(peroccurrence)maybeimposedforunsportsmanlikeconductsuchas,butnotlimitedto,useorprofanityorothersuchgutterlanguageorgestures,continuingtogiveinstructiontohis/herstudent-athletesorothermembersofthecoachingstaffafterhavingbeenejected,pursuitofofficialswithintentfollowingacontestbyacoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterests,refusalofacoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticintereststoleavethecourt,playingfieldorteamareaafterbeingejected,physicalcontactbyacoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestswithanofficialandprematureterminationofcontestbyanofficialduetounsportsmanlikeconduct. 30.3.2.2 Itistheresponsibilityofthelocalschoolauthoritiestoensurethispolicyisenforced.Whenacoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsisallowedtocoachinaorattendcontestfromwhichhe/shehasbeensuspended,theschoolshallfaceadditionalpenalties.ThispolicyappliestoallregularseasonandFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontests.

30.4 Public Criticism of Officials.Nocoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsmaypubliclycriticizeorberateanofficialpriorto,duringorfollowingacontest.Professionalethicsrequirethatcoachesorotherrepresentativesoftheschool’sathleticinterestsuseproperchannels,asperBylaw10.3.2,toreporttheircomplaintsaboutofficialsratherthanairingthempublicly.Aminimummonetarypenaltyof$50shallbeassessedaschoolwhosecoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsareinviolationofthisprovision.

30.5 AppealsThedecisiontodisqualify(eject)astudent-athlete,coachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterests(seeBylaw1.4.18)fromacontestisadecisionofthecontestofficialorFHSAAAdministrator.AnypenaltiesimposedmaybeappealedtotheExecutiveDirector,usingtheAT15Form,and,fromthere,throughthenormalappealsprocedures.Allperiodsofineligibility(suspensions)remainineffectduringanysuchappealunlessanduntiltheyaremodifiedorreversed.


POLICY 31

USE OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, HUMAN GROWTH HORMONES, STEROIDS, PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING DRUGS AND SCHEDULE 3 NARCOTICS 31.1 Use of Alcohol and Tobacco. Theuseofalcohol,tobaccoortobacco-likeproductsbystudent-athletes,coachesandofficialsisprohibitedduringthecontestandinthevicinityoftheplayingfieldorcourt.Acoachorstudent-athleteinviolationofthispolicyisguiltyofunsportsmanlikeconduct,willbeejectedfromthecontestandwillbesuspendedfromsubsequentcontests for a periodof up to sixweeks in accordancewith theFHSAAPolicyonUnsportsmanlikeConduct.Additionally, theofficialmustreportanyviolationofthispolicybyeitherastudent-athleteorcoachtotheFHSAAOffice.Violationofthispolicybyastudent-athleteorcoachwillsubjecttheschooltoamonetarypenalty.Violationofthispolicybyanofficialwillsubjecttheofficialtoamonetarypenaltyofaminimumof$100orsuspensionorboth.

31.2 Use of Human Growth Hormones, Steroids, Performance-Enhancing Drugs, or Schedule 3 Narcotics. Theuseofhumangrowthhormones,steroids,performance-enhancingdrugs,orschedule3narcoticsbyastudent-athleteisnotpermissibleandshallbereportedtotheFHSAAandtheprincipal.Theuseofsuchsubstancesisconsideredtobeanactofunsportsmanlikeconduct.Astudent-athletediscoveredtobeusingsuchsubstanceswillbeineligibletocompeteinanyinterscholasticcontestuntilsuchtimeasmedicalevidencecanbepresentedtotheFHSAAandtheprincipalthatthestudent’ssystemisfreeofthosesubstances.31.2.1Anystudent-athleteunderthecareofapediatricendocrinologistoranappropriatelytrainedspecialistbeingtreatedwithidiopathicshortstature(ISS)asoutlinebytheUnitedStatesAnti-DopingAgency(USADA)mayappealforexemptionandshallprovideappropriatemedicaldocumentationtotheprincipalpriortocompetition.31.2.2 Anystudent-athlete,underthedirectcareofaphysician,whohasbeenprescribedtouseanyhormonereplacementdrugshallprovidetheappropriatemedicaldocumentationtotheprincipalpriortocompetition.31.2.3Acoachorotherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestwhofacilitates,provides,orcondonestheacquisitionoruseoftheseprohibitedsubstanceswillbeineligibletocoachorattendanyinterscholasticcontestforaminimumofone(1)year.

POLICY 32

INCLEMENT WEATHER AND SUSPENDED CONTESTS

32.1 Storms. Ifathunderstormorelectricalstormoccursintheareapriortothestartoforduringanyoutdoorcontest,theofficialsmustimmediatelycontacttheprincipalorhis/herdesigneeofeachschoolinvolvedinthecontesttodetermineifthecontestshouldbeplayedasscheduled,delayed,suspendedorpostponed.Iftheprincipalorhis/herdesigneeofeitheroftheschoolsinvolvedrequeststhatthecontestbeinterruptedorpostponed,withtheexceptionofFHSAAStateFinalevents,theofficialsmustimmediatelyhonorsuchrequest.Iftheprincipalorhis/herdesigneeofonlyoneofthecompetingschoolsisavailable,withtheexceptionofFHSAAStateFinalevents,his/herrequestmustbehonored.TheFHSAAadministrativestaff,StateFinalshostandofficialsshallmanageanyinclementweathersituationsatFHSAAStateFinalsevents.

32.2 Safety is Paramount. Thesafetyandwelfareofallconcernedisofparamountimportance.Innocasemayanofficialdenyarequestbyaprincipalorhis/herdesigneetodelay,suspendorpostponeanoutdoorcontestduetoinclementweatherorimplythatthecontestwillbeforfeitedasaresultofsucharequest.

32.3 Suspended Contests.Asuspendedcontestshallberesumedfromthepointofinterruption,unlessNationalFederationRules,FHSAABylawsand/orPoliciesdeterminethatthecontestisacompletedcontestbasedonwherethecontestisatthepointofinterruption.


POLICY 33

SIDELINE CHEERLEADINGAspers.1006.18,FloridaStatutes,the“SpiritRules,”publishedbytheNationalFederationofStateHighSchoolAssociations,shallbethestatewideuniformsafetystandardsforsidelinecheerleading.

33.1 General Regulations33.1.1 Cheerleadersareprohibitedfrombuildingpyramidshigherthantwotiersduringanyroutineinpracticeorduringaperformanceinconjunctionwithaninterscholasticcontest.Hostschoolprincipalsareresponsiblefortheenforcementofthisregulationduringregularseasoncontests.Tournament/MeetmanagersanddirectorswillberesponsiblefortheenforcementoftheregulationduringFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontests.33.1.2 Priortoastudent’sparticipationincheerleadingtryouts,practiceorperformance,thestudentmustsecureaphysician’scertificatetotheeffectthatthestudentisphysicallyfitforparticipation.

33.2 Indoor Contests33.2.1 Cheerleadersmustremainintheirseatsalongthesidelinesatalltimeswhentheballisaliveoramatchisinprogress.33.2.2 Officialsareresponsiblefortheenforcementofthisregulation.Firstoffense–warning;Secondandsubsequentoffense–technicalfoulinbasketball;awardingofpointagainstviolatingschoolinvolleyballandwrestling.

33.3 Florida High School State Championships.SidelinecheerleadingsquadswillbepermittedtocheeratFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestsprovidedthecheerleadingsquadscheeredatregularseasoncontestsforthatsport.

POLICY 34

PHOTOGRAPHING, FILMING AND VIDEOTAPING ATHLETIC CONTESTS 34.1 Regular Season Contests 34.1.1 Representativesofaschool’sathleticinterest,asdefinedinBylaw1.4.18,ofavisitingschoolmaynotphotograph,filmorvideotapetheirteam’sorcontestants’performanceinacontestwithoutfirstobtainingpermissionfromthehostschoolprincipalorhis/herdesignee.Photographers,videographersandtheirequipmentmustbepositionedsothattheydonotblocktheviewofanyspectator.34.1.2 Norepresentativeofaschool’sathleticinterestofaschoolthatisnotparticipatinginacontestmayphotograph,filmorvideotapealloranypartofthecontestunlesspermissiontodosoisgrantedbytheprincipalorhis/herdesigneeofeachschoolthatisparticipatinginthecontest.34.1.3 Itisrecommendedthatschoolsvideotapeinjurysituations,postgamehandshakesandanyunsportsmanlikeincidentsthatmayoccurduringanyathleticcontest.

34.2 Florida High School State Championships Contests 34.2.1 FloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestsarethesolepropertyoftheFHSAAandmaynotbereproducedandmarketedorotherwisedistributedorpubliclydisplayedinanymannerwithouttheexpresswrittenpermissionoftheFHSAA.TheFHSAAretainsallrightstothetelevisionbroadcastorcablecast,radiobroadcast,internetbroadcast(audioand/orvideo),videotaping,filmingandphotographingofallFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontests.34.2.2 TheFHSAA,subjecttothepoliciesofthehostfacility,allowsstillcamerasandvideocamerastobeusedatFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestssothatparticipantsandspectatorsmayrecordtheeventfortheirownpersonaluse–notforthepurposesofcommercialresaleorpublicredistributioninanyform.OnlythosedulyauthorizedorganizationsorindividualswhohavebeengrantedappropriaterightsbycontractorbyissuedcredentialshallbepermittedtosellorpubliclydisplayorotherwiseredistributeimagesandsoundsofFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestsandthenonlyinaccordancewiththetermsandconditionsestablishedbytheFHSAA.34.2.3 Eachparticipatingschoolshallbepermittedtophotograph,filmorvideotape,forarchival,coachingorinstructionalpurposes,onlythoseFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscontestsinwhichitsteamorcontestantsperformwhenarrangementsaremadewiththecontestmanagement.Photographers,videographersandtheirequipmentmustbepositionedsothattheydonotblocktheviewofanyspectator.


34.2.4 Theremaybe additional guidelines or restrictions forFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionships events.Consult theappropriatesection(s)inAdministrativeProceduresorthestatefinalsinformationpacket,whenavailable,foradditionalguidelinesorrestrictionsconcerningphotographing,filmingandvideotapingatastatechampionshipeventinthatsport.

34.3 Penalty 34.3.1 Aschoolthatviolatestheseguidelinesshallbeguiltyofunsportsmanlikeconductandwillbesubjecttoreprimandandtheassessmentofamonetarypenaltyofaminimumof$100bytheFHSAA.34.3.2 Anorganizationorindividualwhoviolatestheseguidelines,andinsodoinginfringesupontherightsoftheFHSAAasstatedhereinabove,shallbesubjecttooneormoreofthefollowingactions:remediesunderbreachofcontract;revocationofcredentials;expulsionfromthesiteofcompetition;andlegalactionunderapplicablestateandfederallaws.


ATHLETIC RECRUITING 36.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES 36.1.1 Athletic Recruiting Forbidden.Athleticrecruitingisagrossviolationofthespiritandphilosophyofeducationalathletics.Athleticrecruitingisunethicalandunsportingconduct,andisforbiddenbyFHSAABylaws(FHSAABylaw6.3).36.1.2 Scope of School’s Responsibility.Aschool’sresponsibilityfortheconductofitsinterscholasticathleticprogramincludesresponsibilityfor: 36.1.2.1 Theactsofanyemployeeorathleticdepartmentstaffmember; 36.1.2.2 Theactsofthirdparties,suchasanindependentperson,businessororganization,thatisarepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestswhenamemberoftheschool’sadministrationorathleticdepartmentstaffknowsorshouldknowthattheperson,businessororganizationispromotingtheschool’sinterscholasticathleticprogram;and 36.1.2.3 Theactsofanyotherthirdparties,suchasanindependentperson,businessororganization,actingattherequest,direction,orotherwiseonbehalfofanyemployeeorrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterests. 36.1.2.4 Theactsofanyotherthirdparties,suchasanindependentperson,businessororganization,actingonbehalfofanystudentathlete. 36.1.2.5Informingstudentathletesandtheirparent(s)orlegalguardian(s)ofpotentialeligibilityissuesrelatedtotheparticipationbythestudentathleteinnon-schoolathleticactivities(e.g.AAUteam,clubteam,travelteam,recreationleagueteam,etc.)affiliatedwiththeschoolthroughoneofitscoachesorotherathleticdepartmentstaffmembersorarepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterests.36.1.3 Compliance Programs. Schools are expected to educate all employees, athleticdepartment staffmembers andrepresentativesoftheschool’sathleticinterestsaboutactsthatareprohibitedbythispolicy.SchoolsmustimmediatelyreporttotheFHSAAOfficeimpermissibleactswhentheyarediscoveredtohaveoccurred.36.1.4 Academic Recruitment Permissible.Aschoolmayconductanacademicrecruitmentprogramthatisdesignedtoattractstudentstotheschoolbaseduponitstotaleducationalandextracurricular(athleticandactivities)program.Aschoolmustnotuseanacademicrecruitmentprogramasadisguiseforathleticrecruiting.36.1.5 Financial Assistance Permissible. Privateschools,aswellasdevelopmentalresearchschoolsoperatedbystateuniversities,mayadministerschool-basedfinancialassistanceprogramsforstudentswhoattendthoseschools.Financialassistancemustbetotallyunrelatedtoastudent’sathleticinterest,potentialorperformance.Financialassistancebasedevenpartiallyonastudent’sathleticinterest,potentialorperformanceisnotpermitted.36.1.6 Extra Benefit. Student-athletesmustnotreceiveextrabenefits,whicharebenefitsthatarenotofferedorgenerallymadeavailabletoallotherstudentsintheschool.

36.2 GENERAL DEFINITIONS 36.2.1 Athletic Recruiting. “Athleticrecruiting”isanyeffortbyaschoolemployee,athleticdepartmentstaffmemberorrepresentativeofaschool’sathleticintereststopressure,urgeorenticeastudenttoattendthatschoolforthepurposeofparticipatingininterscholasticathletics. 36.2.1.1 Representative of a School’s Athletic Interests.“Representativeofaschool’sathleticinterests”referstoanyindependentperson,businessororganizationthatparticipatesin,assistswithand/orpromotesthatschool’sinterscholasticathleticprogram.Thisincludes:

(a) Astudent-athleteorotherstudentparticipantintheathleticprogramatthatschool;


(b) Theparents,guardiansorotherfamilymembersofastudent-athleteorotherstudentparticipantintheathleticprogramatthatschool;

(c) Immediaterelativesofacoachorothermemberoftheathleticdepartmentstaffatthatschool;(d) Avolunteerwiththatschool’sathleticprogram;(e) Amemberofanathleticboosterorganizationofthatschool;(f) Aperson,businessororganizationthatmakesfinancialorin-kindcontributionstotheathleticdepartmentorthatis

otherwiseinvolvedinpromotingtheschool’sinterscholasticathleticprogram.36.2.2 Improper Contact.“Impropercontact”iscontact,eitherdirectlyorindirectly,whetherinpersonorthroughwrittenorelectroniccommunication,byaschoolemployee,athleticdepartmentstaffmember,representativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsorthirdparties,suchasanindependentperson,businessororganization,withastudentoranymemberofthestudent’sfamily,inanefforttopressure,urgeorenticethestudenttoattendadifferentschoolforthepurposeofparticipatingininterscholasticathletics.SeePolicy37.36.2.3 Impermissible Benefit.An“impermissiblebenefit”isanyarrangement,assistanceorbenefitthatisnotofferedorgenerallymadeavailabletoallstudentsand/ortheirfamilieswhoapplytoorattendaschool,orthatotherwiseisprohibitedbyFHSAArules.Receiptofabenefitbyastudent-athleteorhis/herfamilyisnotaviolationofFHSAArulesifitisdemonstratedthatthesamebenefitisgenerallyavailabletotheschool’sstudentsorfamilymembersandisnotbasedinanywayonathleticinterest,potentialorperformance.SeePolicy37.

36.4 COMPLIANCE DOCUMENTS 36.4.1 Certification of Compliance Form.EachmemberschooleachyearmustsubmittotheFHSAAOffice,utilizingtheofficialAssociationprocessasapprovedbytheExecutiveDirector,certifyingthattheprincipal,theathleticdirectorandthepresidentofeachathleticboosterorganizationoftheschoolhavereviewedthe“FHSAAPolicyonAthleticRecruiting,”andthathe/shewillcomplywithallprovisionsofthepolicy,andwillreviewtheprovisionsofthepolicywithschoolemployees,athleticdepartmentstaffmembersandrepresentativesoftheschool’sathleticinterests.Theheadcoachineachvarsitysportofferedbytheschoolshall,utilizingtheofficialAssociationprocessasapprovedbytheExecutiveDirector,certifythathe/shehasreviewedthe“FHSAAPolicyonAthleticRecruiting,”willcomplywithallprovisionsofthepolicyandwillreviewtheprovisionsofthepolicywithhis/hercoachingstaffandplayerselectronicallyinaprocessfacilitatedbytheFHSAA.Failuretocomplywillsubjecttheschooltominimummonetarypenaltyof$100.36.4.2 Affidavit of Compliance.Astudentwhoforanyreasonchangesschoolsafterbeginningthe9thgrade,aswellasthestudent’sparent(s)orlegalguardian(s),dulyappointedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdiction,mustsigninthepresenceofanotarypublican“AffidavitofCompliancewiththeFHSAAPolicyonAthleticRecruiting.”Theaffidavitwillbenecessaryregardlessofwhetherthestudentchangesschoolsduringtheschoolyearorduringthesummerperiodbetweenschoolyears.TheaffidavitwillbeaccompaniedbyanexplanationoftheFHSAAPolicyonAthleticRecruiting,includingthepenaltiesforviolatingthepolicy,aswellastheconsequencesofmakingafalsestatementontheaffidavit.Thestudentwillnotbeeligibletoparticipateininterscholasticathleticcompetitionathis/hernewschooluntiltheschoolsubmitstheaffidavit,utilizingtheofficialAssociationprocessasapprovedbytheExecutiveDirector(GA4SForm–AffidavitofCompliancewiththeFHSAAPolicyonAthleticRecruiting).Failuretocomplywillsubjecttheschooltominimummonetarypenaltyof$100.

36.5 PENALTIES 36.5.1 Mandatory Forfeiture. Aschoolthatisfoundtohaveanathleticallyrecruitedstudent-athletewillforfeitallcontestsandawardswon in teamsportsandallpointsearnedandresultingawardswon in individualsports inwhich thestudent-athleteparticipated.Mandatoryforfeiturealsowillberequiredwhenitisdeterminedthatastudentwhoreceivedanimpermissiblebenefitwasallowedtoparticipate.36.5.2 Eligibility Effect of Violation. Astudentwhoisfoundtohavebeenathleticallyrecruitedorisfoundtohavereceivedanimpermissiblebenefitwillbeineligibleforinterscholasticathleticcompetitionforoneormoreyearsattheschooltowhichthestudentwasathleticallyrecruitedoratwhichhe/shereceivedtheimpermissiblebenefit,andmaybedeclaredineligibleforinterscholasticathleticcompetitionatallmemberschoolsforoneormoreyears.36.5.3 Disciplinary Measures. Inadditiontothemandatoryforfeitureofcontestsandawards,anyoneormoreofthepenaltiesdescribedinArticle10oftheFHSAABylawsmaybeimposedagainstaschoolforviolatinganyprovisionsofthispolicy.Theseinclude: 36.5.3.1 Publicreprimand; 36.5.3.2 Financialpenaltyofaminimumof$2,500; 36.5.3.3 Aformorcombinationofformsofprobation(administrative,restrictiveand/orsuspension)foroneormoreyears; 36.5.3.4 Prohibitionagainstparticipatingincertaininterscholasticcompetitions,includingFHSAAFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscompetitions,foroneormoreyearsinthesport(s)inwhichtheviolation(s)occurred;


36.5.3.5 Prohibitionagainstparticipatinginanyinterscholasticcompetitionforoneormoreyearsinthesport(s)inwhichtheviolation(s)occurred; 36.5.3.6 Participationininterscholasticcompetitionatahigherclassificationforoneormoreyearsinthesport(s)inwhichtheviolation(s)occurred; 36.5.3.7 Restrictedmembershipforoneormoreyearsduringwhich timesomeorallof theschool’smembershipprivilegesmayberestrictedordenied;and 36.5.3.8 ExpulsionfrommembershipintheAssociationforoneormoreyears.

POLICY 37

IMPROPER CONTACT AND IMPERMISSABLE BENEFITS

37.1 IMPROPER CONTACT 37.1.1 General Regulation.Noschoolemployee,athleticdepartmentstaffmember,representativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsorthirdparties,suchasanindependentperson,businessororganization,maymakecontact,eitherinpersonorthroughanyformofwrittenorelectroniccommunicationorthroughanythirdparty,withastudent,oranymemberofthestudent’sfamily,inanefforttopressure,urgeorenticethestudenttoattendadifferentschoolforthepurposeofparticipatingininterscholasticathletics.37.1.2 Specific Prohibitions. Specificallyprohibitedcontactbyschoolemployees,athleticdepartmentstaffmembers,representativesoftheschool’sathleticinterestsorthirdpartieswithastudentincludes,butisnotlimitedto,thefollowing: 37.1.2.1 Sending,orarrangingforanyoneelsetosend,anyformofwrittenorelectroniccommunicationtothestudentoranymemberofhis/herfamily,inanattempttopressure,urgeorenticethestudenttoattendadifferentschooltoparticipateininterscholasticathletics. 37.1.2.2 Visitingorentertainingthestudentoranymemberofhis/herfamilyinanattempttopressure,urgeorenticethestudenttoattendadifferentschooltoparticipateininterscholasticathletics. 37.1.2.3 Making a presentation or distributing any formof advertisement, commercial ormaterial that promotesprimarilyorexclusivelyaschool’sathleticprogramorimpliesaschool’sathleticprogramisbetterthantheathleticprogramofanyotherschoolorsuggeststhatthestudent’sathleticcareerwouldbebetterservedbyattendingadifferentschool. 37.1.2.4 Answeringaninquirybythestudentoranymemberofhis/herfamilyaboutathleticparticipationopportunitiesataschoolwithanyresponsethatpressures,urgesorenticesthestudenttoattendadifferentschool.Thestudentorfamilymemberinsteadshouldbeimmediatelyreferredtotheschoolemployeeresponsibleforregistrationsoradmissions. 37.1.2.5 Providingtransportationtothestudentoranymemberofhis/herfamilytovisitaschool,totakeanentranceexaminationforaschool,toparticipateinanathletictryoutataschool,ortomeetwithaschoolemployee,athleticdepartmentstaffmember,otherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsorthirdparties,aspartofanefforttopressure,urgeorfacilitatethestudent’sattendanceatadifferentschooltoparticipateininterscholasticathletics. 37.1.2.6 Attendinganelementaryschool,ajuniorhighschool,amiddleschooloranon-schoolathleticcontest toidentifyprospectivestudent-athleteswhomightberecruitedtoattendaschool. 37.1.2.7 Suggestingorgoingalongwithanyeffortbyanyperson,whetheraschoolemployee,otherrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsoranyotherperson,suchasanalumnusofaschool,acoachorotherpersonaffiliatedwithanon-schoolathleticprogram(e.g.AAUteam,clubteam,travelteam,recreationleagueteam,etc.),acoachoforrecruiterforacollegiateathleticteam,ascoutforaprofessionalteamorotherthirdparties,topressure,urgeorenticethestudenttoattendaschooltoparticipateininterscholasticathletics,ortodirectorplacethestudentattheschoolforthepurposeofparticipatingininterscholasticathletics. 37.1.2.8 Makingorarranginganyothercontactwiththestudentoranymemberofhis/herfamilyinanattempttopressure,urgeorenticethestudenttoattendaschooltoparticipateininterscholasticathletics.37.1.3 Contact Initiated by Prospective Student. Whenaschoolemployee,athleticdepartmentstaffmemberorrepresentativeofaschool’sathleticinterestsiscontactedbyastudentwhodoesnotattendthatschooland/oranyothermemberofhis/herfamily,abouttheschool’sinterscholasticathleticprogramorattendingtheschool,theschoolemployee,athleticdepartmentstaffmemberorrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsmustimmediatelyreferthestudentand/orhis/herfamilymembertotheappropriateschoolpersonnelwhohavetheresponsibilityofregisteringandadmittingprospectivestudents.Onlyduringthesummerperiod,asdefinedinPolicy20,andoncethestudenthasregistered,beenacceptedandnolongerattendsthepreviousschoolmaythestudenthavecontactwithathleticdepartmentstaffmembersorrepresentativesofaschool’sathleticinterests.37.1.4 Casual Contact with Students in Normal Community Settings.Itisnotconsideredaviolationofthispolicyforanemployee,athleticdepartmentstaffmemberorrepresentativeoftheathleticinterestsofahighschooltohavecasualcontactwithastudentwhodoesnotattendthatschooloranymemberofthestudent’sfamilyinanormalcommunitysetting.Atno


timeduringsuchcontact,however,maytheemployee,athleticdepartmentstaffmemberorrepresentativeoftheathleticinterestsofthehighschoolpressure,urgeorenticethestudenttoattendahighschoolforthepurposeofparticipatingininterscholasticathletics.

37.2 IMPERMISSIBLE BENEFIT 37.2.1 General Regulation.Noschoolemployee,athleticdepartmentstaffmember,representativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsorthirdparties,suchasanindependentperson,businessororganization,maybeinvolved,directlyorindirectly,inpromising,offeringor giving an impermissible benefit to any student or anymember of his/her family for the purpose of participating ininterscholasticathletics,ortoanystudent-athletewhoalreadyattendsaschool.37.2.2 Specific Prohibitions. Specificallyprohibitedarrangements,assistanceorbenefitsinclude,butarenotlimitedto,thefollowing: 37.2.2.1 School-basedfinancialassistanceofanykindthatexceedstheamountforwhichastudenthasbeenapprovedbyanindependentfinancialneedsassessmentcompanythatisrecognizedbytheFHSAAorotherwiseisinexcessofanysupplementalassistanceprovidedbyaschooltoeachandeverystudentwhoqualifiesforfinancialassistance. 37.2.2.2 Cashorlikeitems,suchascreditcards,debitcards,giftcards,giftcertificates,couponsorvouchers. 37.2.2.3 Giftofclothing,equipment,merchandiseorothertangibleitems. 37.2.2.4 Loansorassistanceinsecuringaloanofanykind. 37.2.2.5 Paymentforanyworkorservicethatisnotperformedorthatisinexcessoftheamountnormallypaidforsuchworkorservice. 37.2.2.6 Freeorreduced-costtransportation. 37.2.2.7 Livingonafull-orpart-timebasis,regardlessofwhetherrentispaid,withanyschoolemployee,athleticdepartmentstaffmember,representativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsorotherindividual(s)whoarenotthestudent’sparent(s)orlegalguardian(s)dulyappointedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdiction. 37.2.2.8 Freeorreduced-costrentforhousing,vehiclesorotheritems. 37.2.2.9 Fullorpartialpaymentofmovingexpensesorassistanceofanykindwithanactualphysicalmove. 37.2.2.10 Employment or assistance in securing employment or contractual arrangement of any kind forwhichcompensationmaybepaid. 37.2.2.11 Promiseofapositiononaninterscholasticathleticteamorplayingtimeasamemberoftheteam. 37.2.2.12 Promiseofguaranteeingacollegeathleticscholarship. 37.2.2.13 Freeorreducedcoststoattendasportorskillscamp. 37.2.2.14 Anyotherformofarrangement,assistanceorbenefitthatisnotgenerallyavailabletootherstudentsintheschoolortheirfamiliesorthatisbasedinanywayonathleticability.

37.3 PENALTIES37.3.1 Disciplinary Measures.AnyoneormoreofthepenaltiesdescribedinArticle10oftheFHSAABylawsmaybeimposedagainstaschoolforviolatinganyprovisionsofthispolicy.Theseinclude: 37.3.1.1 Publicreprimand; 37.3.1.2 Financialpenaltyofaminimumof$2,500; 37.3.1.3 Aformorcombinationofformsofprobation(administrative,restrictiveand/orsuspension)foroneormoreyears; 37.3.1.4 Prohibitionagainstparticipatingincertaininterscholasticcompetitions,includingFHSAAFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscompetitions,foroneormoreyearsinthesport(s)inwhichtheviolation(s)occurred; 37.3.1.5 Prohibitionagainstparticipatinginanyinterscholasticcompetitionforoneormoreyearsinthesport(s)inwhichtheviolation(s)occurred; 37.3.1.6 Restrictedmembershipforoneormoreyearsduringwhich timesomeorallof theschool’smembershipprivilegesmayberestrictedordenied;and 37.3.1.7 ExpulsionfrommembershipintheAssociationforoneormoreyears.


POLICY 38

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

38.1 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE 38.1.1 School-Administered Financial Assistance.Financialassistanceprovidedbyaschoolmustbeadministeredbytheschool;meaningthattheschool,throughanestablishedprocessthatconformstothispolicy,makesthefinaldeterminationofthestudentwhoistoreceivetheassistanceandtheamountofassistancetobegiven.Nostudent-athletemayacceptfinancialassistancefromanyotherperson,businessororganizationunlessitisreceivedfromoneuponwhomthestudent-athleteisnaturallyorlegallydependentorisreceivedthroughestablishedandcontinuingprogramstoassiststudentsthatareadministeredbytheStateofFlorida. 38.1.1.1 Criteria for Providing Financial Assistance.School-basedfinancialassistancemustbebasedentirelyonfinancialneedasdeterminedbyanindependentfinancialneedsassessmentcompanythatisapprovedbytheFHSAA.Aschoolmaysupplementtheamountoffinancialassistanceforwhichastudentisdeterminedtoqualifyprovidedthesameformofsupplementalassistance isprovided toeachandeverystudentwhoqualifiesforanyamountoffinancialassistance.Financialassistancemustbetotallyunrelatedtoastudent’sathleticinterest,potentialorperformance.Financialassistancebasedevenpartiallyonastudent’sathleticinterest,potentialorperformanceisnotpermitted. 38.1.1.2 Assistance with Room or Meals. School-basedfinancialassistanceforcostsassociatedwithroomormeals,otherthanthosemealsmadeavailableduringtheschooldaytoallstudents,maybeprovidedonlytostudentswhoboardatFHSAA-recognizedboardingschools,andthenonlyifsuchfinancialassistanceisbasedonfinancialneed. 38.1.1.3 Work-Study Programs. Awork-studyprograminwhichstudentsreceivefinancialassistancefromaschoolinexchangeforlaborperformedbythestudentfortheschoolmaybeoperatedasfollows:

(a) The schoolmust limit participation in thework-study program to those studentswhohave been independentlydeterminedtohaveaneedforfinancialassistance.

(b) TheschoolmustsubmittotheFHSAAOfficeeachschoolyearacompletedescriptionofthework-studyprogramandtheprocessfordeterminingthestudentswhoarechosenforparticipation.

(c) Theschoolmustmaintaindetailedrecordsregardingeachstudentwhoparticipatesinthework-studyprogram.Theserecordsmustincludeadescriptionofthejob(s)performedbythestudent,adocumentationofthehoursworkedbythestudent,andtheamountoffinancialassistancegiventhestudentinexchangeforhis/herlabor.

(d) Astudent-athletemustnotreceivefinancialassistancethroughawork-studyprogramduringtheseasonofthesport(s)inwhichthestudent-athleteparticipates.

(e) Athleticdepartmentstaffmembersandotherrepresentativesoftheschool’sathleticinterestscannotsupervisestudent-athletesinwork-studyprograms.

38.1.1.4 Approved Financial Needs Assessment Companies.TheFHSAAapprovedindependentfinancialneedsassessmentcompaniescanbefoundontheFHSAAWebsite. 38.1.1.5 Records Relating to Financial Assistance.Theschoolmustkeepdetailedrecordsofschool-basedfinancialassistanceprovidedtoeachstudent.Thisincludesthereportofthestudent’sfinancialneedasdeterminedbytheindependentassessmentcompanyaswellastheactualamountoffinancialassistanceprovidedtothestudentbytheschool,andhowthatactualamountwasdetermined.TheschoolmustmakeallrecordsavailabletotheExecutiveDirectororhis/herdesigneeforinspectionuponrequest. 38.1.1.6 Persons Who May Discuss Financial Assistance Opportunities.Theonlypersonswhomaydiscussfinancialassistanceopportunitieswithaprospectivestudentoranymemberofhis/herfamilyarethoseschoolemployeeswhoadministertheschool’sregistration,admissionandfinancialassistanceprograms.Nootherschoolemployee,anyathleticdepartmentstaffmemberorrepresentativeoftheschool’sathleticinterestsmaysuggesttoorpromiseaprospectivestudentoranymemberofhis/herfamilythatanypartofthestudent’scostsofattendingtheschoolmaybereduced,waivedorpaidfor,orthatfinancialassistancemaybegrantedforanyreason,includingfinancialneed. 38.1.1.7 Involvement of Athletic Personnel in Administration of Assistance Program.Athleticdepartmentstaffmembers,otherthanthosepersonswhohaveastheirmajorresponsibilityanofficialleadershiproleintheacademicleadershiporadmissionprogramsoftheschool,areprohibitedfromsittingontheschool’sfinancialassistancecommitteeorotherwiseplayinganyroleintheprocessofdecidingwhichstudentsreceivefinancialassistanceorthetypesoramountofassistancetheywillbegiven.38.1.2 Financial Assistance Not Administered by School.StudentsmayapplyforandreceivefinancialassistancethroughestablishedandcontinuingprogramstoassiststudentsthatareadministeredbytheStateofFlorida.Theseprogramsare: 38.1.2.1 TheOpportunityScholarshipProgram,throughwhichtheparentofastudentinafailingpublicschoolmayrequestandreceiveanOpportunityScholarshipforthestudenttoattendaneligibleprivateschool. 38.1.2.2 TheMcKayScholarshipsforStudentswithDisabilitiesProgram,throughwhichtheparentofapublicschool


studentwithadisabilitywhoisdissatisfiedwiththestudent’sprogressmayrequestandreceiveaMcKayScholarshipforthestudenttoattendaneligibleprivateschool. 38.1.2.3 TheCorporateIncomeTaxCreditScholarshipProgram,throughwhichtheparentofapublicschoolstudentwhoqualifiesforfreeorreduced-priceschool lunchmayseekascholarship toattendaneligibleprivateschoolfromaneligiblenonprofitscholarship-fundingorganization.38.1.3 Contributions by Donor. Fundsthataredonatedtoschoolsbypersons,businessesandorganizationsmaybegivenasfinancialassistancetostudentsprovidedthedecisionastohowthefundsareallocatedrestsexclusivelywiththeschool.Itisnotpermissibleforadonortocontributefundstoprovidefinancialassistanceforaparticularstudent-athlete.

38.2 PENALTIES38.2.1 Disciplinary Measures.AnyoneormoreofthepenaltiesdescribedinArticle10oftheFHSAABylawsmaybeimposedagainstaschoolforviolatinganyprovisionsofthispolicy.Theseinclude: 38.2.1.1 Publicreprimand; 38.2.1.2 Financialpenaltyofaminimumof$2,500; 38.2.1.3 Aformorcombinationofformsofprobation(administrative,restrictiveand/orsuspension)foroneormoreyears; 38.2.1.4 Prohibitionagainstparticipatingincertaininterscholasticcompetitions,includingFHSAAFloridaHighSchoolStateChampionshipscompetitions,foroneormoreyearsinthesport(s)inwhichtheviolation(s)occurred; 38.2.1.5 Prohibitionagainstparticipatinginanyinterscholasticcompetitionforoneormoreyearsinthesport(s)inwhichtheviolation(s)occurred; 38.2.1.6 Restrictedmembershipforoneormoreyearsduringwhich timesomeorallof theschool’smembershipprivilegesmayberestrictedordenied;and 38.2.1.7 ExpulsionfrommembershipintheAssociationforoneormoreyears.

POLICY 40

CONCUSSIONSTohelpensure thehealthandsafetyofstudentathletes, the followingpolicyprovidesguidelinesandproceduresonpreventing,recognizing,andrespondingtoaconcussion.

40.1 Concussions.Aconcussionisabraininjurycausedbyablowtotheheadorbodythatcausesthebraintomoverapidlyinsidetheskull.Concussionscanalsoresultfromafallorfromcollisionsbetweenwithoneormoreindividualsorwithobstacles.Asbraininjury,concussionsareserious.40.1.1 Anystudentathletewhoexhibitssigns,symptoms,orbehaviorsconsistentwithaconcussionincluding,butnotlimitedto,lossofconsciousness,headache,dizziness,confusion,orbalanceproblems,shallbeimmediatelyremovedfromthecontestorpracticeandshallnotreturntoplayuntilclearedbyanappropriatehealth-careprofessional.40.1.2 Whenyoususpectthataplayerhasaconcussion,followthe“HeadsUp”4-stepActionPlan:

• Removetheathletefromplay.• Ensurethattheathleteisevaluatedbyanappropriatehealth-careprofessional.• Informtheathlete’sparentsorguardiansaboutthepossibleconcussionandgivetheminformationonconcussion.• Keeptheathleteoutofplaythedayoftheinjuryanduntilanappropriatehealth-careprofessionalsaysheorsheis

symptom-freeandgivestheokaytoreturntoactivity.Thesigns,symptoms,andbehaviorsofaconcussionarenotalwaysapparentimmediatelyafterabump,blow,orjolttotheheadorbodyandmaydevelopoverafewhours.Anathleteshouldbeobservedfollowingasuspectedconcussionandshouldneverbeleftalone.

40.2 Appropriate Health-Care Professional (AHCP). Anappropriatehealth-careprofessional(AHCP)isanindividualwhoistrainedinthediagnosis,evaluationandmanagementofconcussions. Suchindividualswillbealicensedphysician(MD,asperChapter458,FloridaStatutes)oralicensedosteopathicphysician(DO,asperChapter459,FloridaStatutes).ConsistentwiththeAmericanAcademyofNeurologyandotherorganizations,ItisrecommendedthatanAHCPasdefinedinPolicy40.2aboveoranathletictrainer(ATC,asperChapter468,FloridaStatutes)ispresentatallsportingevents,includingpractices,whereathletesareatriskforconcussionorforthoseclassifiedasacollisionsport,wheneverpossible.


40.3 Mechanics for Removal from Athletic Contest. TheFHSAAconcussionrulecallsfor theimmediateremovalof theparticipantfromthecontestorpractice. Players,coachesandcontestofficialsshouldbecognizantofathleteswhodisplaysigns,symptomsorbehaviorsofaconcussionandimmediatelystopplayforinjuryevaluationwithintherulesofthegame(theresponsibilityofthecontestofficialislimitedtoactivitiesthatoccuronthefield,court,mat,etc.).40.3.1 Symptoms Reported by the Athlete

• Headache• Nausea• Balanceproblemsordizziness• Doubleorfuzzyvision• Sensitivitytolightornoise• Feelingsluggish• Feelingfoggyorgroggy• Concentrationormemoryproblems• Confusion

40.3.2 Signs Observed by Other Individuals• Appearsdazedorstunned• Isconfusedaboutwhattodo• Forgetsplays• Isunsureofgame,score,oropponent• Movesclumsily• Answersquestionsslowly• Losesconsciousness• Showsbehaviororpersonalitychanges• Can’trecalleventspriortohit• Can’trecalleventsafterhit

40.3.3 Removal. Oncetheparticipanthasbeenremovedfromacontestduetoasuspectedconcussion,thecoach,schoolandAHCP(s)assumesfullresponsibilityforthatathlete’sfurtherevaluationandsafety.Ifavailable,acertifiedathletictrainer(ATC)underthedirectsupervisionofaMD/DOcanassistwiththesidelineevaluationofastudent-athletewhenastudent-athleteissentoutofacompetitionorpractice,butcannotprovidewrittenclearancetoreturntoplay(refertoabove).Ifaftersidelineevaluation,itisdeterminedtheathletedoesnotdemonstratesymptomsconsistentwithaconcussiontheATCwillfollowprocedureswithinawrittenoperationalprotocolcreatedandsignedbyasupervisingphysiciantodeterminereturntoplay.Inthissituation,theathleteshouldcontinuetobemonitoredforanydelayedonsetofconcussionsymptomsandmustberemovedfromactivityimmediatelyifsignsorsymptomsreturn.40.4 Return to Play (RTP) Criteria – Recommended Concussion Management40.4.1 Noathleteshouldreturntoplay(RTP)orpracticeonthesamedayofasuspectedconcussion.“Whenindoubt,sitthemout!”40.4.2 AnyathletesuspectedofhavingaconcussionmustbeevaluatedbyanACHP(asdefinedabove)assoonaspossibleandpractical.40.4.3 AnyathletewhohassustainedaconcussionmustbemedicallyclearedbyanAHCP(asdefinedabove)priortoresumingparticipationinanypracticeorcompetition.40.4.4 After evaluationandexaminationbyanAHCP(asdefinedabove), return toplaymust followa step-wiseprotocolasdefinedbythe“GradedReturntoPlayProtocol”formandunderthesupervisionofanAHCP,athletictrainer,coachorotherhealthcareprofessional(PostHeadInjury/ConcussionForm).40.4.5 AwrittenmedicalclearancefromanAHCP(asdefinedabove)isrequiredforreturntocompetition(PostHeadInjury/Concussion–RTPForm).

40.5 Education on Management of Concussions40.5.1 Requirement for Coaches.AllFHSAAmemberschoolheadcoachesandpaid/supplementedcoachesarerequiredtoviewtheFREEonlineeducationcourse“ConcussioninSports–WhatYouNeedtoKnow”.ThisNFHSconcussioncoursemaybeviewedonlineatwww.nfhslearn.com.


40.5.2 Recommendation.Allmemberschoolpersonnel,contestofficials,student-athletes,parentsandmediaareencouragedtoeducatethemselvesbyviewingtheFREEonlineeducationcourse“ConcussioninSports–WhatYouNeedtoKnow”.ThisfreeNFHSconcussioncoursemaybeviewedonlineatwww.nfhslearn.com.40.5.3 Additional Information.Currentandup-to-dateinformationonconcussioncanbefoundontheCenterforDiseaseControlandPreventionwebsiteat:

• http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/youth.html;and• http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/HeadsUp/highschool.html.

40.6 Concussion Release Form.Eachstudent-athleteandtheirparentorlegalguardian,dulyappointedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdiction,mustsubmitareleaseformprovidedbytheassociation(FormEL3CH–Concussion&HeatRelatedIllnessInformationReleaseForm).

POLICY 41

HEAT ACCLIMATIZATIONHeatillnessisacauseforconcernforhighschoolstudent-athletesbeginningpre-seasonpracticesinthewarm,summermonthsandothertimesofextremeheat.Themostseriousheatillness,exertionalheatstroke,isoneoftheleadingcausesofpreventabledeathintheseathletes.Heatproductionduringintenseexerciseis15to20timesgreaterthanatrestandcanraisebodycoretemperatureonetotwodegreesFahrenheiteveryfiveminutesunlessheatisdissipated.Thefollowingpolicyprovidesguidelinesandproceduresforconductingpreseasonpracticesandactivitiestoinsurethewell-beingofstudent-athletes.

41.1 Intent.The intent of this policy is to requireFHSAAmember schools to followa preseason acclimatization andrecoverymodelforallsportsthatenhancesstudent-athletewell-being.Thepolicyalsorequiresindividualschools,ordistricts,toselectandpromoteamethodofenvironmentalmonitoringtobeusedoutsidetheacclimatizationperiodandcomplywithstandardrecommendationsforpracticemodifications,forthesafetyofthestudent-athlete.41.1.1 Thesepoliciesprovidegeneralregulationsforconductingpreseasonpracticesforsecondaryschool-agestudentathletesandtoproviderecommendationsforvoluntaryconditioningworkouts.41.1.2 Thesepoliciesshouldbeappliedbeforeandduringtheacademicyeartoensuretheathletesarrivewithandmaintainadequatesport-specificconditioning.41.1.3 Applicationoftheseregulationsshouldnotbebasedsolelyontheinformationcontainedherewithin;but,shouldrepresenttheminimalsafetyprecautionspromotedthroughtheFHSAA.CoachesandSchoolsareencouragedtoreviewpublishedrecommendationsthroughtheNFHSortheNationalAthleticTrainersAssociationtofurtherprotectstudent-athletesfromtheharmfuleffectsoftheheat.41.1.4 Individualsusingtheseguidelinesareresponsibleforprudentjudgmentwithrespecttoeachpractice,athleteandfacilityandeachathleteisresponsibleforexercisingcautionwhenfollowingthesegeneralrequirements.

41.2 Rationale.TherecommendationoftheNationalFederationofHighSchoolAssociation’s(NFHS)SportsMedicineAdvisoryCommittee(SMAC)andtheNationalAthleticTrainers’Association’s(NATA)SecondarySchoolCommittee,thatallsportsuseacclimatizationandrecoveryprinciplestodeveloptheirpreseasonpracticeschedulesforthepurposeofenhancingthestudentathletewell-being,isbasedonthefollowing:Theprimaryfocusofthepreseasonperiodshouldbetoprovideanadjustmentperiodtotheintensityanddurationofexerciseandenvironmentalconditions.Theseproceduresarebaseduponmedicalliterature.Carefulconsiderationshouldbegiventothevariouslevelsoffitnessinthehighschoolstudent-athlete.

41.3 Definitions.41.3.1 VoluntaryConditioning. Voluntaryconditioning isdefinedasanyconditioning (i.e. running,weight lifting,warm-up,stretching,orcool-down)thatoccursoutsidetheseasonasdefinedinPolicies20and21.41.3.2 OfficialPractice.Anofficialpracticeisdefinedasonecontinuousperiodoftimeinwhichaparticipantengagesinphysicalactivity.Itisrequiredthateachpracticebenomorethanthreehours(3hours)inlengthandconsistofnomorethan90minutesofintenseexercise.Warm-up,stretching,andcool-downactivitiesaretobeincludedaspartoftheofficialpracticetime.Allconditioningand/orweightroomactivitiesshallbeconsideredpartoftheofficialpracticebeginningonthefirstcalendardayofofficialsportseason.41.3.3 AcclimatizationPeriod.Theacclimatizationperiodisdefinedasthefirst14calendardaysofastudent-athletes’participation,beginningwiththefirstallowabledateofpracticeinthatsportorthefirstdayanathletebeginsofficialpractice,whicheverislater.Allstudent-athletes,includingthosewhoarrivetopreseasonpracticeafterthefirstofficialdayofpractice,mustadheretothesafety


precautionsaffordedbythisacclimatizationpolicy.Thisperioddoesnotrestrictanathletes’availabilitytoparticipateinacontestbutdoesrestricttheamountoftotalhoursanathletecanparticipateonadailyandweeklybasis.41.3.4 Walk-Through.Awalk-throughshallbedefinedasanadditional teaching/learningopportunityforstudent-athletesandcoacheswithnoprotectiveequipment(i.e.helmets,shoulderpads,shinguards)orequipmentrelatedtoagivensport(i.e.footballs,blockingsleds,pitchingmachine,soccerballs,etc).Thedurationofanywalk-throughmustnotexceedonehourinlength.Awalk-throughshallnotincludeconditioningorweightroomactivities.41.3.5 RecoveryPeriod.Arecoveryperiodisdefinedasthetimebetweentheendofonepracticeorwalk-throughandthebeginningofthenextpracticeorwalk-through.Physicalactivityisrestrictedduringthistimeperiod.(i.e.speed,strength,conditioning,oragilitydrills)Walk-throughsareprohibitedduringthisrecoveryperiod.

41.4 Procedures41.4.1 Priortoparticipationinanypreseasonpracticeactivities,allstudent-athletesarerequiredtoundergoaPre-ParticipationPhysicalEvaluation(seeBylaw9.7,FormEL2)administeredasrequiredbystatelaw.41.4.2 Thestudentandparentorlegalguardian,dulyappointedbyacourtofcompetentjurisdiction,mustsubmitreleaseformsprovidedbytheassociation(FormEL3–ConsentandReleasefromLiabilityCertificateandFormEL3CH–Concussion&HeatRelatedIllnessInformationReleaseForm).41.4.3 Duringthefirstsevendaysofanathlete’sparticipation,itisrequiredthatparticipantsnotengageinmorethanonepracticeperday.41.4.4 Ifapracticesessionisinterruptedbyinclementweatherorheatrestrictions,itisrequiredthesessionbedividedforthegoodofthestudent-athlete’swelfareaslongasthecombinedtotalpracticetimeforthatsessiondoesnotexceedthree(3)hours.Theadditionofawalk-throughsessioninthissituationisacceptableprovideditisaddedbecauseofaweatherrelateddisruption,andoccursinsideanair-conditionedfacility.41.4.5 Competitioniscountedasthree(3)hours.Anofficialpracticeisnotpermittedonthesamedayofacompetition.41.4.6 Awalk-through ispermittedduringDays1–6of theacclimatizationperiod.However,aone-hourrecoveryperiod isrequiredbetweentheendofpracticeandthestartofthewalk-throughorvice-versa.41.4.7 Footballonly(includingspring):Duetotheprotectiveequipmentrequiredinfootball,theseadditionalproceduresapply:thefirsttwo(2)daysofpracticearerestrictedtohelmetsonly,days3-5canintroduceshoulder-padswithshortsandthenbeginningdaysix(6)ofpractice,fullgearcanbeutilizedandbody-to-bodycontactispermitted.Student-athleteswhobeginpracticewithateamafterthestartofofficialpracticewillberequiredtofollowthissame6dayprocedure.Duringtheinitialfive(5)days,theuseofarmshields,tacklingandblockingdummies,sledsandotherdevicescanbeusedforinstructionalpurposes,however,deliberatebody-to-bodycontactisprohibited.41.4.8 Forfootballathletes,thefirstavailabilityforacontestwouldbeaftercompletionofthe6practicesessionsaslistedabovein41.4.6.41.4.9 BeginningDay8,itisrequiredthatthepracticeschedulenotexceeda2-1-2-1format.Thismeansthatadayconsistingoftwopracticesshouldbefollowedbyadaywithonlyonepractice.Onewalk-throughsessionmaybeaddedtoadaywithasinglepracticesession.Ifatwopracticedaywerefollowedbyadayoff,atwo-practicedaywouldbepermittedonthenextday.41.4.10Ondayswhentwopracticesareconducted, it is required thateitherpracticenotexceed three(3)hours in lengthandstudent-athletesnotparticipateinmorethanfive(5)totalhoursofpracticeactivitiesonthesedays,Warm-up,stretching,andcool-downactivitiesareincludedaspartoftheofficialpracticetime.Practicesmustbeseparatedwithatleastthreecontinuoushoursofrecoverytimebetweentheendofthefirstpracticeandthebeginningoftheverynextpractice.Awalk-thoughisnotpermittedondaysthathavetwo(2)officialpractices.Weeklypracticetimeshallnotexceedtwenty-four(24)hoursfordays8-14.41.4.11Ondayswhenasinglepracticeisconducted,itisrequiredthatpracticesnotexceedthreehours(3hours)inlength.Awalk-throughispermittedafteraminimumone-hourrecoveryperiodbetweentheendofthefirstpracticeandthewalk-through,orvice-versa.41.4.12Itisrecommendedthatanyvoluntaryconditioningsessionislimitedtothree(3)hoursmaximumpersessionandthesesessionsshouldincludethesafeguardslistedwithin41.5below.41.4.13CrossCountry:Individualsmustparticipateinaminimumof10practicesessionson10separatedayspriortothefirstcontest.

41.5 Hydration and Rest.Oncethe14dayacclimatizationperiodexpiresorwithinANYvoluntaryconditioningsession,eachindividualschool,ordistrict,mustselectandpromoteamethodofmonitoringtheenvironmentforheatrelatedconcernsandcomplywithstandardrecommendationsforpracticemodifications,forthesafetyofthestudent-athlete.Schoolsmustcontinuetoadheretotheabovehydration/restpoliciesaswellasthetimelimitsandsequencingimposedonpractice(2-1-2).

• Resttimeshouldinvolvebothunlimitedhydrationintakeandrestwithoutanyactivityinvolved.• Forsportsutilizinghelmets(i.e.football,lacrosse,baseball,softballandothers)helmetsshouldberemovedduring

resttime.


• Forevery30minutesofpractice,theremustbeatleastaminimum5minuterestandhydrationbreak.• Theareaidentifiedforrestshouldbeconsidereda“coolingzone”andoutofdirectsunlight.Thisareacaninclude

icesponges,coldimmersiontubsandothercoolingalternativestofacilitatethecoolingprocess.• Coachesshouldpromoteaheatinjurypreventionphilosophybypromotingunrestrictedaccesstowateratalltimes

withoutconsequence.• Astudent-athleteshouldneverbedeniedaccesstowaterifhe/sherequests.

41.5.1 Suggestedmethodsofmonitoringtheenvironmentinclude:1. WetBulbGlobeTemperature(WBGT)2. HeatIndex3. DigitalmetersorPsychrometers

41.6 Sanctions on Coaches41.6.1 Level 1 Suspension.AheadcoachwhocommitsaviolationofanyconditionlistedinPolicy41willbeineligibletocoachorattendanycontest,atanylevel,foraminimumofthenexttwo(2)contestsduringtheperiodofsuspension,inallsportsexceptfootball.Forfootball,thecoachwillbeineligibleforaminimumofone(1)footballgame;or41.6.2 Level 2 Suspension.AheadcoachwhoreceivesasecondLevel1SuspensionduetoaviolationofanyconditionlistedinPolicy41,orcommitsmultipleviolationsinPolicy41willbeineligibletocoachorattendanyinterscholasticathleticcontestinanysport,atanylevel,foraperiodofuptosix(6)weeks;or41.6.3 Level 3 Suspension. AheadcoachwhoreceivesasecondLevel2SuspensionforviolatinganyconditionofPolicy41orcommitsanegregiousviolationofPolicy41,asdeterminedinthesolediscretionoftheExecutiveDirector,willbeineligibletocoachorattendanyinterscholasticathleticcontestinanysportforaperiodofuptoone(1)year.

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