BULLETIN
March 2001 Volume LXXVII Number 6

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING
East Lansing, February 14, 2001

Executive Committee Authority and Responsibility - The Executive Committee was reminded of its authority under Article VII of the MHSAA Constitution and specifically its responsibility to consider each application for waiver of an eligibility requirement on its individual merits, determining if the regulation serves the purpose for which it was intended in each case or if the regulation works an undue hardship on any student who is the subject of a request for waiver. (These underlying criteria may not be restated for every subject of these minutes.)
The Executive Committee was reminded that it was the responsibility of each member school involved to provide sufficient factual information about the specific request for the Executive Committee to reach a decision without further investigation. If information is incomplete, contradictory or otherwise unclear or has been received too late to be studied completely, the Executive Committee may deny the request for waiver or delay action. Such requests may be resubmitted to the Executive Committee with additional information at a subsequent meeting or appealed to the full Representative Council.
It is possible that some of the information presented as facts to the Executive Committee by school personnel and others may be inaccurate. However, to avoid constant repetition in these minutes of phrases such as "it was alleged" or "it was reported," no attempt is made in the introduction of each waiver request to distinguish between truth, allegation, hearsay, opinion, summary or conclusion.
A determination of undue hardship is a matter addressed to the discretion of the Executive Committee within the educational philosophy and secondary role of voluntary extracurricular competitive athletics in the academic environment. The Executive Committee was cautioned to avoid making exceptions that would create precedent that effectively changes a rule without Representative Council action or local board of education adoption, which would exceed Executive Committee authority.
Students for whom waiver of a particular regulation is granted must be eligible in all respects under all other sections and interpretations of the regulations prior to their participation.
Adoption of these regulations is a choice schools make locally when they consider their option of MHSAA membership. Consistent with rulings of the Attorney General and Michigan Supreme Court, schools are not bound by the decisions of the Executive Committee, but the association may limit participation in the postseason tournaments it sponsors to those schools which choose to apply rules and penalties as promulgated by the MHSAA and adopted by each member school's board of education. The MHSAA exercises no independent authority over schools or students during regular season.
Grand Ledge High School (Regulation I, Sections 2, & 7) - Request was made to waive regulations to facilitate the eligibility of ten refugees from Sudan. They have no academic records and the births were set arbitrarily and uniformly as 1/1/83.
The Executive Committee determined that refugees from Sudan who are wards of the State of Michigan, assigned the birth date of 1/1/83, and enrolled in an MHSAA member school by the fourth Friday of February 2001, may become eligible at that school for the two semesters of the 2001-02 school year only, provided they have established the required previous semester academic record and are eligible in all other respects.
Note: The Executive Committee instructed staff to apply this decision to all Sudanese refugee students in these circumstances and to refer to the Executive Committee any requests for such students whose situations differ (e.g., date of enrollment, date of birth).
Ann Arbor-Pioneer High School (Regulation I, Sections 4 & 5) - Request to waive the maximum semesters sections of the eligibility regulation was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who was enrolled for the two semesters of 9th grade in 1998-99 at Pioneer High School. During the first semester of the 1999-00 school year, the student trained in figure skating in New York and was not enrolled in school. This continued in the second semester until May 2000 when she enrolled in a home school program through the University of Nebraska. She returned to Pioneer High School for the start of the 2000-01 school year and was ineligible for the first semester under the previous semester record regulation and possibly also the transfer regulation. She is now in her third second semester and her fifth semester overall, which means she would not be eligible during the second semester of 12th grade in 2002-03. She turns 19 on March 1, 2003.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Ann Arbor-Pioneer High School (Regulation I, Sections 4 & 5) - A late request was made to waive the maximum semesters sections of the eligibility regulation on behalf of a student who first enrolled in 9th grade in the fall of the 1996-97 school year. He was enrolled for a portion of the second semester of that school year and was not enrolled at all during the first semester of the 1997-98 school year. The current semester is his 5th second semester and his 9th semester overall.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Warren-Lincoln High School (Regulation I, Sections 4 & 5) - Request was made to waive the maximum semesters sections of the eligibility regulation on behalf of a student who was diagnosed with Leukemia and a tumor in his chest during his 10th-grade year in 1998-99 and has struggled with these illnesses and brain hemorrhages throughout his high school years. He received no credit for class work in 1998-99. He played basketball and baseball during 9th grade in 1997-98. If cleared by medical authorities, he hopes to be eligible in 2001-02, which would be his final year of high school but his 9th and 10th semesters.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Allendale High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who had been home schooled until Jan. 22, 2001, and never participated in school sports.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver at the subvarsity level only during the second semester of the 2000-01 school year.
Big Rapids-Crossroads Charter Academy (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who attended Big Rapids High School for 9th grade and the first semester of 10th grade. She participated in volleyball and cross country as a 9th-grader, therefore, the subvarsity option was not applicable even if Crossroads Charter Academy sponsored teams at those levels. She struggled academically at the larger school.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Bloomfield Hills-Lahser High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level was made on behalf of a 9th-grade student who previously attended Bloomfield Hills-Brother Rice High School where he did not participate in interscholastic athletics. He enrolled for the start of the second semester at Lahser.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver at the subvarsity level only during the second semester of the 2000-01 school year.
Canton-Agape Christian Academy (Regulation I, Section 9 & Regulation V, Section 4) - A late request to waive the transfer and other regulations was made on behalf of a student who transferred to Agape Christian Academy and played soccer during the first semester of 2000-01 while ineligible to do so. In spite of correspondence to the school indicating the student was not eligible at the start of the second semester, the student participated in four basketball games.
The Executive Committee tabled this item until the school complies with the executive director's letter of Dec. 26, 2000, relative to forfeiture of contests during the first semester, and other requests.
Detroit City High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 12th-grade student whose father died in 1987 and mother died Dec. 18, 2000. He relocated from St. Louis, Missouri, with his brother to the residence of his uncle in Detroit. The Executive Committee was also provided a fax indicating that on 2/14/01, a different person was made the student's temporary guardian, expiring 4/4/01.
The Executive Committee granted waiver of the transfer regulation if Detroit City High School is the closest public school to the guardian's residence at the address indicated in the 2/14/01 document.
Farmington Hills-Mercy High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of an 11th-grade student who relocated in July 2000 with her family from Illinois to the Plymouth Canton School District because of her father's employment transfer from Illinois to Farmington Hills. She transferred from Plymouth Canton to Farmington Hills-Mercy High School for the start of the second semester of the 2000-01 school year.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Farmington Hills-North Farmington High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - A late request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of an 11th-grade student who previously attended and played football at Farmington Hills-Harrison High School. The transfer occurred Dec. 5, 2000 for personal, emotional and academic reasons. At its Jan. 17, 2001 meeting, the Executive Committee cited lack of detail and independent documentation, and denied the request for waiver. The request was resubmitted. The only new material was an Educational Transfer Form, but the facts of the case did not permit its use.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Freeland High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - A late request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of an 11th-grade student who moved with his mother from Maryland as she separated from her husband.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Gaylord High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a brother and sister (10th and 11th-graders) who moved to Gaylord with their mother in the summer of 1999. The following summer, their mother remarried and relocated with these students to Lake City. After an abusive situation, the mother and children were evicted. In December 2000, the mother separated from her husband and she returned with the students to Gaylord. She was rehired by her former employer.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Grand Rapids-Forest Hills Northern High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request was made to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility at the subvarsity level only on behalf of a 9th-grade student who enrolled at Forest Hills Northern at the start of the second semester of the 2000-01 school year, having previously attended Grand Rapids-Central High School where she did not participate in interscholastic athletics.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver at the subvarsity level only during the second semester of the 2000-01 school year.
Hamtramck High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 12th-grade student who previously resided in the Farmington School District and attended Farmington High School and who relocated with his mother to the Pershing High School attendance area of the Detroit Public Schools. However, he enrolled at Horizon, a Hamtramck alternative education program where students are counted for and are eligible for interscholastic athletics at Hamtramck High School.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Martin High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who attended Wayland Union High School until the start of the second semester of the 2000-01 school year while living in the Martin School District. She participated in athletics at Wayland Union but had problems fitting in with fellow students, which led to a clinical referral.
The Executive Committee denied the request for waiver.
Mattawan High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 10th-grade student who was enrolled at Mattawan and participated in sports in 9th-grade, attended an alternative school in the Paw Paw district for the first semester of 10th grade when she did not participate, and reenrolled at Mattawan for the second semester of the 2000-01 school year.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Orchard Lake-St. Mary's Preparatory High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level was made on behalf of a 9th-grade student who previously attended Redford-Detroit Catholic Central High School where he did not participate in high school athletics. The student enrolled at St. Mary's Jan. 4, 2001.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver at the subvarsity level only during the second semester of the 2000-01 school year.
Parma-Western High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level was made on behalf of a 9th-grade student who lives in the Western School District but attended Jackson High School during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year when he did not participate in school sports. He enrolled at Western Jan. 23, 2001.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver at the subvarsity level only during the second semester of the 2000-01 school year.
Royal Oak-Shrine High School (Regulation I, Section 9[B]) - Request to waive the transfer regulation to permit eligibility only at the subvarsity level was made on behalf of two 9th-grade students who enrolled at Shrine High School on the first day of the second semester of the 2000-01 school year, having previously attended Detroit-Cass Tech High School where they did not participate in interscholastic athletics.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver at the subvarsity level only during the second semester of the 2000-01 school year.
Troy High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request was made to waive the transfer regulation on behalf of an 11th-grade student who attended Orchard Lake-St. Mary High School until being home schooled and enrolling in 20 hours of non-core subjects at Troy High School.
The Executive Committee noted that the student would not be deemed eligible under the transfer regulation if he enrolled exclusively at Troy High School and therefore should not gain eligibility by only being dually enrolled there. The request for waiver was denied.
Vermontville-Maple Valley High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request to waive the transfer regulation was made on behalf of a 9th-grade student who participated in basketball while attending Battle Creek-Pennfield High School before enrolling at Maple Valley on Jan. 9, 2001. The student relocated from the residence of his mother, who has Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis and is unable to care for her son, to the residence of her brother in the Maple Valley School District.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver when the executive director is satisfied that the residence of the student's father was not a viable option.
Waterford-Our Lady of the Lakes High School (Regulation I, Section 9) - Request was made to waive the transfer regulation on behalf of an 11th-grade student who attended Our Lady of the Lakes for 9th-grade in 1998-99 during which his father died. He attended Waterford Mott High School for 10th grade and into December of 11th grade. The student is dealing with his father's death and his brother's liver disease and was referred for clinical counseling since October 1999.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Stevensville-Lakeshore High School (Regulation II, Section 10) - The school's wrestling team competed in nine events in which a wrestler participated in more than two matches. Consistent with long-standing precedent for exceeding season limitations, the school was prohibited from entering MHSAA postseason Wrestling Tournaments. The school appealed.
The Executive Committee could find nothing convincing that would suggest this situation be handled differently than when teams had exceeded their season limitations in other sports in other years. The Executive Committee took note that it appeared some school personnel may have known on Dec. 23, 2000 that its wrestlers' participation in more than two matches in a meet that day in Indiana would create schedule problems and made no efforts that day to avoid the problem and subsequently made no efforts to adjust its schedule to stay within the limit of eight events in which its wrestlers competed in more than two matches. The appeal was denied.
Republic-Michigamme Schools (Regulation III, Section 1) - Request was made to waive Interpretation No. 223 to permit 6th graders on 7th and 8th-grade teams in track and field for 2000-01 and in cross country as well as basketball and track in 2001-02.
The Executive Committee granted the request for waiver.
Flint-Beecher and Davison High Schools (Regulation V, Section 3[C]) - A junior varsity football game between these schools at Beecher High School on Oct. 19, 2000 was ended prematurely by officials for lack of control by both schools of their game personnel and spectators. At its Jan. 17, 2001 meeting, the Executive Committee reviewed (a) the Officials Report; (b) media reports; (c) Beecher's response to MHSAA inquiry; (d) Davison's response; (e) Big Nine Conference Grievance Report; and (f) updated summary of situations involving Beecher High School. The Executive Committee determined that prior to its Feb. 14, 2001 meeting, Beecher High School must provide MHSAA staff copies of its response to the Big Nine Conference Grievance Report and have its athletic director, principal and superintendent meet with MHSAA staff in East Lansing. On Jan. 24, 2001, the MHSAA office received a copy of the school's response to the Big Nine Conference. On Feb. 1, 2001, a meeting occurred between Beecher administration and MHSAA staff, the report of which was provided to the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee determined the following:

1. The school's athletic program shall be placed on probation through the 2001-02 school year without the privilege of hosting MHSAA tournaments or receiving reimbursements for participation in MHSAA tournaments.
2. If during the term of probation there is a sportsmanship concern regarding Beecher High School personnel under Regulation II, Section 15(F)3 or referred to the Executive Committee under Regulation V, Section 3, the school will be prohibited from entering the next MHSAA tournament in at least that sport.
3. At its September 2001 meeting, the Executive Committee will review if Beecher High school has completed the following:

a. The athletic director has met with MHSAA Associate Director Jerry Cvengros and attended an Athletic Director In-Service Workshop.

b. All fall and winter coaches, full time and part time, paid and volunteer, have attended a group meeting with Assistant Director Nate Hampton.

c. The board of education president has met with Assistant Director Bill Bupp.

d. All paid coaches of fall and winter season sports have completed the Program of Athletic Coaches' Education (PACE).

4. Beecher High School's administration must put in writing to the MHSAA by March 15, 2001 that it agrees to the terms of No. 3 above.
5. Prior to March 1, 2001, all opponents in football and basketball contests in which an ineligible Beecher student participated during the first semester of the 2000-01 school year must be informed in writing of forfeitures.
Representative Council - The Executive Committee reviewed a draft agenda for the March 23, 2001 Representative Council Meeting.
Next Meetings - The next meetings of the Executive Committee are scheduled for Thursday, March 22, 2001, at 9 a.m. in East Lansing; Wednesday, April 18, 2001, at 9 a.m. in East Lansing; Saturday, May 5, 2001, at 6 p.m. in Gaylord; and Wednesday, June 6, 2001, at 9 a.m. in East Lansing.

Review of Recent History - At its 2000 meeting, the Finance Committee was advised: (1) The MHSAA's positive cash flow of the 1990's had been bolstered by extraordinary sources of revenue outside the normal course of operations, including an anti-trust settlement, insurance reimbursements, real estate transactions and high investment returns. (2) Because of large and ongoing changes in reimbursements for MHSAA tournament hosts, there was little hope of a positive bottom line for basic operations for any future year. (3) There was need to fund an alternative to Director and Officers Insurance, which will become unavailable to the MHSAA in the near future.
At the Finance Committee's recommendation and with the Representative Council's approval, the insurance concern is being addressed. Proceeds of the final real estate transaction were placed in the designated Legal Defense Fund, essentially doubling that fund, and a plan was approved to place $120,000 per year in the fund each year until further notice. The balance in this designated fund was nearly $600,000 on Jan. 31, 2001.
Increased reimbursements to MHSAA tournament hosts continues to weaken the MHSAA's financial strength. To review:

1. Approved in 1996 for implementation in 1997-98 was the policy of $300 or 10 percent of the gross, whichever is greater, for the hosts of tournaments in five sports, with a total budget impact projected to be a minimum of $57,000 during 1997-98 and every year thereafter.
2. Approved in 1998 for implementation in 1998-99 was the doubling of the formula approved for five sports in 1997-98 and the adoption of the policy of $300 or 10 percent of the gross, whichever is greater, for hosts of tournaments in nine other sports. The total impact was projected to be a minimum of $306,000 during 1998-99 and every year thereafter.
In addition, the MHSAA continues to review on an every-other-year basis policies for payments to tournament managers, officials and scorers and timers, making at least modest increases that thereafter occur annually.
These increased reimbursements to schools and for important workers of MHSAA tournaments have had a dramatically negative effect on the bottom line for tournaments in boys and girls soccer, girls volleyball, track and field, boys and girls tennis, baseball, girls softball, boys and girls golf, and girls gymnastics. These policies combine with format and venue changes to negatively affect the bottom line in wrestling and cross country.
Among future considerations must be less expensive MHSAA tournament formats and venues, reduction in other expenses, and increased revenue sources.
2000-01 Year-To-Date Review - Fall tournaments netted approximately $170,000 less than the fall tournaments of 2000, with football down $105,000, girls basketball down $100,000 and cross country down $12,000. Boys soccer improved $49,000.
Overall operations through Jan. 31, 2001 lagged $487,000 behind Jan. 31, 2000. Investments were much improved over the previous year so that the net budget was less than $200,000 behind the previous fiscal year through January. The fall tournament financial reports, along with significantly increased expenses for the Sportsmanship Summit, personnel and litigation virtually assures that fiscal year 2000-01 will end with a deficit larger than that which was budgeted ($246,671), continuing the trend that has existed since extraordinary sources of income have been eliminated and tournament host reimbursements have been increased.
Fuel Prices - In June of 2000, the executive director sent a memorandum to the Representative Council about rising gasoline prices and current MHSAA policies for mileage reimbursements to Council and committee members, meeting presenters and staff when personal cars are used, tournament officials and finalists. In August, the Executive Committee referred discussions to the Finance Committee. There was no support from the Finance Committee to change any mileage reimbursement policies.
Basketball - The 2000-01 MHSAA Basketball Committee has made two recommendations to the Representative Council that would have significant budget impact, and therefore were presented to the Finance Committee for review before submission to the Representative Council.

1. The Basketball Committee's recommendation to utilize three-person officiating crews at the Regionals of MHSAA Boys and Girls Basketball Tournament would increase costs by approximately $7,680.
2. The Basketball Committee's recommendation to increase officials' mileage from 15¢ to 25¢ per mile, round-trip, would increase costs by approximately $23,500 per year.
The Finance Committee determined that the utilization of three-person officiating crews was for the Representative Council to determine in May. The Finance Committee agreed to recommend to the Representative Council that any increases in officials' mileage should be considered on the regular schedule (which is 2002) and for all officials (not just basketball).
Personnel Considerations - The Finance Committee developed proposals for the Representative Council's action in March relative to compensation for the executive director and the total of adjustments the executive director may award to other MHSAA staff for fiscal year 2001-02.

Trophy Presentation
Joe Reddinger and Dee Jay Paquette will represent the Upper Peninsula Athletic Committee as trophy presenters. They will be presenting at Northern Michigan University in Marquette.

Ice Hockey Officials Selection
The committee assigned officials to Division 1 tournament at Marquette and Division 3 tournament at Houghton.

Track and Field
Regional meet assignments were assigned as follows:
Division 1 - Escanaba and Houghton
Division 2 - Iron Mountain, St. Ignace
Division 3 - Pickford, Rapid River, White
Pine and North Dickinson

Volleyball
Officials were assigned to Regional Finals at Newberry and Bark River-Harris. In addition, Sandra Raymond and Renee Alexandroni will officiate Quarterfinal games at Gaylord High School.

Wrestling
Officials selected to work the 2001 Upper Peninsula Finals are: Russ Pericolosi, David Gagnon, George Pond and Hans Wienke.

Future Events
Girls Tennis - Oct. 6, 2001
Division 1 - Kingsford
Division 2 - Negaunee

Cross Country - Oct. 20, 2001
Ishpeming at Red Fox Golf Club

Wrestling - Feb. 15-16, 2002
Escanaba

Boys Tennis - May 31, 2002
Division 1 - Kingsford
Division 2 - Ishpeming

Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Upper Peninsula Athletic Committee will be in Escanaba on Friday, April 27, 2001.

PLEASE PRINT
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MAILING ADDRESS____________________________________________________________

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Please return before April 16, 2001, and make check payable to the Michigan High School Athletic Association, 1661 Ramblewood, East Lansing, Michigan 48823.

TICKET MONEY CANNOT BE REFUNDED

Volleyball Competition Limitations
The committee reviewed correspondence from the Southern Thumb Association suggesting that a change in Junior High School volleyball limitations of competition. The suggestion is to allow three contests per week for at least one week during the season to enable schools to attend a Saturday tournament while playing two regularly scheduled games during the week.

Track and Field Order of Events and Limitations
Nate Hampton reviewed the history of Junior High/Middle School limitations on competition in track and field. Committee members expressed some concern of possible abuse by coaches in selecting events for athletes. Mr. Hampton indicated that the track community is generally satisfied and no adverse reports have been reported.

Discussion Items
Committee member Tom Mecsey of Cranbrook-Kingswood Middle School and chair of MIAAA Junior High/Middle School committee shared the results of a survey conducted by the MIAAA last spring. The survey attempted to gather information regarding Michigan Junior High athletic administrators and school programs.

Recommendations to the Representative Council
1. Recognizing that the MHSAA regulations currently allow three basketball games for one week during the Junior High/Middle School basketball season, the committee voted unanimously to adopt similar language for both volleyball and wrestling. This would allow three days of competition or three weigh-ins during one week of the Junior High/Middle School seasons for each sport, but only two of three games may occur on a day or night before a school day (12-0 in favor).
2. The committee proposed changing Handbook Interpretation 11 to read as follows (bold portion is proposed change):
"With district administrative approval, students in grades seven and eight, or grade nine of a Junior High/Middle School, may observe or participate in practice at the same site and time as Senior High School students if the schools are part of the same district. However, the Senior High School students shall not engage in direct competition with Junior High/Middle School students" (12-0 in favor).
3. The committee proposed changing Handbook Interpretation 223 to read as follows (bold portions are proposed changes):
"With district administration approval students in the sixth grade may observe or participate in practices at the same site and time as students in grades seven and eight if the schools are part of the same district. However, seventh and eighth grade students shall not engage in direct competition with students in the sixth grade and below. The catastrophic medical insurance purchased by the MHSAA does not cover sixth graders and below" (12-0 in favor).
4. The committee voted unanimously to recommend that Interpretation 240 be relocated to either page 62 or 63 in the Handbook as determined by MHSAA staff (12-0 in favor).

Agenda Items
MHSAA attorneys led a discussion of association representatives regarding coaches' association's positions relative to realignment of seasons. Each member discussed the effect seasonal changes would have on their respective sports.
Executive Director Jack Roberts shared information regarding the most common violations of MHSAA member school regulations including failure to register non-faculty coaches, failure to rate officials, and failure of head coaches to attend rules meetings or pass rules examinations.
Associate Director, Jerry Cvengros announced a new MHSAA In-Service workshop for first-time coaches to be held at Okemos High School on Monday, July 30, 2001. A six-hour program featuring a variety of speakers who will address topics appropriate for entry-level coaches. Additional information will be forth coming this spring.
Assistant Directors Gina Mazzolini and Nate Hampton discussed recent MHSAA committee decisions on Out of Season Issues, Three Person Rule, and Officials: Perception and Professionalism.
Representatives of each association present reviewed activities and membership update of the respective organization.

DISCUSSION ITEMS
Scrimmage Regulation: The proposal from various coaches as well as from the tennis coaches association asked to remove the restriction on when scrimmages can be used (no more than two prior to 1st match). The change would allow a scrimmage anytime a coach/program wished to schedule.
Three-Player Regulation: There was discussion of the current three-player regulation and a modification of the rules. A motion was made which would increase the three-player regulation to four players.
The committee felt education and enforcement are vital if the regulation is to work.
Uniform Rule: The committee voted to keep the current uniform rule. There was concern about some leniency in uniforms which coaches/students select and wear. In order to alleviate some questionable uniforms, each coach must get school approval prior to ordering uniforms.
Note: This committee action keeps in place the current rule, which prohibits tank tops and racer back dresses.
Regional tournament policy on use of indoor courts: The committee voted unanimously to change the requirement from "all" coaches… to "The majority of" coaches agree to play indoors.
Increasing the minimum number of players required to field a team for Regional Tournament play: Currently, the minimum numbers of players is four and the committee voted unanimously to increase that number to six.

MHSTeCA Proposals
1. Add a fourth doubles flight in Division 4 Regional and Final tournaments. The committee suggested that a survey be sent to all Division 4 schools, which sponsor tennis.
2. Advance three teams from each Regional to the Final. This proposal was defeated 13-4 and not advanced to the Council.
3. In Regional and Final draws, schools cannot play each other more than twice in the first matches played.
4. Place a bye in the next bye position and then random draw as usual – in those flights where an incomplete line up is submitted.
Regional Assignments
and Hosts
After a few school changes, the committee approved the alignments and selected hosts in regions where schools have offered.

Recommendations to the Representative Council
1. Increase the three-player regulation to four players (12-1-4 in favor).
2. Increase the number of players required to field a team for MHSAA Regionals from four to six (17-0 in favor).
3. Survey Division 4 schools to determine support to add a fourth doubles flight at the MHSAA Finals (17-0 in favor).
4. Prohibit schools from playing one another more than twice in the first round of Regional and Final draws (17-0 in favor).
5. Allow all four scrimmages to occur at any time during the season (15-0 in favor).
6. When an incomplete lineup is submitted by a team for MHSAA Regionals or Finals, place a bye in the next designated position as described by USTA and then random draw (17-0 in favor).

Football Playoffs
1. The committee reviewed the 2000 Football Playoffs and compared selection results and attendance figures with 1999 statistics. It was pointed out that results of the two year expanded format were very identical when comparing school classification, enrollment breaks and numbers of automatic qualifying schools. In 1999, 241 schools qualified automatically based on their regular season record. In 2000, 238 schools did the same.
In 1999, 47 playoff games were subjected to the point-differential rule, while 39 games were shortened in 2000. There were eight overtime games in 1999 and nine this year.
In Final games at the Silverdome, 11 finalists were No. 1 seeds at the Pre-District level, four were No. 2 seeds, and one school advanced from a No. 4 seed. Six finalists were Class A schools, four were Class B, four were Class C and two were Class D schools. This was the same relationship as 1999.
The committee acknowledged that the comparisons were very favorable and expressed satisfaction in the expanded format.
2. After a review of football starting dates and duration of season, the committee discussed the early start of football as it affects the various areas of the state. In five of seven years, two regular-season games are played before Labor Day and practice begins during the first week of August. Problems include:
a. Class starting dates in northern Lower Michigan schools are often set after Labor Day causing lower participation and lower attendance at early games. It is especially a problem at sub-varsity levels.
b. Counselors and administrative staff may not be on duty in early August resulting in eligibility record keeping problems.
c. School marching bands are reluctant to report for early games.
d. Shortened practice schedule allows time for only one preseason scrimmage.
The committee reviewed ways to alleviate problems including reducing the regular-season schedule to eight games at various levels of the football program. No consensus was reached.
3. A letter from Menominee High School suggesting that geographical pairings in Region 1 be eliminated from the Football Playoff regulations was reviewed. Current regulations mandate geographical pairings whenever both games at the Pre-District level necessitate travel over 200 miles. In some cases these pairings will result in number 1 seeded teams hosting number 2 seeded teams with the number 2 team losing their earned right to host a game. Although travel would be reduced, some Upper Peninsula schools have indicated their preference to eliminate geographical pairings at the Pre-District level and play the games according to the formula at District and Regional levels.
The committee voted unanimously to have the MHSAA Staff survey football playing schools in Region 1 to determine their preferences and to present the results to the Representative Council in May.
4. The committee reviewed correspondence regarding football playoff sites. It was pointed out that some schools who earn the right to host may not have adequate facilities and in some cases do not have a facility of their own.
Several suggestions were discussed, but there was no motion to change the current method of selection of sites. The MHSAA has indicated that schools in position to qualify for the Football Playoffs next fall will receive a preliminary brochure to assist them in their plans for hosting playoff contests. Suggestions will include meetings of competing schools to review facilities and game management.

Football Rules and Procedures
The committee was informed of National Federation football rule changes for the 2001 season. A major change differentiates the penalty for running into a kicker and roughing the kicker. A 5-yard penalty will be assessed for running into the kicker.
Committee members made several suggestions to include in next fall's football rules meetings as points of emphasis.

Recommendations to the Representative Council
There were no recommendations to the Representative Council for their consideration.

DISCUSSION
Draw System: The committee reviewed the current draw system utilized for wrestling and determined the current draw is appropriate for wrestling; there was no wish to change the system.
Scrimmage Rule: A discussion of the scrimmage rule was discussed and the committee consensus was that there be no change.
Three-Player Rule: The three-player rule which applies to athletes during the school year out-of-season was reviewed with considerable discussion. The committee considered a motion which failed, to recommend coaches of all sports be able to use four players in the out-of-season during the school year. Immediately following that vote, a motion to request wrestling coaches be allowed to coach four competitors during the school year out-of-season was passed by the committee.
Floor Access at Finals: Considerable discussion took place with regard to the access of coaches to the Lower Peninsula Individual Wrestling Finals floor. Several thoughts were put forth by various committee members suggesting that four or five coaches be granted access to the floor. It was commented that coaches would be willing to pay for the extra floor passes as long as they could be given access to the warm-up area and that perhaps some of the passes might be transferable. Other thoughts included that the name of the coach be placed on the pass and that if a coach misuses the passes that were granted, it would be deemed an unsportsmanlike act, resulting in a deduction of the team point in the first instance, and ejection for the remainder of the tournament in the second instance. Since there are no team points kept at this level, the first notification adopted would simply be a warning. The consensus of the committee was that representatives from the Michigan Wrestling Coaches Association ought to meet with the assistant director to review a protocol and set forth a plan to be implemented in future Lower Peninsula Individual Wrestling Finals.
Weight Monitoring: There were several clerical corrections or additions proposed for the Weight Monitoring Brochure. Each item was reviewed by the committee and a vote to authorize and endorse the changes was successful.
Officials Issues: The committee discussed the waiver issue which might be implemented for officials who do not belong to an approved officials association when that is required in 2005-06. Suggestions made by the committee included consideration be given to those who exceed a specific mile limit from an association headquarters. Those who attend an approved clinic, training program, perhaps pass a 'closed book test' or become involved in a computer activity such as on-line testing may also receive consideration. Specific expectations were not made with regard to the issue, but all suggestions will be passed on to the Officials Review Committee when it meets in the fall of 2001.
Finals Housing: A question regarding the position of the MHSAA in terms of providing housing options for wrestlers and coaches attending the Individual Finals received limited discussion. Specifically, coaches on the committee indicated their desire that the MHSAA continue to make arrangements with hotels nearest to the host venue for the convenience of teams participating.
Weigh-Ins: A proposal to require shoulder-to-shoulder weigh-ins beginning Feb. 1 each season was discussed and a motion was made not to change the home weigh-in procedure as it currently exists. The vote of the committee supported the motion.
A second proposal regarding the weigh-in policy was to end the home weigh-in procedure on the final day of January. It failed.
Competition Limitations: Discussion regarding the wrestling season resulted in a motion to allow wrestling teams to compete five times within two 14-day periods, Monday through Sunday, each season. Specifically, the committee felt that such action would give schedulers, athletic directors and coaches an opportunity to be more flexible in their scheduling of the 16 allowable weigh-ins. Some coaches would prefer not wrestling during the holiday season and action such as this would permit a period of vacation for wrestlers at the end of December each year. The committee supported the concept.
Tie-Breaker: The Tie-Breaker which has been adopted for all MHSAA tournament competition, was proposed to be applied to all regular season dual meet competition unless a league or conference adopts the option to allow ties. The committee supported this proposal with its discussion and vote.
Growth Allowance: The allowance of two pounds which is currently being afforded wrestlers on the second Sunday of January was discussed resulting in a new proposal which would allow the growth allowance of 2 pounds to be applied on January 1 of each year, 14 days earlier. This proposal is well within the National Federation rules and would work within the MHSAA program without confusion or problem. The committee supported this change in the growth allowance procedure unanimously.
School Contracts: The committee discussed the enforcement of contracts between schools, asked questions about the issues which relate to contracting and took no action.
UP Wrestling Survey: There was a proposal from the Upper Peninsula wrestling coaches, principals and athletic directors which encourages the MHSAA to survey the Upper Peninsula schools which sponsor wrestling regarding their interest of participating in the Lower Peninsula Individual Finals. The committee provided unanimous support for this item.
Season Start Date: The final request for action focused on changing of the season so that it might start on December 1, rather than prior to Thanksgiving. After considerable discussion and review of the time at which the Final Tournament might be held, the committee unanimously agreed not to pursue the issue.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
1. Maintain the current scrimmage rule (24-0 in favor).
2. Increase the number of wrestlers who may participate out-of-season during the school year with a coach to four (19-4 in favor).
3. Reassign the date on which the 2-pound growth allowance would be effective. The date would be Jan. 1 of each season (24-0 in favor).
4. Survey the Upper Peninsula schools sponsoring wrestling to determine if they would be interested in participating in the Lower Peninsula Individual Finals in a format to be discussed and determined if consensus supports the concept (24-0 in favor).
5. Provide an option to allow high school teams to twice each season compete five times within a 14-day period from Monday to Sunday as long as periods are not immediately consecutive (underlined is staff recommendation) (24-0 in favor).
6. Adopt the MHSAA Tie-Breaker Rule for all regular-season competition unless a league or conference adopts the option to allow ties (24-0 in favor).

Tournament Entry Forms and Material
The committee discussed at length the current process and requirements schools must do to complete a bona fide entry in the MHSAA tournament. Currently, for Track and Field, school coaches must turn in to Regional managers (1) entry blank signed by coach and principal, (2) entry form listing participants by event, (3) individual cards listing participants by event with entry time/height or distance verification, (4) master eligibility list for the entire team, (5) a computer entry disk (required by many Regional managers at our urging). In an effort to lessen the paper and work currently required for a complete tournament entry, the committee proposes the following to MHSAA staff for the entry process this spring, keeping with our previous year's efforts and advances to computerize information transfer to Regional and to Final managers.
A complete 2001 entry will include the following:
1. Master Eligibility Form
2. Entry Form - Reformatted to conform to computer entry format that will include athlete's name, grade, and event mark. Also, signature areas for coach and principal verifying a bona fide school entry, as well as individual marks that are true and were met during this current outdoor season.
3. A generic entry diskette created by Sydex and duplicated and mailed by the MHSAA.
4. Entry Blank.
The committee was very interested in having an on-line system to complete the entry process for future Track and Field Regionals. It will be proposed that the MHSAA host the site, and work with Sydex in developing the appropriate software for the web. No target date for Track and Field, but investigate for Cross Country next season.

Cross Country Entries
Continue current tournament entry process with forms and computer diskettes, with the addition of installing a web entry system hosted by the MHSAA. If we are able to establish a web entry system, the forms and diskette will be maintained for at least the 2001 season as back up.

National Federation Rules Changes
The committee reviewed the 2001 National Federation Track and Field/Cross Country rules changes. After careful review, the committee made no recommendations for additional adoptions for this year's rules changes.

MICHIGAN POINTS OF EMPHASIS
• Junior High/Middle School - Prelims are Events
• Non-competitive athletes entered in Regionals
• Public Act 187
• Lightning during competition
• Uniforms required for officials and officials must be registered

Minutes of the 2000 Committee
The committee reaffirmed last year's action regarding current National Federation Rule 3-2-4h, "The Games Committee may declare that the jersey must be tucked into the shorts." The committee reaffirmed that jerseys will have to be tucked into the short while competing in MHSAA Regional and Final competitions.

Scrimmage Regulations
The committee was asked to discuss the current scrimmage regulation that is applied evenly to each sport team; each team may participate in a total of four scrimmages not more than two pre-season. The committee in general, felt the current regulation did not pose concern for either Track and Field or Cross Country. The committee did not request change.

Three-Player Regulation and Out-of-Season Concerns
The committee reviewed current regulations surrounding three-player and out-of-season limitations. Detailed discussion followed, relating potential coach and school violations during the period commonly referred to as the indoor competition season. The most common refrain by committee members was, "Why push kids to outside organizations when most schools would want kids to be involved with the school coach?"
The committee voted in favor of eliminating the entire rule.

Discussion Items
The committee discussed the following items: 2001 Final Sites; 2001 Track and Field additional qualifying standards; pole vault competition, including required size of landing pads; use of helmets by participants, and general risk minimization issues in all field events; current jewelry rules; Rules Meeting agenda; and Regional sites and school alignments.

MITCA Recommendations Regarding Track and Field and Cross Country
1. Indoor Track and Field season and tournament. (No action by committee)
2. Team Championship - The discussion centered on MITCA continuing to define opportunity and format for a team championship. (No action by committee)
3. Multiple-day Track and Field Championship. The committee discussed at length the possibility of format and sites for a two-day multiple-class Final competition. The committee voted to recommend to the Representative Council to select an Ad Hoc Committee to investigate the possibility and format for a multiple-day and multiple- division Track and Field Final.

General Information Bulletin and Rules Meeting Agendas
The committee reviewed the General Information Bulletins for Track and Field and Cross Country as well as the meeting agendas for up-coming Rules Meetings. The committee made adjustments for clarification where necessary

Cross Country
The major item for discussion regarding Cross Country is the issue of the Final competition date for 2001. Last year's committee recommended and the Representative Council approved the Final date change from the first Saturday in November to the last Saturday in October. Following much conversation and input from the coaches association, this committee voted to recommend to the Representative Council to return the Final date to the first Saturday in November in 2001.

Use of Helmets by Pole Vault Participants
Discussion on the use of helmets in the pole vault has been ongoing for a number of years. Most recent information suggests that there are two states that require helmets to be worn during competition: North Dakota and New Mexico. North Dakota, while requiring helmets to be worn by competitors, require no specifications for the helmet. A competitor must simply have a padded device worn on the head. Examples are kayak helmet, bicycle helmet or climbing helmet.
New Mexico requires a helmet to have a least 1" of foam pad inside a helmet, with no other specifications.
The committee discussed risk issues and perceived liability issues should the MHSAA require competitors to wear a helmet.
Michigan has seen an increase in pole vault participation with the introduction of the girls event and a small increase due to more schools sponsoring the event. The choice to wear a helmet is left to individual schools, coaches, parents and participants.
Neither the MHSAA nor any associated committee has made recommendations either to wear or not to wear a helmet and have no suggestions for specifications.
To date, the National Federation has not suggested or recommended the required use of a helmet primarily due to factors relating to manufacturing, liability and official test certifications.
Following lengthy discussions the committee chose not to make any recommendations.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO STAFF
1. Redesign the entry process for this Track and Field season that will include a redesigned entry sheet, and require an entry diskette that will be distributed to member schools by the MHSAA.
2. Investigate a web tournament entry system for Cross Country that could be active by the 2001 entry date.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
1. Convene a committee to study and discuss the merits, format and potential sites for a multiple-day, multiple-division Track and Field Final competition (19-0 in favor).
2. Reverse last year's recommendation and approval to change the Cross Country Final date from the last Saturday in October to the first Saturday in November (16-3 in favor.)
3. Eliminate the three-player rule (16-3 in favor).

SCRATCH — Each regional manager will accept scratches before each session is scheduled to begin. Scratches made during these periods will not count in the individuals participation limitations. However, if the competitor is not scratched during these scheduled periods and does not show to the clerking area before that runner’s position is set, the competitor will be disqualified from that event and that event will count toward the competitor’s personal limit. The Clerk of Course shall form heats following the last call for that event.
Only two of the three contestants listed in the school’s official entry (with current season OUTDOOR times, heights and distances) will be allowed to compete in that individual event. (Refer to the following paragraph for additional entries.) Should one of the three entries not be scratched during or before the scratch period, the Clerks of Course will have the authority to scratch the last listed individual for that school.
Only metric times may be submitted to Regional Manager. A $50 LATE FEE IS REQUIRED WHEN CHANGES IN A TEAM’S ENTRIES ARE MADE AFTER THE ENTRY DUE DATE AND PRIOR TO 4 PM TUESDAY, MAY 15, 2001. (Entry times, heights or distances may not be changed with a late entry fee after or before the Tuesday, May 15, 2001 deadline.)

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES — REGIONAL MEETS — If three (3) or more entries by a school team in an event have equalled or bettered the published additional qualifier standard, compiled from the results of the most recent outdoor seasons, all of these entries may enter and compete in the Regional Meet in that event. The time or distance must have been established in actual meet competition prior to submitting Entry Information, and must be verified.
FINAL MEET ENTRIES — Only qualifiers from Regional Meets may compete in the Final Meets.
REGIONAL MEET ENTRY BLANKS — Schools which notified the MHSAA office of their sponsorship of a bona fide track and field team(s) will be sent a Regional Meet Entry Information or entry materials to be completed for each team (boys and girls) and forwarded directly to the manager of the Regional Meet to which the school is assigned. Follow instructions closely. Regional Meet Managers will be advised of the schools assigned to respective Regionals and no others are to be allowed to compete at the meet.
FINAL MEET ENTRY BLANKS — Each Regional Manager will report the qualifiers to the Final Meet Manager. Only those reported Regional qualifiers will be allowed to compete in Final Meets. The Regional Entry Information and Entry Cards will be in effect for the duration of the time members of that team are qualified to compete in Regional or Final competition. Coaches are not to send entries to the Final Manager.
TROPHIES AND MEDALS AT REGIONAL AND FINAL MEETS — Schools finishing in first place at each Regional will receive a trophy. Individual medals will be awarded to contestants finishing in the first six places in each event in Lower Peninsula Regionals. No formal awards ceremony will be conducted. Each manager is to place the school’s medals in envelopes which the coach will pick up at the end of the meet. Extra medals will be provided for tied positions at Regional Meets.
Trophies will be provided for schools which finish in the first two positions at all Final Meets. Individual medals will be awarded to contestants finishing in the first eight places in each event in Lower Peninsula Final Meets. Requests for duplicate medals or trophies are the responsibility of the Regional or Final Manager.
FINAL MEET EXPENSES — The cost of conducting Final Meets will be met by the MHSAA, Inc. Any gate receipts realized will be used by MHSAA, Inc., to aid in meeting administrative costs of the meets. LODGING WILL NOT BE PROVIDED BY HOST INSTITUTIONS. The cost of lodging, transportation, and meals will be met by competing schools.
QUALIFICATION FROM UPPER PENINSULA REGIONAL MEETS TO THE UPPER PENINSULA FINAL MEETS — In Divisions 1, 2 and 3, Regional Meets there are to be four qualifiers from ALL individual track and field events.
The first and second place relay team at each Regional Meet will qualify to the Upper Peninsula Final Meet. In addition, in Divisions 1 and 2, the best third and fourth-place times from all Regional sites in those classes will also qualify.
QUALIFICATION FROM LOWER PENINSULA REGIONAL MEETS TO LOWER PENINSULA FINAL MEET — The first two places in each event at each Regional Meet qualify to enter the Lower Peninsula Final Meet in that event. In addition, during the finals of a Regional event, any contestant who equals or betters the published additional qualifier standard shall qualify to the 2001 Lower Peninsula Final Meet in that event in that division. Efforts in the preliminary trials of the long jump, shot put, and discus may qualify a contestant to the appropriate Final Meet.
A chart of times, distances and heights for additional qualifications from Regional to Final Meets may be found in this information Bulletin.
300-Meter HURDLES, 400-Meter DASH, 400-Meter RELAY, 800-Meter RELAY AND 1600-Meter RELAY AT LOWER PENINSULA REGIONALS; AND QUALIFICATION TO THE LOWER PENINSULA FINALS — The number of sections at Regionals in each event is to be determined by the Meet Managers, depending upon the number of entries in each event. One relay team or individual per lane constitutes a full section. In the event there is one individual or relay team only for the first section, the team with the slowest time from the second section will run in the first section. The second section will then have one empty lane. All teams are to be timed in each section and the two fastest times and additional qualifiers will qualify from each Lower Peninsula Regional to the Lower Peninsula Final Meets.
800-Meter RUN — There will be a maximum of two sections of the 800-Meter Run in each class. The second section is to be scheduled only when the number of entries exceed 20. If two sections are needed the last section will have 16 participants.
1600-Meter RUN, 3200-Meter RELAY AND 3200-Meter RUN AT ALL LOWER PENINSULA REGIONAL AND FINAL MEETS — There shall be two sections of the 1600-Meter Run only when the number of entries in this event exceeds 24. If two sections are needed, the last section (or fast section) will have 16 participants including ties.
There shall be one section of the 3200-Meter Relay at all Regionals. Two sections of the 3200-Meter Relay shall be conducted at the Final Meet for Divisions 1, 2, 3 and 4. If there are more than 24 entries, the 16 fastest times will be placed in the second section. If there are 24 or fewer entries, the second section will consist of the 12 fastest times plus all ties.
There is to be only one section at each Regional and Final Meet for the 3200-Meter Run.
All contestants entered in a race or section are to be timed and the six fastest times (eight fastest times for Finals) of the race or of all the sections of each event will be recognized by points and medals.
Qualifiers from Regionals with the fastest times in each event will be placed in the last section at the Final Meet working back to the entries with the slowest qualifying times in the first section. All sections shall be full with the possible exception of the first two sections.
FIELD EVENTS — REGIONALS AND FINAL MEETS — In Regionals and the Upper and Lower Peninsula Final Meets, the following regulations are in effect for conducting the field events:
1. HIGH JUMP — The starting height at Lower Peninsula Regionals is to be based on a height three inches less than the additional qualifying standard for Regional and Final Meets. (Rounded to the nearest lesser inch). This height has been adjusted to allow one of the raises to fall on the additional qualifying standard to the final meet.
IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER LOWER PENINSULA MANAGERS SHALL BEGIN THE HIGH JUMP THREE INCHES BELOW THE PUBLISHED STARTING HEIGHT. The bar then is to be raised three inches the first time and two inches each time thereafter until there is the number of contestants left equal to or less than the number of places to be awarded. When this number is reached, the bar is to be raised one inch only for each successive jump.
The starting height at Upper Peninsula Regionals, and the Final Meet, is to be determined by the Meet Manager without reference to Lower Peninsula standards.
2. POLE VAULT — The starting height at Lower Peninsula Regionals is to be based on a height 12 inches less than the additional qualifying standards for Regional and Final Meets. (rounded to the nearest lesser inch). The starting height shall be increased as indicated on the Standard Raises chart prior to this section until seven competitors remain. Thereafter the bar shall be raised four inches.
At Upper Peninsula Regionals and the Final Meet, the starting heights of the bar is to be determined by the Meet Manager without reference to Lower Peninsula standards.
IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, LOWER PENINSULA MANAGERS SHALL BEGIN THE POLE VAULT 12 INCHES BELOW THE PUBLISHED STARTING HEIGHT. The bar is to be raised six inches the first time and four inches each time thereafter.
The standard raises are included in a chart in this Bulletin.
NOTE: Seven competitors will advance from preliminary to final competition at the Regional level, and nine competitors will advance from preliminary to final competition at the MHSAA Finals.

RELAY ENTRIES — Any student on the Eligibility List may represent his or her school on a relay team in Regional competition, if they are eligible according to meet regulations. Schools qualifying relay teams for the Final Meet may use any eligible contestant in the Final Meet Relay. Final Meet Relay contestants are not limited to the four individuals who qualified in a Regional Relay.

200-Meter DASH IS TO BE RUN ON THE CURVE — The 200-Meter Dash is to be started with staggered starts on the straightaway and be run through one full curve at all Regionals and at the Final Meet, where possible.

SEMIFINAL RACES — The Lower Peninsula Final Meet must conduct semifinals in the following events when there are more than 16 entries (18 for a nine lane track) remaining after the scratch sheets are submitted: 100-Meter Dash, 200-Meter Dash, 100-Meter 33” Hurdles and 110-Meter High Hurdles.

300-METER LOW HURDLES — The 300-Meter Low Hurdles at all Regionals and Final Meet (where possible) are to be run so that the curve is in the middle of the race.

ALLEY STARTS AND ALLEY PLACING OF REGIONAL QUALIFIERS IN THE 800-METER RUN, 1600 METER RUN, 3200-METER RUN and 3200-METER RELAYS AT ALL FINAL MEETS — The staggered alley starting procedure is to be used at the 2001 Final Meets, and at Lower Peninsula Regionals. Managers are requested to place markers on the track at cut-in spots for races run in alleys.
If a second row of contestants is necessary, this same procedure is to be followed for them. NOTE: If narrow tracks at some Regionals necessitate two rather than three lane alleys, the above procedure will be modified accordingly.
The 1600-Meter Run, 3200-Meter Relay and the 3200-Meter Run will use alley starts and a two turn stagger at all Regional and Final Meets. The cut-in will be at the start of the second straightaway.
The 1600-Meter and 3200-Meter Runs may use the waterfall start at all regular-season meets if there is a desire to do so. Tracks where the waterfall start line is on the curve, athletes will be seeded for their placement from the middle lanes out. The two fastest times in lane 4: the next two fastest times in lane 5, the next two in lane 3, and so on until all lanes are filled. (There should be NO MORE than two athletes per lane, sixteen total placed on the front line).
In the 2001 Regional and Final Track Meets, boys and girls events will alternate order. Girls events will be run first in odd years and boys events will be run first in even years. In 2001 the girls events will be run first.
The 3200-Meter Relay shall be the first final event run prior to the Semifinal heats of the sprint and hurdle events in the Regional and Final meet morning session. The 3200-Meter relay shall not be run prior to 10:30 a.m.
STARTING BLOCKS — If Regional or Final Managers provide starting blocks for contestants, these starting blocks must be used. Schools may furnish their own starting blocks for Regional and Final competition only if managers do not include non-traditional standing start blocks. Starting blocks provided by schools must be approved by the Regional and/or Final management.
INQUIRIES — Questions not covered by the above information should be addressed to Regional Managers, Final Managers or to the MHSAA office.

RATINGS
Minimal ratings required included 2.1 for Final officials; 2.5 for Semifinal and Quarterfinal officials; 2.7 for Regional and District officials. Officials recommended by two or more leagues/conferences and/or officials associations were qualified to the next rating level.

TOURNAMENT INVITATIONS
All officials selected at each tournament level were sent "Assignment Response" forms from the MHSAA. Officials were assigned to work only one game per day in any tournament competition. At Regional Tournaments, officials work one date/game of the tournament.

OFFICIALS AVAILABILITY
Eight-hundred thirteen (813) officials indicated their availability for Lower Peninsula Tournament assignments. Of this number, 631 were assigned to the 2000-2001 Districts. Regional assignments for officials totaled 191. Forty-eight (48) officials were selected to work the first-round games (Quarterfinals); twenty-four (24) officials were selected to work the Semifinal contests and 12 in the Championship Games.

CORRESPONDENCE
Eleven pieces of correspondence were reviewed which resulted in extensive discussion of all items and action on the following four.
Double First Base: A review of the double first base policy in Michigan resulted in a recommendation that the baseball and softball coaches associations survey their members during the upcoming year to determine whether or not it is desirable to adopt the use of the double first base. In 1986-87, when the Baseball/Softball Committee reviewed the double first base option, it determined not to adopt the rule for MHSAA tournament play.
Mercy Rule: Following discussion of the current state of the mercy rule for baseball and softball the committee adopted the Mercy Rule. A motion to expedite the implementation of the mercy rule for the 2001 MHSAA tournament season was also adopted. The final motion with regard to the mercy rule, that both the 15-run differential after 3 innings and the 10-run differential after 5 innings be adopted as the mercy rule to be employed in all MHSAA tournament games beginning with the 2001 tournaments, was adopted.
Tournament Draw: There was considerable discussion about the draw system utilized by baseball and softball. It was pointed out that the current draw system fits baseball and softball perfectly because semifinal and final contests are played on the same day. There were contrasts to other sports and their special needs. Specifically, baseball was concerned about the utilization of pitchers and felt that it was incorrect to require the host team to tax their pitching staff to any greater extent than any other team. The committee felt that the open draw allowing the home team to receive a bye as well as any other team, is most fair. Secondly, there was concern that schools might choose not to host tournaments knowing that their pitching staff would be taxed more than other teams. A motion that there be no change in the current draw system in baseball and softball was supported.
Scrimmage Rule: At the request of the MHSAA Representative Council, the Baseball/Softball Committee discussed the current scrimmage rule which provides a maximum of four scrimmages per season, two of which can be conducted prior to the first contest for most MHSAA sports. Some of the discussion that ensued indicated that additional scrimmages would conflict with spring break. Of those assembled most do not use scrimmages at any time. The committee voted to maintain the current rule.

NEW BUSINESS
U.P. Softball Schools: New business brought to the attention of the committee included a discussion about placement on the bracket of the softball teams at Escanaba and Marquette. Historically, Marquette and Escanaba play each other every year to earn one of the semifinal spots in the far northern District Softball Tournament. The request was that as long as there is only softball played in the Upper Peninsula involving Division 1 schools, consideration be given to allow the game involving Escanaba and Marquette to be the second semifinal game of the district tournament. A motion to allow the MHSAA administration to place the Marquette/ Escanaba game in the lower half of the 8-team bracket was supported.
Bat Regulations: Additional discussion brought the question about the employment of a minus figure to the softball bat similar to the minus-3 figure utilized for baseball. Specifically, the question asked why does softball not employ the same type standard that baseball does. MHSAA representatives will seek more information.
Further discussion indicated a wish to exclude certain bats from use by MHSAA member school teams. These bats are thought to be extremely lively and it would be better served to have them absent from the arsenal of bats available to softball teams. The names of the bats were specifically referenced by their manufacturer, but the MHSAA representative indicated it would be improper on the part of any committee to disallow an item by manufacturer. It was further suggested that if specific undesirable elements could be identified the information could be referred to the National Federation Softball Rules Committee or to the MHSAA Baseball/Softball Committee. There was no action.
Three-Player Rule: Discussion of the out-of-season three-player rule resulted in a motion to change the allowable number of personnel to four for baseball and softball. The logic was that each sport ought to have a number that was most appropriate for that sport. In the case of baseball and softball, four was a number that would allow two pitchers and two catchers together for training and that the current number does not work well for baseball or softball situations. The committee voted to defeat the motion.
Tournament Assignments: Final action of the day was for the committee to review the team assignments to District, Regional and Quarterfinal Tournaments, plus examine the host sites being recommended. Additionally, the draw was held to determine the placement of teams in the Regional and at the Semifinal level in each division.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL
1. Expedite implementation of both the 15 runs after three innings and 10 runs after five innings Mercy Rule for 2001 MHSAA Baseball and Softball Tournament play in all contests (18-0 in favor).
2. Survey interest in adoption of the double first base in regular season and MHSAA Baseball and Softball Tournament games (17-1 in support).