School Information

_(2009-2010)

BY-LAW 2.00 - SCHOOL

2.10 - SCHOOL MEMBERSHIP TO GHSA

2.11 The Georgia High School Association is a voluntary association available to any Georgia high school, grades 9-12, that has been authorized to seek membership by the local board of education or similar governing body of control.

(a) Member schools agree to conform to the Constitution and By-Laws of the GHSA.

(b) Member schools agree to conform to the rules of the region organizations to which they are assigned.

(c) Should a conflict arise between state rules and region rules, the state rules always take precedent.

2.12 Procedure for Membership:

(a) The local board of education or similar governing body of control must adopt a resolution authorizing membership for the high school.

(b) Membership is continued through the original resolution as long as the school is in good standing with the GHSA.

(c) April 1 before the first and third years of the reclassification cycles are the deadline date for new and existing private schools to join the GHSA for the next reclassification period. Newly established public schools will have a deadline date of April 1 to join the GHSA for the upcoming school year. No private school with an actual numerical enrollment of less than 150 students in grades 9 through 12 will be admitted to the GHSA.

(d) Converted charter schools whose attendance zones and eligibility requirements do not change retain their membership in the GHSA. Converted charter schools or startup charter schools must apply for membership in the GHSA.

2.13 Dues for Membership:

(a) The amount of the dues is set annually by the Executive Committee of the GHSA, and includes a portion of the cost of catastrophic insurance.

(1) Dues must be paid prior to October 15 of each year.

(2) Schools failing to meet the dues-payment deadline are not eligible to participate in any contest until membership dues are paid.

(b) Dues are prorated according to the school's classification.

NOTE: Schools with a total enrollment of less than 50 students are assessed their insurance fees according to the actual number of participants.

(c) Dues for the 2009-10 school year are:

2.14 If a school or school system initiates litigation against the association and the court rules in favor of the association, the school or school system shall be responsible for paying all court costs and attorneys' fees.

2.15 If the association conducts an investigation of a member school in reference to a possible violation of association rules and the member school is found to be in violation, the school shall be assessed the cost of the investigation in addition to any fines.

2.16 Playing a Non-Region Schedule: A school may choose to play a non-region schedule in football, basketball, and/or baseball, and this choice is in effect for the entire reclassification period.

(a) A school playing a non-region schedule may not participate in post-season competition.

(b) Results of games with a school playing a non-region schedule may not be used in region standings.

2.17 Region and Area Divisions: A classification in any sport will be considered Regionalized when a majority of the schools (with a minimum of 5) in all regions participate in that sport. If that is not the case, the classification (or combination of classifications) will be divided into Areas in that sport.

2.20 - ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

2.21 The administrative head of each school shall have on file in the school office a certificate of an annual physical examination given by a licensed medical physician, a doctor of Osteopathic medicine, nurse practitioner or a physician's assistant indicating the student is approved for participation in athletic activities before that student may try-out, participate in practice or conditioning drills, or participate in interscholastic contests (see By-Law 1.41). The physical exam form must be signed by the physician or osteopath after reviewing the data from the examination and the student's health history on the form.

2.22 The administrative head of each school shall operate all interscholastic contests and activities under direct and complete control of the school administration or designated school personnel. These responsibilities are not to be delegated by the board of education, superintendent, or principal to any person or persons who are not a part of the school staff.

2.23 The administrative head of each school is expected to be a person who believes in fairness and honesty as evidenced by the strict adherence to all rules and regulations in regards to eligibility of contestants representing his/her school.

2.24 The administrative head of each school is expected to employ those persons who exemplify fairness and honesty. Any certificated person who violates rules in regard to student eligibility, or illegal practices, or knowingly misleads a member school and/or the GHSA will have a report of that behavior sent to the Professional Standards Commission.

2.25 The administrative head of each school may submit to the GHSA Executive Committee such recommendations for the improvement of the GHSA as he/she may deem necessary. These recommendations must be submitted to the GHSA Office at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting of the Executive Committee.

2.26 The member institution has a responsibility to educate student-athletes, coaches, and other appropriate persons on GHSA rules and procedures that could affect them. Further, the member school should monitor its compliance with State Association guidelines.

2.27 Member schools that fail to follow stated procedures and deadlines may be assessed a fine for each violation.

2.28 Schools that need to cancel appointments scheduled with the Hardship Committee or the Appeals Board must do so at least 24 hours before the appointment. Failure to cancel properly will result in a fine.

2.29 Member schools are expected to fulfill their responsibilities for a sports season once they have committed to play that sport.

(a) If a school commits to play a sport at the region meeting that precedes the sport, or on April 1 for Area sports, and then drops out of competition before or during the season, the school will have to play a non-region schedule in that sport the next year.

(b) If a school enters the competitive structure that qualifies it to advance in postseason competition, that school is expected to advance if it qualifies. Schools that drop out of competition after qualifying may be penalized with fines or probation.

(c) Appeals for emergency circumstances may be filed with the Executive Director.

2.30 - ELIGIBILITY REPORTS FILED BY THE SCHOOL

2.31 Eligibility reports are required for all contestants in any GHSA activity twenty (20) days prior to the date allowed for the first contest in each activity.

(a) Students are not allowed to participate in academic, athletic, or literary competitions until their eligibility reports have been received and processed by the GHSA Office.

(b) Failure to meet the eligibility deadline may lead the GHSA Executive Director to:

(1) Assess a fine to the school that is delinquent.

(2) Suspend the membership of a school that does not file eligibility reports.

(c) Reports not filed properly will be returned to the school for resubmission.

2.32 Schools playing interscholastic contests before the filing of an eligibility report on one or more participating students may be subject to one or more of the following penalties imposed by the GHSA Executive Director:

(a) a fine per game or contest in which one or more participants had no eligibility report filed.

(b) forfeiture of any game in which one or more participants did not have eligibility report filed.

(c) restriction from competition in any sport if the fines assessed are not paid within ten (10) days of notification.

2.33 Supplementary eligibility reports may be submitted at any time on transfer students, students coming out for the team after the initial report, and/or those students who gain eligibility at the beginning of a semester.

2.34 Once a student has been certified eligible by the school and has been processed by the GHSA, eligibility is assumed to be continuing, and no further eligibility report is necessary for that student during the school year.

2.35 If a student loses eligibility and regains it during the school year, a new eligibility report should be filed for that student.

2.36 Changes of Eligibility Records: When a school discovers that incorrect information has been given on an eligibility report, the following procedures shall be followed:

(a) To change the date of ninth grade entry:

(1) Submit a new eligibility report form on which you have written "Corrected Copy" AND a certified copy of the student's transcript

(2) NOTE: a visiting examiner may be used to verify the data

(b) To change the date of birth:

(1) Submit a new eligibility report form on which you have written "Corrected Copy" AND a certified copy of the student's birth certificate

(2) NOTE: a visiting examiner may be used to verify the data

(c) To correct other errors:

(1) Submit a new eligibility report form on which you have written "Corrected Copy"

(2) Give the date of the original eligibility submission

2.37 Requests to investigate a student's eligibility in regard to the transfer rule must be filed with the GHSA office at least twenty (20) calendar days before the end of the regular season in order for any penalties to be applied before the end of the playoffs.

2.40 - STUDENT RETENTION FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES

2.41 Member schools shall prohibit participation in interscholastic activities by any student who was retained in the eight grade for competitive purposes. The governing body of each school system shall develop a written policy showing that the system does not allow retention for competitive purposes. (See State Board Policy 160-5-1.19; IDE (2).

2.50 - QUALIFICATIONS TO COACH

2.51 An athletic coach must be a professional teacher meeting the teaching requirements and be employed by only one board of education or similar governing authority within the GHSA membership, regardless of whether or not they are paid for their coaching (Exception: when all boards of education or similar governing authorities and all principals/headmasters involved sign a consent form on an annual basis he/she may coach at another school system), AND:

(a) be employed for 20 or more hours per week on a regular basis in a professional, contracted position and must hold a teaching certificate or leadership certificate issued by the State of Georgia, OR

(b) be employed for 20 or more hours per week on a regular basis as a JROTC instructor in the school's JROTC program, OR

(c) be assigned as a student intern in a practice teaching situation under the guidance of a college or university teacher training program, OR

(d) be a retired teacher teaching or supervising less than one-half time (forty hours considered full time), OR

(e) be a certified teacher or administrator at a member school on medical leave governed by the "Family Medical Leave Act" and/or the "Georgia Teacher Maternity Leave of Absence" policy (see the GHSA web site for the required form).

2.52 Member schools may employ persons who are not professionally certificated teachers as assistant coaches in their athletic programs. These individuals are referred to as "community coaches."

(a) Community Coach is defined as a person who does not have a professional-level certification, who relates in role and function to a professional and does a portion of the professional's job or tasks under the supervision of the professional, and whose decision-making authority is limited and regulated by the professional. Community coaches are not allowed to function without the immediate supervision of a professional.

(b) Licensed para-professionals and full-time substitute teachers must complete the GHSA Coaches Education Program and testing program to be eligible to coach.

(c) All community coaches should be signed to a written "agreement to coach." They may coach for only one board of education annually, regardless of whether or not they are paid for their services.

(d) All community coaches must complete the GHSA Coaches Education Training and Testing Program in "Sport First Aid" and "Principles for Coaches."

(1) Prospective coaches must be subject to a criminal background check before they are registered for the GHSA coaches education program.

(2) Courses are offered at various times each school year throughout the state.

(3) Prospective coaches are registered with the GHSA office by the school hiring them.

(4) No community coach may do any GHSA coaching until he/she has been notified that the GHSA Coaches Education Program had been completed successfully.

(e) It is recommended that the following priority for employment be used:

(1) certified employees in the local system (secondary, middle, elementary, central office, etc.)

(2) retired certificated personnel

(3) community coaches who have completed the GHSA Coaches Education Program.

(f) All community coaches must attend a regular GHSA rules clinic each year for any sport in which they coach beginning with their first year of service or the school will be fined.

2.53 GHSA member schools must register all coaches in all GHSA governed activities according to the following:

(a) An initial directory listing of administrators and coaches must be completed and filed with the State Office by August 1 of each year. Only professionally certificated personnel are to be included on the initial directory listings.

(b) Qualified Community Coaches are to be reported on the "List of Community Coaches' form. Only those persons who have successfully completed the GHSA Coaches Education Program are to be listed on this form. NOTE: Schools must verify the successful completion of the coaches education program BEFORE community coaches are submitted to the GHSA and BEFORE any coaching activities are allowed (forms on the GHSA web site).

(c) After August 1, schools will have occasion to add members to their coaching staff. It is the responsibility of the member school to register these additions in a timely manner. (A supplemental staffing form has been provided on the GHSA web site).

(d) Failure to comply with these procedures could result in punitive actions including, but not limited to, fines, forfeitures and other penalties assessed to the member school.

2.54 Every faculty coach, community coach, and student-teaching intern at a GHSA member school must attend a GHSA-sponsored rules clinic if he/she coaches the following sports: football, softball, volleyball, riflery, cheerleading (spirit and/or competitive), basketball, lacrosse, wrestling, swimming and diving, track, baseball, soccer and gymnastics. NOTE: A fine for each coach who does not attend a clinic will be assessed to the school.

2.55 A football coach on the payroll of one school district, but under contract to another school district for the following year, may help with spring practice at the new school if arrangements are satisfactory with both systems.

2.60 - INTERSCHOLASTIC CONTESTS AND PRACTICES

2.61 All practices (team and individual) and all regular-season interscholastic contests for GHSA-member schools shall be conducted outside the school day of the participants' school.

(a) Regional, Sectional, and/or State playoffs are exempt from this rule.

(b) The "school day" is defined as: that period of time between when students are required to report to school and the time of dismissal of the host school. EXCEPTION: When the host school is not in session on a given day, competitions may be scheduled earlier than normal dismissal time for that school. However, any school that is in session on that day may not compete in that event before the normal dismissal time of the host school.

2.62 The GHSA shall provide rules and regulations for competition among member schools for those competitive activities listed in the GHSA Constitution and By-Laws.

(a) Member schools shall compete, practice or scrimmage only against other member schools or against schools who are affiliated with the State Association in their respective states. When competing internationally, member schools may compete only against school teams in that nation that are composed of students of similar ages. International exhibition competitions or scrimmages are not allowed. NOTE: When member schools compete out of state, the host state's adaptations of NFHS playing rules will be enforced, and all GHSA by-laws regarding sportsmanship, eligibility and game times will be enforced.

(b) Member schools are permitted to compete against non-member schools in activities not listed in the GHSA Constitution and By-Laws.

(c) The GHSA Executive Director has the authority to approve competition between GHSA schools and private schools from states in which membership in the State Association is not allowed. These non-member schools must meet or exceed the State Association standards in order to compete with GHSA schools.

(d) A member school shall have no more than one varsity, one junior varsity, and one 9th grade team.

(1) Any sub-varsity team is limited to a maximum number of games equal to 70% of the varsity allotment in that sport. EXCEPTION: New schools that have only 9th and 10 grades with JV teams only (no varsity) are allowed to play the number of games allowed for varsity teams.

(2) Competition between sub-varsity and varsity teams and/or individuals at the same event is prohibited. An exception may be made by the Executive Director for schools just opening and for schools just starting a particular sport.

(3) In the sports of Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis and Wrestling, a school may use a "split squad" at two regular season events on the same day at the varsity or sub-varsity levels. Both of the contests must be counted against the total number of contests allowed in that sport. Individual players may not exceed the total number of contests allowed at the varsity level of that sport.

(4) Unattached Competitor: Individual athletes may participate in non-GHSA events in the sports of Cross Country, Golf, Gymnastics, Riflery, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Wrestling as long as they do not represent their school, do not wear the school uniform, and are not coached at the event, or transported to the event, by their high school coach.

(5) In any GHSA sport, there may be no "open" competitions or exhibition performances that extend participation beyond the three levels of competition (i.e., varsity, JV, 9th grade) mandated in this by-law. The only interscholastic contests in which results are disregarded are scrimmages as defined below.

(e) One interscholastic scrimmage (two teams meeting head-to-head) is allowed in the sports of Baseball, Basketball, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball and Volleyball.

(a) This scrimmage may be scheduled anytime between the beginning of practice as set by the GHSA and the first regular season game for each team.

(b) This scrimmage is for varsity teams only, and shall be played with normal timing and/or scoring rules except as noted in individual sports sections.

(c) Game officials must be used.

2.63 Written contracts are required for all football, basketball and wrestling contests, and are strongly recommended in all other interscholastic contests that are scheduled between member schools.

(a) Contract forms can be found on the GHSA web site.

(b) Contracts are also recommended for all sub-varsity contests.

(c) GHSA-member schools are expected to fulfill the conditions of any game contract that has been properly executed.

(1) Exceptions to the contract may be made with the agreement and consent of both schools.

(2) Member schools who fail to fulfill the requirements of a scheduled event may be required to make restitution to the competing schools after a hearing by the GHSA Executive Director.

(3) Schools failing to fulfill a game contract may be suspended in that sport for one (1) full calendar year or the corresponding date of the next calendar year, whichever is greater.

(4) EXCEPTION: The GHSA Executive Director may excuse the failure to fulfill a game contract if, in his opinion, the circumstances causing the failure were outside the control of the school officials.

(d) Forfeiture and Restitution Policy

(1) If a team does not arrive at the game site for any contest without notifying the host opponent of a late arrival, that contest will be forfeited 30 minutes after the scheduled game-time. If the second game or contest was to be played by a different team (EXAMPLE: girl/boy or JV/varsity combination events), then a decision to forfeit that game will be made 30 minutes after the scheduled beginning of the second game.

(2) If there are to be multiple games by the same team and the team does not arrive at the game site without notifying the host opponent of a late arrival, all games will be forfeited 30 minutes after the scheduled game-time of the first contest.

EXAMPLE: softball or baseball doubleheaders

(3) If a school fails to show up for a game or cancels a game within four (4) hours of the scheduled starting time without an emergency condition or weather-related conditions, that school shall pay a forfeiture fee to the host school equivalent to the cost of the officials.

NOTE: If the host school is the violating team, the fee will be paid directly to the officials association.

(4) If a school fails to show up for a game or cancels within four (4) hours of the scheduled game time without emergency reasons or weather-related reasons for a second time, that school must make restitution again and must show cause to the GHSA Executive Director as to why they should not be placed on probation by the GHSA.

(e) The minimum penalty for allowing an ineligible athlete to participate in an interscholastic contest is forfeiture of the game(s). Fines or other penalties may also be imposed. NOTE: If it is determined by the Executive Director that the school has exercised every reasonable precaution and has been deceived regarding the student's data, any or all penalties may be set aside.

(f) A team shall forfeit any team standing or points toward team honors when an ineligible student participates in a contest. In sports where individual titles may be won (Cross Country, Literary, Swimming and Diving, Traditional Wrestling, Gymnastics, Golf and Track and Field), eligible individuals will keep their placements and opportunities to advance toward individual honors even if a teammate participated while ineligible.

2.64 Tournaments or multiple-meets, other than the Region or State elimination series must be approved (sanctioned) by the GHSA Executive Director, subject to the special conditions for athletics and/or other activities.

(a) A GHSA-member school shall not enter a tournament which requires sanctioning until that tournament has been approved by the GHSA Executive Director.

(1) The GHSA Executive Director may assess a fine and/or other penalties against a member school that violates the sanctioning rules.

(2) Approval will not be granted for any tournament, meet, or other contest to qualify for and/or determine a national high school championship. The GHSA strongly discourages participation in events that qualify a team representing a member school for a national championship during the Summer.

(3) Tournament participation limits are set for each sport, and they are listed in the specific sport sections in this document.

(b) All applications for sanctioning must be submitted to the GHSA thirty (30) days prior to the tournament by a GHSA-member school.

NOTE: Tournaments that require National Federation sanctioning are an exception to this rule.

(c) The host school for all sanctioned tournaments shall pay five percent (5%) of all gross gate receipts to the GHSA within ten (10) days after the tournament.

(1) Total gate receipts before expenses are paid equals the gross receipts.

(2) A financial report of the event shall accompany the payment.

(d) GHSA approval for tournaments in contiguous states is needed when there are four or more schools participating.

(e) Approval for tournaments in Georgia is needed when:

(1) it is a tournament involving four or more schools OR

(2) it is a tournament in which awards are given.

(f) Tournaments that require approval from the National Federation with a processing fee of $100.00 (NOTE: All NFHS sanctioning forms must be submitted to the State Association ninety (90) days prior to the event.) are:

(1) any interstate tournament in which more than eight schools participate, and at least one participant is from a non-contiguous state OR

(2) any interstate tournament that involves schools from five or more State High School Associations, and at least one of them does not border on the State of the sponsoring school OR

(3) any international tournament (except competition with Canadian and Mexican high schools) OR

(4) any interstate tournament involving two (2) or more schools which is co-sponsored by or titled in the name of an organization outside the high school community (e.g., a university, a theme park, an athletic company).

(g) The GHSA Executive Director has the authority to approve competition between GHSA schools and private schools from states in which membership in the State Association is not allowed. These non-member schools must meet or exceed the State Association standards in order to compete with GHSA schools.

(h) In all sports except Football, a team (subvarsity or varsity) may play multiple games on a single calendar day in a tournament setting. NOTE: In these instances, the special "quarter/half participation rules" in basketball and soccer are waived.

(i) For any one-day event in which more than two schools compete (i.e., a basketball showcase or some similar event), the following stipulations are in effect:

(1) A "host school" must be designated for each game even if the games are played at neutral sites.

(2) The host school must provide a Game Manager for that game.

(3) The host school must schedule game officials through the local association assigned to it.

(4) These special events will require sanctioning approval from the GHSA office.

2.65 Available Seating: Member schools shall provide a seat for each ticket sold to any contest regulated by the GHSA.

(a) An available seat is defined as twenty-four (24) inches in width.

(b) Each school is required to make a determination of the available seats prior to the beginning of the contest.

(c) At outdoor events, "standing room" tickets may be sold as long as they are identified as such at the time of the purchase, and as long as there are no problems with safety and security with such an arrangement.

2.66 Weekday Contests: Only one day and/or night preceding a school day per week may be used for a contest or activity with a starting time of 6:00 pm or later.

(a) Regional, Sectional, and/or State playoffs are exempt from this rule.

(b) The GHSA Executive Director has the authority to set aside this rule upon request when there are extenuating circumstances.

(c) Teams playing any regular season contest when there are classes the next day shall be limited to a travel distance of no more than 100 miles one way as determined using the maps program at www.Yahoo.com.

2.67 Practice Policy for Heat and Humidity:

(a) Each member school shall have a written policy for conducting practices in all sports during times of extremely high heat and/or humidity that will be signed by each head coach and distributed to all players. The policy shall include, but is not limited to:

(1) the time of day the practices are to be scheduled at various heat index levels

(2) the ratio of workout time to time allotted for rest and hydration at various heat index levels

(3) the heat index level that will result in outdoor practices being terminated

(b) A scientifically-approved instrument that measures the heat index must be utilized at each practice to ensure that the written policy is being followed properly.

2.68 All athletic events hosted by GHSA-member schools (except Cross Country, Golf, Riflery, Swimming, Tennis and Track) shall be officiated at all levels of competition by officials who are members of associations that are approved by the GHSA. (Exception: situation noted in By-Law 2.95)

(a) In Soccer, Volleyball and Wrestling, when competing schools cannot agree on officials for regular-season games, the principals should send in a written request for the GHSA office to assign the officials.

(1) This shall be done for both years of the scheduling period.

(2) The visiting team shall pay the mileage fees for the assigned officials, and the home team will pay the game fees.

(b) Officials' associations and their assigned schools shall include the method of payment in their contract.

2.69 Legal practice dates are established for each activity (see the calendar at the beginning of this publication), and schools shall not conduct or allow an illegal practice.

(a) The beginning of each school year is designated as the first date of practice for the earliest GHSA sport.

(b) Illegal practices are defined as practices involving three or more students participating in any extracurricular activity in the presence of, or under the direct or indirect supervision of any coach of the school (including a community coach). At any given point in time, only one (1) coach in a sport may work with up to two (2) athletes in skill-building drills.

(1) Any practice occurring after the beginning of the school year and before the opening of the designated season is an illegal practice.

(2) Any practice occurring after the end of the season for that team and the end of the school year for students in that school is an illegal practice.

(3) During the summer (i.e., between the ending of one school year and the beginning of the next) the only restrictions on practices and competition are that all activities must be strictly voluntary, and the "Dead Week" must be observed, as follows: Schools are prohibited from participating in voluntary workouts, camps and/or clinics, weight training or competitions during the week (Sunday through Saturday) in which the Fourth of July falls each year.

(4) It is illegal for a team to go to a competitive or instructional camp or clinic during the school year other than in-season events designed for that team alone.

(a) If the event is held out of season, it would constitute an illegal practice.

(b) If the event is held in-season, it would involve illegal coaching.

(c) Boys and girls teams in the same sport are considered the same activity.

(d) This prohibition does not apply to the summer months.

(5) Neither coaches, former coaches (including community coaches), nor any other school personnel shall suggest, require, or otherwise attempt to influence students to participate in or practice for a sport outside the GHSA-designated season.

(6) The following activities are examples of illegal practices:

(a) interscholastic scrimmages or practice competitions not in compliance with By-Law 2.62e

(b) practices involving alumni or students who presently are not eligible at the member school at any time in the school year

(c) practices against a non-school team at any time in the school year

(d) practices of any kind outside the season designated by the GHSA.

NOTE: Free Style and Greco-Roman Wrestling are considered to be the same sport as Folk Style (high school) Wrestling and are subject to GHSA rules regulating illegal practices.

(7) Coaches are allowed to be spectators or "fellow competitors" at non-school events out of season as long as no coaching occurs.

(8) Schools found guilty of having illegal practices will be subject to penalties that may include a fine, warning, probation, and/or suspension by the GHSA Executive Director.

(c) A GHSA coach (certified teacher or community coach) may not coach a non-GHSA team in a competitive setting during the school year that includes any player(s) who participate in the sport he/she coaches at the member school. EXCEPTION: In a situation in which the child or step-child of the coach is the only player on a non-school team from the coach's school, the coach would be exempted from this rule.

2.70 - SPORTSMANSHIP

2.71 GHSA-member schools are required to conduct all relationships with other schools in a spirit of good sportsmanship.

(a) It shall be the responsibility of a member school to use every means at its disposal to impress upon faculty, students, team members, coaches, and spectators the values of sportsmanship in preparation for the management of interscholastic contests.

(b) The Executive Director shall have the authority to assess penalties against schools and/or coaches for conduct unbecoming a professional educator or coach committed by coaches or other school personnel at GHSA events. Penalties against schools may include fines, probation or suspensions; and penalties against coaches and other school personnel may include suspension from GHSA events.

(c) It shall be the responsibility of the home or host school to take the following precautions at all interscholastic athletic events:

(1) take proper steps and precautions to insure crowd and spectator control, including having an administrator (or designee) from the host school to function as "game manager" at all GHSA sanctioned events. EXCEPTIONS: Golf and Tennis

(2) take steps to insure the comfort and security of all players, coaches, and officials

(3) have in place sufficient security personnel to handle any crowd-control problems that might reasonably be expected. Security escorts must be provided to game officials by the host school at all GHSA sanctioned contests, before, during and following the contest - including to their vehicles.

(d) Each school must develop a plan to handle fight situations that may occur during an athletic contest.

(1) Attention must be given to keeping substitutes in the bench areas throughout the fight, and to keeping spectators away from the competitive area.

(2) Schools whose substitutes leave the bench area to go to the area of a fight will be fined by the GHSA Executive Director.

(3) All players who are involved in a fight and any substitutes who leave the bench area during a fight and are ejected from the current contest, will be subject to the sit-out rule.

(e) Players and coaches are expected to exhibit good sportsmanship before and after a contest, even if the game officials do not have jurisdiction. Behaviors such as taunting, fighting, etc., are forbidden.

(f) No coach may remove his/her team from competition before the end of the contest unless it is done in accordance with the playing rules of that sport.

2.72 Any player, coach, or team attendant who is ejected from a GHSA contest shall be suspended from all levels of competition (i.e., varsity or sub-varsity) in that sport or activity (regular season or playoffs) until the period of suspension has expired.

(a) Ejections are based on judgment calls by an official and are not reviewable or reversible.

(b) A coach shall have no role nor be in attendance at pre-contest warm-ups or activities, and shall not be in attendance at contests until the period of suspension has expired.

(c) A player or team attendant may not be on the competitive area nor in the team bench area during any contest until the period of suspension has expired.

(d) The period of suspension resulting from an ejection will expire as follows:

(1) Football: after the individual has been withheld from the next-scheduled game at the level at which the ejection occurred (and all contests at any other level).

(2) Soccer:

(a) One-Game Sit-out:

1. Two yellow cards in the same game

2. Yellow-Red cards for taunting

3. Deliberate handball to prevent a goal

4. Red card for a foul on a player moving toward his goal in a scoring situation

(b) Two-Game Sit-out with Red Card for any of the following: violent conduct, spitting on another person, foul or abusive language, leaving the bench area for a fight situation.

(3) Lacrosse players who are ejected will sit out as follows:

(a) BOYS: Any player ejected for accumulation of personal fouls will sit out one (1) game. Any player or coach ejected for unsportsmanlike behavior or violent conduct will sit out two (2) games.

(b) GIRLS: Any player ejected for accumulation of two (2) yellow cards in one game will sit out one (1) game. Any player or coach given a red card for unsportsmanlike behavior or violent conduct will sit out two (2) games.

(4) Track and Field: after the individual has been withheld from the next scheduled contest. NOTE: All allegations of unsporting behavior must be referred to the "Jury of Appeals" for a final resolution on disqualification. A report must be submitted to the GHSA office in the event of a disqualification.

(5) All Other Activities: after the individual has been withheld from the next two (2) scheduled contests at the level at which the ejection occurred.

(e) To satisfy the penalty of the sit-out game(s), those games must have been scheduled at the time of the ejection, and must be played to completion.

(f) When a player, coach, or team attendant has a second ejection in the same activity during a school year, that individual shall be withheld from competition for twice the time period of the normal suspension.

(g) In the event that a player, coach, or team attendant is ejected three (3) or more times in the same activity during the school year for a sportsmanship violation, the individual will be withheld from competition until:

(1) The member school presents a written response to the circumstances involved in that individual's unsportsmanlike behavior, AND

(2) The GHSA Executive Director establishes a penalty which may include suspension in all GHSA activities for up to twelve (12) months.

(3) Penalties imposed by the GHSA Executive Director may be appealed as described under Section 9 of Article IV, in the GHSA Constitution.

(h) If the ejection occurs in the last game of the season, the penalty carries over to the first game of the next season. If the student is a senior, the penalty carries over to the next sport in which the student participates.

(i) When a coach is ejected, his/her school will be fined.

2.73 Any student who intentionally injures or intentionally attempts to injure another student, coach, official, spectator, or other person immediately before, during, or immediately after any GHSA-sponsored activity, may be declared ineligible to participate in future GHSA activities by the GHSA Executive Director. NOTE: The notice, hearing, and appellate procedures set forth in the GHSA Constitution shall be applicable to such rulings.

2.74 Coaches, administrators, or players are not to make comments to the media that are critical of officials and/or their calls in a game. Penalties that could be imposed by the GHSA Executive Director include fines and/or suspensions.

2.75 The use of fireworks at any GHSA-approved event shall be in strict compliance with the licensing and application procedures of Georgia law and under permit of the probate court in which the event is held.

2.76 The officials' dressing area is "off limits" to coaches and administrators for the discussion of game decisions either at halftime or after the game. Officials should be granted a one-hour time limit before the game, the length of halftime, and 30 minutes after the game,where the facilities are secured.

2.80 - MEDIA AND FILMING REGULATIONS

2.81 The host or home school has the right to determine whether or not its regular-season activities may be broadcast, televised, webcast, tape recorded, filmed or photographed for any "commercial" purposes.

(a) Either school involved in the event shall have the right to video tape the event and to copy said tape, but no third party shall have that right, not even the videographer.

(b) A visiting school desiring to bring broadcasting personnel must obtain permission to do so from the host school prior to the date of the activity or contest.

(c) The host school must execute a written contract with the broadcast entity that complies with the GHSA rules and regulations for broadcasting.

2.82 The region has the right to determine whether or not region tournament (post regular-season) events may be broadcast, televised, webcast, tape recorded, filmed or photographed for any "commercial" purposes.

(a) The region should set and assess any fees charged for broadcasting or telecasting region tournament contests or events.

(b) The region must execute a written contract with the broadcast entity that complies with the GHSA rules and regulations for broadcasting.

2.83 The GHSA rules and regulations for Regular Season and Region Tournament broadcasting are as follows:

(a) The host school shall have the right to approve the amount of space used and the placement of broadcast equipment.

(b) The host school (for regular-season events), or the region (for region tournaments) shall be entitled to all revenue from the sale of broadcasting rights unless the contract specifies otherwise.

(c) Advertising utilized during the broadcast shall not include alcohol or tobacco products.

(d) Commercial announcements shall not occur during playing time.

(e) Announcers shall not criticize coaches, officials, or schools, and shall be fair and impartial in their descriptions.

(f) The copyright privileges for Regular-Season events belong to and shall remain the property of the host school.

(g) The copyright privileges for Region Tournament events belong to and shall remain the property of the region.

2.84 GHSA Broadcast rules and regulations for State Playoff events:

(a) Broadcast rights and copyright privileges to all state playoff events (i.e., after region winners have been determined) belong to the Georgia High School Association, and the GHSA has the right to determine if any of these events may be broadcast, televised, webcast, tape recorded, filmed or photographed for any "commercial" purposes. NOTE: Participating schools may NOT sell tapes of state playoff events or provide copies of tapes to third parties for resale without written consent from the GHSA office.

(b) Any media entity wishing to broadcast or telecast (including Internet reproduction) any state playoff event must execute a written contract with the GHSA for that event.

(c) Contact the GHSA office for a contract, which shall contain specific rules and requirements.

(d) Broadcast fees are listed in a chart that follows. The fees are "per event" except for football, basketball and soccer, which are per game. NOTE: a baseball playoff series is one event; a softball tournament is one event.

(e) Television rights and fees must be negotiated with the GHSA office on a case-by-case basis, except for those stations having long-term contracts with the GHSA.

(f) Video production for authorized school "coach's shows" are exempt from these rules and fees.

2.85 Radio, Internet Broadcast Fees for State Playoff events: Fees are based on the size of the market. Levels are determined as follows - Level 3 = 50,000 population and higher; Level 2 = 25,000 to 49,999; Level 1 = Under 25,000 population. Fees for each level are listed below. NOTE: These fees are for radio and audio only Internet webcasts. Video webcast fees must be negotiated on a case-by-case basis with the GHSA office.

2.86 Television stations or other broadcast entities shall have the right to film portions of GHSA state playoff events in order to air selected highlights in any bona fide newscast. "Bona fide newscast" is defined as a half-hour or hour program that is regularly scheduled and includes news, weather and sports. Entertainment and commercial uses of highlights are not considered bona fide newscasts and are prohibited. Highlights may not exceed one minute per contest, or two minutes total running time in any single newscast without the consent of the GHSA. Highlights may be used, subject to the above guidelines, up to 72 hours after the event. NOTE: Members of the working press shall be allowed to use digital video cameras at GHSA state playoff events as long as such cameras are being used to obtain still images or video highlights as defined in this By-Law. Site administration shall have the authority to prevent use of such video equipment if it is determined that a video tape of a substantial portion of the event is being made.

2.87 FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY: Flash photography is prohibited at all indoor GHSA state playoff events unless permission is obtained from the GHSA office on a case-by-case basis. Flash photography at outdoor GHSA state playoff events is at the discretion of the onsite game officials.

2.88 Parents and/or fans connected with a member school will be allowed to use video or still cameras to tape or photograph GHSA state playoff events in which that member school is participating under the following conditions (Exception: One Act Play, Cheerleading and Debate restrictions will remain in place):

(a) The cameras must be hand-held and their use cannot interfere with another fan's view of the event. Site administrators shall have the authority to halt photography if, in their opinion, this rule is being violated.

(b) The tapes/photos must be for personal use only and cannot be used for scouting purposes, given to other schools for scouting purposes, used for any commercial purpose, or sold for profit. Violation of this rule by a member school will result in penalties from the Executive Director including a fine.

(c) Anyone else filming or photographing GHSA state playoff events for commercial purposes must have approval of the Executive Director.

2.90 - REGULATIONS OF COMPETITIONS

2.91 Sunday Competition: Sunday competition is prohibited for GHSA regular season or playoff contests. Sunday practices are regulated by local school policy.

2.92 Contest Rules: All athletic and literary competitions are to be played according to the rules published by the National Federation of State High School Associations, using officially-dressed officials who are registered with the GHSA or another State Association.

(a) Exception: Tennis is played according to the rules of USTA.

(b) Exception: Golf is played according to the rules of the USGA.

(c) Exception: Riflery is conducted according to the rules of National Standard Three-Position Air Rifle Rules.

(d) Exception: Girls Lacrosse is conducted according to the rules of US Lacrosse.

NOTE: The National Federation prohibits the use of video tape to review an official's decision.

2.93 Interrupted Games: Any GHSA competition may be interrupted due to human, mechanical, or natural causes when it is necessary to protect the safety of players and spectators. The Executive Director shall have the authority to postpone GHSA events and to direct the procedure for rescheduling when deemed necessary.

(a) The GHSA requires lightning detectors at all outdoor athletic activities.

(1) When a lightning detector indicates a dangerous situation, the game manager will notify the head official. At that point, the official will suspend play and all participants will go to a place of safety (NOTE: If officials spot lightning before being notified, they may suspend play).

(2) When the detector indicates that it is safe to resume play, the contest may resume in accordance with procedures published in the NFHS Rules Book.

(b) Postponed games are games that are terminated before they actually begin because of weather problems, emergency situations, or mechanical failures.

(1) The host school should notify the opposing team and officials as early as possible when a contest is postponed.

(2) The host school is responsible for determining whether an event is to be postponed until the timethat game rules turn that responsibility over to game officials except when there is a written contract for that game. When there is a contract, there must be an agreement between the competing schools about the postponement.

(3) School personnel will agree on the rescheduling of the contest.

(c) Suspended and/or Terminated Games - When game officials suspend a game due to weather issues, the following procedures are in place:

(1) For all Baseball, Softball, Football and Soccer contests involving teams of different classifications, there will be up to a two-hour delay (cumulative) before the contest will be terminated. (See the Baseball and Softball Sections to see the procedures involved with terminated games.)

(a) If the Football or Soccer contest is terminated before it has reached the halfway point, the contest is declared a "no contest."

(b) If the Football or Soccer contest is terminated after it has reached the halfway point, the score at the point of termination is final.

(2) For Football, Lacrosse and Soccer contests involving teams of the same classification, all contests will be played to completion.

(a) There will be no mandatory two-hour delay.

(b) The 11:30 curfew will be waived.

(c) Administrators from the competing schools may agree to terminate the contest and resume competition at the point of interruption at a later time.

(d) The team that is behind may choose not to resume the contest at a later date.

(3) Golf and Tennis procedures will be dictated by USGA and USTA rules.

(4) Cross Country and Track and Field will not use the two-hour delay rule.

(d) Paying Officials in shortened/postponed games:

(1) In the event a scheduled contest cannot be started due to weather-related conditions, officials who have arrived at the contest site will be paid one-half the contest fee in addition to the travel allowance.

(2) If a game is interrupted by weather or darkness before it becomes a completed game, the officials will be paid one-half the regular game fee.

(3) If a game is an official game at the point of interruption, the officials will be paid full fees.

(4) Beyond these conditions, no officials group(s) may hold the schools responsible for weather-related postponements.

2.94 All championship contests that end in a tie will have that tie resolved by means of the procedures that are used to resolve ties in preceding rounds of the playoffs.

2.95 Absence of Officials: In the unlikely event that game officials do not arrive for a contest, both schools should agree on one of the following procedures:

(a) Delay the game until a new set of officials can arrive

(b) Agree to play the game on another date except a Sunday

(c) Use registered officials who might be in attendance at the contest

(d) Use coaches or school personnel from both schools

(e) Use formerly registered officials who might be in attendance at the contest.

2.96 All Star Teams:

(a) In accordance with state law, member schools shall not permit their teams or players to participate in "Bowl" or "All Star" games during the GHSA regular season or during GHSA playoffs. Players selected to participate in out-of-season all-star games must adhere to GHSA amateur standing rules, and to NCAA regulations regarding all-star games.

(b) The GHSA is not involved in either sanctioning All Star games or overseeing the selection process.

2.97 Admission Fees for State Playoff Contests are set by the GHSA and are published in the various sports sections of the by-laws.

(a) "Babies in arms" are admitted free of charge to all events in the company of a ticket or pass holder.

(b) Membership identification cards from the Georgia Athletic Officials Association will be honored like a GHSA pass at all GHSA events. A picture ID is also necessary to use this card.

(c) There is no admission fee for Golf, Tennis, Riflery, Debate, Literary or One Act Play.

2.98 Auxiliary personnel such as ballboys/girls or batboy/girls at all State playoff games must be at least 12 years of age.

INTERPRETATIONS, 2.00 SECTION

BY-LAW 2.40 - STUDENT RETENTION FOR ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES

SITUATION: A student is retained in the 8th grade until January because; (a) he did not pass the promotion test until the fall semester, or (b) his parents did not feel he was ready for high school in August. How will affect the student's GHSA eligibility?

RULING: Students who are not admitted to the ninth grade in the fall because they did not pass a promotion test may have eligibility granted in January if the high school files a copy of the school system's promotion policy and a copy of the student's test scores. If the retention was for any other reason, the filing process is outlined in by-law 2.42. Regardless of the reason for the retention, the student's 8-semester calendar to participate in GHSA activities begins with the January entrance if the retention is approved by the GHSA.

BY-LAW 2.50 - QUALIFICATIONS TO COACH

SITUATION: Are GHSA Community Coaches subject to the same regulations in regard to out-of-season coaching as coaches who are certified teachers?

INTERPRETATION: Yes, all coaching regulations apply to both Community Coaches and coaches who are certified teachers.

SITUATION: A school wishes to hire a coach with a valid Georgia teaching certificate. However, there is no teaching position available in the system. What must the school do in order to use this person as a coach?

INTERPRETATION: The coaching prospect must be enrolled in and successfully complete the GHSA Coaches Education Program. Any person not employed as a teacher or administrator is classified as a Community Coach and must complete the CEP.

SITUATION: Can an instructor at a cheerleading gym also be a Community Coach at the high school where the gym attendees are on the cheerleading team?

INTERPRETATION: Yes. However, as a Community Coach, the gym instructor must follow the same guidelines as a certified school coach. They can only coach the cheerleading team members during the season at their gym; or, coach no more than two team members at a specific time during the off season.

SITUATION: Can a gym instructor, who is also a Community Coach, coach an all-star team that includes one or more of his high school team members?

INTERPRETATION: No. A GHSA coach, either a certified teacher or a Community Coach, may not coach a non-GHSA team in a competitive setting during the school year that includes any player(s) who participates in the sport he coaches at the member school.

SITUATION: Can the high school cheerleading team practice at the cheerleading gym where the Community Coach is an instructor?

INTERPRETATION: Yes. The GHSA does not specify where practices may be held. However, only the GHSA Community Coach and the certified school coach may work with the team at the gym. It would be illegal coaching for any other instructor at the gym to work with the team.

SITUATION: A certified teacher is hired part-time in the local school. May he be hired to coach cheerleaders?

INTERPRETATION: Yes, if the certified person is employed for twenty (20) hours or more per week on a regular basis in a professionally contracted position, and holds a valid teaching certificate.

SITUATION: A certified teacher is employed by a public school system and desires to coach at a private school. Is this permissible?

INTERPRETATION: Yes, as long as the chief administrator from each school involved signs the appropriate form agreeing to such an arrangement.

SITUATION: A non-faculty coach who has completed the GHSA Community Coach requirements is under a coaching agreement with a school system. May this community coach be shared by more than one school in this school system.

INTERPRETATION: Yes, as long as this arrangement is approved within that school system. A community coach may not be under an agreement with more than one school system in any one school year.

SITUATION: A licensed para-professional is hired to work full-time. May she be hired to: (a) be the head coach of the varsity cheerleading team, or (b) assist the varsity cheerleading coach?

INTERPRETATION: If the para-professional successfully completes the GHSA training program for a community coach, that individual may be an assistant coach, but never a head coach.

SITUATION: A coach for a member school takes a year off for maternity leave. May that coach continue to coach even though there are no teaching responsibilities?

INTERPRETATION: Yes.

RETIRED TEACHER

SITUATION: A teacher-coach, who has been teaching thirty (30) years, retires and is re-hired by the local school board to supervise the athletic program half-time and coach. Is this acceptable?

INTERPRETATION: Yes. The retired teacher/coach may be hired up to 49% of full-time and be eligible to coach.

QUESTION: What is the definition of "retired?"

ANSWER: An individual who draws retirement funds each month from a teacher retirement fund administered by the state, local board of education, or an independent school is a retired person.

BY-LAW 2.60 - INTERSCHOLASTIC CONTESTS AND PRACTICES

SITUATION: When do out-of-season practice restrictions begin?

INTERPRETATION: The beginning of the GHSA school year is the earliest date of the first practice for any GHSA sport, or the first day of classes _ whichever comes first. On that date, all restrictions about camps, clinics, and participation of coaches go into effect.

SITUATION: A student participates in a Fall baseball league offered in the community (while school is in session), and the high school coaches assists with the practices of this team.

INTERPRETATION: This is a violation of GHSA rules for coaching out-of-season.

SITUATION: May a school open its gym during the school year for students to participate in basketball, volleyball, or wrestling outside the sport seasons for these activities, and may students on those school teams participate?

INTERPRETATION: The gym may be open for all students in the school, and students involved in the sports mentioned may participate, but no coach in that sport may be present during these times.

SITUATION: May a faculty member officiate basketball pick up games before or after school outside of the published basketball season?

INTERPRETATION: Yes, as long as the faculty member is not a basketball coach at that school.

SITUATION: May a coach in any extracurricular activity conduct voluntary, individual instruction with a student outside a team or competitive setting and outside the designated season for that activity?

INTERPRETATION: Yes, even if the instruction is in the activity that the coach coaches during the designated activity season as long as the instruction is voluntary and is outside a team or competitive setting. At any given point in time, only one coach in a particular sport may be working with one or two athletes in skill-building drills.

SITUATION: A cheerleading coach desires to bring in a representative of a national cheer organization to hold a clinic for the cheerleaders: (a) during the season, or (b) just after Spring try-outs. Is this legal?

INTERPRETATION: This is a violation in either case. In (a), the violation is for illegal coaching; in (b), the violation is for out-of-season practice. Such a clinic is legal during the Summer.

SITUATION: May a faculty member organize, but not require, a voluntary out-of-season weight-lifting program?

INTERPRETATION: Yes, but students must not be required to attend as a requirement for making the team. Coaches shall use caution not to suggest that participation in such a program is mandatory, or that their failure to participate could adversely affect their opportunity to make the school team. Such weight-lifting program must be open to all students in the school, and physical examinations for each participant must be on file at the school. The program shall not be sport-specific.

SITUATION: A softball coach is asked to coach a traveling team that plays its schedule in the Spring and Summer months. There is one player from the coach's school team on the traveling team. May the coach accept the duty without violating GHSA rules?

INTERPRETATION: If the coach coached the traveling team before school was out for the students, there would be a violation. There is no violation during the Summer.

SITUATION: A GHSA wrestling coach wants to take a group of his wrestlers to a "Free Style" tournament during the month of April, is this legal?

RULING: No. Wrestling is wrestling regardless of whether it is "folk style," "free style," or Greco-Roman style. GHSA out-of-season practice rules are in effect for all types of wrestling.

SITUATION: A certified teacher who coaches at a member school gives instruction and/or coaches in a non-school Summer program that continues into Fall semester. What are the restrictions on the coach?

INTERPRETATION: The Summer activity is unrestricted as long as the students' participation is voluntary. After the GHSA school year begins in the Fall, the following conditions must be met:

(a) If the students are in the school where the teacher coaches, no more than two can meet with the coach at any point in time out of season.

(b) If the student is from a school other than the one at which the teacher coaches, the student must voluntarily attend any instruction session or competition with the Summer activity without any direct or indirect influence from the school the student attends.

(c) If any student transfers to the school where the teacher coaches, it would be prima facie evidence of undue influence and penalties could result. NOTE: This interpretation also applies to Community Coaches.

SITUATION: May a basketball team have a scrimmage game against a team of the alumni or of the faculty of that school for fund-raising purposes?

INTERPRETATION: No, all participants in a practice must be eligible students currently enrolled in the school. This would be a violation in-season or out-of-season.

SITUATION: May a school soccer team scrimmage a local recreation soccer team?

INTERPRETATION: No, all participants in a practice must be eligible students currently enrolled in the school. Interscholastic scrimmages are allowed in certain sports.

SITUATION: At an invitational golf tournament, the host school ends its school day at 3:15 p.m. Other schools participating end their school days at times ranging from 2:30 to 3:45. What is the earliest this tournament may begin?

INTERPRETATION: 3:15 _ The GHSA rule is that regular season competitions may not begin before school is out for the host school.

SITUATION: A school has a teacher's workday on a Friday, and the students are not in school. May the school host a golf tournament that begins at 10:00am that day?

RULING: Yes. The golf tournament may be scheduled at that time, and any schools that are also not in session that day may participate. If a team's school is in session, they may not participate until the normal dismissal time of the host school.

BY-LAW 2.70 - SPORTSMANSHIP

SITUATION: A baseball coach is ejected on Friday, and sits out the next scheduled game on Monday. The Monday game is called because of rain in the middle of the fifth inning with the home team trailing. Does this game satisfy the "sit-out rule?"

INTERPRETATION: No, since the game was called before it was considered a completed game, the coach may not count it as a sit-out game.

SITUATION: A school has several players and most of its substitutes on its baseball team ejected for a fighting incident. At the time of the next scheduled game, the school does not have enough players to field a team, and they forfeit to their opponent. Does this satisfy one game of the sit-out rule?

INTERPRETATION: Yes. The acceptance of a loss in a forfeiture is equated to playing a game to its completion.

SITUTATION: A football coach, who works with both the junior varsity and the varsity squads, is ejected from a JV game on Thursday afternoon. What are the conditions for his "sit-out" game?

INTERPRETATION: The coach must sit out the next game at the level at which he was ejected and any games in between. In this case, the coach could not coach at the varsity game on Friday nor at the next scheduled JV game.