Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA)

SECTION 3 (A)—No student shall be eligible to participate for a junior high/middle school for whom there is not on file in the offices of the superintendent or principal or athletic director of that school a statement for the current school year certifying that (1) the student has passed a physical examination and is physically able to compete in athletic practice and contests and (2) there has been consent for disclosure to the MHSAA of information otherwise protected by FERPA and HIPAA for the purpose of determining eligibility for in- terscholastic athletics; and (3) there has been a signed acknowledgment and assumption of risk by the par- ent/student as well as a concussion awareness acknowledgment. SECTION 3 (B)—Following removal for play for a suspected concussion, no student shall be eligible to repre- sent a junior high/middle school for whom there is not on file in the offices of the superintendent or principal or athletic director of that school a signed MHSAA-designated Post-Concussion Return to Activity Consent Form. This form must be kept on file at the school and emailed to concussion@mhsaa.com. SECTION 3 (C)—The penalties for failure to have a physical examination on file as stated in Section 3(A) or for failure to have a Post-Concussion Return to Activity Consent Form on file as stated in Section 3(B) in- clude those of Regulation V, Section 4 except that forfeiture will not be required if consent to information otherwise protected by FERPA and HIPAA or the signed acknowledgment and assumption of risk by the stu- dent/parent or the concussion awareness are absent from the physical form or not on file. Once discov- ered, the individual student whose form is in question shall not be eligible to participate until the consent, acknowledgment/assumption of risk and physical forms are all on file. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 3 (Interpretations 16-20 of Regulation I, Section 3 are applicable to junior high/middle schools.)

SECTION 4—Schools shall prepare a Master Eligibility List of all students eligible for that sport under the provisions of the Regulations, including current term academic record. Additions to the squad should be duly added. Current copies of the Master Eligibility List are to be available to competing schools upon re- quest. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 4 (Interpretations 185-187 of Regulation II, Section 4 are applicable to junior high/middle schools.)

SECTION 6—6th, 7th and 8th-grade students who have satisfactorily completed enough credits to advance from a junior high/middle school may continue to be eligible to participate for that school as long as the stu- dent has not advanced and is eligible in all other respects.

Sec. 1 All high schools, junior high/middle schools, or other schools of Michigan doing a grade of work correspon- ding to such schools, may become members of this organization provided (a) the school building has en- rollment and onsite attendance of at least 15 students, whether for grades 6 through 8 or 9, grades 7 through 8 or 9, or grades 9 or 10 through 12; and (b) if a nonpublic school, the school qualifies for federal income tax exemption as a not-for-profit organization. A. This Section does not require school districts to become member schools at the junior high/middle school level and does not require school districts to sponsor any interscholastic 6th-grade programs. B. If the school district’s MHSAA membership lists a junior high/middle school as an MHSAA member school, and if that school sponsors interscholastic teams in a particular sport, then the district may allow 6th-graders to participate on 6th-grade teams and/or with and against 7th- and 8th-graders in accor- dance with MHSAA Regulations. Sec. 2 If, after two full years of membership in good standing, a member school’s enrollment and onsite atten- dance declines below the 15-student requirement for membership, MHSAA membership may continue if that school conducts on its own (not in a cooperative program) an interscholastic program that allows participa- tion opportunities for each gender enrolled in that school. In other cases, if a member school in good stand- ing drops below 15 students on what it believes to be a temporary basis, it can request of the Executive Committee to maintain its MHSAA membership for a period of time approved by the Executive Committee. Sec. 3. For a school to become a member of this organization, its board of educa tion/gov ern ing body must com- plete the annual Membership Resolution stating that the board of education/governing body has adopted the organization’s rules as its own and agrees to primary enforcement of such rules as to its own schools. Failure to imple ment required effects of policies and procedures promulgated by the organization to gov ern eligibility, competition and tournaments shall require that members of the ad min istration and board of edu- cation/governing body appear before the Rep re sen ta tive Council or Executive Committee to show cause why the school is not in viola tion of the terms of its Membership Resolution. Sec. 4. It is an essential part of the responsibility for the supervision and control of inter schol astic activities that each board of education/governing body adopt a code of good sportsmanship for its athletes, coaches and spectators, an educational program to promote good sportsmanship, and a system of progressive disci- pline for failures to behave according to the code of good sportsmanship. It is a condition of membership that this code of good sportsmanship, and/or a separate code of conduct for athletics, must prohibit use of illegal performance-enhancing substances and specify a period of ineligibility for students who violate the school’s policy. Sec. 5. The Representative Council shall have the authority to classify schools as a basis for competition in the or- ganization’s tournaments and for the organization’s elections.

SECTION 1 — No high school shall enter any students or athletic teams in any interscholastic scrimmage or contest un- less the students or athletic teams of that high school are eligible under all Regulations, nor shall any high school know- ingly permit its students or athletic teams to compete in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest against a member school in which an ineligible athlete is used by either school. This applies to all students and interscholastic teams spon- sored by the school in MHSAA Tournament sports and whether or not that school’s team enters an MHSAA tournament. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 1 174. Any change in the eligibility status of a student under this Regulation shall occur: a. First semester, on the first day of practice or competition for the school team; or b. Second semester, at the beginning of the first full day of the new semester on which regularly scheduled classes are held. 175. Member schools may not waive either rules of eligibility (Regulation I) or rules for contests (Regulation II) by mutual agreement, and member schools must observe all such rules when competing against non-member teams. 176. A member school (including a member school’s non-traditional school or program) may have three (3) con- tests or days of competition for boys and three (3) for girls per season which are an outgrowth of the intramural pro gram. These need not follow eligibility regulations but no one par tici pat ing in such activities is eligible to rep- resent the school in that sport on an inter scholastic team that season. 177. Member schools cannot conduct, support, or recognize teams in any sport under MHSAA jurisdiction other than those that compete strictly on an intramural basis or on an interscholastic basis following all MHSAA rules. A team shall not be defined as a club team simply because it is funded with other than school finances. Internal descriptions of school teams such as club, non-varsity, etc do not change the school’s responsibility to follow the regulations for interscholastic athletics for sports in which the MHSAA sponsors a postseason tournament as agreed to in the school’s annual membership resolution. 178. Except as required by Regulation II, Sections 5 and 6, MHSAA member schools may participate against in- state non-member teams (including non-school community teams), regardless of who the sponsor is and the number of school and non-school teams involved, except that senior high school varsity football competition may only be against bona fide high school teams. See Regulation II, Section 9(D). Member schools may not compete in any sport against out-of-state teams that are not bona fide high school teams. A student who is enrolled at an MHSAA member school may not compete as an unattached or non-school participant in any reg- ular-season school contest. 179. MHSAA member high school teams may not practice or compete with or against junior high/middle school students or teams except as permitted in Regulation I, Section 1 (D). 180. Member schools may determine that ineligible student-athletes may practice during the season; however, MHSAA medical and concussion insurance coverages are extended to eligible student-athletes only, and in- season only.

A student shall not pitch in excess of the approved MHSAA pitch count limitations (see page 113). A stu- dent or team shall participate in no more than two games per school day. A student or team shall compete in no more than four scrimmages and in no more than 38 games, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament. Baseball players are allowed to play on multiple levels on the same day. The 38 game season and daily lim- its would still apply to students.

SECTION 1—No junior high/middle school shall enter any athletes or athletic teams in any interscholastic scrimmage or contest unless the athletes or athletic teams of that junior high/middle school are eligible under Regulation I or III; nor shall any school knowingly permit its athletes or athletic teams to compete in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest against a member school in which an ineligible athlete is used. This Regulation applies to all interscholastic teams sponsored by the school in MHSAA Tournament sports for high schools. Note: (Int. 11) With district administration approval, students in grades six, seven and eight, or grade nine of a junior high/middle school, may observe high school practices, and schools may conduct separate prac- tices for junior high schools 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 participation with or against junior high/middle school students during such practices. Designations such as “student man- ager” do not alter this Interpretation. Managers may assist coaches in drills and assist the team in general, but they may not participate in practices as team members do. If it is not the junior high/middle school sea- son or the junior high/middle school does not sponsor the sport, out-of-season coaching controls and/or undue influence rules may apply. MHSAA member high school teams may not practice or compete with or against junior high/middle school students or teams (except as permitted in Regulation I, Section 1 [D]). INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 1 (Interpretations 174-180, of Regulation II, Section 1 are applicable to junior high/ middle schools.)

SECTION 1 (A)— 1. To be eligible for interscholastic athletics during the first semester or the first and second trimesters of the school year, a student must be enrolled in a junior high/middle school not later than the fourth Friday after Labor Day. 2. To be eligible for interscholastic athletics during the second semester or the second or third trimester of the school year, a student must be enrolled in a junior high/middle school not later than the fourth Friday of February. 3. Unless a specific exemption is stated in this section or Section 8, a student must be enrolled in and receiving current credit (courses awaiting grades for credit) in at least 50 percent of his/her current course load in the school for which he or she participates. SECTION 1 (B)—No student who carries 50 percent of his or her work in the 10th grade, or who through cred- its earned, is entitled to carry 50 percent of his or her work in the 10th grade, shall be eligible to participate in athletic competition between junior high/middle schools except as provided in Section 6 of this Regula- tion. SECTION 1 (C)—Schools which have joined the MHSAA at the 6th-grade level may allow 6th-graders to par- ticipate on 6th-grade only teams and with or against 7th- and 8th-graders in individual sports (e.g., bowling, cross country, track & field, swimming & diving, tennis, wrestling) and, with the approval of their middle school league, this may also occur in team sports, in either case without the necessity of MHSAA Execu- tive Committee waiver. Schools or school-sponsored teams not in a middle school league may make this determination on their own. A middle school league may enact a more restrictive policy with respect to 6th- graders’ participation in team or individual sports. SECTION 1 (D)—Two or more MEMBER junior high/middle schools may conduct, with the approval of the Executive Committee, a Cooperative Program in the specific sports for which application has been made and approval has been granted. Programs are limited to grades 6, 7 and 8 and may include grade 9 only if it is not a part of the senior high school enrollment figure or athletic program. Cooperative agreements which existed prior to the addition of 6th graders to MHSAA membership in 2016- 17 or agreements among middle schools of the same school district or under the same governing board may include 6th graders in the cooperative program as determined under Regulation III, Section 1 [C] above even if they are in separate buildings and with separate school administration. Additional Executive Committee approval is not needed to add 6th graders in these instances, however, such 6th grade buildings must be- come MHSAA member schools. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 1 (Interpretations 1-11 of Regulation I, Section 1 are applicable to junior high/ middle schools.) 262. In schools that do have MHSAA membership at the 6th grade level in a specific sport(s): a. Students in the 5th grade or below may participate against one another in interscholastic scrimmages or contests at the site of, but not the same time as students in grade six or above compete. The scoring of such contests or events may not be a part of the scoring for the events involving students in grades six or above. b. With district administration approval, students in the 5th grade may observe or be a part of practices at the same site and time as students in grades six, seven and eight if the schools are part of the same district. However, 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students shall not engage in direct competition with students in the 5th grade and below during such practice. See Interpretation 11. 263. In schools that do not have MHSAA membership at the 6th grade level in a specific sport(s): a. Students in the 6th grade or below may participate against one another in interscholastic scrimmages or contests at the site of, but not the same time as students in grade seven or above compete. The scoring of such contests or events may not be a part of the scoring for the events involving students in grades seven or above. This interpretation is sport specific. For example, a school may permit participation in track & field by 6th grade students but not in basketball. Sixth grade students who are not permitted participa- tion in a sport by the school or league must follow this interpretation (separate 6th grade participation only). Regulation III 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 87 88 b. With district administration approval, students in the 6th grade may observe or be a part of practices at the same site and time as students in grades seven and eight if the schools are part of the same district. How- ever, 7th and 8th -grade students shall not engage in direct competition with students in the 6th grade and below during such practice if the school or league does not permit participation by 6th grade students in that sport. This interpretation is sport specific. For example, a school may permit participation in track & field by 6th grade students but not in basketball. Sixth grade students who are not permitted participation in a sport by the school or league shall not engage in direct competition with 7th and 8th grade students in that sport. See Interpretation 11.

A student or team shall participate in no more than one interscholastic ice hockey game per day and in no more than one interscholastic scrimmage and in no more than 27 games during the regular season, exclu- sive of the MHSAA tournament. A student or team shall participate in no more than three games Monday through Sunday.

JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL VARIATIONS SECTION 10 (A)—A junior high/middle school may have any number of teams but no school may allow any team or student to participate in more than the number of games or meets within a period of 13 consecu- tive weeks in the sports concerned as stated in this section, and in accordance with the conditions indicated. SECTION 10 (B)—Fall sports practices for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades may begin on the 14th Monday before Thanksgiving, one week (7 days) after the start of high school practice, regardless of the date of the first day of school. When school begins before the first allowable practice date, fall sports for a school may begin on the first day of classes for that school. Ninth-grade football teams of junior high/middle schools may begin practice on the same date as the grade 10-12 football teams of that school district if the 9th-grade team is comprised only of 9th-graders or students who have been approved for eligibility advancement. Other sea- sons and starting dates will be established by the local district, league, or conference. 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 96 97 SECTION 10 (C)—In schools for which 9th grade is the highest grade available, 9th-grade students who do not have eligibility by the school district’s structure to participate at a three or four-year high school, may participate in interscholastic athletic scrimmages and contests of their junior high/middle school, if the school elects to have them do so. Such 9th-grade students are under the same senior high school eligibil- ity rules that are allowed 9th-graders in senior high schools. There shall be mutual agreement by compet- ing schools to the modifications allowed 9th-graders of junior high/middle schools. The Limitations on Competition of this Section apply to 9th-grade students allowed to participate as stated above with junior high/middle schools. SECTION 10 (D)—Each school team and all players are allowed a maximum of four interscholastic scrim- mages per season; one allowed in ice hockey and two in skiing. (See Regulation II, Section 11 (B) and (C) for definitions and applications). 1. BASEBALL— —The season shall be a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks from the start of practice, including tryouts, during which a student or team shall participate in no more than 10 days of competition. Doubleheader dates count as only one day of competition. Field dimensions may be modified to 80 feet (bases) and 54 feet (pitchers mound). 2. BASKETBALL— —The season shall be a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks from the start of practice, including tryouts, during which a student or team shall participate in no more than 12 games. A student or team shall partic- ipate in no more than one (1) game of interscholastic basketball per day except that on no more than four occasions during the season, a student or team may participate in two games on a day not followed by a day of school for either team. The two games must be on the same gender team and on the same level for each student. The four doubleheader days shall count as only one game toward the total of 12 allowed games. Games involving only students below the 9th grade shall be played in a maximum of eight (8) minute quarters. A school sponsoring games involving teams which combine 9th grade students with the 8th and/or 7th grades may be played in a maximum of eight (8) minute quarters. Leagues and conferences (or inde- pendent member schools) may request the use of the fifth-quarter rule to MHSAA staff prior to the start of contests during the season. The request must include roster size data and rationale along with support of league members and/or opponents. 1. The regulation size basketball will be used for junior high/middle school boys basketball un less the two competing teams (by contract or league adoption) mutually agree to use the smaller ball. 2. The three-point line and goal will be used for all boys and girls interscholastic com pe tition unless the two competing teams (by contract or league adoption) mutually agree not to do so. 3. COMPETITIVE CHEER— —The season shall be a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks during which a student or team shall participate in no more than eight dates. A student or team shall participate in no more than one competition per day and no more than three competitions per week (Monday through Sunday) provided one of these is on a non- school day or a day not followed by school. 1. All school-sponsored cheerleading competition must be in the MHSAA competitive cheer format, but con- sisting of a Required Round and an Open Round only. 2. During competition a minimum of four and a maximum of 16 team members are allowed on the floor for competition in either round. 4. CROSS COUNTRY— —The season shall be a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks from the start of practice, including tryouts, during which a student or team shall participate in no more than 10 meets per season with a maximum of two meets per week. Students shall not participate in two meets on the same day. Rules of junior high/middle school cross country are those printed in the National Federation Track and Field Rule Book with published MHSAA modifications. Cross Country distances may be shortened by mutual consent of the competing schools prior to the date of the meet. A JH/MS athlete can compete in one MHSAA postseason event as a 7th or 8th grader. A student may be eli- gible to compete in one MHSAA tournament, but not both the JH/MS MHSAA Regional and the high school MHSAA Regional in cross country. Regulation IV 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 97 98 5. FIELD HOCKEY— —The season shall be a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks from the start of practice, including tryouts, during which a student or team shall participate in no more than 12 games. A student or team may partici- pate in a no more than two single day multi-team tournaments in which the total allowable playing time for any team is no more than 150 running time minutes and the event counts as one of the 12 regular-season contests (and one of three dates, Monday-Sunday). Games that are tied at the end of regulation playing time shall remain tied. 6. FOOTBALL— —The season shall be a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks from the start of practice, including tryouts, during which a student or team shall participate in no more than six games. Games involving only students in grades 7 and/or 8 shall be played in a maximum of ten (10) minute quarters. Games which include a com- bination of 9th grade students and those in the 8th and/or 7th grades may be played in a maximum of ten (10) minute quarters. A student or team shall not participate in more than one game of interscholastic foot- ball in five consecutive calendar days. Regulation II, Section 9(B-C-D) and Interpretations 205-214 are applicable to junior high/middle schools. 7. LACROSSE— —The season shall be a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks during which a student or team shall participate in no more than 15 (boys) or 12 (girls) games. A student or team shall participate in no more than three games Monday through Sunday, but only two of the three games may occur on a day or night before a school day. A student or team shall participate in no more than one game of interscholastic lacrosse per school day. A student or team may participate in a multi-team tournament in which the total allowable playing time for any student or team is no more than 160 (boys) / 150 (girls) running time minutes and the event counts as one of the 15 (boys) or 12 (girls) regular-season contests. The following provisions would apply: 1. A student or team shall participate in no more than four multi-team tournaments in its regular-season schedule, each tournament counting as one of the 15 (boys) or 12 (girls) games of allowed competition. 2. No more than 25-minute running time halves could have been played. Clock stops for injuries with one time out allowed per team per half. For girls, two regular games may be played (no overtimes permitted). 3. Multi-team tournaments may only be held on non-school days or days not followed by school. 4. There are no overtimes permitted, the games shall end in a tie. 5. If a student or team participates in a multi-team tournament, that student or team shall participate in no more than two regulation games or scrimmages that week, Monday through Sunday, in addition to the multi-team tournament. Boys games involving junior high/middle school teams may not exceed 10-minute quarters. 8. SOCCER— —The season shall be a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks from the start of practice, including tryouts, during which a student or team shall participate in no more than 12 games, except that two games may be played on a day not followed by a school day, up to two times a season. Each of the doubleheader days counts as one of the 12 games. A game shall consist of four (4) 15-minutes quarters or two (2) 30-minute halves. Games that are tied at the end of regulation playing time shall remain tied. 9. SOFTBALL— —The season shall be a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks from the start of practice, including tryouts, during which a student or team shall participate in no more than 12 days of competition. Doubleheader days count as only one day of competition. The maximum softball pitching distance for junior high/middle school fast-pitch softball shall be 40 feet. Regulation IV 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 98 99 Regulation IV 10. SWIMMING AND DIVING— —The season shall be a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks from the start of practice, including tryouts, during which a student or team shall participate in no more than two meets per week and a maximum of 12 days of competition. Order of Events —All events for junior high/middle school are as published in the National Federation Swimming and Diving Rules Book. Distances may be shortened or events eliminated by mutual consent of competing schools prior to the day of the meet. Scoring —All dual league and invitational meets—Scoring is to be in accordance with provisions of the current year Na- tional Federation Swimming and Diving Rules Book. Entries —A student may participate in a total of four (4) events, two of which must be relays. Preliminary trials and/or fi- nals constitute participation in one event. Diving and relays are considered as events. 11. TENNIS— —The season shall be a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks from the start of practice, including tryouts, during which a student or team shall participate in no more than 12 days of competition and no more than three (3) individual matches daily. There are no weekly limitations. USTA rules are to be used (with only MHSAA modifications allowed). 12. TRACK AND FIELD— —The events are to be in accordance with the Michigan High School Athletic Association approved Track and Field List for junior high/middle schools. A student may participate in any three track and/or field events from the approved list of Junior High/Mid- dle School order of events. Preliminary trials and relays are considered as events. A student shall not participate in events in 2 track meets held on the same date or 1 meet held on two days which would be in violation of these limitations of competition for 1 meet. The season shall be a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks from the start of practice, including tryouts, during which a student or team shall participate in no more than 10 days of competition. A JH/MS athlete can compete in one MHSAA postseason event as a 7th or 8th-grader. A student may be eligible to compete in one MHSAA tournament, but not both the JH/MS MHSAA Regional and the HS MHSAA Regional in Track & Field. The JH/MS Regional will not count against the school or individual maximum competition limits. TRACK AND FIELD—ORDER OF EVENTS Note 1: When boys and girls meets are conducted simultaneously, the events listed below are to be used. The boys events shall precede the girls events in even years; the girls events shall precede the boys events in odd years. If meets are not run simultaneously, the events listed for those not participating are to be eliminated. Schools must mu- tually agree to run the order of events in yards or meters prior to the meet. If schools cannot mutually agree, the host school will decide. Distances may be shortened or events may be eliminated by mutual consent of competing schools before the meet begins. Junior High/Middle School Order of Events for Boys and Girls Running Events Field Events 1. 4 X 800 Meter Relay 1. Pole Vault 2. 55 Meter Hurdles (5 hurdles) (33” boys, 30” girls) 2. Shot Put (4 Kg. for boys; 6 lb. for girls) 3. 100 Meter Dash 3. Running High Jump 4. 4 X 200 Meter Relay 4. Running Long Jump 5. 1600 Meter Run 6. 4 X 100 Meter Relay 7. 400 Meter Dash 8. 70 Meter Dash 9. 800 Meter Run 10. 200 Meter Hurdles (5 hurdles, 35 meter intervals) (30”) 11. 200 Meter Dash 12. 3200 Meter Run 13. 4 X 400 Meter Relay 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 99 100 Regulation IV Note 2: Both the boys and girls 55-meter hurdles will be over five hurdles spaced as follows: 13 meters to the first hurdle 8.5 meters between the hurdles and 8.0 meters from the last hurdle to the finish. Note 3: 200-meter (30”) low hurdles: If using a facility with a common finish line and the traditional 200-meter start on the curve, the 30” low hurdles are set 50 meters from the start, 35 meters between hurdles and 10 meters to the finish. Note 4: One false start shall be permitted in Junior High/Middle School competition (When the above order of events are used.) Scoring — Dual Meets — Individual events are to be scored 5-3-1 Other Than Dual Meets — Scoring is to be in accordance with the National Federation Edition of the Track and Field Rules Book and the current year. Scoring Note: By prior mutual agreement of competing schools or by league or conference adoption, teams may score four places in dual meets and five places in triangular meets. 13. VOLLEYBALL— —The season shall be a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks from the start of practice, including tryouts, dur- ing which a student or team shall participate in no more than 12 days of competition, and no more than 15 sets (games) per day. A student or team shall participate in no more than three days of competition per week and only two may be on a day or night before a school day. A student or team shall compete in no more than five days of competition during any 14-day period Monday through Sunday. If there is no prior mutual consent by competing schools to lower the net height, the net would be set at the Na- tional Federation regulation height of 7 feet 4 1/8 inches for girls or 7 feet, 11 5/8 inches for boys. 14. WRESTLING— —The season shall be a maximum of 13 consecutive weeks from the start of practice, including tryouts, dur- ing which a student or team shall participate in no more than 12 days of competition with a limit of 60 days of practice and or competition. A student or team shall participate in no more than three days of competi- tion Monday through Sunday. A student shall participate in no more than five matches per day. Only two of the days of competition may occur on a day of school (Monday-Thursday). A student shall participate in no more than 42 total matches (six events of five matches and six events of two matches [(6 x 5) + (6 x 2) =42]. A JH/MS student may compete in one MHSAA JH/MS Individual Regional competition per school year. This event will not count toward their maximum of 12 competitions. RULES AND WEIGHT CLASSES The National Federation Wrestling Rules Book shall be followed except as indicated below: 1. In dual or tournament competition, matches shall consist of three (3) periods, one and one-half (1 1/2) min- utes each. 2. An overtime match shall be a maximum of one minute. The overtime tie-breaker period will remain a maximum of 30 seconds. 3. All schools shall provide legal uniforms for the team no later than the third year of the school sponsorship of a wrestling program. 4. Leagues may establish their own weight classification procedure for league, dual meet and league tourna- ments. Unless mutual agreement is made prior to the date of the competition they shall use the mutual pair- ings procedure using the weight classification chart as guidelines for determining those pairings, no wrestler shall be paired where the difference of weight between them is more than one weight class. 70 lbs. 95 lbs. 120 lbs. 155 lbs. 285 lbs. 75 lbs. 100 lbs. 125 lbs. 167 lbs. 80 lbs. 105 lbs. 130 lbs. 185 lbs. 85 lbs. 110 lbs. 137 lbs. 215 lbs. 90 lbs. 115 lbs. 145 lbs. 245 lbs. Note: All contestants in the Heavyweight Class must weigh at least 246 lbs. The maximum weight allowable for heavyweight wrestlers shall not exceed 285 lbs. 5. It is recommended that the Wrestling Nutrition Education Program be presented by the local nutrition educa- tion coordinator to schools sponsoring junior high/middle school wrestling. 6. It is strongly recommended that in non-tournament competition team scores be eliminated. If final team scores must be kept, they shall be based on actual matches wrestled. 7. A junior high/middle school may participate in the minimum weight program. However, all calculations must be conducted at the local level. The MHSAA will not process the skinfold data. 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 100 101 INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 10 (Interpretations 215, 216, 218 of Regulation II, Section 10 are applicable to junior high/ middle schools.) 274. Competition limitations pertain to both boys and girls. 275. Out of season coaching limitations also apply to 7th and 8th-grades, but not to 6th-grade students. See Reg- ulation II, Section 10, (B, C, D); Section 11, (B, C, D and H); and Interpretations for additional limitations of competition and scrimmage regulations. The Preseason Down Time out-of-season restriction shall apply 14 calendar days prior to the start of practice in the fall and 14 calendar days prior to the first day of practice in subsequent seasons for junior high/middle schools. The Summer Dead Period applies to all levels of MHSAA member schools; coaches and students in grades 7-12 (not 6th grade). 276. It is optional with junior high/middle schools to have separate 9th-grade teams in any sport and if they elect to do so these teams may compete against other 9th-grade junior high/middle school teams or against sen- ior high school teams under the same regulations pertaining to number of games, length of games, or com- petition limitations that apply to senior high schools. In the event there are any 6th, 7th or 8th-grade members on a junior high/middle school team, junior high/middle school regulations pertaining to length of games and limitations of competition are to be in effect for the competition. 277. Junior high/middle school football has the same practice limitation as high school football. 278. Game or contest conditions usually involve league, tournament or organized play or when admission is charged. 279. A school is required to conduct a minimum of ten (10) days of practice in wrestling prior to the first contest, to be included within the 13-week period. 280. A student ineligible under any of the provisions of Regulations I or III, or one who has com peted in a meet or tournament in accordance with the maximum limitations of com petition for that meet or tournament in the sport concerned, may not take part in a meet or tournament immediately preceding, during, or immediately after either of the above in a so-called “exhibition or practice event,’’ or in one in which points may not be scored. 281. Alternatives to the lengths of contests are permitted as long as no student ex ceeds the maximum minutes of playing time stated in specific game rules and the total ex tra playing time for the team does not exceed 25 per- cent of a regulation game or contest. 282. If a school district chooses to sponsor interscholastic sports competition for 5th or lower grades, it is recom- mended that those teams should not exceed the limitations of competition for grades 6-8 in the MHSAA Hand- book. SECTION 11—“ALL-STAR” CONTESTS/NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS SECTION 11 (A)—No athletic director, coach, teacher, or administrator of a MHSAA member school, and no athletic official registered with the Michigan High School Athletic Association, shall at any time during the school year for his or her school, assist either directly or indirectly with the coaching, management, direc- tion, selection or trans portation of players, promotion, or officiating of any “All-Star” exhibition or similar con test, or of any contest that is or purports to be a national high school or a national junior high or mid- dle school championship event or the qualification thereto, in any MHSAA tournament sport if any of the participants is enrolled in an MHSAA member junior high/middle school at the time of the event. SECTION 11 (B)—Any junior high/middle school which uses an individual as a coach or manager of an in- terscholastic athletic team who has violated the provisions of Section A of this Regulation or Regulation II, Section 13 shall be placed on probation for one year and offending coach or coaches shall not be permit- ted to coach in any sport at that school for a one-year period and shall not coach for a one-year period at any other member school in any MHSAA tournament in any sport. SECTION 11 (C)—Any individual who violates the provisions of Section A of this Rule shall be ineligible for registration as an athletic official with the Mich igan High School Athletic Association for a period of at least one year. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 11 (See Interpretations 162-169) (Interpretation 248 of Regulation II, Section 13 is applicable to junior high/middle schools.) Regulation IV 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 101 102

A student shall participate in no more than five quarters in a day and in no more than three games and/or interscholastic scrimmages of lacrosse in one week (Monday through Sunday), including regular and MHSAA Tournament play. A team is limited to one game per school day, unless the day is followed by a non- school day. A student or team shall participate in no more than four interscholastic scrimmages and in no more than 18 games, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament. A student or team may participate in a multi-team tournament in which the total allowable playing time for any team is no more than 150 running time minutes and the event counts as one of the 18 regular-season contests (and one of three dates, Monday-Sunday). The following provisions would apply: a. A student or team shall participate in no more than two (boys)/three (girls) multi-team tourna- ments in its regular-season schedule, each tournament must be held on a single day, counting as one of the 18 games of competition allowed. b. No more than 25-minute running time halves can be played, with no overtimes permitted; the games shall end in a tie. Clock stops for injuries with one time out allowed per team per half. OR For girls, two regulation games may be played (no overtimes permitted). OR For boys, two regu- lation games may be played with one sudden-victory overtime permitted. c. Multi-team tournaments may only be held on non-school days or days not followed by school. d. If a student or team participates in a multi-team tournament, that student or team shall participate in no more than two regulation games or interscholastic scrimmages that week, Monday through Sunday, in addition to the multi-team tournament. e. For purposes of the "fifth quarter" rule: If two teams from one school are at the same event, allow participation in no more halves or quarters than what is being played by the school's highest team level that day. For example, if the varsity team is playing three 25-minute half games for a total of six halves, a player playing both JV and varsity on the same day can play in six total halves that day.

SECTION 11 (A)—Eligibility for interscholastic scrimmages and contests at MHSAA member schools is lim- ited to amateurs, meaning those student-athletes who have not received gifts of material or money and have not received other valuable considerations, including special considerations for loans, because of athletic performance or potential. Treatment of or privileges received by athletes or their families that are not provided or available to all students violate the principles of amateurism in interscholastic athletics. Gifts or loans to family members, based on the student’s athletic performance or potential, are treated as gifts or loans to the student and violate that student’s amateur status. SECTION 11 (B)—After once participating for any MHSAA member school in a contest in any MHSAA Tour- nament sport, a student shall not be eligible to represent his or her high school if that student: (1) receives money or other valuable consideration from any source for participating in athletics, sports, or games listed in Section C; (2) receives money or other valuable consideration for officiating in interscholastic athletic con- tests, except as allowed by Interpretation 142; or (3) signs a professional athletic contract; or (4) violates any of the Interpretations included in this Section. SECTION 11 (C)—A student shall be ineligible under this Section if he or she violates its amateur and awards provisions only in the following activities: baseball, basketball, bowling, competitive cheer, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, alpine skiing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, or wrestling. In sports where playing rules also have separate Am- ateur Status rules (e.g., USGA, USTA, USBC), the limits and restrictions in Section 11 apply, not those of the National Governing Body. SECTION 11 (D) —A student violating this Section shall be ineligible for interscholastic competition for a pe- riod of not less than the next 90 scheduled school days after the date of the student’s last violation, except that a student violating Interpretation 129 may not apply for reinstatement until the equivalent of one full school year of enrollment has elapsed following the date of his or her last violation. (Also see Interpretation 154.) INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 11 (Interpretations 116-154 of Regulation I, Section 11 are applicable to junior high/middle schools.)

SECTION 11 (A)—Eligibility for interscholastic scrimmages or contests at MHSAA member schools is lim- ited to amateurs, meaning those student-athletes who have not received gifts of material or money and have not received other valuable considerations, including special considerations for loans, because of athletic performance or potential. Treatment of or privileges received by athletes or their families that are not provided or available to all students violate the principles of amateurism in interscholastic athletics. Gifts or loans to family members, based on the student’s athletic performance or potential, are treated as gifts or loans to the student and violate that student’s amateur status. SECTION 11 (B)—After once participating for any MHSAA member school in a contest in any MHSAA Tour- nament sport, a student shall not be eligible to represent his or her high school if that student: (1) receives money or other valuable consideration from any source for participating in athletics, sports, or games listed in Section C; (2) receives money or other valuable consideration for officiating in interscholastic athletic contests, except as allowed by Interpretation 142 and 143; or (3) signs a professional athletic contract; or (4) violates any of the Interpretations included in this Section. SECTION 11 (C)—A student shall be ineligible under this Section if he or she violates its amateur and awards provisions only in the following activities: baseball, basketball, bowling, competitive cheer, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, alpine skiing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, or wrestling. In MHSAA-sponsored sports where playing rules also have separate Amateur Status rules (e.g., USGA, USTA, USBC), the limits and restrictions in Section 11 apply, not those of the National Governing Body. SECTION 11 (D) —A student may earn compensation through that student's personal branding activity (e.g. use of student's name, image and likeness). Permissible personal branding activity (PBA) is any situation where a student-athlete promotes or endorses a product or service in exchange for current or prospective fee(s), money, payments, compensation, income, or other thing(s) of value (collectively, "PBA compensa- tion"), regardless of whether the activities relate to athletics, except for the limitations set forth below. PBA is subject to the following limitations: • The student-athlete shall not use the name, logos, mascots, trademarks, or other obvious identi- fiers of any MHSAA member school or the MHSAA in association with receiving PBA compensa- tion or imply that any member school approves of or endorses the PBA. • The student-athlete shall not use any MHSAA member school's facilities or property in associa- tion with receiving PBA compensation. 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 50 51 Regulation I • "Pay for play" (receiving current or prospective fee(s), money, payments, compensation, income, or other thing(s) of value from any source simply for being a student-athlete, or due to perform- ance, at any particular MHSAA member school) and improper recruiting inducements, including by or through an Associated Entity or Individual, as defined below, remain prohibited. • PBA compensation shall not be contingent on specific athletic performance or achievement (e.g., financial incentives based on points scored or competition outcomes). • PBA compensation shall not be provided as an inducement to attend a particular school or to re- main enrolled at a particular school, as this is Undue Influence, as defined in Regulation I, Sec- tion 10. • PBA compensation shall not be provided, facilitated, or arranged, directly or indirectly, by an MHSAA member school or "Associated Entity or Individual," as defined below. • The student-athlete may not engage in PBA during school attendance, or while participating in any MHSAA event, including any practice, scrimmage, meeting, game, or tournament. • The student may not engage in any PBA associated with products, services, individuals, compa- nies, or industries deemed inappropriate, unsafe, or inconsistent with the values and goals of in- terscholastic athletics as determined by the MHSAA, within its sole discretion. This includes, but is not limited to, gaming or gambling, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cannabis, banned or illegal substances (including performance enhancing substances), sexually explicit content, firearms or weapons, or any other category the MHSAA determines to be unsuitable or inappropriate. • The student-athlete/parent/guardian is responsible for determining what, if any effect, the PBA may have on eligibility with the NCAA, NJCAA, and/or NAIA. • The student-athlete/parent/guardian is also responsible for any and all student employment re- sponsibilities and documents, tax obligations with the IRS, and any other local, state, or federal law requirements associated with such PBA. In addition to complying with this policy, student-athletes who engage in PBA must also comply with all other applicable MHSAA regulations, and any applicable school policies. Associated Entity or Individual – An Associated Entity or Individual includes: 1. An entity or organization that is or was known (or should have been known) to any MHSAA mem- ber school or student-athlete/parent/guardian to exist in significant part for the purpose of (i) pro- moting or supporting a particular member school's athletics program or student-athletes and/or (ii) creating or identifying PBA opportunities solely for a particular member school's student-ath- letes. This includes, but is not limited to, any collective, booster club, alumni group, foundation, or other independent organization or group;

A student or team may only participate in those USSA meets sanctioned by the MHSAA, and each meet shall count as one of the 15 ski meets allowed for that team and individual that season. If two members of a team participate in two different MHSAA sanctioned USSA meets in the same weekend, they count as only one of the 17 meets allowed. Each student must have on file with the schools administration (athletic director or principal) his/her complete and up-to-date USSA/high school meet schedule. An eligibility list from the school must be presented to the designated high school representative for the sanctioned meet prior to the student’s participation in that meet. See Regulation II, Section 15(F). No student or team shall participate in more than two scrimmages and in no more than 17 meets total, exclusive of the MHSAA tour- nament but including MHSAA sanctioned USSA meets and meets against other school teams.

SECTION 12 (A)—A student who, after practicing with (including tryouts) or participating in an interscholas- tic scrimmage or contest as a member of a high school athletic team, participates in any athletic competition not sponsored by his or her school in the same sport during the same season, shall become ineligible for a minimum of the next three (3) days of competition and maximum of the remainder of that sport season in that school year. The following exceptions to this Section will apply: 1. Ice hockey, bowling, cross country, golf, gymnastics, swimming & diving, track & field and wrestling shall apply the limited team member ship rule from the point of a student’s first participation in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest, rather than practice. 2. a. Alpine skiing shall apply the limited team membership rule to each individual from the point of the TEAM’S first participation in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest; rather than the first practice or competition of the individual. b. Tennis shall apply the limited team membership rule to all students in that season commencing with the first day of allowed competition for any student under MHSAA regulations, regardless of when the team or student begins competition or the player joins the team. 3. During the high school season in bowling, cross country, golf, gymnastics, alpine skiing, swimming & diving, tennis, track & field or wrestling, a member of the school team in that sport may participate in a maximum of two non-school meets or contests in that sport while not representing his or her school. An event held on not more than three consecutive calendar days is considered a single meet (for the purposes of this section only). a. Points earned, weight established, times or records established shall not count toward any quali- fying requirement for MHSAA meets or tournaments. b. Meets or tournaments entered under the above provisions shall not affect the number of games, contests, or days of competition specified for each school team and individual under Regulation II, Sections 10 and 11. LIMITED TEAM MEMBERSHIP: Section 12(A) Sport LTM Begins ... Exceptions Baseball, Basketball, 1st Practice (or tryout) for student None Competitive Cheer, Field Hockey, Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Volleyball Ice Hockey 1st Scrimmage or Contest for student None Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, 1st Scrimmage or Contest for student 2 non-school competitions Gymnastics, Swim/Dive, Track/Field, Wrestling Ski 1st Scrimmage or Contest for team 2 non-school competitions Tennis 1st Scrimmage or Contest for any team 2 non-school competitions SECTION 12 (B)—After once participating for any MHSAA member school in a contest in any MHSAA Tour- nament sport, a student shall not compete at any time in any MHSAA Tournament sport in any of the follow- ing events: (1) Any event which is or purports to be an “All-Star” contest, regardless of the method of selection or one in which there is participation by one or more all-star teams; (2) “All-Star” fundraising events or similar exhibitions if they involve participants other than the students and faculty of that student’s school; (3) Any event which is or purports to be a national high school championship, or the qualification thereto. Except as permitted under Section 12(C), participation in (1), (2), or (3) above by a high school student shall cause that student to become ineligible for all interscholastic athletics for a maximum period of one year of school enrollment from the date of the student’s last violation of this Section (Also see Regulation II, Section 13 A). SECTION 12(C) – A student who has completed his or her 12th-grade season in a sport may participate with- out loss of eligibility for other sports in one high school all-star event in that sport if held after the MHSAA Final in that sport, providing the following are complied with: a. The student is eligible under all MHSAA regulations, including but not limited to MHSAA minimum standards for academic eligibility and amateur status. b. The event requires or receives no financial support from an MHSAA member school or organiza- tion that exists because of the school. 56 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 56 c. Participation is approved by the student’s high school principal or athletic director, and the MHSAA is notified in writing by the principal or athletic director at least 30 calendar days prior to the event. d. The student makes prior arrangement to complete missed academic lessons, assignments and tests before the last day of classes of the credit grading period in which that student’s absence oc- curs. e. The student misses no MHSAA-sponsored tournament event involving that student’s school team in the subsequent sport in which the student intends to be eligible. f. The student does not violate the MHSAA amateur status/awards rule as a result of any activity di- rectly or indirectly associated with the event. SECTION 12 (D)—A student MAY participate as an individual without loss of interscholastic eligibility: 1. As a member of a National Team, (and the actual, direct tryouts thereto), which is de fined as one se- lected by the United States Olympic Committee designated national governing body of the sport, cho- sen on a national qual i fi cation basis either through a defined selective process or actual tryouts, for the pur pose of international competition which requires the entries to officially represent their respective nations, although it is not necessary there be team scoring by nation; or 2. In an Olympic Development Program (ODP), which is defined as a training program or com petition: a. conducted or sponsored by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC); or b. directly funded in major part and conducted by the USOC member national governing body (NGB) on a national level (e.g., NGB national championship competition and the direct qualifications thereto); or c. specifically authorized by a national governing body involving only athletes previously identified by the NGB as having bona-fide potential for participation in national or international competition in the sport involved. The following procedures are required in (1) and (2): a. Participation, if during the school season, shall be approved by the student’s high school princi- pal, and the MHSAA is notified in writing by the principal at least 30 calendar days prior to the event; and b. The student shall make prior arrangement to complete missed academic lessons, assignments and tests before the last day of classes of the credit grading period in which that student’s absence oc- curs; and The following additional principles apply in (2): c. An ODP student-athlete shall be allowed no more than one competition during the school season in that sport. d. The ODP student-athlete shall miss no MHSAA-sponsored tournament event involving that stu- dent’s school team in that sport. 3. This Section [12-D] does not apply to events held outside the season. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 12 155. a. The purpose of Section 12 (A) is to limit a student’s athletic competition to his or her high school team dur- ing the season of the sport concerned. The purpose of the ex cep tion to this regulation is to allow individ- ual athletes reasonable opportunities to par tic i pate in non-school competition important to their continued development in the sport. b. The regulation is violated in its purpose when coaches arrange these outside op por tun ities to allow athletes to exceed the maximum days of competition permitted under Regulation II, Section 11. School personnel cannot plan or supervise these events. c. An individual may not participate unattached at a meet or tournament where his/her school team is pro- hibited from participating due to a lack of interstate competition approval by the National Federation of State High School Associations or the National Federation member high school association of the state where the event will occur or the MHSAA. (See Regulation II, Section 6). Note: This does not prohibit a student from competing on his or her own at an event which includes “open” competition where participants do not compete with or against students representing school teams. d. An individual may practice (or try out) but not compete with a non-school team during the season, if the school allows, provided the coach has not arranged these opportunities as in b. above. 156. Outside competition usually involves an event publicized in advance to competitors or others, league, tourna- ment or organized play and whether or not admission is charged or officials are used. Competition involving more than a spontaneous neighborhood pick up contest may be in violation. 57 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 57 58 Regulation I 157. a. For the purposes of Section 12, these are DIFFERENT sports or activities: Baseball & Softball Slow Pitch Softball & Fast Pitch Softball Freestyle Wresting & Folkstyle Wrestling Greco Wrestling & Folkstyle Wrestling 2-Person Beach Volleyball & Volleyball Flag Football & Football Scramble Golf & Golf Cross Country Skiing & Alpine Skiing Freestyle Skiing & Alpine Skiing Snowboarding & Alpine Skiing Bowling with Non-Standard Pins and Balls & Bowling Wheelchair or Donkey Basketball & Basketball Triathlon & Swimming, Cross Country or Track Special Olympics events and MHSAA tournament sports For example, a student may represent the high school in baseball and that same student may play on an out- side softball team during the same season, and vice versa, without incurring ineligibility in either sport. b. For the purpose of Section 12, these are the SAME sports or activities, and a student's participation dur- ing the same season is a violation, except as permitted twice for individual sports under Section 12(A) 3.: Game/Sideline Cheerleading competition (girls or co-ed) and Competitive Cheer Distance Runs (e.g., marathons, half-marathons, 10K, 5K, etc.) and Cross Country Indoor Field Hockey & Field Hockey Indoor Lacrosse & Lacrosse (Boys and Girls) Indoor Soccer & Soccer Futsal Soccer & Soccer Indoor Track & Field & Outdoor Track & Field Inline Roller Hockey with Standard Stick and Puck & Ice Hockey 3-on-3 or More in Anything & Standard Numbers for the Sport Live physical competition simulations and MHSAA Tournament Sports 158. A member of a school’s interscholastic team may not participate in either a school or non-school 3-on-3 (or more) competition in that sport during the MHSAA season for that sport without loss of eligibility under this Sec- tion. 159. Participation as members of class, intramural, student-faculty, or club teams composed ex clusively of students and faculty members playing within that senior high school is not regarded as outside competition. 160. A season in any sport ends when the last athletic contest or scrimmage is played in that sport by the school team during that school year. If a student plays on a non-school team at the conclusion of the season for his/her level, that student is ineligible for the remainder of the season for other levels of that team. 161. The phrase “next three days of competition” means the next three days of competition in that sport after the school becomes aware of the violation. 162. An “all-star’’ team is one which is called “all-star” or one whose membership is elected by ballot, or selected by any organ ization, league, newspaper, radio/television station, or by any similar method or agency, and which is composed of outstanding competitors from two or more high school teams. Alumni games are not con- sidered “all-star” games but must be counted as a scrimmage or contest. 163. An “all-star” contest is one which is called “All-Star” and/or in which there is participation by one or more “all- star” teams. This interpretation does not apply to individual students in girls competitive cheer contests or side- line cheer contests provided the selection components of Int. 162 are complied with (e.g. the event is not called all-star and participants are not selected). 164. If there is no limit to the number of people invited to a tryout, or if the tryout is per formed throughout a non-school season (such as summer American Legion base ball), ath letes may be selected for and compete on teams on the basis of those tryouts without vio lating the “All-Star” Regulation. To meet the requirement of an open try- out, notice must be provided in at least two different public media, or at least twice in the same pub lic medium, at least seven days prior to the tryouts. 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 58 59 Regulation I 165. If based on performance during a camp or non-school league open to all students, and not on their perform- ance during the interscholastic season, then students may be selected for and compete in feature contests at the end of that camp. However, it is a violation of the all-star regulation to invite a limited number of students to a camp on the basis of their demonstrated interscholastic ability, place them on teams and play games be- tween those teams. 166. If a non-school tournament host posts times, heights, distances or scores that qualifiers must achieve to enter a competition which is not counted as one of the allowable contests or days of competition for the school or individuals involved, all who meet the standards must be allowed to compete; and if they compete as indi- viduals and are not placed on teams (such as North vs. South; class A vs. classes B, C, D; Michigan vs. Ohio, German Nationals, etc.) they will not violate the “All-Star’’ Regulation. However, if only the top several quali- fiers are allowed to compete, they will violate the “All-Star” Regulation even if they compete as individuals. Note: The above does not apply during the school season in meets sponsored and conducted by schools and counted as one of the allowable contests or days of competition by all schools and indi- viduals. 167. When the basis of selection to participate is limited to athletic performances in non-school events, and the event is not called an all star event, an individual may participate in that event without violating the all star prohibi- tion of this section. 168. Except as permitted in Section 12 (C), students in grades 6-12 shall not compete in “all-star’’ contests in any MHSAA Tournament sport. Students may be named to an all star team and practice with that team. A viola- tion occurs when students compete with or against an all star team or in an event or program termed "all star" or meeting the all star criteria of Interpretations 162-168. 169. A national high school championship includes, but is not limited to, any athletic event, regardless of title, which attempts to draw to its qualifying rounds or final event only the top winner or winners or place finishers from more than one state high school association championship meet or is based on the high school regular season or postseason tournament performances. A student may not participate in such an event or in any other national scope event or qualifying event thereto unless ALL the following conditions are met: a. The event is not called or promoted or conducted as a national high school tournament or championship, or the qualification thereto. The decision as to what events are permissible for students' participation is within the exclusive jurisdiction of the MHSAA executive director which schools must obtain by written re- quest in advance of participation to determine future MHSAA eligibility. b. The event is open to all legitimate non-school teams as defined below (with competitors from more than one member school) or individuals who qualify directly through one or more non-school events, or the event is open without qualifying to any non-school team (as defined) or individual who pays the entry fee. Qualification for the event, as well as placement or seeding in qualification rounds, shall not be based on performances in the high school season or on state high school association tournament results. It is generally required in team sports that a national scope tournament be preceded by a non-school "reg- ular season" and a season-ending tournament, the qualification to which is entirely unrelated to the high school season and state high school association tournament. Exceptions to this general rule are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the MHSAA executive director which schools must obtain by written request 30 days in advance of participation to determine future MHSAA eligibility. c. Non-school teams and individuals do not represent an MHSAA member school including, but not limited to, that school uniforms, transportation and school or booster club funds are not utilized and school coaches are not involved. Non-school teams which compete in national scope tournaments or the qualifying rounds thereto, either of which is within 45 days of the last date of the MHSAA tournament in that sport for that gender, must be made up of actual participants from more than a single MHSAA member school. Exceptions to this general rule are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the MHSAA executive director which schools must obtain by written request in advance of participation to determine future MHSAA eligibility. 170. The exception of Section 12 (D) applies to the requirements of Section 1 (A), Section 8 and Section 12 (A). Students returning from National Team competition and Olympic Development Program activities must adhere to all other sections of this Regulation. 171. A 12th-grade student who is not still competing with his/her high school team and who has completed classes and exams for the second semester or third trimester of his/her senior year but for whom graduation cere- monies have not been conducted is not considered to be “enrolled in a MHSAA member school at the time of the event” for the purposes of Regulation 1, Section 12 (B) and Regulation II, Section 13 (A) only (all star, na- tional high school championships). 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 59 60 172. "Olympic Development Programs" or "national teams" do not gain the exclusive and exceptional treatment of Section 12(D) because of what they are called. They are evaluated on the basis of what they are. Regardless of what they are called, the following situations (not all-inclusive) do not qualify for the exception of Section 12(D): a. state, regional or national championships for non-school club/community teams; and/or b. any team whose makeup is less than statewide; and/or c. any competition that involves residents of Michigan only. A program containing any one of the above (but not limited to these situations) is NOT an Olympic Develop- ment Program for the purposes of this Section. 173. a. A student may participate in the one qualifying round of the Michigan Amateur Tournament conducted by the Golf Association of Michigan without counting against his/her two non-school competitions during the season allowed under Section 12. An event held on not more than three consecutive calendar days at the same venue is considered a single event (for the purposes of this section only). b. A student who participates in girls soccer during the spring season may participate in scrimmage com- petition at college ID camps held at a college facility during the season and sponsored by that college and not be in violation of this section. Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 60 6161 Regulation II

A student shall participate in no more than three halves in a day and in no more than three games and/or interscholastic scrimmages of soccer in one week (Monday through Sunday), including regular and MHSAA Tournament play. A team is limited to one game per school day, unless the day is followed by a non-school day. A student or team shall participate in no more than four interscholastic scrimmages and in no more than 18 games, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament. A student or team may participate in a multi-team tournament where the event counts as one of 18 regular- season contests. The event format could consist of up to two full 80-minute games, or a format in which total allowable playing time for any team is no more than 180 minutes (with a maximum of 30-minute halves). The following provisions would apply: a. A student or team would be allowed a maximum of two multi-team tournaments in its regular-sea- son schedule, each tournament counting as one of the 18 games of allowed competition. 7070 Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 70 71 Regulation II b. Multi-team tournaments must be held on the same day, and could only be held on non-school days or days not followed by school. c. The games may only be resolved by a shoot-out method; no overtime could be played. d. If a student or team participates in an interscholastic multi-team tournament, that student or team shall participate in no more than two regulation games or interscholastic scrimmages that week, Monday through Sunday, in addition to the multi-team tournament. e. For purposes of the "three half" rule: if two teams from one school are at the same event, allow participation in no more halves than what is being played by the school's highest team level that day. For example, if the varsity team is playing three 30-minute half games for a total of six halves, a player playing both JV and varsity on the same day can play in six total halves that day.

A student or team shall participate in no more than two games per school day. A student or team shall par- ticipate in no more than four interscholastic scrimmages and in no more than 38 games, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament. Softball players are allowed to play on multiple levels on the same day. The 38 game season and daily lim- its would still apply to students.

SECTION 14(A)—No school or individual or business on behalf of schools may sell or rent videos (DVD, tape or film) or sell still images of contests which are part of an MHSAA tournament without the permission of the MHSAA. SECTION 14(B)— 1. Schools may distribute live REGULAR SEASON video - or grant on a complimentary or fee basis- to either a profit or nonprofit local media outlet the rights to distribute live REGULAR SEASON video of any regular season interscholastic event in which any MHSAA member school is a par- ticipant in any MHSAA tournament sport as long as the home/host school is a member of the NFHS Network. 2. Delayed video distribution of regular season or postseason events involving any MHSAA member school in any MHSAA tournament sport may begin immediately after the completion of the live event.

A student shall participate in no more than three matches per day, singles or doubles, except that in a league championship meet involving more than eight schools, a player may play a fourth match if the player has not played in more than six sets in the first three rounds and the fourth match would complete the tourna- ment. A student shall participate in no more than 117 games in a given day, singles or doubles. A student or team shall participate in no more than four interscholastic scrimmages and in no more than 16 days of competition, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament.

A student or team shall participate in no more than four events per meet (National Federation listed events only, but not javelin in any form). A student or team shall participate in no more than four interscholastic scrimmages and in no more than 18 days of competition in a season, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament.

A student or team shall participate in no more than 18 sets (games) per day. A student or team shall partic- ipate in no more than four interscholastic scrimmages and in no more than 18 days of competition in a sea- son, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament.

a. A student shall participate in no more than five matches per day (possibly six to complete a wrestle back in an individual tournament) and no more than two matches on a day of school (Monday-Thurs- day). • No contestant shall wrestle in more than 10 matches in a two-consecutive day period. b. A student or team shall participate in no more than three days of competition, Monday through Sun- day, but no more than two of the three days of competition shall occur on a day or night before a school day. c. A student or team is limited to four scrimmages and 16 days of competition, exclusive of the MHSAA tour- nament. d. A student or team is limited to eight events in which a wrestler may participate in more than two matches. e. A student or team is limited to six events in which a wrestler may participate in no more than two matches. 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 71 72 Regulation II f. A student or team is limited to two events in which a wrestler may participate in no more than 1 match. Only two schools are allowed at the event. g. Weigh-ins do not count as a day of competition for an individual unless the student steps on the mat to wrestle or receives a void or forfeit. h. Prior to the MHSAA tournament series, it is recommended that a student shall participate in no more than 54 total matches, eight events of five (*possibly six matches to complete an individual tourna- ment), six events of two matches, and two events with 1 match each. [8 x 5 (40) + 6 x 2 (12) + 2x1 (2) = *54 SECTION 10 (B)—There shall be no interscholastic competition in boxing. SECTION 10 (C)—A contestant in any sport shall not participate on two different teams on the same date in the same sport, except baseball, bowling, softball and wrestling. Students can participate on two different teams in sports that allow a “fifth quarter” of participation on a day (basketball, field hockey, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, and soccer) or in a week (football). For fifth quarter purposes, overtime is considered an ex- tension of the fourth quarter. SECTION 10 (D)—No student or team shall represent their school in a sport under Michigan High School Ath- letic Association jurisdiction unless accompanied to the event by the coach, administrator, or appointee of the school. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 10 215. Except for baseball, basketball, bowling, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball and wrestling, and as stated else- where in this Section, a student shall not play for two or more teams on any level (varsity or subvarsity, scrim- mage or contest) in the same sport on the same day, regardless of the sport. Participation in any part of a contest or interscholastic scrimmage constitutes competition in a game or scrimmage under the provisions of this Section. 216. It is not prohibited for a student to participate in contests or interscholastic scrimmages of two different sports in the same day, although local school policies may be more restrictive. 217. It is not permissible for a student to participate in both an interscholastic scrimmage and contest on the same day in any one sport unless the regulations allow two games, meets or contests or additional quarters to be played in that sport on that day. “Exhibition quarters,” which do not count in the final score, are allowed in subvarsity com- petition; but students who participate in an “exhibition quarter’’ of a game shall not have participated in the regu- lation game. 218. A student ineligible under any of the provisions of Regulation I, or one who has com peted in a meet or tour- nament in accordance with the maximum limitations of com pe ti tion for that meet or tournament in the sport con- cerned, shall not take part in such meet or tournament immediately preceding, during, or immediately after either of the above in a so-called “exhibition or practice event,” or in one in which points may not be scored.

a. MHSAA member schools shall adhere to the provisions governing interstate contests of the National Federation of State High School Associations. (See Application for Sanction on NFHS.org Sanctioning.) Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 64 65 b. MHSAA member schools may not participate in an out-of-state contest, meet or tournament that is not ap- proved by the host state high school association belonging to the National Federation of State High School Associations. No action by the host state high school association is considered the same as that associ- ation’s not approving the event.

a. Except as permitted under Section 6(C) Out-of-State Practices, no member school shall compete in any interstate meet, contest or scrimmage which involves travel outside a border state. b. For competition occurring within Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and Ontario, MHSAA member schools may compete regardless of the travel distance for any participating team. c. The Michigan School for the Deaf may compete against other state residential schools for the deaf re- gardless of the distance for any participating school. 194. Playing rules for competition against out-of-state teams shall be those adopted by the MHSAA unless an ex- press written exception has been granted by the MHSAA for a specific event or series of events. 195. When a school-sponsored team, or group of students which resembles the school team, intends to conduct practice sessions outside of a border state area, a Travel Form for Out-of-State Practice is required. For the purpose of this Section, it shall be considered a practice for a school team if a school coach in that sport is present with any number of players from that school’s team, other than his/her family members. 196. No member school or individuals representing a member school may participate in any athletic event which is or purports to be an all-star competition or a national high school championship, or the qualification thereto, in a sport under MHSAA jurisdiction if any of the participants is enrolled in a MHSAA member school at the time of the event.

SECTION 2—The superintendent of schools or principal of the high school, or that member of the faculty des- ignated by either of them, shall administer the teams representing the school and shall sign all contest and of- ficials contracts. INTERPRETATION—SECTION 2 181. Contest and Officials contracts are required and should include specific dates, times, financial provisions and the specific sport and level of competition to be contested. No protest involving violation of obligations, either on the part of schools or athletic officials, will be considered by the Representative Council or Executive Com- mittee unless there are properly executed (i.e. agreement, in writing, through hard copy, electronic copy, email or text that specifies all pertinent contest details) contracts on file for the contest in question. 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 61 62

A student shall participate in no more than five quarters in a day, in no more than three days of competition in a week Monday through Sunday and in no more than 22 days of competition, exclusive of the MHSAA tour- nament. A team shall participate in no more than three games Monday through Sunday and observe the season maximum of four interscholastic scrimmages and 22 games, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament. A team shall participate in no more than one game of interscholastic basketball per day. A student or team participating in an MHSAA tournament shall compete in no other basketball game during the week of that tournament (Monday through Sunday).

SECTION 2 (A) —A student who participates in any interscholastic scrimmages or contests must be under nineteen (19) years of age, except that a student whose nineteenth (19th) birthday occurs on or after Sep- tember 1 of a current school year is eligible for the balance of that school year. Any student born before Sept. 1, 2007, is ineligible for interscholastic scrimmages or contests at an MHSAA member school in an MHSAA Tournament sport. See Regulation III Section 2 (D) for Eligibility Advancement. SECTION 2 (B) —The Executive Committee may consider an exception to the maximum age limitation for up to one year only (students’ twentieth [20th] birthday must occur on or after Sept. 1 of the school year in question.) for students (1) who, following medical documentation sufficient to establish that they had a dis- ability as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act and/or the Persons With Disabilities Civil Rights Act, were delayed in their education progress prior to their initial enrollment in the 9th grade in any school solely by reason of such disability; and (2) who at the time of the request for waiver are determined by the Exec- utive Committee (a) to not present a significant risk of injury to themselves, teammates or opponents, and (b) to not create a competitive advantage in comparison to teammates and opponents. The burden of proof regarding these factors rests with the party seeking the waiver; the Executive Committee has no duty to con- duct an independent inquiry. If the Executive Committee determines in its sole discretion that it is impos- sible to make a determination about a particular student’s competitive advantage or physical risk, it is not required to consider the request any further. Waiver may be approved in the Executive Committee’s sole discretion only for students who are docu- mented by qualified medical professionals to have a disability which at the time of the request for waiver lim- its both physical and either intellectual or emotional capabilities. The disability must have a direct and significant negative impact on the student’s physical athletic ability. Policies and procedures for submis- sion and review of waiver requests shall be determined by the Executive Committee. The Executive Com- mittee may develop a list of disabilities recognized by the medical community to severely diminish both physical and either intellectual or emotional capacity that may qualify for review. If the Executive Commit- tee chooses to develop such a list, each individual for whom waiver is approved must be determined by the Executive Committee to meet all criteria for waiver; no approval is automatic. 30 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 30 INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 2 15. The following precedence in records of dates of birth has been established by the Representative Council: 1— Birth Certificate (Filed on or near date of birth, not affidavit type filed later); 2—Baptismal Record; 3—School Record: (a) Child Accounting, (b) Census, (c) Other School Records; 4—Affidavits: (a) At tending Physician, (b) Mid-Wife, (c) Delayed Birth Certificate—Affidavit Type, (d) Parents, (e) Student.

SECTION 2 (A)—A 6th-grade student who participates in any interscholastic scrimmage or contest limited to 6th-graders must be under thirteen (13) years of age, except that a student whose (13th) birthday occurs on or after Sept. 1 of a current school year is eligible for the balance of that school year. Any 6th-grade stu- dent born before Sept. 1, 2012, is ineligible for interscholastic scrimmages or contests in Michigan except that he or she may play on the 7th-grade or 8th-grade squad of that junior high/middle school, or on a team of combined 7th- and 8th-grade students. In each case, all other regulations pertaining to eligibility must be met. SECTION 2 (B)—A 7th-grade student who participates in any interscholastic scrimmage or contest limited to 7th-graders must be under fourteen (14) years of age, except that a student whose (14th) birthday occurs on or after September 1 of a current school year is eligible for the balance of that school year. Any 7th- grade student born before Sept. 1, 2011, is ineligible for interscholastic scrimmages or contests in Michi- gan except that he or she may play on the 8th grade or 9th-grade squad of that junior high school, or on a team of combined seventh and 8th-grade students. In each case all other regulations pertaining to eligibil- ity must be met. SECTION 2 (C)—An 8th-grade student who participates in any interscholastic scrimmage or contest limited to 8th-graders must be under fifteen (15) years of age, except that a student whose (15th) birthday occurs on or after September 1 of a current school year is eligible for the balance of that school year. Any 8th- grade student born before Sept. 1, 2010, is ineligible for interscholastic scrimmages or contests in Michi- gan except that he or she may play on the 9th-grade squad of that junior high school, provided all other regulations pertaining to eligibility are met. SECTION 2 (D)—If the local MHSAA member school administration and parents can agree and arrange, 7th and 8th-grade students who are eligible for junior high/middle school in all respects except that they became 15 years old before Sept. 1 may participate in a 9-12 grade program of that school district, even if it is in a separate building. Those students would be limited to four years of high school eligibility and all other reg- ulations would apply (including the requirement to be doing passing work in at least 66 percent of full-credit load potential for a full-time junior high/middle school student in that school). Ninth-grade students of a 10- 12 high school system who are eligible in all re spects, except that they became 16 years of age before Sep- tember 1, may par ticipate in the 10-12 program. Academic terms of a student’s participation under Eligibility Advancement count against the total permitted under Regulation I, Sections 4 and 5. In addition, such students who will become 13 years old before Sept. 1 of their normal 6th-grade year or 14 years old before Sept. 1 of their normal 7th grade year or 15 years old before Sept. 1 of their normal 8th grade year may, while in 5th grade, apply for eligibility at the junior high/middle school level through the same process as stated above. These students would be limited to a maximum of three years of junior high/mid- dle school eligibility starting in 5th grade and must be in compliance with all other Sections of Regulations III, IV and V, including that they would be required to meet the junior high/middle school academic standard of passing a minimum of 50 percent of full-credit load potential for a full-time junior high/middle school stu- dent in that school. Application for these options must be between MHSAA member junior high/middle schools and high schools and must be made and approved on MHSAA “Eligibility Advancement Applica- tions.” Regulation III 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 88 89 SECTION 2 (E)—Ninth-grade students who participate with or against 7th and/or 8th-grade students must not have reached their 16th birthday prior to Sept. 1 of the current school year. SECTION 2(F)—Utilizing the same criteria and processes as stated in Regulation I, Section 2(B), the Exec- utive Committee may consider an exception to the maximum age limitations of Regulation III, Sections 2(C) and (E) above for students who, solely by reason of a medically documented disability, have been delayed in their education process prior to their initial enrollment in the grade for which waiver is sought. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 2 (Interpretation 15 of Regulation I, Section 2 is applicable to junior high/middle schools.) 264. a. In schools for which 9th grade is the highest grade available, it is permissible for 7th-graders to participate on 8th or 9th-grade teams, and 8th-graders to participate on 9th-grade teams competing under junior high/ middle school regulations. b. In schools in which 8th grade is the highest grade available, it is permissible for 7th-graders to participate on 8th-grade teams competing under junior high/middle school regulations. 265. It is permissible for 8th-graders, who have not exceeded the maximum age for competition limited to 7th- graders, to participate in events otherwise limited to 7th-graders. It is permissible for 7th-graders, who have not exceeded the maximum age for competition limited to 6th graders, to participate in events otherwise lim- ited to 6th-graders.

SECTION 2—Failure on the part of a junior high/middle school or senior high school to fulfill a contract, properly executed by the superintendent, principal, or athletic director, may subject a school to probation or suspension. Note: The MHSAA will not be involved in investigating or mediating contract disputes between member schools of the same league or conference. INTERPRETATION—SECTION 2 286. a. Contest and officials contracts should include specific dates, times and financial guarantee provisions. No protest involving violation of contract, either on the part of a school or athletic official, will be considered unless there are properly exe cuted contracts for the contest in question. b. Officials are not obligated to work optional, voluntarily-extended periods (e.g., “exhibition” quarters in bas- ketball, additional sets of volleyball after the winner is determined, exhibition heats in swimming & diving) unless the official’s contract stipulates such may or will occur. 287. If a member school forfeits a varsity football contest and it is alleged by the opponent that the forfeit is for rea- sons other than health or risk issues or other compelling circumstances but rather to avoid competition, the forfeiting school athletic director, coach and principal must appear before the Executive Committee to show cause why other sanctions should not be applied. Regulation V 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 102 103

A student or team shall participate in no more than four interscholastic scrimmages and 24 days of com- petition during the season, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament. A student shall participate in no more than 18 games per day and no more than eight games on a school day (Monday-Thursday). (Five “Baker” format games shall be the equivalent of one game for purposes of this rule). Bowlers may participate in subvarsity and varsity competitions on the same day, provided the events are separate – bowlers may still only be listed on one roster and bowl for one team during each event. 68 Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 68 6969 Regulation II 4. COMPETITIVE CHEER All school sponsored cheerleading competition must be in the MHSAA Competitive Cheer Format. A student or team shall participate in no more than four interscholastic scrimmages and in no more than 12 days of competition, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament.

SECTION 3 (A)—No student shall be eligible to participate for a high school for whom there is not on file in the offices of the superintendent or principal or athletic director of that school, signed statements for the current school year certifying that (1) the student has passed a physical examination and is physically able to compete in athletic tryouts, practices and contests (2) there has been consent for disclosure to the MHSAA of information otherwise protected by FERPA and HIPAA for the purpose of determining eligibility for interscholastic athletics; and (3) there has been a signed acknowledgment and assumption of risk by the student and the parent or guardian or 18-year-old student, as well as an annual concussion awareness ac- knowledgment. SECTION 3 (B)—Following removal for play for a suspected concussion, no student shall be eligible to rep- resent a high school for whom there is not on file in the offices of the superintendent or principal or athletic director of that school a signed MHSAA-designated Post-Concussion Return to Activity Consent Form. This form must be kept on file at the school and emailed to concussion@mhsaa.com. SECTION 3 (C)—The penalties for failure to have a physical examination on file as stated in Section 3(A) or for failure to have a Post-Concussion Return to Activity Consent Form on file as stated in Section 3(B) in- clude those of Regulation V, Section 4 except that forfeiture will not be required if consent to information otherwise protected by FERPA and HIPAA or the signed acknowledgment and assumption of risk by the stu- dent/parent or the concussion awareness are absent from the physical form or not on file. Once discov- ered, the individual student whose form is in question shall not be eligible to participate until the consent, acknowledgment/assumption of risk and physical forms are all on file. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 3 16. The physical examination form must be signed by the M.D., D.O., Physician’s Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner who administers the physical examination. 17. A school may use a locally created physical examination card and consent form or an MHSAA-provided form in complying with this Section; but in all instances there must be at least (a) a signed statement by the med- ical examiner (M.D., D.O., Physician's Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner) that the student is physically able to compete in the athletic activity concerned and (b) a signed statement by the parent or guardian or 18-year-old student for consent to the disclosure to the MHSAA of information otherwise protected by FERPA and HIPAA for the purpose of determining eligibility for interscholastic athletics and (c) a signed statement by the student and the parent or guardian or 18-year-old student regarding the acknowledgment and assumption of risk and the concussion awareness statement. Note (Interpretations 16 and 17): Electronic signatures are acceptable from the MD, DO, PA or NP who ad- ministered the physical examination. Electronic signatures from the student, parent, guardian or 18-year-old student are also accepted under the Student Participation and Parent Consent. Electronic signatures are ac- ceptable provided they are affixed by the person who is required to sign the document, can be verified and stored (archived) for the recommended period. 18. Athletic equipment should not be issued and students must not be allowed to try out or practice until an ac- ceptable signed statement of physical examination and consent has been provided. 19. A statement for the current school year is interpreted as any physical examination given on or after April 15 of the previous school year. 20. In cases of serious injury or extended illness, including concussion or symptoms of concussion and symptoms of sudden cardiac arrest, there must be a statement signed by the examining MD, DO, Physician’s Assistant or Nurse Practitioner that the student has been examined and is physically able to return to athletic tryouts, practices and contests. In addition, failure to comply with the concussion protocols shall result in forfeiture of contests (see MHSAA Concussion Protocols page 124). 31 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 31

SECTION 3 (A)—The person responsible for the immediate training or coaching of a secondary school athletic team SHOULD be a member of the school district's regular teaching staff. A non-faculty member coach must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and not a current high school student. Individuals paid, unpaid, or volunteer are considered coaches. (Also see Regulation II, Section 8 for other coaching requirements.) Note: The Representative Council URGES that all schools strive to the standard that only qualified faculty members are used as head coaches of interscholastic athletic teams and that all non-faculty coaches com- plete the MHSAA Coaches Advancement Program (CAP) or equivalent program. It should be the goal of every member school to require coaching education for every coach, every year. SECTION 3 (B) – High schools must attest by each season’s established deadline that all coaches at all lev- els of each high school team have a valid, current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification. Beginning in 2026-27, all high school coaches (head coach, assistant coach, paid coach, volunteer coach) must have a valid certification in CPR and use of an AED provided by an organization or institution approved by the Michigan Department of Education ( https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/ed-serv/ed-cert/cert-guid- ance/becoming-a-teacher/cpr-first-aid). The established deadline for coaches (regardless of level) shall be the latest date set for the completion of the MHSAA rules meeting for the sport. A person who is a coach for more than one sport during the school year must meet the deadline for the first of those sports. It is expected that schools will impose the penalty of Section 8(B) to coaches who do not meet this requirement. SECTION 3 (C) – Each head coach of a varsity team in an MHSAA tournament sport hired for the first time as a high school varsity head coach at any MHSAA member high school after July 31, 2016, shall have completed either Level 1 or Level 2 of the MHSAA Coaches Advancement Program (CAP). If the head coach does not complete CAP Level 1 or 2 prior to the established deadline, that coach shall be prohibited from coaching in that season’s MHSAA tournament for the sport involved and shall not be present at the facility where the MHSAA tournament involving that coach’s team is being held. See Regulation II, Section 15 H(4). An admin- istrator or faculty member designee of that school shall be present with supervisory capacity over the school’s competitors. The MHSAA may substitute an alternative coaches education program for late hires which will fulfill the requirement on a temporary basis. SECTION 3 (D) – High schools shall attest by each season’s established deadline that all high school teams (varsity and subvarsity) have an emergency action plan specific to their practice and contest locations. These plans shall be posted, documented, and rehearsed at least once per season. Schools shall impose the penalty of Section 8(B) on high school head coaches (varsity and subvarsity teams) who do not meet this require- ment. SECTION 3 (E) – The use of a third-party contractor does not change a member school or coach’s responsi- bility to follow all MHSAA regulations. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 3 182. The hiring or appointment of a non-faculty coach by a school district in no sense constitutes certification for teaching or coaching. 183. The superintendent of schools or principal of the high school, or that member of the faculty designated by ei- ther of them, shall be responsible to assure that a non-faculty coach is aware of MHSAA eligibility and con- test regulations and the rules of com peti tion for the sport the person is assigned to coach. 184. Neither faculty nor non-faculty coaches may receive compensation for inter scholastic coaching duties except through the school, and such compensation shall not be based on wins, championships and tournament par- ticipation and shall not exceed predetermined payments and lim ita tions which are commensurate with com- pensation to class room teachers’ schedules for supplementary assignments. Prohibited pay ments to coaches include, but are not limited to: a. compensation (directly or indirectly from any source) to supply team members with equipment, supple- ments, uniforms, shoes or warm-ups. b. compensation (directly or indirectly from any source) to encourage or facilitate students’ enrollment at a particular college or university. c. compensation (directly or indirectly from any source) as an inducement for the school team to be sched- uled for a game or tournament. d. compensation (directly or indirectly from any source) as an inducement to obtain the presence of one or more students of the school to participate in a camp, clinic, combine, game or tournament sponsored by any entity. e. compensation (directly or indirectly from any source) which exceeds the existing payment schedule for coaches. Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 62 63 Note: Booster Clubs may donate funds to schools for coaches compensation provided the school determines and issues the compensation and all other Interpretations are followed. Schools may use third party contrac- tors for the purpose of coaches compensation provided the school remains the source of the funds and all other Interpretations are followed.

SECTION 3 (A)—The person responsible for the immediate training or coaching of a secondary school ath- letic team SHOULD be a member of the regular teaching staff of the school district. If a non-faculty member is used (paid or volunteer), that person should receive guidance, direction and training from the school dis- trict BEFORE assuming any coaching duties. A non-faculty member coach must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and not a current high school student. Individuals paid, unpaid or volunteer are considered coaches. (Also see Regulation II, Section 8 for other coaching requirements). SECTION 3 (B)—Junior High/middle schools must attest by each season’s established deadline that all head coaches at all levels of each junior high/middle school team have a valid current Cardio-pulmonary Resus- citation (CPR) certification. This will ensure that beginning in the 2024-25 school year, each team generally has one coach present who is CPR certified. The requirement for junior high/middle school head coaches took effect August 1, 2024. The established deadline shall be the latest date set for the completion of the MHSAA rules meeting for the sport. A person who is head coach for more than one sport during the school year must meet the deadline for the first of those sports. It is expected that schools will impose the penalty of Regulation II, Section 8(B) to junior high/middle school head coaches who do not meet this requirement. Note: The Representative Council URGES that all schools strive to the stan dard that only qualified faculty members are used as head coaches for inter schol astic athletic teams, and that all non-faculty coaches com- plete the MHSAA’s Coaches Advancement Program (CAP) or equivalent pro gram. 94 Regulation IV 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 94 95 271. An individual high school student may serve as an unpaid volunteer and assist the junior high/middle school coach (the person the junior high/ middle school designates as the person responsible for the immediate train- ing or coaching of a secondary school athletic team) but may not participate in practices thereby increasing his or her own training as an athlete in that sport. All involvement must occur during the junior high/middle school season and must be supervised onsite at all times by the designated school coach. The student’s in- volvement is allowed only with district administration approval and applicable only to students from high schools which either (1) are subject to the same governing board or (2) are of the same religious denomination as the junior high/middle school and from which at least 25 percent of the students in the previous year’s 8th grade attended that high school. (Single gender high schools count only 8th grade students of that gender.) These students are not to be considered or registered as non-faculty coaches. Undue influence and out of season coaching restrictions continue to apply. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 3 (Interpretations 182-184 of Regulation II, Section 3 are applicable to junior high/middle schools.)

SECTION 4—Schools shall prepare a Master Eligibility List or its equivalent of all students eligible for that sport under the provisions of the Regulations, including current term academic record. A list must be pre- pared prior to participation and at the beginning of each semester/trimester. Additions to the squad should be duly added. Current copies of the Master Eligibility List are to be available to competing schools upon re- quest and must be submitted by the opt-out due date to the manager at the entry level of each MHSAA Tour- nament to which the school is assigned. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 4 185. Except as permitted under applicable interpretations related to clerical errors or eligible additions submitted prior to the start of competition for any team in that school’s specific tournament, no change shall be made in the name, record of age, number of semesters or trimesters of enrollment, or seasons of competition, from that which has previously appeared on the Master Eligibility Lists, where such a change would be to the ad- vantage of the student concerned, until permission has been secured from the MHSAA office. 186. No change shall be made in the name, record of age, number of semesters or trimesters of enrollment, or sea- sons of competition, from that which has previously appeared on the Master Eli gi bil ity Lists, where such a change would be to the advantage of the student concerned, until permission has been secured from the MHSAA office. 187. a. Regardless of the method used to submit an eligibility list (electronic or otherwise), the school principal or superintendent shall verify that the list which is submitted is truthful and accurate, has met the approval of the appropriate school administrator and is submitted on the school’s behalf. An actual signature is not required if the list is submitted electronically. b. If the school eligibility list (electronic or otherwise) is provided in any other manner than the MHSAA Mas- ter Eligibility List (MHSAA.com, "Forms and Resources"), it still must provide for all the information and certifications as found on the MHSAA form; and whether or not the statements of certification and com- pliance included on the MHSAA form are a part of the modified form used by the school, the certification of the administrator is deemed to be an attestation that the terms and conditions of the Master Eligibility List are being followed. c. Failure to have the Master Eligibility List on file (electronic or otherwise) in the offices of the superinten- dent or principal or athletic director of the school at the time of an interscholastic scrimmage or contest, that includes the name of all the participants in that contest, subjects the school to penalties prescribed in Regulation V, Section 4(A), except that forfeiture will not be required if all the participants in the con- test were otherwise eligible except for the omission of one or more eligible athletes from the Master Eli- gibility List.

SECTION 5 (A)—A student, once enrolled in grade 9 pursuant to Section 4, shall be allowed to compete in only four first and four second semesters or four first, four second and four third trimesters. A student who is ineligible for exceeding the maximum number of first semesters or the maximum number of first or sec- ond trimesters has no further eligibility in any semester or trimester at any MHSAA member school. SECTION 5 (B)—A student shall be limited to participation in only one sports season when that sport, lead- ing to a MHSAA championship, is sponsored twice during the school year. Seasons played in other states or associations are not included. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 5 28. a. A “semester” is one of two nearly equal in length sessions of the school year for which credit is granted, exclusive of summer sessions. b. A “trimester” is one of three nearly equal sessions of the school year for which credit is granted, exclu- sive of summer sessions. c. When it is necessary to determine a semester for interscholastic athletic purposes in schools not having defined semesters, or which have “trimesters,” the total number of days of the regular school year shall be divided approximately equally in two halves, as determined by the local board of education, and con- sidered as “semesters.” d. In determining the total number of days, all days on which classes are scheduled are to be counted (can- celled school days may be counted). Days on which only practices or contests occur (no classes sched- uled) are not counted. Summer school and online only courses are not counted. 29. If a student who is enrolled in grades 9 through 12 and is eligible for athletics chooses not to participate for one or more semesters or trimesters or does not participate because no sports are offered or a particular sport is not available, those sessions count against the maximums of enrollment and competition. 30. If a student who is enrolled in grades 9 through 12 is ruled ineligible for any reason for one or more semes- ters or trimesters, those sessions count against the maximums of competition. 31. Participation in one or more interscholastic scrimmages or contests is considered as a semester or trimester of competition and should be so included on the Master Eligibility List under the heading “Number of Seasons of Participation in This Sport Including Present Season.” 32. Students who represent their school on a boys team (interscholastic scrimmage or contest) shall not be eligi- ble to compete on a girls team during the same school year in the same sport if that sport is conducted in sep- arate seasons. Likewise, those who participate on the girls team may not compete on the boys team in the same school year in the same sport if that sport is conducted in separate seasons. 33. Co-Ed Relay Teams are permitted at Relay Invitational Track Meets. Regulation I 33 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 33

A contestant in a cross country meet shall not run a distance greater than 5,000 meters (3.1 miles). A stu- dent or team shall participate in no more than four interscholastic scrimmages and in no more than 15 days of competition, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament.

SECTION 5 (A)—EVENTS HOSTED BY MHSAA MEMBER SCHOOLS Competition held in Michigan, conducted by member schools, needs no MHSAA approval. All such meets and tournaments shall be conducted in accordance with all rules and regulations as set forth by the MHSAA. SECTION 5 (B)—EVENTS HOSTED BY NON-MEMBER SCHOOLS Any event (meet, tournament or showcase) with three or more teams held within Michigan for MHSAA mem- ber schools and sponsored by a non-member school, organization or individual, shall receive written ap- proval by the MHSAA at least 30 days prior to the contest. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 5 188. Schools may participate in events sponsored by organizations other than MHSAA member schools or which involve schools from out-of-state as in Section 6 (A) and (B) only if they have been approved by the MHSAA or the National Federation. Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 63 64 189. Approval of meets and tournaments is based on the assurance by the sponsors that they will: a. be conducted in accordance with MHSAA eligibility Regulations b. use MHSAA registered officials c. abide by rules of competition adopted by the MHSAA for that sport d. appoint an MHSAA member school representative to be involved in the administration of the event.

SECTION 5—Students enrolled in grades 6, 7 or 8 are not limited in the number of semes ters or trimesters of competition. Ninth-grade students in junior high/middle schools and senior high schools are limited in the number of semesters of competition as in Regulation I, Section 5. Regulation III 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 89 90 INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 5 (Interpretations 28-33 of Regulation I, Section 5 are applicable to junior high/middle schools.) 266. Participation in one or more interscholastic athletic scrimmages or contests is con sidered a semester or trimester of competition and should be so included on Master Eli gibility Lists (Form-1) under the heading Num- ber of Seasons of Participa tion in this Sport Including Present Season. This applies to 9th-graders in a three- year junior high/middle school.

SECTION 6 (A)—No MHSAA member junior high/middle school may participate in an interscholastic scrim- mage or contest at a site where a school from another state or country is competing unless all schools are in good standing with their respective National Federation member high school association (if eligible), and there is compliance with MHSAA travel limitations. SECTION 6 (B)—OUT-OF-STATE PRACTICES Schools which desire to conduct practice sessions outside of a border state must complete and submit to the MHSAA office the “Travel Form for Out-Of-State Practice” at least 30 calendar days in advance of de- parture (see MHSAA.com, “Schools/Forms & Resources”). No competition (scrimmage or contest against another team) is allowed except that in spring sports, two or more MHSAA member schools which have submitted the MHSAA Out-of- State Travel Form may scrimmage or hold joint practices with other MHSAA member schools up to the maximum of four allowed scrimmage dates in that sport. These days shall count Regulation IV 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 95 96 Regulation IV in the total of four allowed for the season. Regulation II, Section 11 (B) and applicable interpretations re- garding scrimmages shall apply. Dates of competition may not be converted to scrimmages as permitted under this allowance. No more than four dates will be allowed while operating under the out-of-state travel form allowance. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 6 (Interpretations 190-196 of Regulation II, Section 6 are applicable to junior high/ middle schools.)

A student shall participate in no more than five quarters in a day and in no more than three games and/or interscholastic scrimmages of field hockey in one week (Monday through Sunday), including regular and MHSAA Tournament play. A team is limited to one game per school day, unless the day is followed by a non- school day. A student or team shall participate in no more than four interscholastic scrimmages and in no more than 18 games, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament. A student or team shall participate in no more than four interscholastic scrimmages and in no more than 18 games, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament. A student or team may participate in a multi-team tournament in which the total allowable playing time for any team is no more than 150 running time minutes and the event counts as one of the 18 regular-season contests (and one of three dates, Monday-Sunday). The following provisions would apply: a. A student or team shall participate in no more than three multi-team tournaments in its season schedule. Each tournament must be held on a single day and count as one of the 18 games of competition allowed. b. No more than 25-minute running time halves can be played, with no overtimes permitted; the games shall end in a tie. The clock stops for injuries, with one timeout allowed per team per half or two regulation games may be played. c. Multi-team tournaments may only be held on non-school days or days not followed by school. d. If a student or team participates in a multi-team tournament, that student or team shall participate in no more than two regulation games or interscholastic scrimmages that week, Monday through Sunday, in addition to the multi-team tournament. e. For purposes of the "fifth quarter" rule: If two teams from one school are at the same event, allow participation in no more halves or quarters than what is being played by the school's highest team level that day. Example: If the varsity team is playing three 25-minute half games for a total of six halves, a player playing both JV and varsity on the same day can play in six total halves that day.

SECTION 6 (A)—REQUIREMENTS FOR MHSAA SANCTIONING No MHSAA member school may participate in competition in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest at a site where a school from another state or country is competing UNLESS all of the following apply:

SECTION 7 (A)—High schools and others which sponsor competition for member high school teams, shall use in the sports concerned, only those athletic officials who are registered with the Michigan High School Athletic Association for the current year in basketball, baseball, competitive cheer, field hockey, football, gymnastics, ice hockey, boys and girls lacrosse, soccer, softball, volleyball and wrestling. The referee and/or starter used in all interscholastic swimming and diving, cross country or track and field meets must be registered for the cur- rent year in that sport. In volleyball, the referees must be registered. Only MHSAA registered officials who have completed a current year’s MHSAA rules meeting for that sport may officiate high school regular season or MHSAA tournament contests. Officials must be registered but are not required to complete a rules meeting to officiate middle school contests. SECTION 7 (B)—Schools are responsible for rating officials who officiate contests involving their teams in sports for which officials’ ratings are maintained. Schools which fail to rate any officials during the season prior to the deadline shall be subject to the penalties outlined under Regulation V, Section 4. Regardless of the method used to submit officials ratings, the school shall verify that the ratings submitted are truthful and accurate, have met with the approval of the appropriate school administrator and are submitted on the school’s behalf. SECTION 7 (C) – High Schools and others which sponsor competition for member high school teams and utilize and pay for services of a third-party, non-school assigner for high school officiating contests, shall use only those individuals who are assigners registered with the MHSAA for a current school year. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 7 197. Responsibility for assurance that registered officials only are used rests primarily with the host school, al- though school executives are reminded that both parties to a contest are responsible for compliance with this regulation and may receive penalties for failure to adhere to it. 198. Member schools are responsible to assure that individual officials contracted to officiate for that member school shall be provided a contract (hard copy or electronic) for each date or event hired. Any multiple date or official contract form will list all officials scheduled and include the signature or electronic acceptance of each con- tracted official and/or all dates and events for which an individual is contracted. 199. Any interscholastic contest in baseball, basketball, field hockey, football, competitive cheer, gymnastics, ice hockey, boys and girls lacrosse, soccer, softball, volleyball or wrestling and any meet in cross country, swim- ming and diving or track and field (either with other schools or with non-school teams) must be officiated by registered officials of the MHSAA or the state Association in which the game is played. Six-player or eight- player football games must be officiated by registered football officials. 65 Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 65 66 200. Schools may be certain that officials are registered with the MHSAA for a current year by consulting the on- line Officials Directory in which their names and classifications appear, or by contacting the MHSAA in the case of late registration. Each registered official also should have proof of registration in his or her possession and be wearing the MHSAA officials’ emblem. 201. An official who officiates in high school athletic contests without having com pleted the re quired registration for a current school year, is to have the case reviewed by the Ex ec utive Director before any subsequent regis- tration will be accepted. In all cases, such of fi cials will not be given credit toward their MHSAA Service awards and any ratings given them for contests worked while they were not registered will be discarded. The official may be censured, placed on probation (no tournament assignment), suspended, or refused registration in one or more sports for one or more years. A suspended official may be reinstated to good standing as an athletic official at the conclusion of a period of sus pension upon payment by that person of all registration fees in which he or she is in arrears; it being understood, however, that no registration fee is to be charged such an official for the period of his/her suspension.

A team shall participate in no more than one game of interscholastic football in five consecutive calendar days, in no more than four interscholastic scrimmages and in no more than nine games in a season, ex- clusive of the MHSAA tournament. A student shall participate in no more than four interscholastic scrim- mages and in no more than nine games in a season, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament. A student may participate in no more than four quarters in a day (one game a day) and in no more than five quarters in a week. Five or fewer quarters in a week shall constitute one of the nine allowed games. For the purposes of this regulation, a “football week” is defined as Wednesday to Tuesday.

SECTION 7 (A)—No student shall compete in any junior high/middle school interscholastic scrimmage or contest during the current semester/trimester who does not have in the official records of the school rep- resented for the last semester/trimester credit in at least 50 percent of the total periods of work carried. An academic term is a period during which a student has been enrolled in grades 6, 7 or 8, prior to the fourth Friday after Labor Day or the fourth Friday of February, or during which he or she shall have taken part in any interscholastic athletic contests. However, a first-time 7th-grade student may participate without refer- ence to his or her record in the previous grade; but a student who repeats grade 7 or 8 is subject to previ- ous semester/trimester academic requirements. SECTION 7 (B)—In determining the full credit load potential for a full-time student received during a se- mester or trimester under this Section, the usual credit allowed by the school shall be given. However, re- views and extracurricular work, and work for which credit previously has been received, shall not be counted. SECTION 7 (C)—Deficiencies in credits of the previous semester/trimester (not current semester/trimester), in cluding incompletes, conditions, and failures from a previous semester may be made up during a subse- quent semester, summer session, night school, by correspondence or by tutoring. Eligibility may be rein- stated during the next semester when the school accepts the credit. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 7 (Interpretations 37-45 of Regulation I, Section 7 are applicable to junior high/middle schools.)

SECTION 8—Academic eligibility checks of not more than ten weeks are required. If, when checked, a stu- dent is not passing at least 50 percent of a full class load for a regularly enrolled full-time student, that stu- dent is ineligible for interscholastic scrimmages and contests until the next check but not less than for the next Monday through Sunday. If the next eligibility check reveals the student is still not passing at least 50 percent of a full class load of a regularly enrolled full-time student, that student is ineligible for inter- scholastic scrimmages and contests for not less than the next Monday through Sunday, and so on until the student is passing 50 percent of the credit hours from the start of the semester or trimester through the most recent eligibility check. Reviews and extracurricular work, and work for which credit previously has been re- ceived, shall not be counted. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 8 (Interpretations 46-59 of Regulation I, Section 8 are binding, where applicable to junior high/middle schools and would apply the 50 percent principle, not “66 percent of full credit load potential.” Any reference to the Enrollment Declaration Form and "non-traditional schools and programs" are not applicable to junior high/middle schools.) 267. If a student is enrolled in a junior high/middle school (including a home school) from which he or she expects to grad uate, and where the student’s basic records are filed, and that junior high/middle school sponsors no interscholastic athletic program in any sport, such student may take shared-time work in another school. That student may participate in interscholastic scrimmages and contests as a representative of the second school, provided he or she is taking at least 50 percent of the total periods of work required for regularly enrolled full- time students in the latter school and passing them. It is to be understood that such student complies with all other Eligibility Regulations. Regulation III 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 90 91 268. A regularly enrolled junior high school student may take courses in advance of the junior high school level dur- ing a current school year. These courses may be included for high school graduation and for current athletic eligibility purposes in the junior high school as long as the student is passing 50 percent of the total periods of work carried at both schools. If the majority of a student’s classwork is at the 9th-grade level or higher, See Interpretation 24. Semesters/trimesters in which this occurs do not count toward the maximum of eight se- mesters or 12 trimesters of eligibility allowed at the high school level.

A student or team shall participate in no more than four interscholastic scrimmages and in no more than 16 days of competition, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament.

SECTION 8—It is a matter of local school determination if a 6th, 7th or 8th-grade student may be a member of an interscholastic team in more than one sport at the same time. This includes 7th and 8th-grade students who are participating with a high school team as allowed under Regulation I, Section 1(D). INTERPRETATION—SECTION 8 (Interpretations 202-204 of Regulation II, Section 8 are applicable to junior high/ middle schools.) 277. When junior high/middle schools desire to compete in interscholastic athletics in more than one division for sake of uniformity, it is recommended that such divisions be established on the basis of height, age and weight.

SECTION 8 (A)—Schools shall adhere to the playing rules adopted by the Michigan High School Athletic As- sociation to govern interscholastic games and meets in baseball, basketball, bowling, competitive cheer, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, soccer, soft- ball, alpine skiing, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. SECTION 8 (B)—Each head coach of a varsity team in a sport under MHSAA jurisdiction shall complete (in person or online) the MHSAA rules meetings for that sport for the current school year prior to the deadline if meetings are provided and attendance is required. If the head coach does not complete a rules meeting prior to the deadline that coach shall be prohibited from coaching in that season's MHSAA tournament for the sport involved and shall not be present at the facility where the MHSAA tournament involving that coach's team is being held. See Regulation II, Section 15 H(4). An administrator or faculty member designee of that school shall be present with supervisory capacity over the school's competitors. Failure to receive reminder notifications (email or other) does not change the requirement of this Section. SECTION 8 (C)—Schools shall attest that all assistant and subvarsity coaches have completed an MHSAA rules meetings (online or in person) for that sport for the current school year prior to the deadline. Assis- tant or subvarsity coaches, who coach more than one sport during a school year, must fulfill the require- ment each season unless the sport is the same and the coach had completed the MHSAA sport specific rules meeting earlier in the school year for that sport (e.g. JV boys and JV girls soccer coach). It is expected that schools will impose the penalty of Section 8 (B) to assistant or subvarsity coaches who do not meet this re- quirement by the deadline. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 8 202. Unless modified elsewhere in the regulations, the official playing rules for competition involving one or more MHSAA member junior high/middle schools or high schools are as follows: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Boys Lacrosse, Girls Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming & Diving, Track & Field, Volleyball, and Wrestling - National Federation of State High School Associations (published or endorsed). Bowling - U.S. Bowling Congress (applicable rules as stated in MHSAA Participating School Tourna- ment Information). Competitive Cheer and Skiing - MHSAA. Golf - U.S. Golf Association, and MHSAA Policies and Procedures Tennis - U.S. Tennis Association, and MHSAA Policies and Procedures 203. Exceptions to or modifications of playing rules shall not be made by competing schools. a. For sports at the subvarsity or junior high/middle school levels only, in order to reduce the com- petitive demands on younger athletes, deviations or modifications of playing rules adopted by the MHSAA may be requested in writing annually by leagues and conferences or individual schools. b. Modifications permitted in National Federation sport rule books by state high school association adoption must be approved by the MHSAA (see pages 114-121 for the current year’s modifications). c. Skills contests (3-point shots, slam dunk, home run derby, etc.) held before, during or after competition for students who are team members participating in that competition, are considered deviations to play- ing rules and not allowed. 66 Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 66 67 d. By prior mutual consent of competing teams in regular-season contests, schools may agree to vary the color of uniforms (e.g. pink or camouflage) to commemorate events or causes important to those schools, provided all other uniform specifications are followed. Such deviations are not allowed in MHSAA tour- nament competition. e. Schools may permit the wearing of head adornments such as a hijab or leggings covering the legs be- cause of firmly held religious reasons by the student without advance MHSAA approval. Head adorn- ments must be securely fastened and not affixed with any non-yielding fasteners (i.e., pins). Hijabs and leggings must be of a single color and not be a safety risk for the student or opponents. A religious insignia may be uniformly displayed on athletic uniforms for faith-based schools. 204. Playing rules for competition against out-of-state or non-MHSAA member school teams shall be those adopted by the MHSAA unless an express written exception has been granted by the MHSAA for a specific event or series of events.

EARLY SEASON PRACTICE AND SCRIMMAGE SESSIONS SECTION 9 (A)—Football practice may begin on the 16th Monday before Thanksgiving (National Federation Week No. 6), and shall adhere to football practice policies adopted by the Representative Council (see page 123). SECTION 9 (B)—A school team shall not play a game of football until it has practiced for a period of 16 cal- endar days during which practices are conducted on at least 12 separate days. The first varsity game may be played on Thursday or thereafter of the 13th week before Thanksgiving (NF Week No. 8). The first fresh- man or junior varsity game may be played on the day before that Thursday varsity game. SECTION 9 (C)—A school may not take part in an interscholastic scrimmage session with other schools until the Wednesday of the second week of practice as long as the team has conducted football practice on at least seven (7) separate previous days. A joint practice session with two or more schools is considered a scrimmage session. and cannot take place until a team has conducted football practice at least seven (7) different days previously. SECTION 9 (D)—There shall be no varsity football scrimmages or contests except between teams composed exclusively of senior high school students who represent high schools in such scrimmage or competition. Subvarsity high school and junior high/middle school teams are permitted to schedule games with non- school teams. Ninth-grade students representing the school in which they are en rolled may compete as members of or against junior high/middle school teams on which there are 7th or 8th-graders, or both, if the games are played under rules governing junior high/middle school football. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 9 205. a. During the four days of practice required without full pads (See page 123), schools may use equipment such as goal posts, ropes, dummies, hand shields and sleds. b. Preseason football practice where more than footballs, helmets and football shoes are used shall be con- ducted at the place where practice will be held after school starts. Preseason scrimmages with students from more than one school may take place on any facility selected by the host school. 206. Schools may conduct formal practice only during the specified dates. Spring football practice is prohibited under this Regulation. 207. If a school offers instruction in football skills as part of its regular school year curriculum (first or second se- mester), it must be open to all students, and football must be no more than one-third of the course content taught to all students in the course in nearly equal portions of any trimester or semester. No regular or im pro- vised football equipment other than a football may be used and no offensive and defensive plays and schemes of the interscholastic football team may be taught except during the football season as defined in Section 9 (A). There is to be no sum mer school instruction in football skills. See Regulation II, Section 11(H)6. 208. No games or scrimmages in varsity football may be arranged by high schools with col lege varsity, college re- serve, or college freshman teams, junior college teams, non-school teams, independent teams, or alumni teams. The only varsity football scrim mages or varsity football games in which high school students may en- gage are those against teams composed exclusively of high school students representing high schools which 67 Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 67 are members of their state or provincial high school association if eligible. (See last sentence of Section 9 [D].) It is to be understood, however, that this school team restriction applies only to varsity football. Compe- tition between non-member school teams located within Michigan in other sports is a matter for local school determination. 209. Non-varsity senior high school and 9th grade junior high/middle school football teams may play their first foot- ball games on Thursday of the third week of regular-season practice, or on Wednesday if the varsity team plays on Thursday. 210. Regardless of the location or time of year, after once representing an MHSAA member school in competition in any MHSAA sport, an individual student(s) shall not participate in any out-of-season football camp, com- petition, clinic or combine with equipment of more than football helmets and football shoes. Out-of-season during the school year and summer (except as prohibited during the summer dead period), participation by a student in football practice involving physical activity which may be offered as part of an out-of-season or sum- mer camp combine, competition or clinic is not a violation of this section as long as player equipment is lim- ited to football shoes, helmets and footballs. The one exception is that shoulder pads may be worn at college summer camps sponsored and run directly by NCAA/NAIA institutions which must be an individual athlete camp sponsored and run directly by the institution. Team camps or schools that rent or use college facili- ties out of season may never wear shoulder pads (full shoulder pads or “spider” pads) and are subject to all off-season and equipment rules. See Regulation II, Section 11(H) 2.b. (1) (2) and (3). 211. In addition to summer out-of-season practice and competition regulations (7 on 7) of Regulation II, Section 11 (H), informal activities (with footballs, helmets and football shoes – not sleds and dummies) may take place on any number of days during the summer (prior to Aug. 1) as long as no more than seven students in grades 7-12 of the district are assembled with a football coach of that district. See Regulation II, Section 11(H) 2.b.(2) for the 15 activity days permitted in the summer. 212. Teams may, by game contract or league and conference adoption, follow National Federation rules for less than 11-person football. 213. Junior high/middle school teams composed only of 9th-grade students may play contests under game rules for senior high schools. 214. This Section and Interpretations also are applicable to junior high/middle school football.

A student or team shall participate in no more than four interscholastic scrimmages and in no more than 15 days of competition, exclusive of the MHSAA tournament. 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 69

Sec. 1. The Annual Business Meeting of representatives of member schools of this Associ a tion shall be held not later than the third Friday following Thanks giving Day each year. Sec. 2. The Annual Business Meeting shall be held for the purpose of receiving reports from the several officers of the Association, discussing inter scholastic athletic problems, and electing representatives to the Council in case of tie votes. Sec. 3. Each member school of this association shall be entitled to only one vote to be cast by the principal or su- perintendent or a faculty representative authorized in writing by the principal or superintendent. ARTICLE IV—THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL: HOW CONSTITUTED AND ELECTED Sec. 1. The Representative Council shall consist of fourteen elected members and the Super in tendent of Public In- struction or his/her representative as an ex-officio member. The Council may appoint not to exceed four members for two year terms, and such ap pointments may not exceed two successive terms. The Council total membership is not to exceed fourteen elected, four appointed, and the ex-officio member, for a total of nineteen voting members. 14 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 14 Sec. 2. Four members of the Council shall be representatives of Class A and B high schools according to the most recently determined classification of the Michigan High School Athletic Association for the school year next preceding the election. One of these representatives shall be from the Upper Peninsula, one from the four southern tiers of counties east of a line running north and south between the counties of Eaton and Ingham, exclusive of the city of Detroit, one from the four southern tiers of counties west of said line, and one from the remaining part of the Lower Peninsula. Sec. 3. Four members of the Council shall be representatives of Class C and D high schools according to the most recently determined classification of the Michigan High School Athletic Association for the school year next preceding the election. One of these representatives shall be from the Upper Peninsula, one from the four southern tiers of counties east of a line running north and south between the counties of Eaton and Ingham, one from the four tiers of counties west of said line, and one from the remaining part of the Lower Penin- sula. Sec. 4. The other six members of the Council shall be elected with the following provisions: Two shall be statewide at-large representatives, two shall be representatives of junior high/middle schools, one shall be a representative of the Detroit Public Schools, and one shall be a representative of private and parochial high schools. Sec. 5. The regularly elected members of the Council as provided for above shall hold office for two years or until such time as their successors are duly elected. Sec. 6. The procedure in nomination and election of candidates for membership on the Representative Council is as follows: 1. Any individual who is a representative of a member school (faculty member or board of education member) may submit his or her name to the MHSAA office by March 15. A. Candidates must have superintendent or principal approval in writing. B. It is essential that candidates be qualified for the position they seek. (1) If the position is for a representative of a certain area of the state, they must represent a school of the appropriate class (A and B or C and D) in that geographic area. (2) If they seek the position of a statewide at-large representative, they must be a faculty or board of education member of an MHSAA member school. (3) If they seek the position of statewide representative of junior high/middle schools or private and parochial high schools, they must be faculty (teacher or admin is tra tor) or board members for such schools. 2. Names submitted will be published on the MHSAA Website by April 15 and included on the ballot mailed to schools in September. 3. Ballots received from schools at the office of the Executive Director postmarked a date later than two weeks after they were sent to schools will not be counted. 4. A Board of Canvassers composed of five members is to be appointed annually for the purpose of counting the ballots and declaring candidates elected or those nominees whose names shall appear on the election ballot for a run-off election, if necessary. 5. The classification of schools for nominations is to be based on the school enrollment as reported on the En- rollment Declaration Forms filed in the office of the Michigan High School Athletic Association the previous school year. 6. In Class A, B, C, and D schools the ballot is to be signed by the principal of the high school and the superin- tendent of schools. Ballots signed in only one of the provided spaces are to be declared illegal votes by the Board of Canvassers. 7. Only those junior high/middle schools which are listed as member schools by the Michigan High School Ath- letic Association are eligible to vote and in such schools the ballot is to be signed by the principal of the jun- ior high/middle school and the superintendent of schools. Ballots signed in only one of the provided spaces are to be declared illegal votes by the Board of Canvassers. 8. For the Detroit Public Schools and statewide at-large positions, the ballot is to be signed by the principal of the school and the superintendent of schools. Ballots signed in only one of the provided spaces are to be de- clared illegal votes by the Board of Canvassers. 9. In private and parochial schools the ballot is signed by the principal. 10. The nominee receiving a majority of all legal votes cast by his or her group or section on the first ballot shall be declared elected. 11. If no majority is received on the first ballot, the names of the two nominees (or more in case of ties) receiving the greatest number of votes shall be submitted to the group or section concerned for election by mailed vote. 12. The nominee receiving a majority on the second ballot shall be declared elected. Constitution (Cont’d) 15 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 15

Sec. 1. The Representative Council shall have general control of the organization’s operating policies. Sec. 2 It shall develop and promulgate minimum standards for student-athlete eligibility, rules to govern competi- tion between schools and penalties for violations, as well as Interpretations of these policies and procedures, compliance with which is a pre-condition for members to participate in the organization’s sponsored tour- naments. Sec. 3. It shall develop and promulgate terms and conditions for association sponsored tournaments and limit com- petition in those tournaments to member schools and their student-athletes who have been in compliance with the regulations and Interpretations promulgated under Sec. 2. Sec. 4 It shall adopt a Due Process Procedure to be followed in the disposition of alleged violations of the Con- stitution, Bylaws, Regulations or Interpretations as promulgated by the association. Sec. 5. It may discipline member schools and contest officials for violations of rules and regulations. Sec. 6. It shall provide for the hearing of appeals from decisions of the Executive Director and Executive Commit- tee. Sec. 7. It shall exercise all other functions necessary for carrying out the spirit and purpose of the Constitution. Sec. 8. It shall be the annual responsibility of the Representative Council to ascertain that the Council elective process has provided for representation of females and minorities. If, in the judgment of the Representa- tive Council, these results have not been achieved, said Council shall appoint not to exceed four Repre- sentative Council members-at-large for two year terms. 16 Constitution (Cont’d) 13. If no nominee receives a majority on the second ballot, the names of the two nominees (or more in case of ties) receiving the greatest number of votes shall be submitted to the group or section concerned for election by mailed ballot. 14. The nominee receiving a majority on the third ballot shall be declared elected. 15. In case of a tie vote or no majority on the third ballot, the election shall be carried to the Annual Business Meeting. Sec. 7. A vacancy on the Representative Council occurs when for any reason a representative becomes no longer eligible to represent that particular group or section. The person receiving the second greatest number of votes in the last election for that position shall be declared elected for the balance of the term vacated. In the event there were not two candidates in that election, the Representative Council will appoint a repre- sentative for the balance of the term. MAP OF REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL SECTION Upper Peninsula Southeastern Section Southwestern Section City of Detroit Northern Section Lower Peninsula 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 16 ARTICLE VII—OFFICERS OF THE REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL: JUDICIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY Sec. 1. The officers of the Representative Council shall be a President, Vice-President and a Secretary-Treasurer. Sec. 2. The President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary-Treasurer shall be elected at a meeting of the Rep- resentative Council conducted between the conclusion of the Council elections and the end of that calen- dar year (outgoing Council members shall not vote for officers for the next year). They shall perform the usual duties pertaining to their respective offices. The President shall preside at the Annual Business Meeting. Sec. 3. An Executive Committee of 5 members shall be created. The executive committee shall be made up of the elected officers of the Representative Council plus 2 members appointed by the President of the Repre- sentative Council. Other appointments may be made from among the Representative Council members to substitute for those who must be absent from an Executive Committee meeting. A quorum for conducting Executive Committee business is three members. Sec. 4. The Executive Committee shall, in addition to powers granted elsewhere in this Constitution, exercise the following powers: A. Interpret this Constitution and all legislation enacted by the Representative Council. B. Make all rules necessary for effective administration of the organization’s sponsored tournaments, con- sistent with policies enacted by the Representative Council and with this Constitution. C. Adjudicate all controversies between member schools which have been appealed to it. D. For violation of this Constitution, or rules adopted by the Representative Council, the Executive Com- mittee may impose such penalties as are authorized by the Representative Council. E. The Executive Committee shall have the authority to set aside the effect of any regulation governing eligibility of students or the competition between schools when in its opinion the rule fails to accomplish the purpose for which it is intended, or when the rule works an undue hardship upon the student or school. Request for the consideration of such exceptions shall be acted upon by the Executive Committee not less frequently than three (3) times during each school year. The first meeting for the consideration of such exceptions shall be held during the month of August, the second meeting shall be held during the month of November and third meeting shall be held during the month of March. Other cases may be heard at the discretion of the Executive Committee if the incident causing the hardship occurred be- tween the regular meeting scheduled or the hardship ruling. Application for the consideration of such exceptions must be made in writing (not email) by the super- intendent or principal or athletic director of the member school and should contain all the facts perti- nent to the case, including sufficient documentation to make it possible to reach a decision without further investigation. Such application shall be filed in the office of the Executive Director not later than five (5) days before the meeting of the Executive Committee. A personal appearance before the Ex- ecutive Committee is not necessary and will be allowed only if requested in the application. Appeals from decisions of the Executive Committee shall proceed in a like manner to the Representative Coun- cil. ARTICLE VIII APPOINTMENT AND DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND STAFF Sec. 1. The Executive Director shall be appointed by the Representative Council upon recommendation by the Ex- ecutive Committee. Sec. 2. The Executive Director shall be the executive officer in control of daily operations of the organization. Sec. 3. The Executive Director shall personally or shall designate a person or persons to collect information, ren- der decisions and fix penalties based on evidence and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Such decisions shall be subject to review by the Executive Com- mittee and/or the Representative Council, upon appeal by the Administration of the Member School or Schools involved. Sec. 4. The Executive Director shall try to develop a high type of sportsmanship among schools, athletes, and the general public. Sec. 5 Assistant Directors and/or an Associate Director may be appointed. Such appointments shall be made by the Executive Director with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee. In the absence of the Ex- ecutive Director, the Associate Director or a designated Assistant Director shall act in the capacity of the Executive Director. 17 Constitution (Cont’d) 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 17

Sec. 1. The Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the legal and complete ballots returned when mailed to member schools and counted not less than two weeks after mailing. Sec. 2. Any member school or conference of schools or the Representative Council may propose amendments to the Constitution. If by a member school, the proposal must be in writing and signed by the principal and su- perintendent. If by conference, the proposal must be in writing and signed by an administrator of each mem- ber school of the conference. Only those proposals which are approved by the Representative Council shall be submitted to the membership for a vote. Sec. 3. If the Representative Council fails to submit for a membership vote a proposed amendment to the Consti- tution, a member school may propose an amendment by submitting to the MHSAA executive director, within 90 days of the Council’s action, a petition containing the signatures of the superintendent and principal of one-third of the member schools. Upon certification of the signatures on the petition, the executive director shall prepare a ballot containing the proposed amendment, and present the ballot to the member schools for vote according to Section 1 of this Article. Sec. 4. Amendments which are passed by vote of the member schools become effective the next Aug. 1. Constitution (Cont’d) 18 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 18 DUE PROCESS PROCEDURE The following Due Process Procedure shall govern the investigation into alleged or contested violations by a party of the Constitution, Bylaws, regulations, rules, or Interpretations of the Michigan High School Athletic Associ- ation, Inc. 1. When admissions of violations occur, penalties may be assessed without regard to these procedures regard- less of the date of the violation(s). However, unless specifically requested to do so by the MHSAA Executive Committee or Representative Council, the MHSAA executive director will not conduct or authorize investiga- tory efforts into alleged violations that ended more than four years prior to the start of such investigation. 2. Inasmuch as a protest is not allowed by the MHSAA when it is based on judgment decisions of officials or mis- interpretation or misapplication of playing rules, no investigation which affects the outcome of a contest shall be conducted into the decisions of contest officials. No investigation which affects the disqualification of play- ers, coaches or other team personnel shall be conducted except under the specific conditions and provisions of Interpretation 293. 3. After the tournament opt-out due date for a sport (after the sixth Friday playing date of the football season), there is no appeal from a decision of the MHSAA executive director concerning issues relating to the conduct of or participation by schools or students in the MHSAA tournament for that sport. 4. As used herein unless the context otherwise requires: (a) Party may mean any of the following or a combination thereof: 1. Any school which is a member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, Inc., through its offi- cially designated representative (superintendent, principal or athletic director); 2. Any official, referee, judge or starter who is registered by the Michigan High School Athletic Associa- tion, Inc. (Disputes regarding officials’ conduct, compliance with the “Code for Athletic Officials,” and administration of playing rules and contests are not subject to these procedures but are governed by “Disciplinary Procedures for MHSAA Officials” as written in the MHSAA Officials Guidebook and Pol- icy Manual.) (b) When these rules require the “giving of notice,” the notice shall be in writing and shall be mailed, by first class United States Mail, or emailed as an attachment, to the last known address of the party, or deliv- ered personally. (c) Executive director shall mean the duly appointed and serving executive director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, Inc. (d) The designee of the executive director shall mean a person duly appointed by the executive director. Per- sons eligible to be a designee shall include employees of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, Inc. and all administrators of public or nonpublic Michigan schools which are members of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, Inc. (e) Executive Committee shall mean the Executive Committee of the Michigan High School Athletic Associ- ation, Inc. (f) Investigations shall mean either a review of inquiries by others - including but not limited to the school dis- tricts(s) involved, other organizations or individuals, parties involved in litigation, and the media – and/or an independent inquiry by MHSAA staff or designees. (g) Violation shall mean a breach of the rules and standards set forth in the Constitution, Bylaws, regulations, rules, or Interpretations promulgated by the Michigan High School Athletic Association, Inc. RULES OF PROCEDURE 1. The executive director, or his or her designee may ask the party about whom allegations have been made to conduct an inquiry and report its findings, conclusions and actions. If the party fails to respond or contests the allegations, the executive director or designee may conduct further investigation. Failure of a school to pro- vide the executive director or designee the documentation deemed necessary by the executive director to per- form a complete investigation under MHSAA Constitution Article VIII, Section 3 shall result in an immediate requirement that the school show cause before the Executive Committee why it is not in violation of the terms of its Membership Resolution. In reviewing the financial aid practices of schools, identities of individuals will not be required and family privacy will be respected. 19 Due Process Procedure 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 19 2. The executive director or designee shall give notice to the party being investigated within a reasonable time. 3. If a designee conducts the investigation, the designee shall submit a written report to the executive director which shall contain: (a) Findings of fact; (b) An opinion of whether a violation has been committed by the party; and (c) If the opinion is that a violation has been committed by the party, a recommended penalty for the alleged violation. This written report shall be submitted within a reasonable time after the appointment of designee. The written report will be in no way binding on the executive director. 4. The executive director, after receiving the written report from his or her designee or after completing the in- vestigation personally, shall prepare a preliminary determination which shall contain: (a) Statement of the alleged violation; (b) Proposed findings of fact; (c) A determination of whether a violation has been committed by the party; and (d) If it is determined that a violation has been committed by the party, a proposed penalty to be imposed. It is permissible for the executive director or designee to provide an expanded infractions report on each case appealed. 5. If the executive director determines a violation has occurred, a copy of the determination shall be given to the party charged with the violation, along with a statement of the right to appeal, if any. 6. A written notice of appeal by a party to the Executive Committee must be postmarked or received by the ex- ecutive director within fourteen (14) calendar days after notice of the decision is postmarked or personally de- livered. The notice of appeal must be addressed to the executive director (an attachment to an email is acceptable). 7. After receiving a timely and valid request to appeal, the executive director or designee shall give notice to the party of the time and place where the appeal will be considered. The appeal shall be at the next meeting of the Executive Committee, or if circumstances require, an earlier meeting may be held pursuant to the Consti- tution and By-Laws of the Association. 8. All appeals to the Executive Committee shall be in writing on school letterhead, submitted by a school ad- ministrator, and contain the basis for the appeal and all facts pertinent to the appeal, including sufficient doc- umentation to make it possible to reach a decision without further investigation. An appeal to the Executive Committee is not de novo. An appearance by the officially designated representative of the member school involved or the MHSAA registered official him/herself will be allowed only if requested in the application. Any designee of the executive director who conducted the investigation may be in attendance and may address the Executive Committee and the appealing party if present. Both the designee(s) and the appellant(s) shall be excused for the Executive Committee’s deliberation and vote. 9. The Executive Committee shall render a written decision to the party within a reasonable time after the meet- ing and shall publish an account of the appeal in Association meeting minutes, setting forth: (a) Findings of fact; (b) A determination of whether a violation has been committed by the party; (c) The penalty imposed if a violation is found to have occurred. The Executive Committee may modify (in- crease or decrease) or eliminate the penalty (Constitution Article VII, Section 4-D). 10. A written notice of appeal by a party to the Representative Council must be postmarked or received by the ex- ecutive director within thirty (30) calendar days after notice of the Executive Committee’s decision is post- marked or personally delivered. The notice of appeal must be addressed to the executive director (an attachment to an email is acceptable). Due Process Procedure (Cont’d) 20 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 20 21 Due Process Procedure (Cont’d) 11. After receiving a timely and valid request to appeal, the executive director or designee shall give notice to the party of the time and place where the appeal will be considered. The appeal shall be at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Representative Council. 12. All appeals to the Representative Council shall be in writing and contain all facts pertinent to the case, in- cluding sufficient documentation to make it possible to reach a decision without further investigation. An ap- peal to the Representative Council is not de novo. An appearance by the officially designated representative of the member school involved or the MHSAA registered official him/herself will be allowed only if requested in the application. Any designee of the executive director who conducted the investigation may be in atten- dance and may address the Representative Council and the appealing party if present. Both the designee(s) and the appellant(s) shall be excused for the Representative Council’s deliberation and vote. 13. The Representative Council shall render a written decision to the party within a reasonable time after its meet- ing and shall publish an account of the appeal in Association meeting minutes, setting forth: (a) Findings of fact; (b) A determination of whether a violation has been committed by the party; and (c) The penalty imposed if a violation is found to have occurred. The Repre sen ta tive Council may modify (in- crease or decrease) or eliminate the penalty (Constitution Article VI, Section 5). 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 21 LEGAL STATUS OF THE MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, INC. On Aug. 8, 1978, the Attorney General issued Opinion No. 5348 which states in part: “As a private nonprofit corporation, the MHSAA has the same rights as any other private nonprofit corporation and may engage in any conduct or activity not prohibited by law or beyond the purpose as stated in its arti- cles of incorporation . . . On April 8, 1986, the Attorney General issued Opinion No. 6352 which states in part: “MHSAA is not an agency or instrumentality of the state. The tournaments sponsored by MHSAA are a private corporate activity of the association. Public high schools may participate in such tournaments. MHSAA may establish whatever conditions and requirements it sees fit for participation in these tournaments. . . “The representative council of the MHSAA and its executive committee are not state or local legislative or gov- erning bodies. They are not empowered by the state constitution, statute, charter, ordinance, resolution or rule to exercise authority. The representative council rather, is the board of directors of a private, nonprofit cor- poration which has as its members both public and private schools. The Open Meetings Act does not purport to apply to private, nonprofit corporations.” On July 29, 2004, the Michigan Supreme Court held that the MHSAA is not a public body subject to the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. The Supreme Court found that the MHSAA is funded neither by nor through a govern- ment authority, is not a creation of either state or local government, and is not an agent of schools. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS Michigan High School Athletic Association tournaments are the collective property of the MHSAA and not of any individual member school. The MHSAA reserves the right to promote and advance the membership’s interests with publication information; exclusive arrangements to create recognition and exposure for school-sponsored activities; restrictive policies prohibiting exploitation and commercialization of MHSAA-sponsored tournaments; appropriate proprietary interests; and the use of images or transmissions identifying contest officials, spectators and member schools’ students, personnel and marks. MHSAA TOURNAMENT TICKET DISCLAIMER This ticket is a revocable license. The following are prohibited, including but not limited to, laser pointers, noise- makers of any type at indoor events, signs on sticks, and any materials that may be thrown. Any child considered a “babe in arms” does not need a ticket; all others need one. Spectator videotaping or still photography is allowed strictly for personal, non-commercial purposes only. Ticket holders assume all risks of personal injury and expressly waive any claims against the MHSAA and local tournament management. The ticket holder grants the MHSAA ir- revocable permission to use their voice and likeness in any media now or hereafter existing in connection with any part of this competition, for any purpose whatsoever, including the commercial purposes of the MHSAA, its mem- ber schools, and their sponsors, advertisers or broadcasters, without further authorization or compensation. The MHSAA and local tournament management may refuse admission to or eject, without refund, any ticket holder who is deemed to be disorderly or who fails to comply with these terms and all security measures. Refunds are only available for fully canceled events. In the case that this event is postponed and rescheduled, remain in possession of your ticket, as it will be accepted at the rescheduled event. Resale of this ticket is strictly prohibited. 22 Legal Status 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 22 INDEMNIFICATION POLICY OF THE MICHIGAN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS, REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS, EMPLOYEES, COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND AGENTS Sec. 1. Provided its Executive Director has received actual notice of a threatened or actual action, claim, charge, suit or proceeding in advance of a final disposition of the matter, the Michigan High School Athletic Asso- ciation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threat- ened, pending or completed action, claim, charge, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Michigan High School Athletic Association) by reason of the fact that he/she is or was an Executive Committee member, Representative Council mem- ber, officer, employee, committee member, or agent of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, or is or was serving, at the request of and in the interest of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, for the National Federation of High School Associations, its successor(s), committees, or boards, and/or any other entity approved in advance by the Michigan High School Athletic Association's Executive Director; against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, and amounts to be paid in settlement actu- ally and reasonably incurred by him/her in connection with such action, claim, charge, suit, or proceeding if he/she acted in good faith and in a manner he/she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, and with respect to any criminal action or pro- ceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his/her conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, claim, charge, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo con- tendere or its equivalent shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he/she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had rea- sonable cause to believe his/her conduct was unlawful. The Michigan High School Athletic Association shall have the authority to select legal counsel to represent any such person being indemnified. Sec. 2. The Michigan High School Athletic Association shall not initiate any lawsuit or assert any claim against any individual acting in his/her capacity as a member of the Representative Council, the Executive Committee, or other committee or subcommittee formed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association, except for the individual’s actions or omissions that amount to gross negligence, recklessness, wanton conduct, or in- tentional misconduct. Sec. 3. Any indemnification under Section 1 shall be made by the Michigan High School Athletic Association only as authorized in a specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the Executive Committee member, Representative Council member, officer, employee, committee member, or agent is proper in the circumstances because he/she has met the applicable standards of conduct set forth in Section 1, and has acted with such care as an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use under the same or simi- lar circumstances. Such determination shall be made (1) by the Executive Committee by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Executive Committee members who were not parties to such action, suit or pro- ceeding, or (2) if such a quorum is not obtainable, or even if obtainable, a quorum of disinterested Execu- tive Committee members so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (3) by majority vote of the Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association. Sec. 4. Expenses (including attorneys' fees) incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, claim, charge, suit, or proceeding may be paid by the Michigan High School Athletic Association in advance of the final disposi- tion of such action, claim, charge, suit or proceeding as authorized in the manner provided in Section 3 upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Executive Committee member, Representative Council member, officer, employee, committee member, or agent to repay such amount unless it shall ultimately be determined that he/she is entitled to be indemnified by the Michigan High School Athletic Association as au- thorized in this indemnification policy. 23 Indemnification Policy 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 23 Sec. 5. The indemnification provided by this section shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of Representative Council members or disinterested Executive Committee members, or otherwise, both as action in his/her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be an Executive Committee member, Representative Council member, officer, employee, committee member or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Sec. 6. The Michigan High School Athletic Association may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any per- son who is or was an Executive Committee member, Representative Council member, officer, employee, committee member, or agent of the Michigan High School Association, or is or was serving at the request of the Michigan High School Athletic Association as a director, officer, employee, committee member or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability as- serted against him/her and incurred by him/her in any such capacity or arising out of his/her status as such, whether or not the corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise would have the power to indemnify him/her against such liability under the provisions of this indemnification provision. Sec. 7. This indemnification policy shall be effective for acts and/or omissions occurring on or after Aug. 1, 2016, and shall remain in effect until amended or terminated by the Michigan High School Athletic Association Representative Council or its successor. Sec. 8. Michigan High School Athletic Association registered officials, who are independent contractors, are specif- ically excluded from this Indemnification Policy. Indemnification Policy (Cont’d) 24 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 24 25 Regulations REGULATIONS FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS General Introduction The member public, private and parochial schools of the Michigan High School Athletic Association have adopted voluntarily, through their elected representatives, three types of regulations to govern interscholastic athletics; and each year the schools which wish to become or remain members of the MHSAA adopt, by local board of education action, a resolution which states that the schools of that district will enforce those regulations. The Attorney General has ruled that local school districts have the authority to adopt MHSAA regulations and when they choose to do so, they have the responsibility to enforce those rules as their own. The regulations apply specifically to the following sports, and any other activities to which a member school wishes to apply the regulations: baseball, basketball, bowling, competitive cheer, cross country, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, boys and girls lacrosse, alpine skiing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling, as well as member schools' in- volvement in activities so closely related to any of these sports that if left unregulated could lead to com- petitive inequities in one or more of these sports. Throughout these regulations, these listed sports are sometimes referred to as “MHSAA Tournament sports.” It is in these sports that the MHSAA conducts post- season tournaments. In these sports the regulations apply in subvarsity, as well as varsity, interscholastic scrimmages as well as games, and regular season as well as MHSAA tournaments. Consistent with the 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 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. One type of regulation provides the rules of eligibility, Regulation I for senior high school students and Regula- tion III for 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students. A second type of regulation provides the rules of competition between schools, Regulation II for senior high schools and Regulation IV for junior high/middle schools. The third type of reg- ulation, found in Regulation V, provides the penalties for violations. Eligibility regulations (I and III) are minimum requirements. Member schools may adopt more rigid rules than stated in these regulations. The competition regulations (II and IV) are maximum limitations, and schools may adopt more limiting rules than stated in these regulations. In the event of conflict in rules, those of the Michigan High School Athletic Association shall apply if the school is to enter MHSAA tournaments. Interpretations under each section cannot cover all possible cases which will arise. They will aid in answering questions. Interpretations are numbered consecutively and apply primarily to specific sections under which they ap- pear. When an Interpretation states that a student is eligible, it means eligible insofar as the specific rule at issue is concerned. In order to participate, students must be eligible under all sections as well as local rules. Refer to MHSAA.com for additional Interpretations and qualifications, as well as for supplementary policies, guidelines and recommendations. The only official Interpretations provided by the MHSAA are those received in writing to questions posed in writing. No student has the right to participate in the voluntary competitive interscholastic athletic program spon- sored and conducted at an MHSAA member school. All students are assumed to be ineligible for participa- tion until they have earned the privilege of participation. They do this by demonstrating that they have met every pre-requisite condition to participation which, at minimum, are the eligibility rules of Regulation I (for high schools) and Regulation III (for junior high/middle schools) and the limitations of competition under Regulation II (for high schools) and Regulation IV (for junior high/middle schools) and the penalties under Regulation V. A student must be eligible under every Section of every Regulation before he or she may com- pete in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest. When administration of a member school determines that a student is ineligible under MHSAA regulations adopted by its board of education, that school’s administration may request that the matter be reviewed at a meet- ing of the MHSAA Executive Committee which may waive the regulation, pursuant to the MHSAA Constitution, Ar- ticle VII, Section 4E. A request for waiver must be submitted by a school administrator in writing on school letterhead at least five days prior to the Executive Committee meeting and contain the basis for the appeal. All information necessary for the Executive Committee to reach a decision must be included with the written request. E-mailed requests will be accepted if they are on school letterhead. 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 25 Regulation I SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL RULES— REGULATIONS I AND II Introduction The membership of the Michigan High School Athletic Association has developed voluntarily through their elected representatives and adopted by each local board of education/governing board a single regulation (Regulation I) with 12 inter-related sections which list the essential eligibility requirements for high school interscholastic athletic com- petition. These sections establish the threshold (minimum standards) and boundaries (maximum limitations) for all qualified participants within the interscholastic athletic program, and they work together to define and preserve the fundamental nature of the program. It is a condition for participation in any MHSAA postseason tournaments that member high schools (teams and students) adhere to at least the minimum standards of Regulation I and the maximum limitations of Regulation II in ALL MHSAA Tournament sports. A school, program, or team connected to an MHSAA mem- ber school or school district with MHSAA member high schools, must follow all MHSAA regulations even if that school, program, or team does not participate in one or more MHSAA tournaments. 9th-graders housed in junior high/middle school buildings must comply with Reg ulation I. Ninth-graders housed in jun- ior high/middle school buildings who are con sidered part of the senior high athletic program under Regulation I, Section l(C) must comply with Regulation II. Ninth-graders housed in junior high/middle schools who compete with or against 7th and 8th-graders must comply with Regulation IV. Ninth-graders may not participate with or against 6th-grade students. “Participation” means to have actually entered and competed in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest. To “par- ticipate” means to actually enter and play (or run, or swim, etc.) in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest. This may in- volve when a contest clock is running or when it is not, such as the shooting of a technical foul free throw in a basketball game. “Competition” includes both interscholastic scrimmages and contests. To “compete” means to actually enter and play (or run, or swim, etc.) in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest. Competition includes “participation” as de- fined above. In all Regulations and Interpretations, the words “eligibility or ineligibility, playing, competition or participation, or use” of a student or athlete refers to participation and/or competition in an interscholastic scrimmage, game, meet or con- test. An interscholastic scrimmage is an athletic activity or practice involving any individuals who are not enrolled in the same school. Only “eligible” students may participate in interscholastic scrimmages and contests. Students who are not eligible are not prohibited by MHSAA regulations from practicing or dressing in uniform for competitions or from warming up with a team, but MHSAA provided insurance only applies to eligible students. 26 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 26

SECTION 9—Whenever possible, junior high/middle school competition should be played before 5 p.m. and should not be scheduled at a time and place which would require unreasonable hours or overnight trips.

SECTION 2—The principal of the junior high/middle school, or that member of the faculty approved by the principal, shall administer the teams repre senting the school, and shall sign all contest and officials con- tracts. INTERPRETATION—SECTION 2 (Interpretation 181 of Regulation II, Section 2 is applicable to junior high/middle schools.)

SECTION 7 (A)—Junior high/middle schools shall use, in the sports concerned, only those athletic officials who are registered with the Michigan High School Athletic Association of the current year in baseball, bas- ketball, competitive cheer, field hockey, football, gymnastics, ice hockey, boys and girls lacrosse, soccer, softball, volleyball and wrestling. The referee and/or starter used in all junior high/middle school swimming, cross country or track and field meets must be registered for the current year in that sport: In volleyball, the referees must be registered. SECTION 7 (B)—Member Junior High Middle Schools and others which sponsor competition for member school teams and utilize and pay for services of a third-party, non-school assigner for junior high middle school officiating contests, shall use only those individuals who are assigners registered with the MHSAA for a current school year. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 7 (Interpretations 197-201 of Regulation II, Section 7 are applicable to junior high/middle schools.)

SECTION 10 (A)—Students and teams are subject to the following limitations:

A student or team shall participate in no more than 17 days of competition, exclusive of the MHSAA tour- nament. A student shall participate in no more than four events per meet, no more than two of which shall be individual events. Diving only competitions held on one day, which are scored as part of a swimming & diving meet held on a day other than the swimming events are held, will count as the same day of competi- tion as the swimming event.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The name of this organization shall be the Michigan High School Athletic Association, Inc. (MHSAA)

JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

INVOLVING JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Sec. 1 The Representative Council shall have power to make arrangements for meeting the expenses incident to carrying out the work of the Association. Sec. 2 An Audit and Finance Committee consisting of at least three members shall be created. The Audit and Fi- nance Committee shall be chaired by the Secretary-Treasurer and include the President who shall appoint at least one additional member from among the Representative Council who has training and experience in financial policies and procedures. The Audit and Finance Committee shall meet at least once annually. The committee shall review financial reports, including the independently prepared annual audit, and ap- prove a budget of revenue and expenses for submission to the Representative Council for approval for the subsequent fiscal year.

JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOLS Introduction Attorney General Opinion No. 6352 (1986) states that “while a school district is not bound by decisions rendered by the MHSAA regarding rule violations, the Michigan High School Athletic Association may con- dition eligibility for and participation in its tour naments on compliance with its rules and its determinations concerning rules vio lations and the penalties to be imposed upon school districts for violations of its rules.” School districts which desire to be members of the MHSAA and/or participate in MHSAA tournaments must be in “good stand ing” which means they have applied Regulations I through IV and have enforced the penalties of Regulation V. The expectations of member schools include: • Educating student-athletes, staff and other involved personnel about MHSAA rules and procedures. • Monitoring compliance year-around. • Investigating possible violations and reporting findings. • Administering penalties.

Sec. 1. Meetings of the Representative Council shall be held at least once a year. Sec. 2. Meetings of the Representative Council may be called by the Superintendent of Public Instruction or by the President of the Representative Council, and shall be called at the written request of any three members of the Representative Council.

The Representative Council shall make such by-laws as may be necessary in carrying out the provisions of this Constitution.

SECTION 4—Students in grades 6, 7 or 8 are not limited in the number of semesters or trimesters in which they may be eligible for interscholastic athletics. Ninth-grade students in junior high/middle and senior high schools are subject to Regulation I, Section 4 and applicable Interpretations. Interpretations 21-27 of Reg- ulation I, Section 4 are applicable to junior high/middle schools.

SECTION 6—A student who is a graduate of a regular four-year high school or who is a graduate of a sec- ondary school which has the same requirements for graduation as a regular four-year high school shall not be eligible for interscholastic athletics. However, a student who satisfactorily completes the required num- ber of credits for graduation in less than eight semesters or 12 trimesters shall not be barred from inter- scholastic athletic competition, while enrolled in and receiving credit (courses awaiting grades for credit) in at least 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student of undergraduate work, until the end of the eighth semester or 12th trimester as far as the provisions of this Section are concerned. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 6 34. A graduate is a student who has accepted a diploma, including the GED, or whose name appeared on the of- ficial list of graduates, or who has been voted a diploma or a certificate of completion by a board of education. 35. A student who graduates at the end of the first semester or first or second trimester is ineligible on the first day of the following semester or trimester on which regularly scheduled classes are actually held. A student who graduates at the end of the second semester or third trimester is ineligible at the close of the regular-season athletic activities of the school or its participation in the MHSAA tournament whichever is later. 36. A regularly enrolled undergraduate high school student may take courses in advance of the high school level during any semester or trimester of a current school year. These courses may be included for high school graduation credit and for athletic eligibility purposes when previous and current academic credit eligibility re- ports are made in accordance with provisions of Sections 7 and 8 of Regulation I.

SECTION 1—Allegations concerning violations of MHSAA Regulations I through V and their Interpretations should be submitted in writing to the MHSAA and be signed by the principal of the junior high/middle school or senior high school or the superintendent of schools. Definite evidence upon which the allegations are based should be stated. MHSAA staff may request or conduct investigations on the basis of any informa- tion in any form from any source. Member schools are obligated to follow the rules regardless of whether an allegation has been made. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 1 283. When the eligibility of any player is questioned, or allegations against member schools arise, the information should be communicated quickly and confidentially to the superintendent or principal of that school. If the mat- ter is not satisfactorily settled, notice concerning the violation or allegation should be submitted in writing to the MHSAA. 284. If a school has information regarding the ineligibility of a student of another school, it must be communicated to that school before contests are played rather than after their completion or both schools will be subject to MHSAA penalties. 285. Protest is not allowed by the MHSAA when it is based on judgment decisions of officials or on misinterpreta- tion or misapplication of playing rules. The use of video for review on site or subsequently is not permitted un- less specifically allowed by the playing rules of the sport and specifically adopted by the MHSAA.

SECTION 5 (A)—Any meet or tournament with three or more teams held within Michigan for Michigan schools and sponsored by a non-member school or organization, must be approved by the MHSAA prior to the contest. SECTION 5 (B)—Competition held in Michigan, conducted by member schools, needs no MHSAA approval. All such meets and tournaments shall be conducted in accordance with all rules and regulations as set forth by the MHSAA. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 5 (Interpretations 188-189 of Regulation II, Section 5 are applicable to junior high/middle schools.) 272. MHSAA member school teams or individuals may not participate in any event that is or purports to be a state junior high/middle school championship in any MHSAA Tournament sport.

SECTION 1 (A)— 1. To be eligible for interscholastic athletics under this section during the first semester or the first and second trimesters of the school year, a student must be enrolled in a high school (except as provided in [D] below) not later than the fourth Friday after Labor Day. 2. To be eligible for interscholastic athletics under this section during the second semester or the sec- ond or third trimester of the school year, a student must be enrolled in a high school (except as pro- vided in [D] below) not later than the fourth Friday of February. 3. Unless a specific exemption is stated in this section or Section 8, a student must be enrolled in and receiving active credit (courses awaiting grades for credit) toward a diploma or certificate of comple- tion in at least 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student (as explained in Interpre- tation 46) in the school for which he or she participates. SECTION 1 (B)—Students of senior high schools who are housed or enrolled in buildings other than the sen- ior high school may be eligible for senior high school athletic teams provided the local board of education has formally approved the arrangement and all other Regulations are followed. SECTION 1 (C)—Senior high schools are not permitted to allow participation by junior high/middle school students, except that senior high schools may draw on the 9th grade of a junior high/middle school for ath- letes. If the local administration of a system includes the 9th grade of a junior high/middle school with the senior high school for athletic purposes, no 9th-graders may compete as members of junior high/middle school interscholastic athletic teams (for one exception see Regulation III, Section 12[B]). In such cases the entire 9th-grade enrollment must be included with the high school enrollment for classification pur- poses, and the 9th-grade athletic program must be under the administration of the high school. SECTION 1 (D)—High schools or cooperative programs having a total enrollment of less than 100 in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, may allow participation, in all sports except football, ice hockey and wrestling, by students from the 8th grade of a member school of the same school system. High schools or cooperative programs with enrollments of less than 50 may allow participation by students from the 7th grade of a member school of the same school system. This must be indicated on the Master Eligibility List for the sport. Such stu- dents must meet the high school academic requirements in the previous and current academic term as they participate as a 7th or 8th-grade student and as they enter the 9th grade for the first time. See Interpretations 7, 8, 9, 81 and 270. Participation by 7th or 8th-graders under this Section does not count as a high school academic term under the maximum enrollment or competition regulations (Sections 4 and 5). Sixth-graders may not participate on high school teams regardless of the high school enrollment. High schools with less than 125 students may request an Executive Committee waiver with cause and ra- tionale to allow the use of 8th-grade students in all sports except football, ice hockey and wrestling. Schools with less than 75 students can make this same request with cause and rationale to use 7th and 8th-grade students in all sports except football, ice hockey and wrestling. Approval by the Executive Committee is on an annual case-by-case basis and requires league or conference approval. SECTION 1 (E)—In any sport, two or more member high schools whose combined enrollment does not ex- ceed 1,000 students may conduct, with the approval of the Executive Committee, a Cooperative Program in the specific sports for which application has been made and approval has been granted. 1. The Executive Committee may approve a cooperative program agreement at the subvarsity level only in any sport for two or more member high schools, regardless of student enrollment. There must be a demonstrated history of inadequate numbers of participants and will not be approved based on fi- nancial concerns. Students who participate in these programs would have varsity eligibility only with their school of actual enrollment should they be brought up to a varsity team during the regular sea- son or MHSAA Tournament. A student who participates in a subvarsity cooperative program and trans- 27 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 27 fers into another school involved in that program may not be subject of a waiver request under Reg- ulation I, Section 9(C.) Deadlines for high school cooperative programs and the two year minimum length for operating do not apply. The usual approvals from the boards of education, league or four future opponents, if there is no league, and the MHSAA Executive Committee are required. 2. The Executive Committee may approve a cooperative program agreement regardless of the combined student enrollment maximum in the sports of baseball, bowling, competitive cheer, cross country, field hockey, golf, boys and girls lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, boys volleyball and wrestling for two or more schools of the same public school district (same governing board). There must be a demonstrated history of low participation numbers of participants and will not be approved based on financial concerns. This allowance does not apply to public school academies. Approval by the Ex- ecutive Committee is on a case-by-case basis and as with all cooperative program applications, re- quires league or conference approval. Deadlines for high school cooperative programs apply. SECTION 1 (F)— 1. Two or more member high schools whose combined enrollment does not exceed 3,500 students may conduct, with the approval of the Executive Committee, a Cooperative Program in the following spe- cific sports (sponsored by 250 or fewer schools) for which application has been made and approval has been granted: field hockey, gymnastics, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, boys alpine skiing, girls alpine skiing, boys swimming & diving, girls swimming & diving, boys tennis, girls tennis and boys vol- leyball. 2. Two or more member high schools whose combined enrollment does not exceed 5,500 students may conduct, with the approval of the Executive Committee, a Cooperative Program in ice hockey. 3. For the 12 sports listed in No. 1 and 2, if none of the schools involved in a proposed Cooperative Pro- gram sponsored the sport at any level on an interscholastic basis during the previous school year, then the 3,500 or 5,500 (ice hockey only) maximum enrollment may be waived by the Executive Committee. However, the cooperative agreement may not exist beyond four school years. 4. The Executive Committee may approve a cooperative program agreement in excess of the 3,500 or 5,500 (ice hockey only) student enrollment maximum for up to four years in sports sponsored by 250 or fewer schools if, during the previous year, the school or the cooperative program in which a school was a part dropped the sport because of a demonstrated lack of participation. The cooperative agree- ment in excess of 3,500 or 5,500 (ice hockey only) students may not exist beyond four school years. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 1 1. A student who is not in the 9th grade or higher is not eligible to participate in high school in terscholastic scrim- mages or contests except as provided in Section 1 (D) and the Eligibility Advancement Provision of Regula- tion III, Section 2 (C). 2. a. A “semester” is one of two nearly equal in length sessions of the school year for which credit is granted, exclusive of summer sessions. b. A “trimester” is one of three nearly equal sessions of the school year for which credit is granted, exclusive of summer sessions. c. When it is necessary to determine a semester for interscholastic athletic purposes in schools not having defined semesters, or which have “trimesters,” the total number of days of the regular school year shall be divided approximately equally in two halves, as determined by the local board of education, and con- sidered as “semesters.” d. In determining the total number of days, all days on which classes for students are scheduled are to be counted (cancelled school days may be counted). Days on which only practices or contests occur (no classes scheduled) are not counted. 3. In this Section, the word “enrolled” means (a) actually having attended in person or online one or more classes in a school as well as the appearance of a student’s name in the official records of that school, or (b) repre- senting that school in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest. See Regulation I, Section 1(A)3. 4. Ninth-graders enrolled in a junior high or middle school may participate in the senior high school program if it is in the same building or, if in separate build ings, the following criteria are met: a. The 9th-graders are from a junior high/middle school in the district and are included in the enrollment fig- ures of the single senior high school in that district where the 9th-graders participate; and b. No 9th-graders participate on teams with 6th, 7th or 8th-graders in any sport; and c. The 9th-grade athletic program is directed by the senior high school administration (the high school prin- cipal must sign the eligibility lists; and schedules, transportation, coaches, expenses, etc., must be under the direction of high school administrators). 28 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 28 d. 9th-graders of a designated junior high/middle school in a school district with multiple junior and senior high schools may be counted for athletic purposes and therefore be eligible in the senior high school des- ignated by residence in those sports not sponsored by their junior high school. 5. Students who are certified by the Individual Educational Planning Team (IEPT) and are assigned for some or all instruction to another MHSAA member high school that sponsors an interscholastic athletic program may be considered eligible at their school of residence or at the school to which they are assigned that sponsors an in- terscholastic athletic program provided they maintain an enrollment relationship at their school of residence (at minimum, remain involved in the preparation of the IEP). A student may change the school of eligibility one time while in grades 9-12. 6. Only those schools which submit the MHSAA Enrollment Declaration Form the previous February having a total enroll ment of less than 50 or less than 100 students are entitled to use 7th and/or 8th-grade students under Sec- tion I (D). These students must be reported on the Master Eligibility List. 7. When students of the 8th grade or 7th and 8th grades are allowed to participate in the 9-12 grade program under Section 1(D), the 8th-grader or 7th and 8th-graders must be enrolled in a MHSAA member junior high/mid- dle school that is a part of the same public or non-public school system. A system does not require the same building or administration, but does require the same governing board. 8. Students of the 8th grade or 7th and 8th grades who are allowed to participate in the 9-12 grade program under Section 1(D) may also participate at the junior high/middle school level; however, once the student has reached the maximum contests or days of competition for junior high/middle school eligibility, he/she can continue only at the senior high school and only up to the limitation for that particular sport at the high school level including weekly and season limits on competition. This total includes competition at a former school during the same school year for students who transfer between MHSAA member schools. 9. A 7th or 8th-grade student who participates on a high school team under the provisions of Section I (D) must be identified on the Master Eligibility List. 10. There must be on file in the superintendent’s or principal’s or athletic director’s office a physician’s statement and consent to information otherwise protected by FERPA and HIPAA, covering the physical fitness of 7th- or 8th-grade students participating on high school teams (See Regulation I, Section 3). 11. With district administration approval, students in grades six, seven and eight, or grade nine of a junior high/mid- dle school, may observe high school practices, and schools may conduct separate practices for junior high schools at the same site and time as senior high school students if the schools are part of the same district. How- ever, the senior high school students shall not engage in direct participation with or against junior high/middle school students during such practices. Designations such as “student manager” do not alter this Interpretation. Managers may assist coaches in drills and assist the team in general, but they may not participate in practices as team members do. If it is not the junior high/middle school season or the junior high/middle school does not sponsor the sport, out-of-season coaching controls and/or undue influence rules may apply. MHSAA member high school teams may not practice or compete with or against junior high/middle school students or teams (ex- cept as permitted in Regulation I, Section 1 [D]). 12. a. Cooperative Programs are arrangements made for a minimum of two years but may be voided at any time by resolutions of any cooperating board of education. If the agreement is voided before completion of the second year of the cooperative program, the school or schools that terminated the agreement may not enter into another cooperative program in the sports involved in the initial agreement until another two-year period has transpired. Deadlines for dissolution of cooperative programs are May 1 for fall sports, Aug.15 for winter sports and Oct. 15 for spring sports. When programs are dissolved after the above deadlines, it may not be possible to reflect changes to tournament divisions or assignments. b. Cooperative agreements established under Section 1 (E) (combined enrollments not exceeding 1,000 stu- dents) which eventually rise above 1,000 students as established each February will be dissolved prior to the start of the school year in which the new enrollment is effective. c. If the combined enrollment of a Cooperative Program exceeds the original Division in the second year of an agreement, the schools will play in the higher Division of MHSAA tournaments in the sports for which there are cooperative teams. d. A new MHSAA member school which would not be eligible for MHSAA tournaments until its second full year of MHSAA membership may participate in MHSAA tournaments sooner if that school becomes part of a Co- operative Program with a tournament-eligible member school. e. Should the MHSAA Membership Resolution for a school which is a part of a cooperative agreement not be submitted on or before the fourth Friday after Labor Day, students of that school may not participate in any MHSAA tournament including those sports for which the school is part of a cooperative program. 29 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 29 f. Agreements which include a Class A or B school, or three or more schools, must submit a renewal form every two years prior to May 1. This renewal form will be emailed to the primary school in March and will require league approval and statistics on participation levels and win/loss records. Agreements involving only two Class C or D schools will not be required to submit renewal forms and will continue as established until the MHSAA is notified that a program is dissolving or a league has determined it will no longer sup- port the agreement. After the initial two years of operation, a league in which a cooperative team partici- pates (regardless of classification) may by vote of its membership void an agreement at the time of the renewal process by notification to all schools and the MHSAA prior to April 1 of the previous school year Adding new schools to an agreement requires a new application process involving all approvals and pro- cedures. Programs being started in newly sponsored sports as under Section 1 (F) (over the 3,500 stu- dent limit for four years) will complete the two year renewal process and will automatically be dissolved after the fourth year. 13. a. Cooperative Programs formed by schools of any class in sports sponsored by 250 or fewer schools will be assigned tournament classification corresponding to the total enrollment of the cooperating schools. b. When removing a sport from those listed in Section 1(F), existing Cooperative Programs in those sports are grandfathered; however, each renewal is to be subject to Executive Committee review and approval. c. For classification purposes, cooperative programs established under Section 1 (F) (newly sponsored sports in excess of 3,500/5,500 students allowed to operate for four years) must report their plans to the MHSAA by February 1 of the final school year of operation as to how the schools and team(s) will be op- erating under 3,500/5,500 students in subsequent years. d. Cooperative programs whose schools’ combined enrollment as declared on the Enrollment Declaration Form in February exceeds 3,500/5,500 students or the enrollment limit of Section 1 (E) will not be allowed to operate in the coming school year. 14. Deadlines for newly forming Cooperative Programs are May 1 for fall sports, Aug. 15 for winter sports and Oct. 15 for spring sports. When one or more of the schools making application for a Cooperative Program is established and opened after the fall and winter deadlines, application may be made until MHSAA tourna- ment assignments are made for the sport(s) involved or Oct. 15, whichever occurs first.

BEGINNING OF PRACTICE (INCLUDING TRYOUTS)—SCRIMMAGE SESSIONS SECTION 11 (A)—A high school may have any number of teams in each sport, but only one team from that school may enter the MHSAA tournament for that sport each season. No team schedule or individual is to exceed the following number of contests, games or days of competition exclusive of the MHSAA meet or tournament: (also see Section 10 for Contest Limits of each sport) Games—Contests Days of Competition Interscholastic Scrimmages Interscholastic Scrimmages Sport Games/Contests Allowed Per season Sport Days of Competition Allowed Per season Baseball 38 4 Bowling 24 4 Basketball 22 4 Competitive Cheer 12 4 Field Hockey 18 4 Cross Country 15 4 Football 9 4 Golf 16 4 Ice Hockey 27 1 Gymnastics 15 4 Lacrosse 18 4 Swimming & Diving 17 4 Skiing 17 2 Tennis 16 4 Soccer 18 4 Track & Field 18 4 Softball 38 4 Volleyball 18 4 Wrestling 16 4 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 72 73 SECTION 11 (B)—Each school team and all players are allowed a maximum of four scrimmages per season; one in ice hockey, two in skiing (See Section 11 (C) 2 for converting excess game or dates of competition to scrimmages.) A team (any level) shall not participate in an interscholastic scrimmage with or against any other team(s) after the last contest (regular season or MHSAA tournament) for that team. Interscholastic scrimmages may occur at any time during the season, but not after the team’s last scheduled regular-season or MHSAA tournament contest. See Regulation II, Section 9 for specifics on football scrimmages. 1. Any of a school's varsity and non-varsity teams may scrimmage at different sites and on different days. 2. In ice hockey, each school team and all players are allowed a maximum of one scrimmage per sea- son. In skiing, two scrimmages are allowed. 3. In wrestling, after MHSAA Individual District Tournament competition, qualifiers to Individual Re- gional tournaments may practice with/scrimmage qualifiers from other schools. SECTION 11 (C)—An interscholastic scrimmage is an athletic activity (conditioning, drills, practice, competi- tion or other actual physical participation) involving one or more students from more than one school (in- cluding a non-school organization) or involving any individual who is not enrolled in the same school and when it is prearranged or scheduled or directed by the school coach or representative. 1. This scrimmage definition is not intended to exclude an individual from playing or training or prac- ticing on an individual basis, on his/her own time, and without instruction from his/her coach or school representative. 2. Whenever an interscholastic scrimmage takes place as defined, it counts as a scrimmage. If a team has used all allowable scrimmages but has not used all games or days of competition, that team may conduct additional scrimmages up to the combined limit of games or days of competition and scrim- mages. However, it cannot be a game or day of competition for one team and a scrimmage for the other. More than four scrimmages are not permitted under Section 6(C), Out-Of-State Practice Travel Allowance. SECTION 11 (D) — The following provisions are in effect for regular-season athletic contests which are sus- pended by local management or game officials due to emergencies that might endanger participants, such as but not limited to, extreme heat and humidity, rain, lightning, darkness, tornadoes, light failure, etc., unless oth- erwise stated in the published rules for that sport: 1. If an athletic event is terminated due to the above mentioned reasons, it will count as a game/day of competition. 2. If that athletic event is to be continued from its point of suspension on another day, it will not count as an additional game/day of competition. 3. If that athletic event is to start over from the beginning, it is to count as an additional game/day com- petition. 4. When a multi-team event is suspended, it shall be counted as a contest/day of competition for any school which has had one or more eligible athletes participate regardless of scoring opportunities or results. Note regarding the maximum number of contests or days of competition: If a contest is not started and not forfeited, it shall not be counted as a contest or date of competition. If an event or contest is not started and forfeited by one team, it is considered a forfeit for both teams and counts as a con- test or day of competition for both individuals and teams. NOTE: If a football game is stopped by officials under conditions outlined in Reg ulation II, Section 11 (D), the game may be resumed without reference to a student’s limitation of one football game being played within a five-day period. SECTION 11 (E)—For a school to be eligible to enter the MHSAA tournament for a particular sport, practice (in- cluding tryouts) may commence: Fall Sports: The 16th Monday before Thanksgiving (Aug. 10, 2026) Winter Sports: Ice Hockey, Gymnastics: Monday, the week of Nov. 1 (Oct. 26, 2026) Competitive Cheer, Bowling, UP Swimming & Diving: Three Mondays before Thanksgiving (Nov. 9, 2026) Boys Basketball: Three Mondays before Thanksgiving (Nov. 11, 2026) Skiing, Wrestling: Two Mondays before Thanksgiving (Nov. 16, 2026) 73 Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 73 7474 Regulation II Girls Basketball: Two Wednesdays before Thanksgiving (Nov. 18, 2026) L.P. Boys Swimming & Diving: The Monday before Thanksgiving (Nov. 23, 2026) Spring Sports:The second Monday after March 1 for all sports (March 15, 2027) SECTION 11 (F)—For a school to be eligible to enter the MHSAA tournament for a particular sport, contests may commence no earlier than: Fall Sports: Golf and Tennis: After 3 separate days of practice for the team, and not before 4 calendar days after the first date practice is permitted. (Friday, Aug. 14, 2026) Football: As described in Regulation II, Section 9(B): After 12 separate days of practice for team (the first three without pads) and not before 16 calendar days after the first date practice is permitted (Wed. Aug 26, 2026, for subvarsity games). All Other Fall Sports: After 7 days of practice for team and not before 9 calendar days. (Wed. Aug 19, 2026) * See below for short years. *Cross Country, Field Hockey, and Boys Soccer: In years where there are 5 Saturdays in November (short years, 2026, 2030 and 2031): After 3 days of practice for the team and not before 4 calendar days. Winter Sports: Gymnastics: After 7 separate days of practice for the team and not before 19 calendar days after first date practice is permitted (Sat., Nov. 14, 2026) Ice Hockey: After 7 separate days of practice for the team and not before 14 calendar days after first date practice is permitted (Mon., Nov. 9, 2026) U.P. Swimming & Diving: After 7 separate days of practice for the team and not before 12 calendar days after first date practice is permitted (Sat., Nov. Nov. 14, 2026) Competitive Cheer: After 7 separate days of practice for the team and not before 14 calendar days after first date practice is permitted (Mon., Nov. 23, 2026) Bowling: After 7 separate days of practice for the team and not before 16 calendar days after first date practice is permitted (Sat., Nov. 28, 2026) Wrestling: After 7 separate days of practice for the team and not before 23 calendar days after first date practice is permitted (Wed., Dec. 2, 2026). In years with 15 Saturdays in a season (short years) a contest may be held 19 calendar days after the first practice is permitted (the preceding Friday/Saturday). L.P. Boys Swimming & Diving: After 7 separate days of practice for the team and not before 12 calendar days after first date practice is permitted (Sat., Dec. 5, 2026) Boys Basketball: After 7 separate days of practice for the team and not before 14 calendar days after first date practice is permitted. (Mon., Nov. 23, 2026) Girls Basketball: After 7 separate days of practice for the team and not before 14 calendar days after first date practice is permitted. (Mon., Dec. 7, 2026) Note: Basketball contests may begin after 7 separate days of practice for the team and not before 19 calendar days after the first date practice is permitted (3rd Monday after practice begins). Skiing: After 7 separate days of practice for the team and not before 26 calendar days after first date practice is permitted (Sat., Dec. 5, 2026) Spring Sports:L.P. Boys Golf, L.P. Girls Tennis, U.P. Boys & Girls Golf, U.P. Boys Tennis: After 3 separate days of practice for the team and not before 4 calendar days after first date practice is permitted. (Friday, March 19, 2027) Other Spring Sports: After 7 separate days of practice for the team and not before 9 calendar days after first date practice is permitted (Wed., March 24, 2027) See “Quick Reference Calendar,” page 134, for summary of 11(E) and 11(F) NOTE: Scheduled practices cancelled or discontinued due to the MHSAA “Model Policy for Managing Heat and Hu- midity” (page 126) count toward the required number of team practices for this section. SECTION 11 (G)—The last game of the regular season in Ice Hockey shall not be played after the start of the MHSAA Tournament. 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 74 SECTION 11 (H)—There is no such thing as a school team outside the interscholastic season of practice and competition. Schools shall not require or sponsor activities in the name of the school team outside the school season for the sport involved. That the regulations or their Interpretation do not prohibit a specific action or activity does not mean that such is permissible. When the regulations or their Interpretation de- scribe an allowed out-of-season contact between the coach and students of his/her school, it does not mean such may be required, conducted or sponsored explicitly or implicitly by their school district. 1. As a general rule, the activity of STUDENTS is not restricted outside the high school season, sub- ject to limitations of the amateur and awards rules as well as prohibitions on all-star and national high school championship competition. An individual student-athlete may obtain any amount of coaching from any coach, including his or her school coach, any time, year-around except dur- ing the summer dead period, provided the restrictions placed upon school coaches are followed. (See Interpretations 234-239) 2. These limitations out of season apply to COACHES: a. Outside the school season during the school year (the first day of fall practice in August through the Sunday after Memorial Day), school coaches are prohibited from providing coach- ing at any one time to more than four students in grades 7-12 of the district or cooperative pro- gram for which they coach. This applies only to the specific sport(s) coached by the coach, but it applies to all levels, junior high/middle school and high school, and both genders, whether the coach is paid or volunteer (e.g., a volunteer JV boys soccer coach may not work with more than four girls in grades 7-12 outside the girls soccer season during the school year). NOTE: School coaches who also are involved with coaching active Unified Special Olympic programs and have limited contact between coaches and students who are regular season par- ticipants are exempt from the four player rule. (1) In schools that sponsor competitive cheer, all cheer-related activities of both competitive cheer and sideline cheerleading (including but not limited to tumbling/gymnastics instruc- tion and routine development) are prohibited for students with competitive cheer coaches and/or sideline cheerleading advisors, except as permitted by the four-player rule, from the last Monday of March to the Monday after Memorial Day. Interpretations 235 and 236 apply. Competitive cheer coaches remain subject to the four-player rule with respect to competi- tive cheer activities until the Monday after Memorial Day when summer rules begin for all sports. (2) Nonpublic or charter high schools shall apply out-of-season coaching limitations to stu- dents below the 9th grade in junior high/middle schools which either (1) are subject to the same governing board, or (2) are of the same religious denomination as the high school and from which at least 25 percent of the students in the previous year’s 8th grade attended that high school. (Single gender high schools count only 8th grade students of that gender.) Undue influence regulations apply in all situations. (3) Out-of-season during the school year, school coaches are permitted to coach 6th-graders of their district. Out-of-season coaching limitations apply to students in grade 7-12. (4) For the purposes of this section, incoming 9th-graders become high school students when the four-player period ends on the Monday following Memorial Day. Provided these recent 8th-graders are not still involved in middle school sports, they may begin working out with high school students on the Monday following Memorial Day. This does not negate the rule that prohibits recruiting for athletic purposes (undue influence). b. When school coaches are in contact with students during the summer, they do so un-spon- sored by the school where they coach. These activities must be entirely non-school programs: (1) During the summer prior to Aug. 1, except as limited during the summer “dead period” (see (3) below), coaches are limited to 15 days when they can coach in competition students in grades 7-12 of their school district if the teams involve more than the following number of players: Field Hockey - 7 Lacrosse - 7 Soccer - 7 Basketball - 4 Ice Hockey - 4 Volleyball - 4 Only the sports listed above are subject to these limitations on summer competition; and there are to be no summer competitions (as defined for these sports) on or after Aug. 1. 7575 Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 75 7676 Regulation II In football, a maximum of seven players at one time may engage in organized competition with their school coach present for a maximum of seven days (more than seven players may be present). These 7-on-7 events may not be played on or after Aug 1 for both high school and junior high/middle schools and must adhere to travel limitations for events held outside of Michigan. In addition, informal activities (with footballs, helmets and football shoes – not sleds and dummies) may take place on any number of days during the summer, prior to Aug. 1 as long as no more than seven students in grades 7-12 of the district are assembled with a football coach of that district. These 15 (or 7) days of competition in the summer with the school’s coaches of the sport present are subject to the same out-of-state travel limits that apply to school teams during the school season under Regulation II, Section 6. (2) During the summer prior to Aug. 1, except as limited during the summer “dead period” (see (3) below), football coaches may participate in 15 dates (grades 7-12 combined) of non- mandatory activity with an unlimited number of players in grades 9-12 or 6-8 separately (in helmets only). Schools could use these dates as they see fit under other regulations (i.e., practice, 7-on-7) but a team or individual may not exceed the limit of seven “7 on 7” com- petitions. The allowance for a bona fide camp is removed from this section. Any camp day would be counted among the allowed 15 dates. (3) Summer “Dead Period”- In addition to (1) and (2) above, member schools shall designate a minimum of seven full consecutive calendar days during the summer when school is not in session and after the school’s last participation in any MHSAA Tournament sport and prior to August 1 when open gyms (see 4 below) and conditioning programs, including weight training, (see 5 below) are not permitted to be conducted on school premises or sponsored by the school at other facilities. None of the 15 or seven days of competition permitted under (1) above shall occur during this dead period. The summer dead period applies to all levels of MHSAA member schools, coaches and students in grades 7-12 (See Interpretation 237). a. During the summer dead period, coaches may not provide coaching instruction to any students from the district in which they coach (in grades 7-12) in any setting (including camps), except that non-school, organized baseball and softball practices or competi- tions regularly scheduled throughout the summer with schools’ coaches and students from the same district may continue without interruption (e.g., American Legion).” b. Within a school, the dead period shall be the same for all MHSAA tournament sports sponsored by that school, and it shall not overlap any portion of the fall preseason down- time. It is recommended that these seven days include the 4th of July. (4) Preseason “Down Time” - Beginning August 1 for all high school fall sports, March 1 until the start of practice for high school spring sports and 14 calendar days prior to the earliest start of practice for each high school winter sport and each middle school sport: a. No open gyms which involve that sport and no sport-specific camps, competitions or clinics shall occur at the school or be sponsored or conducted elsewhere by the school regardless of that school’s sponsorship of the sport. Open gyms are prohibited during this period whether or not coaches are present. No competition (intrasquad or inter- squad) between groups that resemble school teams (more than four students of grades 7-12 of the district) may occur in that sport at any school facility or any other location with any of that school district's personnel present. No open gyms or rotations or other sport specific activity with coaches’ present is per- mitted during the preseason downtime, however, conditioning, weight training and sport- specific voluntary four-player skill groups with coaches are permitted. b. Regardless of what they are called or where they are held, coach-conducted running or swimming sessions which involve the structure of distances and timing and/or teach sport specific technique shall not be provided even on a voluntary basis during the down time prior to cross country, track & field or swimming & diving seasons if they are con- ducted by the school coaches of those sports. 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 76 77 3. These limitations apply to member SCHOOLS year-round: a. School transportation may not be used for any out-of-season activity during the school year. School transportation may be used during the summer using funds from school-approved ac- tivities of booster clubs, school teams, student groups and community civic or service groups (no general school operating funds). There may be no use of school-owned and issued com- petition warm-ups and/or uniforms (non-competition practice jerseys may be worn whether or not school-owned or issued). Neither the school nor its coaches shall allow the out-of-season activity to be mandatory or to be any part of the basis for selection of the school team. b. School operating funds may not be used in any way to support out-of-season activities; only funds from school-approved activities of booster clubs, school teams, student groups and com- munity, civic or service groups may be used to pay fees for individuals or groups of students on some basis other than athletic ability or potential (qualification for federal school lunch pro- gram is a suggested criterion). The limit is $200 per sport per student per year (September through August). Booster Clubs may not sponsor or fund those out-of-season activities during the school year which the school or coach would be prohibited from doing, including but not limited to rentals for fall or spring ice time, fall or winter batting cages, or indoor lacrosse, soc- cer or tennis facilities. c. Because students and coaches may assemble from the same school, there is a tendency at summer camps and in summer leagues or in non-school events held during the school year, to call teams by their school names, but it must be understood they are not school-sponsored teams. They can't be. To assure there are no misunderstandings about the school's authority and responsibility (including liability for injuries), the following should occur: (1) School administration must not allow camp and league organizers to use the school des- ignations. "Lansing" is permissible; it's a city; but not "Lansing Everett" or "Lansing Catholic," which are the names of schools. (2) School administrators should not allow school public address announcements or school website, newspaper or school yearbook coverage of any non-school sports activity or ac- complishment that is not typical of promotion given to non-athletic non-school activities of students. 4. Except as limited by 2b.(3) and (4) preceding, school-sponsored “open-gyms” or “after school” ac- tivities are permitted in the school district’s facilities out of season if they are voluntary and not part of the team selection process and adhere to these principles: a. Diversity of students—open to all students of that school (it is not required that an open gym be open to the general public). A school-sponsored open gym may only include students from that school. High school open gyms may only include high school students participating with and against other high school students of the same school. Middle school/junior high open gyms may only include middle school / junior high students participating with and against other middle school / junior high students of the same school. b. Student-conducted—students choose from offered activities. Any coach of a sport under MHSAA jurisdiction who is present shall not coach, instruct, critique, direct, evaluate or par- ticipate in a sport he/she coaches. c. Recreational emphasis—not an organized program of instruction and/or competition. There must not be any organized drills, practice structure and no instruction regarding offensive or defensive schemes by any person, including team captains and parents. 5. Except as limited by 2b.(3) and (4) preceding, school-sponsored “conditioning programs” are per- mitted out of season if they are voluntary and not part of the team selection process and do not involve equipment which is specific to a sport conducted on an interscholastic basis in Michigan. Examples of prohibited equipment include, but are not limited to, basket balls; volleyballs or nets; hockey sticks or pucks, track start ing blocks, batons, shots, discusses, hurdles, or high jump and pole vault stan dards; football helmets, pads, footballs, sleds or dummies; baseball/softball bats, balls or bases; competitive cheer mats; wrestling mats; gymnastics mats or apparatus; swimming start ing blocks. Generic equipment such as cones, weights, jump ropes, and other fitness appa- ratuses are permitted. See Interpretations 234-237. 77 Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 77 6. Curriculum Courses - Interscholastic athletics are extracurricular and may not be part of any cur- riculum. If classes contain no content specific to an MHSAA tournament sport, they are allowed. If any subject matter specific to any MHSAA tournament sport is taught to students, instruction to every student during any trimester or semester shall include nearly equal attention to at least three different topics such as other sports, lifesaving, water safety instruction, CPR, officiating, sportsmanship and first aid, as well as fitness, general weight training and conditioning. Classes must be open to all students. Out of season, school sport coaches may only be involved in teach- ing sport content in these courses in a sport they coach for that school district, if they are the staff member assigned to instruct this course on a regular basis throughout the semester or trimester. See Interpretation 207. 7. Depending on the severity and/or frequency of out-of-season coaching violations, a coach or mem- ber school may be subject to any or all, but not limited to, the following: 1. Censure. Further restrict coach/player contact out of season. 2. Probation. Prohibit out-of-season coach/player contact, including at otherwise permitted con- ditioning programs, open gyms, summer competitions and four-player coaching situations. 3. Probation. Restrict coaches' attendance at in-season practices, scrimmages and/or games, in- cluding regular season and/or MHSAA tournament. Regulation V, Section 4 may also be applied. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 11 219. Game or contest conditions usually involve league, tournament or organized play or when admission is charged. 220. MHSAA Tournament games or meets are not included in the maximum number of games, contests or days of competition allowed. 221. Each game played in a county, league, or invitational tournament must be counted in the games or dates of competition allowed for that season. 222. Scrimmages are for instruction more than competition. Schools may not charge admission (or accept cash donations), charge for parking or conduct raffles in lieu of admission, or publicize results of interscholastic scrimmages in any sport (voluntary donations for third parties without any benefit to any school are allowed). Awards cannot be given, and results and statistics may not count for the school (e.g., win-loss records, team and individual statistics and records). If a timing device is used, normal time shall be altered. If a timing de- vice is NOT used in the sport at least one rule must be altered to indicate it is a scrimmage. (e.g., baseball and softball use unlimited substitutions). The same competition may not be a game for one team and a scrimmage for another; if it is a game for one team, it is a game for both teams. Schools may share in the payment of ex- penses associated with conducting a scrimmage. Games or meets may not be converted to scrimmages or counted as scrimmages after the contest has begun. 223. The girls teams are permitted four scrimmages per sport and the boys teams are per mitted four interscholas- tic scrimmages per sport. Each team within each sport is permitted the same op tion. The varsity team is per- mitted four interscholastic scrimmages and the junior varsity is per mitted four interscholastic scrimmages. Each player may be involved in a maximum of four interscholastic scrim mages. A student may not compete in four interscholastic scrimmages for the varsity and four interscholastic scrim mages for the junior varsity. 224. When a member school is not in session (not weekends but before school begins in August and during holi- day vacation), up to four graduates of that school may be pres ent at a practice and prepared to participate in it without their presence and participation count ing as a scrimmage, regardless of the sport and the activities of the practice. This allowance is applicable to football practices provided the four alumni are not in equipment (no helmets or pads). 225. It is permissible and does not count as an interscholastic scrimmage for two or more junior high/middle schools and/or high schools to designate the same person to coach their students in an individual sport or specific skill of a team sport provided there is no competition be tween an athlete of one school against an athlete of an- other school (for example, to coach the pole vault, diving, uneven parallel bars, catching, serving, goal keep- ing or punting). It is per mis sible and does not count as a scrimmage for two or more schools to conduct practice ses sions at the same facility at the same time provided there is no competition be tween an athlete of one school against an athlete of another school. The four-player rule applies to this coach out-of-season during the school year. 226. Track practice, whether for indoor or outdoor track, may begin the second Monday after March 1. 7878 Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 78 79 227. a. Before the first day of practice for any sport season, voluntary informational meet ings conducted by coaches are allowed, but coaches may not conduct tryouts, mandatory meetings or mandatory conditioning sessions prior to the first official practice date. b. One day prior to the earliest allowable date of practice, schools may permit teams in any sport to as- semble at a site other than the regular location of practice. School vehicles may be used. 228. Schools are not prohibited from conducting a sport outside the season of the corresponding MHSAA tourna- ment, but those schools may not enter that MHSAA tournament. See Interpretation 246. These schools remain subject to every section of every regulation and they must adopt starting and ending dates that conform to other MHSAA sports in that season. 229. The Representative Council is opposed to athletes being pressured directly or subtly into prac ticing or com- peting with their school teammates and/or for their school coaches out side of the school season. Blanket statewide policies to prohibit excessive school and school personnel involvement out of season are difficult to write and more dif ficult to en force. Each individual school dis trict has the authority to develop and en force policies that fit the com munity’s resources and school-community relationship, and is encouraged to do so. 230 Booster clubs, alumni groups, parent organizations and groups that exist because of the school, and high school administrators (including athletic directors) acting on their own in programs involving students in grades 9-12, may not sponsor or support out-of-season programs or perform out-of-season functions which the school or coach is prohibited from doing. See Interpretation 131 for amateur status concerns related to students’ in- volvement in out-of-season activities with financial support from school-approved fundraisers. 231. A school-sponsored team, or group of any number of students sponsored by the school which resembles the school’s team, is not permitted to practice or compete outside the MHSAA de fined season for that sport. Ac- tivities out-of-season must meet the conditions of Sec tion 11 (H), and non-school groups can sponsor activi- ties which involve groups of athletes which are mainly or exclusively members of a school-team; but a school cannot sponsor practice or com petition by its team out-of-season. 232. School buses, vans or other school vehicles shall not be used to transport a school’s students to out-of-season activity during the school year. However, school buses, vans or other school vehicles may be used during the summer with school district approval using funds from school-approved activities of booster clubs, school teams, student groups and community civic or service groups with no general school operating funds being used. “School transportation” for the purpose of this Section includes those vehicles owned or leased by the school district or those operated by any entity with which the district contracts to provide transportation services. 233. If a school offers an out-of-season sports program to all students but the coach cuts participants or conducts the program in such a way as to be attractive to and involve only those who have been or want to be mem- bers of the school’s competitive teams, it is a violation. 234. a. The regulation which permits a coach to coach a maximum of four students from the same school out-of-season during the school year (four player rule) does not allow two coaches to coach eight students from the same school. No matter how many coaches are present, no more than four players from the same school district may receive coaching or sport-specific instruction at the same time at the same facility or campus out-of-season during the school year. b. Voluntary structured and scheduled practice rotations throughout a facility of four player groups moving from conditioning programs or weight training or open gyms to skill development sessions (e.g. hitting, throwing, running, lifting) are permitted at the same time on the same campus or facility provided no more than one of the four-player groups involves sport-specific instruction. Two gyms do not permit two four player skill groups. Within a voluntary practice rotation as above, when sport-specific equipment is used separately from the coaching instruction allowed in a four-player skill group, it is considered an activity of an open gym: • Student-conducted; students choose from offered activities. • Any coach of a sport under MHSAA jurisdiction who is present shall not coach, instruct, critique, direct, evaluate or participate in a sport he/she coaches. • Recreational emphasis; not an organized program of instruction and/or competition. • There must not be any organized drills, practice structure and no instruction by any person, in- cluding team captains and parents. During the school year, when it is out of season for both the boys and girls teams in the same sport, four- player skill groups may take place separately for each gender in that sport at the same time with sepa- rate coaches at the same facility or campus. If the same person is a school’s coach for both the boys and girls teams in a sport during the school year, then four students of each gender may receive coaching at the same time and place, but the four-player groups may not interact in any activity. It is also intended that the four-player rule apply to Internet-based or other digital presentations. See Interpretation 244. Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 79 8080 c. School coaches of non-school teams are allowed to provide coaching in non-school competition to four students of that coach’s school district while, in another part of the facility or on the same court, other stu- dents from that same school district are receiving coaching from another coach, even one of the same school, provided the competition is the result of a tournament draw or progression. 235. During, or in preparation for, the four-player limitation period, coaches shall not coordinate, officiate at, or in other ways assist with out-of-season school or non-school athletic events which involve more than four stu- dents from the same school district in grades 7-12 in a sport they coach that is sponsored by that school dis- trict in grades 7-12. This applies to coaches on all levels (varsity, junior varsity, etc.), for either gender, whether paid or volunteer. Violations of the four-player rule are likely, and allegations of violations are inevitable if coaches fail to heed this precaution. Administrators should work with coaches to keep them above suspicion, avoiding even the appearance of violations at out-of-season athletic events. a. Some activities generally prohibited under Interpretations 234 and 235 are listed below. This is a par- tial list, there may be other unlisted activities not in compliance with out of season coaching controls: 1. A coach may not book, schedule, or make other arrangements for more than four players to partici- pate in an out of season activity (e.g. batting cages, tennis lessons, indoor soccer or lacrosse leagues, indoor track, fall ice time, etc.). 2. A coach may not post or distribute a time or event schedule designed specifically for more than four players to attend out of season activities. 3. A coach may not arrange for a parent or other non staff person to act as coach in an out of season coaching activity. A coach may not arrange for a parent or non staff person to do that which the coach is prohibited from doing under the regulation. 4. A coach may not arrange transportation nor provide transportation on a regular basis to more than four players so they may be part of an out of season activity. 5. The four-player limitation period applies to all out of season environments during the school year in- cluding club and AAU teams, camps, clinics, combines, leagues, profit or non profit facilities or enter- prises. b. Some activities generally permitted under Interpretations 234 and 235 are listed below. This is a partial list; there may be other unlisted activities that would be in compliance with out of season coaching controls: 1. The coach may be a spectator at an out of season activity but should have no contact with the athletes in competition. 2. The coach may be present as an employee of a facility where sport coaching is taking place and where they are not providing coaching directly to more than four players from their district. The pres- ence of more than four students from this coach's district within the same facility where this coach is employed but who is not receiving coaching from a school coach is permitted if it is incidental to this coach's presence or employment and not scheduled or prearranged. a) This allowance is not intended to permit an employee of the facility who is also a school coach to provide coaching or to coordinate or assist in non-school activities which involve more than four players from the district during or in preparation for the four-player period. b) This same allowance shall be permissible for coaches of bowling and golf regardless of the coach’s employment by the facility provided the coaching occurs at a non-school bowling or golf facility and meets all other stated conditions. c) This allowance for the incidental presence of more than four players shall also be permitted, re- gardless of the coach’s employment by the facility, in practices at non-school facilities with multi- ple playing surfaces where the school coach had no advance involvement (arranging or promoting) in the participation of more than four students from the school district. 3. The coach may be present as a school employee or volunteer at school sponsored competition as an administrator or contest worker (scorer, timer, announcer, etc). 4. The coach may discuss or distribute information produced by others outside the school district that ad- vertise out of season opportunities such as camps, clinics, competitions, or leagues that occur out of season and are not designed or arranged specifically for more than four players from the coach’s school district. These communications must involve students enrolling and participating completely voluntarily of their own accord, disconnected from the school or coach and in no way may be manda- tory or part of team selection. 5. A coach who is also a registered official may officiate an athletic event in which more than four play- ers from the district in grades 7-12 are participating out of season provided that the coach/official work- ing the athletic event was assigned by an independent agent or organization and the contest is a Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 80 8181 random assignment for the official or the result of a random tournament progression. In general, coaches shall not officiate when it is known in advance that they will encounter more than four play- ers from the school district for which they coach. 6. In ice hockey, a school may commit to renting ice for the out-of-season period in order to secure ice and pricing discounts for in-season practice and contests. This is permitted provided the school and coach are in compliance with Section 11(H) including the preseason down time restriction. This ice may be rented or brokered to non-school programs. 236. School-sponsored conditioning programs shall not be mandatory or part of the team selection process which begins on the first day of practice as allowed under Regulation II, Sections (A) and (E). Conditioning programs are for the purpose of providing students a non-mandatory, non sport specific opportunity to improve their speed, strength endurance, cardiovascular capacity, coordination and flexibility. Conditioning programs pro- vide injured athletes an opportunity to regain these attributes diminished by injury and illness and to help pre- vent injuries. Conditioning programs generally do not involve competition and may not involve instruction in skills of a particular sport. a. If a school were to include skills instruction by the school coach or another person arranged by the school coach during what is called conditioning, it would not be a violation of MHSAA rules if this occurred dur- ing the summer months (except during the summer dead period and preseason down time) or if it occurred out-of-season during the school year with a maximum of four students in grades 7-12 of the school dis- trict present in the facility. b. The school or a school related organization shall not contact or arrange for out of season instruction or conditioning programs that the school coach would be prohibited from doing. For example: • It is a violation for the school, coach or a school related organization to have an outside shooting or dribbling instructor teach basketball skills to more than four 7-12 grade students of the school district at one time during conditioning programs out-of season during the school year. • It is a violation for the school, coach, or a school related organization to have an outside gymnastics instructor arranged for to teach tumbling skills, whether or not mats other than those used for com- petitive cheer are utilized, outside the competitive cheer season during the school year. 237. The Summer Dead Period is intended to provide at least seven consecutive days when school coaches will have no contact with students in grades 7-12 of the school district in any manner related to any sport spon- sored by that school. Unplanned, casual, normal community contact is permitted. It is intended that no sport- related involvement, including attendance at school sport-related fundraisers and functions, take place during the Summer Dead Period. It is intended that no sport activities occur on school premises during the Summer Dead Period that involve school coaches or are sponsored by the school or supported by the school. Because school personnel are prohibited from holding such activities, it is intended that no school facilities be planned for use by non-school groups or individuals for athletic purposes (including student-led practices or condi- tioning) during the Summer Dead Period. 238. The preseason down time is intended to demonstrate a clear demarcation to the start of the upcoming sea- son and its practices and to provide all students a legitimate opportunity to make the school team during try- outs (which are only to occur after the MHSAA designated start date). Out-of-season sports activities should have no bearing on school team qualification. 239. Out-of-season activities of competitive cheer teams shall adhere to the preseason down time regulations re- gardless of a school’s sponsorship of sideline cheerleading in the fall or winter. 240. Due to staffing and facility limitations, the Executive Committee may grant exemption from the four-player lim- itation for school coaches in the individual sports of bowling, golf, gymnastics, swimming & diving and tennis in a specific program or business. Application is to be made prior to the start of the interscholastic season for school coaches who are in a non-school business or program which meets the following criteria and/or other compelling circumstances: a. The school coach whose primary source of income is in full- or part-time paid employment by a program or business not affiliated with or connected to any of the following: the school, a school booster club or parents of athletes from the same school as the coach. b. The program or business the coach is involved with is open to the general public and advertised as such in advance in public media. c. The program or business the coach is involved with is not promoted nor advertised in the buildings of the school district the coach is from. Students choose freely, and no insinuation of a connection to the coach's school is offered or implied. Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 81 82 d. The program or business the coach is involved with is in strict compliance with MHSAA member school prohibitions against national high school championships and high school all-star competition, and the coach is not involved during the school year in any way with national competition involving athletes of the age of junior high/middle school or high school students. e. The program or business for which the coach is requesting exemption actually involves students from more than one school district or cooperative program and does not exclusively involve students of the dis- trict where the coach is coaching. The exemption may be granted on a case-by-case basis so the school coach may continue to coach one of these named sports for up to the one requested school year only. The distinction is made between an ad- ministrator of a non-school program and a coach who provides teaching and instruction. 241. When the member junior high/middle school season for a sport occurs at a time different than the high school’s season, high school coaches may be appointed by the district to coach, teach or supervise interscholastic or intramural programs at that junior high/mid dle school level without violating the four-player rule. 242. When the junior high/middle school season for a sport occurs at a time different than the high school’s sea- son, high school coaches who coach junior high/middle school students in non-school programs are subject to the four-player rule. If there is no middle school season in a sport or the middle school does not sponsor the sport, or the middle school is not an MHSAA member school, high school coaches are still bound by the four-player rule outside the high school season. High school coaches may conduct camps or clinics during the high school coach’s season with more than four students in grades 7 and 8. 243. It is a violation of the four-player rule for a boy to practice with the girls team, or a girl (who is not on the boys team) to practice with the boys team, in the same sport when the boys season and girls season do not coin- cide and the school sponsors both a boys and girls team in that sport. Designations such as “student manager” do not alter this Interpretation. Managers may assist coaches in drills and assist the team in general, but they may not participate in practices as team members do. Boys and girls teams may practice together during any period when the seasons overlap. 244. A coach may not show films, DVDs, videotapes, internet based or other digital programming out-of-season dur- ing the school year to more than four students of grades 7-12 of the same school district, assembled at one time in-person or electronically, if that coach provides any instruction during or within the presentation. 245. Curriculum courses in a sport are subject to Regulation II, Sections 9 and 11(H) and sports or general condi- tioning courses are not pro hibited by Section 11(H) if they are open to all students. (Also See Interpretation 207)

SECTION 12 (A)—A student who participates in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest as a member of a junior high/middle school athletic team and then participates in any athletic competition not sponsored by his or her school in the same sport during the same season, shall become ineligible for a minimum of the next two (2) days of competition and a maximum of the remainder of that season in that school year. a. Football shall apply the limited team member ship rule from the point of a student’s first partici- pation in a practice with the school team. b. Alpine skiing shall apply the limited team membership rule to each individual from the point of the TEAM’S first participation in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest; rather than the first practice or competition of the individual. c. In all sports except football, during the junior high/middle school season (from a student’s first participation in a contest or scrimmage until the last day of competition for that student), a mem- ber of the school team in that sport may participate in a maximum of two (2) events not sponsored by his or her school in that sport while not representing his or her school. An event held on not more than three (3) consecutive calendar days is considered a single event (for the purposes of this section only). Notes: This allowance does not permit participation in all-star events or national middle school championships See Section 12 (C). See Interpretation 206, which limits out-of-season football ac- tivity to helmets and football shoes. Regulation III 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 92 93 SECTION 12 (B)—Except for students eligible under Regulation I, Section 1 [D] (high schools with enroll- ments under 100 or 50 students), a junior high/middle school student who has competed on a senior high school athletic team shall be ineligible for junior high/middle school athletics, however a 9th-grade student who has competed on a high school team in a school organized on the 8-4 plan, still is eligible under this Regulation for junior high/middle school competition if that student transfers to a junior high/middle school. SECTION 12 (C)—After once participating for any MHSAA school in a contest in any MHSAA Tournament sport a student shall not compete at any time in any sport under MHSAA jur isdiction in any of the following events: (1) Any event which is or purports to be an “All-Star” contest, re gardless of the method of selection or one in which there is participation by one or more all-star teams; (2) “All-Star” fundraising events or sim- ilar exhibitions if they involve participants other than the students and fac ulty of that student’s school; (3) Any event which is or pur ports to be a national junior high or middle school championship, or the qualifi- cation thereto. Par ticipation in such a contest by a junior high/middle school student shall cause that stu- dent to become ineligible for all interscholastic athletics for a maximum period of one year of school enrollment from the date of the athlete’s last violation of this Regulation. SECTION 12 (D)—A student MAY participate as an individual without loss of interscholastic eligibility: 1. As a member of a National Team, (and the actual, direct tryouts thereto), which is de fined as one se- lected by the national governing body of the sport on a national qual i fi cation basis either through a de- fined selective process or actual tryouts for the pur pose of international competition which requires the entries to officially represent their respective nations, although it is not necessary there be team scoring by nation; or 2. In an Olympic Development Program (ODP), which is defined as a training program or com petition: a. conducted or sponsored by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC); or b. directly funded in major part and conducted by the USOC member national governing body (NGB) on a national level (e.g., NGB national championship competition and the direct qualifications thereto); or c. specifically authorized by a national governing body involving only athletes previously identified by the NGB as having bona-fide potential for participation in national or international competition in the sport involved. The following procedures are required in (1) and (2): a. Participation, if during the school year, shall be approved by the student’s school principal, and the MHSAA is notified in writing by the principal at least 30 days prior to the event; and b. The student shall make prior arrangement to complete missed academic lessons, assignments and tests before the last day of classes of the credit grading period in which that student’s absence occurs; and The following additional principles apply in (2): c. An ODP student-athlete shall be allowed no more than one training or competition event during the school sport season. d. The ODP student-athlete shall miss no MHSAA-sponsored tournament event involving that stu- dent’s school team in that sport. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 12 (Interpretations 154-173 of Regulation I, Section 12 are applicable to junior high/middle schools.) Regulation III 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 93

SECTION 15 (A)—Schools and their students shall be subject to the terms and conditions for schools’ and students’ participation in the specific tournaments of the Michigan High School Athletic Association as adopted by the Representative Council, staff and the appropriate sport committees, as published in the Par- ticipating Schools Tournament Information and Tournament Manager’s Manual for each sport. SECTION 15 (B)—To be eligible for MHSAA sponsored meets and tourna ments, a school must have a bona fide team, which is one that has an actual schedule in that sport for the current season and has participated against MHSAA member schools in four or more contests in that sport during the current season. A school may enter only one team in the MHSAA tournament for a sport each season. SECTION 15 (C)—To be allowed to compete in the MHSAA ice hockey tournament, a school must play no fewer than half its games against teams sponsored by high schools. SECTION 15 (D)—To be allowed to compete in the MHSAA football playoffs, a school must play no fewer than seven varsity games. Any 8-player school whose enrollment exceeds 215 is not eligible to compete in the football tournament (a one-year grace period is given when enrollment rises above 215). SECTION 15 (E)—Except for football, to be eligible for MHSAA sponsored meets and tournaments, a school must submit the Master Eligibility List and other requirements by the opt-out due date according to the proce- dures specified in the MHSAA Participating School tournament Information and Tournament Managers Man- ual for the sport involved. Additions or updates to the list (except transfer students who enroll after the dates in Regulation I, Section 9 [F]) may be accepted by the Tournament Manager if submitted and received prior to the start of competition for ANY team in the first level of that tournament to which the school is assigned. Ex- cept for the conditions of Interpretation 260 (omitted by clerical error) once a tournament starts for any team in the first level of that tournament to which the school is assigned, additions or updates to the list cannot be made. SECTION 15 (F)—To be eligible to compete in the MHSAA Tournament for Alpine Ski, Ice Hockey or Soccer, a student must have been a participating member of that school team (any level) in that sport in at least four meets or games against other MHSAA member school teams during the current season. In Golf, a student must participate in at least eight (8) dates of competition to be eligible for the MHSAA Golf Tournament. If a school’s varsity golf team plays less than sixteen (16) dates of competition, a student must instead par- ticipate in at least 50% of those total regular-season dates to be eligible for the MHSAA Golf Tournament. See the Participating School Tournament Information for specific requirements and waiver procedures. SECTION 15 (G)—To be allowed to compete in the MHSAA boys lacrosse tournament, all of a school’s boys lacrosse teams must play no fewer than half its boys lacrosse games against MHSAA member high schools. SECTION 15 (H)—Except for additional penalties which may be adopted for some sports, to be eligible to enter or continue in the MHSAA tournament in a sport, a member school must agree to prohibit from being present on the property of the tournament venue for the remainder of the tournament series: 1. any coach who has been disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct two or more times in that sport that season; 2. any player who has been disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct three or more times in that sport that season; or 3. any coach or player who has been ejected for spitting at, hitting, slapping, kicking, pushing or in- tentionally and/or aggressively physically contacting an official at any time during that season. 4. any person who as a head coach did not complete the rules meeting requirement prior to the dead- line and is prohibited from being in attendance at an MHSAA Tournament pursuant to Regulation II, Section 8(B). SECTION 15 (I)—To be eligible for MHSAA-sponsored meets and tournaments a high school shall designate a person to serve as high school athletic director or coordinator. Athletic directors or coordinators in their first year of service at an MHSAA member high school must attend an Athletic Directors Orientation Program sponsored by the MHSAA prior to December 1 of that school year. 1. Attendance is not required if the designated person has previously attended an orientation and served as the school’s primary athletic director or coordinator at the high school level for at least one full school year during the previous five school years at an MHSAA member high school. 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 84 85 2. Schools which fail to have a first-year athletic director or coordinator (as defined above) attend an MHSAA Athletic Directors Orientation Program shall be placed on probation, prohibited from re- ceiving any tournament reimbursement or from hosting an MHSAA tournament for one school year. 3. If a school fails for two consecutive years to have the same person attend the Athletic Director Ori- entation Program, the restrictions will be repeated for the second school year and the school will be required to show cause before the Executive Committee why it is not in violation of the terms of its MHSAA Membership Resolution. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 15 252. Boys may not participate on a girls team in MHSAA sponsored postseason meets and tournaments. 253. Only those teams or individuals playing in a sport during a current season will be eligible to enter the MHSAA meet or tournament in that sport. For example: Girls tennis teams or individuals playing in the fall season will not be eligible to enter the Girls Tennis Tournament in the spring. See Interpretation 228. 254. Only those teams authorized by the board of education and conducted by a school on an interscholastic basis are eligible for MHSAA tournaments, and only if they meet all tournament requirements and deadlines and the criteria of Regulation II, Section 15 (B-I). Except for football, the “four or more contests” may be at the subvarsity levels (football requires seven varsity contests for MHSAA Playoff qualification). Only varsity performances may be considered for seeding purposes of entries in individual sports. 255. Students who transfer from one school to another and are eligible immediately in a sport under Regulation I Section 9 (B) or one or more of the exceptions to the transfer rule and eligible under all other regulations, are eligible for MHSAA tournaments only if they are enrolled in the new school (actual attendance in one or more classes and on the official records of the school) prior to Oct. 1 (fall sports), Feb. 1 (winter sports) or May 1 (spring sports). Such students must also be in compliance with all requirements and deadlines for tournament participation, including but not limited to entry forms, eligibility lists, rosters, participation minimums, and qual- ifying standards of the specific sport tournament in which they wish to participate. 256. The MHSAA will consider sponsoring tournament competition in a sport when at least 64 schools sponsor the sport. The MHSAA will consider terminating sponsorship of tournament competition when fewer than 64 schools sponsor a sport for two consecutive years. The addition or deletion of MHSAA tournament competi- tion in a sport will be at such time as deemed appropriate by the Representative Council. 257. A school shall not enter an MHSAA tournament if it knows in advance it cannot complete all rounds of that tour- nament as scheduled. If a school withdraws or fails to show for scheduled competition after the draw is com- pleted for team sports, (or after the pairings, heat assignments or flights are determined for individual sports) of the first level of the MHSAA tournament in a sport, the MHSAA staff person responsible for the sport will re- quest from school administration a written explanation for the no-show/withdrawal. If the reason is determined to be unacceptable by MHSAA staff, the MHSAA Executive Director will place the school on probation for the next two school years. A second offense within the two-year-probationary period will cause the school to be prohibited from tournament play in that sport for the two years following the second offense. 258. In the interest of fairness to all participants, if an injunction or restraining order is served or presented at an MHSAA tournament site and such purports to require the eligibility of or participation by a student or team which a school and/or the MHSAA has ruled to be ineligible under MHSAA regula tions, the on-site tournament manager is to suspend the entire competition (team competition) or events in which that student is intending to participate (individual competition). If the meet or game has begun, it shall be completed. 259. Only those schools which submit their member ship resolution by the Fourth Friday after Labor Day are permitted entry in MHSAA Tournaments for that school year. See Interpretation 12-e. 260. If a student is omitted by clerical error from the Master Eligibility List submitted to the MHSAA Tournament Manager, and reported after the tournament starts for any team in the first level of that tournament but the school principal attests in writing that the student is eligible, has played on any level of that school’s team in that sport during the season and was omitted from inclusion on the eligibility list sub mitted for the MHSAA tournament, that student’s name may be added at any time. Schools can avoid problems with tournament rosters by submitting one complete Master Eligibility List in- cluding names of eligible athletes from all levels of competition in that sport. 261. a. Individuals or teams which are defeated by an ineligible opponent or teams which allowed one or more ineligible students to participate do not advance in MHSAA tournaments. b. If placements in MHSAA tournaments are vacated as a result of an individual being ineligible or a team allowing one or more ineligible students to participate, other individuals or teams neither advance to those placements nor receive awards for those places. Regulation II 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 85 86 JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL RULES REGULATIONS III-IV FOR 6TH, 7TH AND 8TH-GRADE STUDENTS Introduction The membership of the Michigan High School Athletic Association has developed voluntarily through their elected representatives and adopted by each local board of education/governing board a single regulation (Regulation III) with 12 inter-related sections which list the essential eligibility requirements for junior high/middle school inter- scholastic athletic competition. These sections establish the threshold (minimum standards) and boundaries (max- imum limitations) for all qualified participants within the interscholastic athletic program, and they work together to define and preserve the fundamental nature of the program. Regulations III & IV apply to all member junior high/middle schools joining the MHSAA at the 6th and/or 7th and/or 8th grades, both for boys and/or girls interscholastic athletic competition. These regulations apply to all in- terscholastic teams sponsored by the school in MHSAA tournament sports for high schools. Ninth-graders housed outside the senior high school building but who are considered part of the senior high school athletic program must comply with Regulations I and II. Ninth-graders housed outside the senior high school building who are not part of the senior high school athletic program must comply with Regulations I and IV. If a school district’s MHSAA Mem- bership Resolution lists a junior high/middle school as an MHSAA member school, and if the school sponsors a 6th- grade team in any sport or permits a 6th-grade student to participate in competition with 7th- and/or 8th-grade students in any sport, then all of Regulations III and IV apply to all 6th-graders in all sports involving 6th-graders on teams sponsored by that school. “Participation” means to have actually entered and competed in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest. To “par- ticipate” means to actually enter and play (or run, or swim, etc.) in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest. This may in- volve when a contest clock is running or when it is not, such as the shooting of a technical foul free throw in a basketball game. “Competition” includes both interscholastic scrimmages and contests. To “compete” means to actually enter and play (or run, or swim, etc.) in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest. Competition includes “participation” as de- fined above. In all Regulations and Interpretations, the words “eligibility or ineligibility, playing, competition or participation, or use” of a student or athlete refers to participation and/or competition in an interscholastic scrimmage, game, meet or con- test. An interscholastic scrimmage is an athletic activity or practice involving any individuals who are not enrolled in the same school. Only “eligible “students may participate in interscholastic scrimmages and contests. Students who are not eligible are not prohibited by MHSAA regulations from practicing or dressing in uniform for competitions or from warming up with a team, but MHSAA provided insurance only applies to eligible students. The Junior High/Middle School Committee reminds schools of the overall philosophy of junior high/middle school athletics. The program should parallel that of the academic philosophy of junior high/middle schools. It should encourage participation and experiences in a variety of activities. Keep in mind that the goal of “winning” must be superseded by the goal of “participation.” Regulation III 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 86 87

SECTION 3 (A)—If a team is removed from competition in protest, the contest is forfeited to the opponent and the coach and principal of the removed team must appear before the Executive Committee to indicate why additional action should not be taken. The Executive Committee may also require the appear ance of per- sonnel from other schools and game officials. SECTION 3 (B)—If the coach is ejected from the contest and an assistant coach, or an assigned school rep- resentative is not available to continue as the coach the event is terminated and forfeited to the opponent. SECTION 3 (C)—When a contest ends prematurely because of break down of proper sportsmanship and whether or not the on-site officials forfeit the contest to one team, one or both schools may be subjected to any or all, but not limited to, the following: censure, probation with competition, probation without compe- tition, forfeiture, loss of privilege of revenue sharing, expulsion. In addition, it may be required of one or both schools that their coaches and administrators appear before the Executive Committee to indicate why ad- ditional action should not be taken. When video exists, MHSAA staff may review a bench-clearing situation or incidents where team members enter the area of competition during an altercation (court, field, mat, etc.). Identified individuals (team mem- bers, coaches, other staff) that enter these areas to participate or engage in such an altercation may be as- sessed additional penalties by MHSAA staff (ejections/suspensions) based on the video evidence in light of published MHSAA Due Process procedures. SECTION 3 (D)—The following policies for disqualification shall apply in all sports. See the Disqualification Guide on MHSAA.com for clarifications and additional information: 1. When a student is disqualified during a contest for flagrant or unsportsmanlike conduct, that student shall be withheld by his/her school for the remainder of that day of competition and for at least the next day of competition for that team (two or more dates for ice hockey. See ice hockey playing rule adop- tions). If a disqualification occurs during an MHSAA tournament, the next day of disqualification must be served during the next day of that team’s MHSAA tournament participation that season as well as the next non-MHSAA tournament contest (if any) prior to the next day of competition in the MHSAA tour- nament for that team. MHSAA Tournament disqualification does not carry over to the next MHSAA tournament in another sport. 2. When a coach is disqualified during a contest for unsportsmanlike conduct, that coach shall leave the premises immediately and be prohibited by his/her school from coaching for the remainder of that day of competition and from coaching at or attending at least the next day of competition for that coach’s team (two or more dates for ice hockey. See ice hockey playing rule adoptions). That person shall not be present on site – home or away – or within sight, sound or communication. If a disqualification occurs during an MHSAA tournament, the next day of disqualification must be served during the next day of that team’s MHSAA tournament participation that season as well as the next non-MHSAA tournament contest (if any) prior to the next day of competition in the MHSAA tour- nament for that team. MHSAA Tournament disqualification does not carry over to the next MHSAA tournament in another sport. 3. When a student or coach commits an offense worthy of ejection and disqualification against an offi- cial following the conclusion of the contest, but before the officials have left the facility and/or grounds, an official may disqualify the student or coach as though it had occurred during the contest. A coach or student who receives a post-contest disqualification shall be withheld from competition according to the policies of Section 3 (D 1-2). This does not apply to a situation when an official from an earlier contests remains at the facility as a spectator and encounters an offense by a student or coach at that later time. 4. Failure of the school for any reason to enforce this regulation will prohibit the school from entry in the next MHSAA tournament for that sport, or from the remainder of the current tournament if the dis- qualification occurs during an MHSAA tournament or during the last regular-season contest. That per- son shall not be present on site or within sight, sound or communication. 5. Disqualifications from one season carry over to the next season in that sport for undergraduates and coaches, or the next contest in any other sport for seniors. 6. If the playing rules for a sport specify an additional penalty or more rapid progression, or use of such a progression for other violations, the playing rules apply. 7. Any coach who is disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct two or more times during a season, and any student who is disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct three or more times during a season, is Regulation V 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 103 104 Regulation V not eligible to participate in the MHSAA tournament for that sport that season. If the tournament dis- qualifying ejection for that individual occurs during the MHSAA tournament, that player or coach is in- eligible for the remainder of that tournament. The disqualified coach shall not be present on site or within sight, sound or communication of the contest. 8. When a disqualification occurs under any portion of this section, completion of a designated online course must occur prior to any future participation. A certificate of completion must be presented to the school athletic director prior to the disqualified coach being allowed to be present at a contest where his or her team is present and for a student to return to participate in competition. Completion of the course prior to the event is in addition to the next day of competition disqualification; the player or coach must still be withheld as under the rules. The course must be completed each time the stu- dent or coach is disqualified during a season. Any associated costs are the responsibility of the school or staff member. a. A coach must complete the NFHS Teaching and Modeling Behavior learning course or other course designated by the MHSAA. b. A student must complete the NFHS Sportsmanship learning course or other course designated by the MHSAA. 9. Any coach or player who is ejected for spitting at, hitting, slapping, kicking, pushing or intentionally and/or aggressively physically contacting an official at any time during that season, or who commits such acts after being ejected, shall be suspended for the next fourteen (14) calendar days of compe- tition from the date of the incident. Following this penalty with completion of the required online sports- manship course, the school district shall inform the MHSAA on school letterhead that the ejected individual has been reinstated to the team as a player or coach and is eligible for future days of com- petition. When the coach is ejected for spitting at, hitting, slapping, kicking, pushing or intentionally and/or aggressively physically contacting an official at any time during that season, or who commits such acts after being ejected, the coach is not eligible to coach in the MHSAA tournament for that sport that season. The disqualified coach shall not be present on site or within sight, sound or com- munication of the contest. This MHSAA tournament penalty for the coach is in addition to the fourteen (14) calendar days of competition suspension. This same penalty applies when an official commits this same offense. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 3 288. Taunting includes any actions or comments by coaches, players or spectators which are in tended to bait, anger, embarrass, ridicule or demean others, whether or not the deeds or words are vulgar or racist. Included is conduct that berates, needles, intimidates or threatens based on race, gender, ethnic origin or background, and conduct that attacks re li gious beliefs, size, economic status, speech, family, special needs or personal mat- ters. Examples of taunting that would lead to ejection include but are not limited to, ‘trash talk;’ physical intimida- tion outside the spirit of the game; reference to sexual orien ta tion; ‘in the face’ confrontation by one player to another; standing over/straddling a tackled or fallen player. 289. In all sports, officials are to consider taunting unsportsmanlike conduct that must be addressed. A warning may be given but is not required before ejection. 290. At all MHSAA tournament venues, tournament management may give spec tators one warning for taunting. Thereafter, spectators who taunt others are to be ejected by security. 291. Allegations of registered officials or administrators of member schools that representa tives of member schools exhibited poor sportsmanship before, during or after an inter scholastic contest shall be investigated and re- solved by the schools involved and also may be investigated by the Executive Director or designee, who may impose the pen alties described in this Section. 292. It is the official’s responsibility to notify the MHSAA and the offending school when ever disqualification from a succeeding contest/day of competition for a coach or athlete is necessitated. However, whether or not the school receives notification, it is the school’s responsibility to be aware of the violation and enforce the regu- lation. 293. Pursuant to Item No. 2 of the Due Process Procedure (p. 19) and consistent with Interpretation 285, there is no appeal of a penalty that automatically results in a suspension either from the next day of competition or the MHSAA tournament. Neither inaction by an official nor an ejection by an official resulting in suspension, either for the next day of competition or the entire MHSAA tournament, is reviewable by MHSAA staff, Executive Committee or Representative Council. Exception: Video review is permitted by MHSAA staff when requested by a member school administrator within 72 hours to eliminate the subsequent suspension (next day of competition and/or MHSAA tournament) of a participant when there is misidentification of an ejected individual, an ejection caused by a direct misap- plication of the playing rules or when incontrovertible video evidence shows that an ejection or suspension for flagrant contact with an opponent or intentional and/or aggressive contact with an official was in error. (See Reg. V, Section 3c, and the Disqualification Guide) 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 104 105

SECTION 4 (A)—Violations of Handbook regulations I through V and their Interpretations shall subject a member school to any or all, but not limited to, the following: cen sure, probation with competition, proba- tion without competition, forfeiture, loss of privilege of tournament hosting or revenue sharing, denial of entry into or removal from MHSAA tournaments in one or more sports, suspension, expulsion. SECTION 4 (B)—Accidental, intentional or other use of ineligible players by a junior high/middle school or senior high school shall require that team victories are forfeited to op ponents; and any one or more of these additional actions may be taken: (1) that in di vid ual or team records and performances achieved during par- ticipation by such in eli gi bles be vacated or stricken; and (2) that team or individual awards earned by such in eli gibles be returned to the MHSAA. SECTION 4 (C)—If a student or team is ineligible according to MHSAA rules but is permitted to participate in interscholastic competition contrary to such MHSAA rules but in accordance with the terms of a court re- straining order or injunction against a school and/or the MHSAA, and that injunction is subsequently vol- untarily or in vol un tar ily vacated, stayed, reversed or finally determined by the courts that injunctive relief is not or was not justified or expires without further judicial determination, those ac tions stipulated in SEC- TION 4 (B) shall be taken. SECTION 4 (D)—If a contestant or team competes in a meet, match, or tournament in violation of any of the limitations of competition of Regulations II and IV, the entire meet or contest is forfeited. Individual students or teams which participate in excess of the season limitations for a sport as stipulated in Regulation II, Sec- tion 11 (A) shall not be permitted to participate in that season’s MHSAA tournament in that sport. Students or teams exceeding the maximum number of contests/days of competition allowed during the regular sea- son shall forfeit the contests in excess of the season maximum and not be allowed to enter or advance in the MHSAA team or individual tournament. Teams in violation of the “fifth quarter” regulation will forfeit the contest during which the violation took place (varsity or subvarsity contest). The head coach of record during the contest where a violation of the “fifth quarter” regulation occurs is also ineligible for the next day of competition at that level as defined in Regulation V. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 4 294. Even if a student later satisfies the normal conditions of eligibility, that student may be deemed ineligible for the same number of semesters, trimesters, weeks, contests or days of competition as he or she had partici- pated in while ineligible. The period of ineligibility shall be determined by the MHSAA executive director. 295. Individual honors and finals qualifying marks by teammates of ineligible athletes re main standing even if the team must forfeit a place, award or championship for use of ineligibles. NFHS and MHSAA sport records are not considered individual honors for the purpose of this interpretation. 296. Probation, which may be applied for any length of time, may serve only as a warning that if schools commit additional violations of MHSAA regulations, additional penalties may be imposed, including suspension from MHSAA membership. Probation may be accompanied with additional provisions, including, but not limited to: 1. Prohibition from membership on one or more MHSAA committees for one or more years. 2. Prohibition from hosting one or more MHSAA tournaments for one or more years. 3. Prohibition from revenue sharing, if any, for one or more years. 4. Prohibition from reimbursement of expenses for participation in one or more MHSAA tournaments for one or more years. 5. Prohibition from participation in one or more MHSAA tournaments for one or more years. It is within the discretion of the Executive Director, Executive Committee or Repre sen tative Council to reduce or eliminate any of the above conditions or the probationary sta tus when the school takes internal action to cor- rect the personnel and/or procedures which caused the violation. 297. Suspension which may be applied for any length of time, addresses membership status. A school’s member- ship in the MHSAA and thus all the privileges of membership, may be revoked during a school year and or re- newal of membership may be prohibited for any period of future years determined by the Executive Director, Executive Committee or Representative Council. 298. Any league or association of schools may, by notification to the MHSAA, determine the standing of schools within its own league or organization with reference to forfeiture. 299. Failure to comply with the concussion protocols relative to withholding students from activity shall result in for- feiture of contests (see MHSAA Concussion Protocols, page 124). Regulation V 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 105 106 Classification CLASSIFICATION OF MHSAA MEMBER HIGH SCHOOLS Classification of member high schools for MHSAA tournaments is the responsibility of the Representative Coun- cil and is based on enrollment as reported by member schools on their Enrollment Declaration forms. Classification is necessary before any school is permitted to compete in MHSAA Meets or Tournaments. Schools may choose to play at any higher classification in a sport for a minimum of two years. Requests for fall sports must be submitted by May 1. Requests for winter sports must be submitted by Aug. 15. Requests for spring sports must be submitted by Oct. 15. The same deadline dates apply to teams cancelling this option after a minimum of two years. Football schools wishing to opt up must include rationale with the request. A school that has not participated in the last two MHSAA tournaments in a given sport will be excluded from the division listing for that sport. To be included in future tourna- ment assignments, the school must formally "opt in" by submitting written correspondence on school letterhead to the MHSAA. The determination of enrollment is based on the following: 1. Students shall be counted for MHSAA purposes on the State of Michigan February pupil accounting date or, if the State of Michigan does not require a count date in February, then on the first Wednesday of February. 2. Private and Parochial schools not required to prepare an official count for State De part ment of Education pur- poses are to use the same date as public schools (see No. 1) MHSAA en rollment day. 3. Students who are 19 years of age prior to Sept. 1 and in grades 9, 10 or 11 of the current school year, are sub- tracted from the count for classification purposes on the Enrollment Declaration Form. 4. All students enrolled in school on the official count date and substantiated by either their pres ence in school on that date, or through knowledge of their whereabouts with intention of at tending on a daily basis, are to be included in the count. (This includes international students, including foreign exchange students, and students receiving credit for online courses) 5. Each student shall be counted as one (1), regardless of the percentage of hours enrolled. (This includes stu- dents receiving credit for online courses) 6. Students who are certified by Individual Educational Planning Team (IEPT) and as signed to another school for more than 50 percent of the school day shall not be counted for ath letic eligibility purposes by either the sending or receiving school. Any IEPT student who remains in his or her home (original) school must be counted for athletic classification purposes. 7. Students enrolled on a "Shared Time" basis shall be counted by the school where the permanent records are on file. 8. The determination of which school, if any, must count students in non-traditional programs (sponsors no inter- scholastic athletic program in any sport) is controlled by Interpretation 48. a. For a student to be considered eligible in the interscholastic athletic program of a traditional MHSAA mem- ber school, the student must meet at least the minimum requirements of MHSAA Handbook Regulation I. In addition, the governing board of the traditional school must have determined that the students of this non-traditional school may participate on its interscholastic sports teams. 1. The administration of that traditional school must have named the actual program(s) and counted on the MHSAA Enrollment Declaration Form of the previous February all the students who are enrolled in the non-traditional program(s) who reside in the attendance area of the traditional program. 2. Non-traditional or alternative school programs may or may not be housed in the same building as the traditional high school, may or may not have school administration separate from the base (original) school and may or may not grant credit toward graduation or a certificate of completion at the base (original) school. 3. In a school which sponsors a non-traditional program for its students only or one which is open to stu- dents of any school district without connection to any other school district, all students enrolled in the non-traditional program regardless of residence, must be counted and the actual program(s) named on the Enrollment Declaration Form if any of those students are permitted to participate on that school's interscholastic teams. 4. If a school is involved in a non-traditional school or program through a consortium of more than one school district, only those students who reside in that district, or attendance area of a multi high school district, must be counted and the actual program(s) named on the Enrollment Declaration Form if any of those students are permitted to participate on that school’s interscholastic teams. 5. Traditional schools without attendance boundaries must name the non-traditional program on the form and count all former students who were enrolled in that traditional school immediately before they began to take their course work in the non-traditional program. 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 106 107 b. Once MHSAA classifications or tournament divisions are publicized the previous March or April, a school may add a NEW non-traditional school or program and adjust its count upward when all three conditions exist: (1) The Board of Education of a public school or Governing Body of a non-public school officially adds a newly created non-traditional program that did not exist at the time the Enrollment Declaration Form was submitted; (2) Students of grades 10, 11 and 12 in the new program were counted in the basic enrollment count submitted on the Form; and (3) The program addition does not cause a change in divi- sion/classification that would alter that school's published tournament division unless the change is prior to when MHSAA tournament assignments are made for the sport(s) involved or Oct. 15, whichever oc- curs first. This may be granted on a case by case basis by the Executive Director upon the written request of a member school. c. Once MHSAA classifications or tournament divisions are publicized the previous March or April and a school fails to list an EXISTING non-traditional school or program, a school may adjust its count upward if the program addition does not cause a change in division/classification that would alter that school's pub- lished tournament division unless the change is prior to when MHSAA tournament assignments are made for the sport(s) involved or Oct. 15, whichever occurs first. This may be granted in (b) and (c) above on a case by case basis by the Executive Director upon the writ- ten request of a member school. 9. If, under Interpretation 51, a school allows one of its students to remain eligible for its interscholastic teams after enrolling at another MHSAA member school which it has determined has a specialized curriculum under Interpretation 52, then the school must count all similarly situated students. That is, it must count all of its for- mer students who are enrolled at that school. 10. Students enrolled in a high school and taking classes at the college level shall be counted by the high school, excluding those students enrolled in college-level courses whose eligibility is exhausted under Regulation I, Section 5 (eight semester or 12 trimester rule). 11. In schools where the enrollment is made up of 75 percent or more of one gender, the enrollment of the ma- jority gender is doubled and added with the enrollment of the other gender for classification purposes for the majority gender. This could provide a double classification for that school. 12. All high schools must report and count their 9th-grade enrollment UNLESS the 9th grade is part of a junior high/middle school in a separate building under separate administration. 13. If the 9th-graders of a junior high/middle school are permitted to participate on the high school teams, the en- tire 9th-grade enrollment must be included with grades 10, 11 and 12 of the high school. 14. In cases where a high school consists of grades 10, 11 and 12, or any combination of these grades, the en- rollment must be determined on an equated basis for class i fi ca tion purposes. The equated figure is calculated by taking the total enrollment of the high school grades, dividing by three and adding that figure to the actual school en roll ment. In the event that fractional numbers are involved in connection with the pro ce dure, the next highest number is to be used for addition purposes. Notes: a. The final figure of the official count submitted to the State Department of Education may be different than the count submitted to the MHSAA. b. After schools are notified by the MHSAA in writing of their classification, no change or correction will be allowed that lowers enrollment figures submitted by any school. c. The enrollment figure submitted in February and on which the following school year’s classifications are based may differ from the school’s actual enrollment at the start of that school year. MHSAA TOURNAMENT CLASSIFICATION POLICY (Adopted by the Representative Council, May 6, 1991) PRINCIPLES 1. If there are fewer than 32 schools which sponsor a sport in a class, those schools will be combined in a sin- gle tournament with another class in that sport. 2. If those two classes combined total fewer than 32 schools which sponsor the sport, those schools will be com- bined in a single tournament with a third class in that sport. 3. If those three classes combined total fewer than 32 schools which sponsor the sport, those schools will be combined in a single tournament with the fourth class. See Girls Gymnastics. 4. When school sponsorship fluctuates and classification groupings may be af fected, it will be policy to preserve the status quo until the sport demonstrates several years of one grouping or the other. Classification 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 107 108 5. The Representative Council will consider exceptions to this policy for the tour na ment in a spe cific sport after review with comment and/or recommendation by the Classification Com mittee follow ing affirmative input from the MHSAA staff, tournament management for the sport, the appropriate sport committee, and a survey of member schools that the mod ified format would better serve the MHSAA membership and that sport. (Adopted May 2, 1994.) 2026-27 Classification Variations for Statewide Tournaments Tournament Classification Variations Traditional Calendar Date of MHSAA Final Baseball - 4 equal divisions 3rd Saturday after Memorial Day Boys Basketball - 4 equal divisions 2nd Saturday in March Girls Basketball - 4 equal divisions 3rd Saturday in March Boys Bowling - 4 equal divisions Last Saturday in February and preceding Friday Girls Bowling - 4 equal divisions Last Saturday in February and preceding Friday Competitive Cheer - 4 equal divisions Last Saturday in February and preceding Friday Boys Cross Country - 4 equal divisions 1st Saturday in November Girls Cross Country - 4 equal divisions 1st Saturday in November Field Hockey - 1 division Last Saturday in October Football (11-Player) - 8 equal divisions Friday and Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend Football (8-Player) - 2 equal divisions Saturday before Thanksgiving Boys Golf - 4 equal divisions 2nd Friday and Saturday after Memorial Day Girls Golf - 4 equal divisions 3rd Saturday in October and preceding Friday Gymnastics - 1 division 1st Saturday in March and preceding Friday Ice Hockey - 3 equal divisions 1st Saturday in March Boys Lacrosse - 2 equal divisions 2nd Saturday after Memorial Day Girls Lacrosse - 2 equal divisions 2nd Saturday after Memorial Day Boys Skiing - 2 equal divisions Last Monday in February Girls Skiing - 2 equal divisions Last Monday in February Boys Soccer - 4 equal divisions 1st Saturday in November Girls Soccer - 4 equal divisions 3rd Saturday after Memorial Day and preceding Fri. Softball - 4 equal divisions 3rd Saturday after Memorial Day Boys Swimming & Diving - 3 equal divisions 2nd Saturday in March Girls Swimming & Diving - 3 equal divisions Weekend before Thanksgiving Boys Tennis - 4 equal divisions See MHSAA.com for rotation schedule Girls Tennis - 4 equal divisions See MHSAA.com for rotation schedule. Boys Track & Field - 4 equal divisions Saturday after Memorial Day Girls Track & Field - 4 equal divisions Saturday after Memorial Day Boys Volleyball - 2 equal divisions 2nd Saturday after Memorial Day Girls Volleyball - 4 equal divisions Saturday before Thanksgiving Wrestling (Individual) - 4 equal divisions, 1 girls division 1st Saturday in March and preceding Friday Wrestling (Team) - 4 equal divisions Last Saturday in February and preceding Friday Tournament Classification Variations Traditional Calendar Date of For 2026-27 Upper Peninsula Tournaments Upper Peninsula MHSAA Final Boys and Girls Swimming & Diving - 1 division 3rd Saturday in February Boys Tennis - 2 equal divisions Wed.-Sat. after Memorial Day Girls Tennis - 2 equal divisions 2 weeks earlier than fall (Wed.-Sat.) L.P. Boys and Girls Cross Country - *3 divisions 2 weeks earlier than L.P. Boys and Girls Golf - 3 equal divisions Wed.-Sat. after Memorial Day Boys and Girls Track & Field - *3 divisions Saturday after Memorial Day * UP 3 division formula: Sponsoring Class A, B and C schools divided into 2 divisions; Sponsoring Class D schools will be the third division Classification 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 108 109 UPPER PENINSULA ATHLETIC COMMITTEE At the Representative Council meeting on Dec. 7-8, 1933, the Council formally adopted the concept of an Upper Peninsula Athletic Committee to deal with sport championships for Upper Peninsula schools. The committee met for the first time on Dec. 16, 1933 to select sites for basketball and spring sport Regionals. Teams did not advance be- yond the Region level. In 1946, the UP Athletic Committee continued scheduling tournament competition in the Upper Peninsula until 1948 when the Boys Basketball Regional champions advanced to competition downstate. The UP Committee operates at the pleasure of the Representative Council. It may not modify anything within the MHSAA Handbook and may not alter policies, procedures or schedules of MHSAA tournaments without permission of the Council. The committee acts essentially as a site and officials selection committee for statewide as well as Upper Peninsula tournaments. The committee is also a sounding board to filter suggestions from coaches’ organi- zations and schools regarding any number of issues related to high school sports in the Upper Peninsula. The current UP Athletic Committee is made up of seven elected persons who meet three times yearly. The UP Athletic Committee consists of individuals representing the following:

SECTION 4 (A)—A student shall not compete in athletics who has been enrolled in grades 9 to 12, inclusive, for more than eight semesters or 12 trimesters. The seventh and eighth semesters of enrollment or the 10th, 11th and 12th trimesters of enrollment must be consecutive. Enrollment in a school beyond the fourth Friday after Labor Day (of the first semester or trimester) or fourth Friday of February (of the second semester), or the fourth Friday of the second or third trimesters, or competing in one or more interscholastic athletic scrim- mages or contests, shall be considered as enrollment for a semester or trimester, respectively, under this Sec- tion. SECTION 4 (B)—If a student has been enrolled in a school (or schools) that has used both semester and trimester academic systems, all sessions are to be converted to semesters for the purpose of determining maximum enrollment. See Interpretation 21. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 4 21. a. A “semester” is one of two nearly equal in length sessions of the school year for which credit is granted, exclusive of summer sessions. b. A “trimester” is one of three nearly equal sessions of the school year for which credit is granted, exclusive of summer sessions. c. When it is necessary to determine a semester for interscholastic athletic purposes in schools not having de- fined semesters, or which have “trimesters,” the total number of days of the regular school year shall be di- vided approximately equally in two halves, as determined by the local board of education, and considered as “semesters.” d. In determining the total number of days, all days on which classes are scheduled are to be counted (can- celled school days may be counted). Days on which only practices or contests occur (no classes scheduled) are not counted. 22. a. Semester withdrawals: If a student withdraws from school (is marked “left” or “moved” or “withdrawn’’ or a notation of similar intent) on or before the fourth Friday on the yearly calendar after Labor Day of the first semester or fourth Friday of February of the second semester, has not enrolled in or attended any school subsequent to these dates, and has not participated in an interscholastic athletic scrimmage or contest prior to withdrawal that semester, the period of attendance is not charged as a semester of enrollment. (See Interpretation 27) b. Trimester withdrawals: If a student withdraws from school (is marked “left” or “moved” or “withdrawn’’ or a notation of similar intent) on or before the fourth Friday on the yearly calendar after Labor Day of the first trimester or fourth Friday on the yearly calendar of the second or third trimester, has not enrolled in or at- tended any school subsequent to these dates, and has not participated in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest prior to withdrawal that trimester, the period of attendance is not charged as a trimester of enroll- ment. (See Interpretation 27) c. Enrollment beyond the fourth Friday on the yearly calendar of either the first or second trimester also counts as a first semester of enrollment should it be necessary to consider this for a student who is later subject to a semester system. Likewise, enrollment beyond the fourth Friday on the yearly calendar of either the sec- ond or third trimester of the school year also counts as a second semester of enrollment. 23. When a student leaves a school, the date marked “left” on the school attendance records will be regarded as official. 24. When a student’s classwork is divided between the 8th and 9th grades that student shall be considered en- rolled in the grade in which the individual is taking the major part of his/her work in that term. If the student is taking the same amount in both grades, he/she shall be considered enrolled in the 8th grade. However, a stu- dent who has completed the 7th grade at any school may be considered an 8th-grader if that student does not exceed the enrollment threshold of Int. 46 (enrollment in 3 high school classes of 4 taken in the 8th grade, 4 or 5 of 6 high school classes taken in the 8th grade, 5 of 7 high school classes taken in the 8th grade or 6 of 8 high school classes taken in the 8th grade). This 66% allowance of Int. 46 only applies to a student enrolled for the first time in the 8th grade and not to a student who is repeating the 8th grade. A student who is not in the 9th grade or higher is ineligible for senior high school athletics except as provided in Regulation I, Section 1 (D) and Regulation III, Section 2 (B). 25. If a student is suspended or expelled from school for one or more semesters or trimesters, those sessions do not count against the maximum enrollment if that student is not enrolled in any school (Interpretation 22 applies). 32 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 32 26. If a student drops out of school of his or her own choice for one or more semesters or trimesters, those ses- sions do not count against the maximum enrollment (Interpretation 22 applies). 27. If a student who has completed the 8th grade enrolls at another school prior to being a first-time 9th-grader, including a school in a foreign country, a home school, university, early or middle college, junior college or col- lege on a credit or non-credit basis, these sessions do count as semesters or trimesters of enrollment. NOTE: SECTIONS 4 and 5 —The Executive Committee may consider an exception to the maximum enrollment and competition limitation for up to one year (two consecutive semesters or three consecutive trimesters) for students (1) who, following medical documentation sufficient to establish that they had a medically documented and seriously debilitating illness or injury or a disability as defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act and/or the Persons With Disabilities Civil Rights Act, were delayed in completing their high school education after their initial enrollment in the 9th grade in any school solely by reason of such injury, illness or disability; and (2) who at the time of the request for waiver are determined by the Executive Committee (a) to not present a significant risk of injury to themselves, teammates or opponents, and (b) to not create a competitive advantage in comparison to teammates and opponents. The burden of proof regarding these factors rests with the party seeking the waiver; the Executive Committee has no duty to conduct an independent inquiry. If the Executive Committee determines in its sole discretion that it is im- possible to make a determination about a particular student’s competitive advantage or physical risk, it is not required to consider the request any further. Waiver may be approved in the Executive Committee’s sole discretion only for students who are documented by qual- ified medical professionals to have had a medically documented and seriously debilitating illness, injury or disabil- ity which was the reason for the delay in completion of their high school education requirements. Policies and procedures for submission and review of waiver requests shall be determined by the Executive Committee.

SECTION 7 (A)—No student shall compete in any interscholastic scrimmage or contest who does not have to his or her credit in the official records of the school to be represented, at least 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student for the last semester/trimester during which he or she was enrolled in grades 9 to 12, inclusive. A student entering the 9th grade for the first time, except those who participated under Regulation I, Section 1(D) or who had eligibility advanced under Regulation III, Section 2 (C), may compete without reference to his/her record in the 8th grade. See Interpretation 42 for the period of ineligibility under this rule (the next trimester or 60 scheduled school days in a non-trimester school). SECTION 7 (B)—In determining the full credit load potential for a full-time student and courses passed dur- ing a semester or trimester under this Section, the usual credit allowed by the school shall be given (See Interpretation 46). However, reviews and extracurricular work, and work for which credit previously has been received, shall not be counted. SECTION 7 (C)—Deficiencies in credits of the previous semester/trimester (not current semester/trimester), in cluding incompletes, conditions, and failures from a previous semester/trimester may be made up during a subsequent semester/trimester, summer session, night school, by correspondence, online or by tutoring, as long as a school’s policies are applied equally to all student-athletes without regard to athletic perform- ance or potential. Eligibility may be reinstated during the next semester/trimester when the school accepts the credit. It is not required under the MHSAA minimum standards that courses used to make up a defi- ciency of credit be the same as a course not passed in the previous academic term, but it may not be the same course passed in a previous term. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 7 37. Two current and complete documents are prerequisites for participation in interscholastic athletics. a. A physical examination/consent statement for the school year, which must be completed and on file at the school before that student’s first participation in a practice (see Regulation I, Section 3); and b. An official record of the school of current enrollment that shows the student’s academic and enrollment record since that student’s first enrollment in 9th grade of any school, which must be on file at the school before that student’s first participation in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest. 38. a. A “semester” is one of two nearly equal in length sessions of the school year for which credit is granted, exclusive of summer sessions. b. A “trimester” is one of three nearly equal sessions of the school year for which credit is granted, exclu- sive of summer sessions. 34 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 34 35 c. When it is necessary to determine a semester for interscholastic athletic purposes in schools not having de- fined semesters, the total number of days of the regular school year shall be divided approximately equally in two halves, as determined by the local board of education, and considered as “semesters.” d. In determining the total number of days, all days on which classes for students are scheduled are to be counted (cancelled school days may be counted). Days on which only practices or contests occur (no classes scheduled) are not counted. Summer school and online only courses are not counted. 39. If a student transfers from a school using semesters to a school using trimesters, and does so before the end of a semester, the previous semester record for the purposes of this Section is the most recent completed se- mester. For example, eligibility at the start of the second trimester at the new school depends on the academic status of this transfer student at the end of the second semester of the previous school year at the former school. 40. a. Semester Withdrawals: If a student withdraws from school (is marked “left” or “moved” or “withdrawn” or a notation of similar intent) before the fourth Friday on the yearly calendar after Labor Day of the first semester or fourth Friday of February of the second semester, and has not participated in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest prior to withdrawal that semester, the period of attendance is not charged as a semester of enrollment; and the student’s immediately preceding semester of actual enrollment is used to determine eligibility under this Section. b. Trimester Withdrawals: If a student withdraws from school (is marked “left” or “moved” or “withdrawn” or a notation of similar intent) before the fourth Friday on the yearly calendar after Labor Day of the first trimester or fourth Friday on the yearly calendar of the second or third trimester, and has not participated in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest prior to withdrawal that trimester, the period of attendance is not charged as a trimester of enrollment; and the student’s immediately preceding trimester of actual enrollment is used to determine eligibility under this Section. 41. a. If the academic term or requirement of a non-traditional school or program is different than the academic term or requirement of the base original school, students shall follow applicable regulations and Interpretations of the base/original school insofar as the academic credit record regulations are concerned. b. Students who participate in cooperative agreements shall be subject to the regulations and academic term of the school in which they are enrolled. c. Students enrolled simultaneously in a member school-approved off-campus school or program with an ac- ademic term different from the high school, must obtain a “grade to date” from the school or program with the earlier academic term. The grade to date must reflect the student’s work from the beginning of the term to the date of the check to determine future credit. The combined grade(s) to date and credit determine el- igibility under this section for these students only. For example, a trimester school with students attending a vocational school that is on semesters allows courses for credit towards graduation at that high school. At the trimester’s end, the school must obtain a grade(s) to date from the semester-based vocational-tech school to determine eligibility under Section 8. To continue eligibility under this section, credit is to be achieved in 66% of full credit load potential for a full time student at that high school (e.g. 4 of 6 classes com- bined). The period of ineligibility shall be as stated under Interpretation 42. As under point a. above, this does not apply to non-traditional or alternative education schools or programs, which are subject to the ac- ademic term of the base school. d. Students who transfer schools and who are eligible insofar as the transfer regulation is concerned shall be subject to the period of ineligibility at the new school of enrollment with respect to the previous academic credit record regulation (trimesters schools, one trimester; non-trimester schools, 60 scheduled school days which may include days enrolled at the former school). 42. Trimester Schools: In accordance with Section 7 (A) students who have not received 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student are ineligible for the next trimester unless the deficiencies are made up as under Section 7 (C). Except for the conditions of Section 7(C), change in the eligibility status of a trimester stu- dent under this Section shall occur: 1. First trimester: on the first day of practice or competition for the school team. 2. Second or third trimester: on the first day of the new trimester on which classes for students are scheduled. Note: In both (1) and (2) above in order to restore eligibility, the student must have received credit for 66 per- cent of full credit load potential for a full-time student during the trimester of their ineligibility. Schools Not Using Trimesters: Students who have not received 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student in the first academic term are ineligible from the day grades are reported at the first term’s end through and including the 60th scheduled school day as defined under Interpretation 2d. or 38, unless the de- ficiencies are made up as under Section 7 (C). Students who do not meet this standard in the 2nd term are in- eligible on the first day of practice or competition for a school team in the coming fall. Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 35 Except for the conditions of Section 7(C), change in the eligibility status of a student not in a trimester school under this Section shall occur on the first scheduled day of classes for students following 60 scheduled school days of ineligibility provided the student is currently passing 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student for those 60 days. Note 1: Students who are ineligible for 60 scheduled school days due to previous academic term deficiencies may regain eligibility through a check of their grades at the end of the 60-day period of ineligibility or the near- est regular check conducted by the school after the 60-day period of ineligibility. Such grade checks must be for cumulative academic performance from the first day of classes of the academic term. Note 2: Students not passing 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full time student on the 60th sched- uled school day are ineligible until passing this standard. These students become eligible on the first sched- uled day of classes for students once passing the standard (it could be a matter of days, weeks, months or not at all). Eligibility may be reinstated when the school accepts the credit. 43. Eighth-grade students become eligible at the senior high at the beginning of the fall prac tice date as determined by the MHSAA, except as permitted in Regulation I, Section 1 (D). 44. If a United States student enrolls in school in a foreign country but receives no grades or credit for those stud- ies and does not participate in interscholastic athletics, then enrolls in a member school in Michigan, the pre- vious session academic record is based on the most recent semester or trimester in a United States school. 45. Students who are certified by the Individual Educational Planning Team (IEPT) are eligible under Regulation I, Section 7 provided they have completed satisfactorily the equivalent of at least 66 percent of the course of study prescribed by the IEPT, prepared in advance and in effect for the most recent previous semester or trimester. This allowance also applies to students attending programs conducted by the Intermediate School District provided the school of residence is granting active credit. There may be modification in the curriculum or additional services or support.

SECTION 8—Academic eligibility checks of not more than 10 weeks (semesters) or seven weeks (trimesters) are required. If a student is not passing at least 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student when checked, that student is ineligible for interscholastic scrimmages and contests until the next check but not less than for the next Monday through Sunday. If the next eligibility check reveals the student is still not passing at least 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student, that student is ineligible for in- terscholastic scrimmages and contests for not less than the next Monday through Sunday, and so on until the student is passing 66 percent of full-credit load potential for a full-time student in courses enrolled in from the start of the current semester or trimester through the most recent eligibility check. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 8 46. In schools whose classes are approximately equal in length, “receiving credit” (as in Section 7) or “passing” (as in Section 8) 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student is defined here and throughout these regulations as meeting requirements of courses for which credit toward graduation or a certificate of com- pletion would be granted by the school. Except as provided under Note 2 below, the credit load potential shall be the same for all students enrolled in the school to be represented. The minimum would be met, for exam- ple, by the following: Passing 3 of 4 classes Passing 4 of 5 classes Passing 4 of 6 classes Passing 5 of 7 classes Passing 6 of 8 classes The minimum would not be met by students receiving credit for or passing 3 of 5 or 4 of 7 classes (assuming all classes are nearly the same length). Note 1: When determining the full credit load potential, schools need not count “zero hour” courses where a small portion of the student body is enrolled; however, grades from a zero hour course may be included in cal- culating an individual student’s percentage of courses credited or passed. Note 2: Individual students whose normal credit load potential at the school of participation is reduced due to travel to, enrollment in or attendance at a school-approved off-campus program, (for example, college courses or vocational education) may have a credit load potential calculated differently than other students in the school but to not less than 50% of full credit load potential for a full time student. This determination shall be made in 36 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 36 37 advance of the academic term and only be applied to the individual students involved in the off-campus pro- gram and to the specific academic term when the off-campus program is conducted. The student must be passing at least 66% of the reduced course load at the school where he or she participates. Note 3: If classes are different lengths, students must pass 66 percent of the potential minutes for a full-time student’s regular class cycle (usually one or two weeks). Passing time is not included in these calculations. 47. a. Courses taken in a school other than the one in which a student is enrolled (eg. vocational education) may be counted toward athletic eligibility in the school of actual enrollment provided arrangements for current eligibility re ports are made between the two schools in accordance with the provision of this section. b. Long distance learning and online courses may be counted toward athletic eligibility in the school of actual enrollment provided the school to be represented is granting current credit toward graduation or a certificate of completion in measured units over a pre-determined period of time similar to traditional trimester or semester terms. Arrangements for current eligibility reports corresponding to the reports of the school of participation must be in accordance with the provisions of this Section. 48. a. If a student is enrolled in a non traditional program administered directly by the school district, and that program does not have an interscholastic athletic program in any sport, that student is eligible at the base school as defined in d. below, provided all conditions of eligibility are met and the base school named the specific non-traditional program on the Enrollment Declaration Form submitted the previous February and included in its MHSAA membership count on that form all students that are enrolled in this non- traditional program. b. If a student is enrolled in a non traditional program administered through a consortium of more than one school district, and that program does not have an interscholastic athletic program in any sport, that stu- dent is eligible at the base school as defined in d. below, provided all other conditions of eligibility are met and the base school named the specific non-traditional program on the Enrollment Declaration Form sub- mitted the previous February and included in its MHSAA membership count on that form all students that are enrolled in this non-traditional program who reside in that district or attendance area of a multi-high school district. c. If a student is enrolled in a non-traditional program administered by a single school district that has more than one high school, and that program does not have an interscholastic athletic program in any sport, that student is eligible at the base school as defined in d. below provided all other conditions of eligibility are met and the base school named the specific non-traditional program on the Enrollment Declaration Form submitted the previous February and included in its MHSAA membership count on that form all students who reside in the attendance area of the school or who were randomly assigned to that school. d. The base school for a first time 9th-grader or for a student whose base (original) school has ceased to operate is the public high school which serves his/her residence, as described in Interpretation 61 or the public school academy or non-public school closest to the student’s residence as described in Interpre- tation 62. The base school for a student previously enrolled in grades nine through twelve (unless that student has enrolled elsewhere and is immediately eligible under one of the exceptions to the transfer rule) is that school in which the student has most recently been enrolled prior to being enrolled in the non-traditional program (See Note 2 for transfer students and non-traditional programs). Note 1: See page 104, Classification of MHSAA Member Schools - Item 8 for instructions on counting and list- ing students in a non-traditional school or program. Note 2: Non-Traditional School /Program Transfer Students A student who enrolls from a non-traditional school or program (administered by that student’s base/original school or consortium as defined) into the base/original school of that student is not considered to be transfer- ring between schools, insofar as the transfer regulation is concerned, regardless of whether the base school counts nontraditional students on its Enrollment Declaration Form. A student who enrolls from one school district into a non-traditional school of another school district which is not affiliated with that student’s base/original school will be determined under the transfer regulation. a. The student may be eligible if he or she meets a stated exception or interpretation, or becomes eligi- ble as specified in Section 9(B). b. First-time 9th-graders have immediate eligibility at the base/original school that serves his/her residence. c. A first-time 9th-grade student whose intention it is to attend a non-traditional school or program and then participate in athletics at a school other than his or her base school may only have immediate eligi- bility at that non- base school if the student has formally registered to attend that non-base school prior Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 37 to enrollment as defined under MHSAA regulations. If this condition is not met the student would be- come eligible on the 91st scheduled school day. All other applicable regulations apply. Immediate eli- gibility under this provision is allowed one time. The member school must also name the non-traditional program and count its students as specified in the regulations on the Enrollment Declaration Form. d. The eligibility of a student (who is not a first-time 9th grader) who enrolls (see Interpretation 98) from a non-traditional school into a traditional school which is not that student’s base/original school will be determined under the transfer regulation. The student may be eligible if he or she meets a stated ex- ception or interpretation, or becomes eligible as under Section 9(B). Note 3: See Interpretation 176 which allows a non-traditional school or program to have three (3) contests or days of competition for boys and three (3) for girls per season which are an outgrowth of the intramural program which would not, in and of themselves, classify the non-traditional school or program as having an interscholastic ath- letic program. These events need not follow eligibility regulations, but no one participating in such activities is el- igible to participate for the traditional school in that sport in interscholastic scrimmages or contests that season. 49. If a student is enrolled in the adult education or night school of his/her com munity for at least some courses and receives credit toward graduation at the high school in the dis trict of his/her residence, that student may be eligible for inter scholastic athletics provided local school policy allows and the student is receiving current credit (courses awaiting grades for credit at the school of participation) and passing the equivalent of 66 per- cent of full credit load potential for a full-time student overall which count toward the graduation or certification of completion requirements of the high school to be represented. 50. If a student is enrolled in a high school (including a home school) from which he or she expects to graduate, and where the student’s basic records are filed, and that school sponsors no in ter scholastic athletic pro- gram in any sport, such student may take “shared time’’ work in another school. That student may participate for the second school immediately upon enrollment at the second school, provided the student is receiving cur- rent credit (courses awaiting grades for credit at the school of participation) and passing a minimum of 66 per- cent of full credit load potential for a full-time student in the latter school, and complies with all other MHSAA Eligibility Regulations. Note: If, after 90 scheduled school days or more of dual enrollment, an eli gible “shared time” student becomes a full-time student of the second school where the student already had athletic eligibility and there is no inter- ruption in his/her enrollment at that school, the student is immediately eligible under the transfer regulation (See Interpretation 2d.) 51. If a student is enrolled in a high school which does have an interscholastic athletic program and from which he or she expects to graduate and where the student’s basic records are filed, and that school does not pro- vide courses which that student desires and can take at another school for credit at the first school, that student may take even a majority of his or her course work at that other school and remain eligible at the first school provided the student is receiving current credit (courses awaiting grades for credit at the school of participation) and passing overall a minimum of 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student at the school to be represented. The student is not eligible at the second school. 52. If a student who has been attending a high school for at least the two most recent previous semesters or three most recent previous trimesters enrolls in another MHSAA member high school that offers a specialized cur- riculum which is not avail able in the curriculum of the previous school, that student continues to be eli gi ble for athletic teams of the previous school in sports not sponsored by the spe cialized school, provided the stu- dent is taking and passing overall at least 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student at the specialized school, there are regular academic reports between schools, and there is compliance with all other Eligibility Regulations of the MHSAA and both schools. Note: If a student who remains eligible at his/her school under this Interpretation subsequently transfers back to the original school directly from the specialized school, that student is immediately eligible under the trans- fer regulation. 53. The determination of whether the specialized curriculum of one school without a sport is not available in the curriculum of a school with that sport shall be made by the school providing the sport. The majority of courses provided by the school without the sport must be different in type (not degree of difficulty) from those available at the school with the sport. The two schools may set up academic reporting procedures that suit them, as long as they meet the minimum requirement of providing academic progress reports at least every ten weeks. The two schools determine for themselves how to share state funding for the student and what, if any, athletic par- ticipation fee is appropriate. 38 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 38 39 Regulation I 54. If a regularly enrolled undergraduate high school student takes courses in advance of (higher than) the high school level during a semester or trimester of a cur rent school year, these courses may be included for high school graduation credit and for athletic eligibility pur poses when arrangements of current academic session eligibility reports are made in accordance with provisions of this Section. 55. Only that work for which a school allows credit toward graduation or certification of completion, except as ex- plained in Interpretation 47a., shall be counted to determine athletic eligibility. 56. A system of identifying athletes who are not passing 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time stu- dent is to be implemented by each school system to avoid using ineligible players. Passing or failing in a class is not based on a particular day or week or marking period, but from the first day of the semester or trimester until the day of the eligibility check. 57. A student’s eligibility depends on a passing grade from the beginning of the semester or trimester to the date of the eligibility check. If an athlete is not passing at least 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student when checked, that athlete becomes ineligible for competition for the next Monday through Sunday. Eligibility is reinstated after the seven-day period and a grade check indicates the student is passing 66 per- cent of full credit load potential for a full-time student. Reinstatement occurs the following Monday. Schools may implement a “pre-check” or “monitoring” of grades that precedes the actual formal current aca- demic record check if this pre-check/monitoring process is distinguished by written school policy from the for- mal eligibility check. An unsatisfactory formal eligibility check must result in a period of ineligibility as required under this Section. 58. a. A “semester” is one of two nearly equal in length sessions of the school year for which credit is granted, exclusive of summer sessions. b. A “trimester” is one of three nearly equal sessions of the school year for which credit is granted, exclu- sive of summer sessions. c. When it is necessary to determine a semester for interscholastic athletic purposes in schools not having defined semesters, or which have “trimesters,” the total number of days of the regular school year shall be divided approximately equally in two halves, as determined by the local board of education, and con- sidered as “semesters.” d. In determining the total number of days, all days on which classes for students are scheduled are to be counted (cancelled school days may be counted). Days on which only practices or contests occur (no classes scheduled) are not counted. 59. Students who are certified by an Individual Educational Planning Team (IEPT) are eligible under Regulation I, Section 8 provided they are completing satisfactorily the equivalent of at least 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student prescribed by the IEPT, prepared in advance and in effect for the current se- mester or trimester. This allowance also applies to students attending programs conducted by the Intermedi- ate School District provided the school of residence is granting active credit. There may be modification in the curriculum or additional services or support.

SECTION 9 (A)—A student enrolled in grades 9 through 12 who transfers from one high school or junior high/middle school to another high school is not immediately eligible to participate in an interscholastic ath- letic contest or scrimmage in the school to which the student transfers, UNLESS the student qualifies under one or more of the following Exceptions and all related Interpretations (See Section 9[B] for sport-specific eli- gibility for students who do not qualify for one of the Exceptions or Interpretations, and Section 9[F] for MHSAA Tournament Eligibility and Interpretations 83-89 for eligibility of international students): 1. A student makes a full and complete residential change, as defined throughout this Section, to a dif- ferent public high school district with the persons with whom he or she was living during his or her most recent previous high school enrollment (not summer school) as defined in Interpretations 65, 77 and 82. See Section 9(E), Athletic-Related Transfers (Link Rule) where Exception 1 is not applicable. 2. A student who has not been living exclusively with either parent or parents and moves into (changes his or her residence to) a different public high school district to reside with his or her parents, the sin- gle parent if divorced, or only living parent who already reside in that district or attendance area of a multi-high-school district. The change is permitted with immediate eligibility only one time in grades 9 through 12. (See Interpretation 69) 3. A student is a ward of the court or state and is required to reside in a public high school district or school service area by court order. Guardianship does not fulfill this requirement. 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 39 4. An international student on either a J-1 or F-1 visa is placed in a residence in a public high school dis- trict or school service area by an MHSAA Approved International Student Program (See Interpretation 83). Compliance with Interpretations 83-89 is required. 5. A student enrolls on the first day of the first grading period of a high school which is being estab- lished and opened for the first time and has not represented another school in interscholastic scrim- mages or contests in any sport that school year. 6. A student transfers to another school because his or her school ceases to operate. See Interpretation 90. 7. A student in attendance at a school designated by the governing body of that school as the result of reorganization of attendance areas, consolidation or annexation, or at the public school in the district where he or she resides. See Interpretation 90. 8. A student of parents who are divorced moves from one public high school district into a different pub- lic high school district (changes his or her residence) with or to one of those parents, and the princi- pal of each of the two schools involved signs the Educational Transfer Form which certifies the reason for the move as it relates to the divorce, and the transfer is not significantly related to or motivated by athletics. Eligibility under this Exception is permitted once and must be approved by the Executive Di- rector before the student competes in interscholastic athletic competition. See Interpretation 92 if par- ents never married. The student is not eligible until the form is completed and returned to the new school signed by the MHSAA Executive Director. Only updated forms (MHSAA.com) will be accepted. 9. A student is transferred within a school system, for other than athletic or disciplinary reasons, as a re- sult of an initiative and order by the board of education or the governing body of a private or parochial school system, specific to the student(s) involved. See Interpretation 80. 10. A student enters in the 9th grade of a four-year high school and has not been previously enrolled in the 9th grade, or a student completes the 9th and highest grade of a junior high/middle school in which he or she was enrolled for at least the two most recent consecutive school years, and enrolls for the first time in the 10th grade of a three-year or four-year high school, and has not previously been eli- gible by the school district’s structure to participate in the interscholastic athletic program of a three- year or four-year high school. This exception does not apply to a student who has entered the United States on a J-1 or F-1 visa. 11. A student completes the last grade available to any students in the school system previously attended. 12. A student eighteen (18) years or older moves out of one public high school district or attendance area of the multi-high-school district and into a different public high school district or attendance area (changes his or her residence) without being accompanied by a parent or parents, and both principals sign the Educational Transfer Form certifying the transfer is in the best educational interest of the stu- dent, and the transfer is not significantly related to or motivated by athletics. Eligibility under this ex- ception is permitted once and must be approved by the Executive Director before the student competes in interscholastic athletic competition. The student is not eligible until the form is completed and returned to the new school signed by the MHSAA Executive Director. Only updated forms (MHSAA.com) will be accepted. 13. A student becomes a bona fide boarding student of a boarding school, as defined in the school code, and the principal of each of the two schools involved signs the Educational Transfer Form certifying the transfer is not significantly related to or motivated by athletics. Eligibility under this exception is permitted once and must be approved by the Executive Director before the student competes in inter- scholastic athletic competition. The student is not eligible until the form is completed and returned to the new school signed by the MHSAA Executive Director. Only updated forms (MHSAA.com) will be accepted. 14. A student returns to the high school from which he/she was expelled by the board of education/gov- erning body after successfully completing the expelling board of education’s/governing body’s doc- umented pre-existing criteria. Athletic eligibility would require (a) the student passed at least 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full-time student during each semester/trimester of attendance at an- other school, (b) that student did not participate for any school in any MHSAA tournament sport dur- ing the expulsion, and (c) the student is eligible in all other ways. The transfer is permitted one time. Note 1: Many common reasons for changing schools are NOT exceptions to the period of ineligibility, including but not limited to the following: “school of choice” enrollment after once starting the 9th grade, guardianship, custody changes, transferring into one’s school of residency after high school enrollment elsewhere, canceling or adding a sports team, etc. Such students are ineligible in sports played in the previous season, or if the transfer occurs during a season, that student is not eligible for the remainder of that current season as stated in Section 9(B). 40 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 40 Regulation I 41 Note 2: When a student is deemed homeless by a school district as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act, athletic eligibility is not automatic. The school that has deemed the student homeless under McK- inney-Vento must submit a request for athletic eligibility to the Executive Committee which should in- clude all relevant information for that student. SECTION 9 (B-1)— Sport-Specific Transfer Regulation: “A student who does not qualify for one of the Excep- tions under Section 9(A) and has transferred (changed enrollment) from a high school in Michigan or elsewhere including an online, or nontraditional school at which he/she has participated in an MHSAA tournament sport on any level (9th grade, JV or varsity) of that school’s team in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest during the previous season for a sport, is not eligible for the next season (including MHSAA tournament) in that sport at any MHSAA member high school; and if the transfer occurs during a season, that student is also not eligi- ble in that sport at any level for the remainder of that season (including MHSAA tournament). This student is eligible for all other sports.” (B-2) — Eligible in Sports Not Played in the Previous Season: Students in grades 9 through 12 who in the pre- vious or current season did not participate in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest on a school-spon- sored team in Michigan or elsewhere in an MHSAA sport may transfer from one school to another with no delay in eligibility under the transfer rule at any level in that sport. No MHSAA action is required. See Interpretation 74 for incoming 9th-graders in fall sports. Section 9(F) applies. (B-3) — Executive Committee Action: If there are compelling circumstances for changing schools having noth- ing to do with athletics, discipline or family finances and would not require Executive Committee evalu- ation or comparison of school demographics, environment or curriculum, schools may request that the Executive Committee waive the regulation. The Executive Committee has the authority to approve im- mediate eligibility. SECTION 9 (C)— The Executive Committee has the authority to approve immediate eligibility for students transferring between schools involved in a Cooperative Agreement. Immediate eligibility may only be granted in the sport(s) in which the student actually was a cooperative program team member during the pre- vious season and the transfer has nothing to do with athletics, discipline or family finances and would not require Executive Committee evaluation or comparison of school demographics or curriculum. Reasons for the transfer must be clearly stated and support presented from both schools. The transfer is permitted one time. SECTION 9 (D)—ATHLETIC MOTIVATED TRANSFERS When the administration of the school from which a student who is ineligible under Section 9(A) and appli- cable Interpretations has transferred alleges that the motivation for the transfer is primarily for athletic rea- sons, the granting of eligibility as in Section 9(B) is not automatic. The burden of proof will be for the administration of the accusing school to demonstrate to the MHSAA Executive Director or designee that the transfer has more to do with interscholastic athletics than with other compelling factors. A transfer for ath- letic reasons is defined as, but not limited to: 1. The student, or a parent or guardian, or an adult with whom the student resides, is dissatisfied with the student’s position or the amount of playing time which he/she receives; 2. The student, or a parent or guardian, or an adult with whom the student resides, has a problem with a coach at either a personal or professional level; 3. The student, or parent or guardian, or an adult with whom the student resides, seeks relief from con- flict with the philosophy or action of an administrator, teacher or coach relating to sports; 4. The student, or parent or guardian, or an adult with whom the student resides, seeks to nullify puni- tive action by the previous school, relating to sports eligibility; 5. The student, or a parent or guardian, or an adult with whom the student resides, desires that the stu- dent play on a less successful or lower profile team in order to be ranked higher among the players on that team; 6. The student, or a parent or guardian, or an adult with whom the student resides, desires that the stu- dent play on a more successful or higher profile team to gain a higher level of competition and/or more exposure to college scouts. 7. The student seeks to participate with teammates or coaches with whom he/she participated in non- school competition during the preceding 12 months. 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 41 A challenge that a transfer is athletically motivated must be received by the MHSAA Executive Director in writ- ing with initial proofs within 40 consecutive calendar days of the student’s new enrollment (see Interpretation 3). Notification of the challenge will be made to the school that the student is currently attending so the receiving school has the opportunity to respond and to have input into the determination by the Executive Director. An ineligible transfer student who is confirmed to have transferred for athletic reasons is ineligible to par- ticipate in an interscholastic contest for the school to which the student transfers for the next complete season in that sport (including the MHSAA tournament). This shall apply in any sport in which the student participated in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest during the previous season for a sport at any high school. In addition, if the transfer occurs during a season, the student is not eligible in that sport at any level for the remainder of that season. Even if the student's circumstances subsequently satisfy one of the exceptions of Section 9(A) that would normally allow a transfer student immediate eligibility, the school from which the student has transferred may make an allegation of an athletic-motivated transfer and, if confirmed, the student shall remain ineligi- ble pursuant to Section 9(B) 1. A residential change (Exception 1) must be full and complete in the same pe- riod of time as enrollment to meet this exception. If an allegation is made and confirmed, the student will be ineligible in the sport involved. If undue influence is alleged, Section 10 applies. Note: The MHSAA will not be involved in investigating or mediating athletic-motivated transfer issues between member schools of the same school district or when one school releases the student to another district. SECTION 9 (E)—ATHLETIC-RELATED TRANSFER (Link Rule) A student who changes schools is ineligible to compete in the sport involved for the remainder of the current season and the next season in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest for the high school to which that stu- dent transferred if any one of the following circumstances existed during the previous 12 months: 1. That student participated at an open gym at that high school to which the student has transferred. 2. That student participated as an individual or on a non-school team or activity coached, coordinated or directed by any of that high school’s parents (former or current) or administrators or by any of its coaches in the sport involved for either gender, including contact permitted under Regulation II, Sec- tion 11(H) 2 b (summer days of competition) or at camps or clinics. 3. A transfer student’s participation in otherwise allowed out-of-season or summer activity with staff (coaches or administrators) of the new school, prior to being on the written or electronic records of the school that the student transfers into. This would cause the student to be ineligible as under Sec- tion 9(B) in that sport. A new student’s enrollment information must be on file in the offices of the su- perintendent or principal or athletic director prior to participation in otherwise allowed out-of-season or summer activity. 4. One of that high school’s coaches served as a school employee or third-party contractor at the former school, personal sport trainer, conditioner or instructor (paid or volunteer) for that student. Note: The ineligibility will apply to all sports a student previously participated in during the previous or current season when transferring into a school where a non-sport-specific instructor (e.g. school em- ployee/third-party contractor or strength and conditioning coach) is on staff. 5. Regardless of the student’s eligibility under Exception 1 of Section 9(A), that student transfers to a school where the coach of his/her most recent previous high school is employed (any level, paid or volunteer), even if the transfer of the student precedes the hiring of the coach. In this circumstance, Exception 1 (residential change) would not permit immediate eligibility. The student would be ineligi- ble in the sport involved if that sport is in progress at the time of the transfer and the next full season for sports whose seasons have ended. Eligibility under Section 9(B) continues to apply to other sports. This Section 9(E) applies only to students after enrollment in the 9th grade at any school (MHSAA member or non-member.) Even if the student’s circumstances subsequently satisfy one of the exceptions of Section 9(A) that would nor- mally allow a transfer student immediate eligibility, the student shall remain ineligible pursuant to Section 9(B) at this MHSAA member school in the sport(s) involved. A residential change (Exception 1) must be full and complete in the same period of time as enrollment to meet this exception. If one of the circumstances ex- isted during the previous 12 months, the student will be ineligible in the sport involved. A residential change where the student is following a newly-hired coach does not permit eligibility regardless of the date of enroll- ment or actual residential change. A residential change where a student is following a newly hired coach (point 5 of this section) does not permit eligibility in the sport involved even if an exception to the transfer rule is met. A student’s new school may petition the MHSAA Executive Director for eligibility in one or more sports of pre- 42 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 42 vious participation before the completion of the next school year when an adult described in No. 2, 3, 4 or 5 becomes a school coach at the new school AFTER a student has enrolled or under compelling circumstances. The school must provide the basis for the request with sufficient documentation to make a decision. The Ex- ecutive Director will make eligibility determinations on a case-by-case basis as to the student’s period of in- eligibility and possible forfeitures. SECTION 9 (F)—A student who transfers from one school to another and who is eligible in a sport under Sec- tion 9(B) or under one or more of the exceptions to the transfer rule, and is eligible under all other regulations, is eligible for MHSAA tournaments only if he/ she is enrolled in the new school (actual attendance in one or more classes and on the official records of the school) prior to Oct. 1 (fall sports), Feb. 1 (winter sports) or May 1 (spring sports). This student, eligible under this section, must also be in compliance with all requirements and deadlines for tournament participation, including but not limited to entry forms, eligibility lists, rosters, partic- ipation minimums, and qualifying standards of the specific sport tournament in which they wish to participate. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 9 60. A student who is not eligible under other MHSAA regulations can never be made immediately eligible by virtue of a transfer from one school to another. 61. a. If, in cities or towns which have more than one public or nonpublic high school, no definite geographical attendance lines between the different schools exist, such cities or towns will be considered as one school district. b. If there are defined geographical attendance lines between the different high schools in a multi-school dis- trict, each school will be treated as a separate district for transfer eligibility purposes. Whenever reference is made to different school districts in the Interpretations, the same is true for board of education defined geographical attendance areas of high schools in multi-school districts. c. When a student relocates his/her residence under the conditions of Exception 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 or 12 into a multi-high-school district that has both types of high schools – some that are district-wide (a. above) and others which have more limited geographical attendance areas (b. above) – the student is immediately eligible in any sport only at the one public high school of that district in whose attendance area the stu- dent’s new residence is located (b. above), subject to all other conditions of the transfer regulation. The student is not eligible at the district-wide school in sports participated in during the previous season, or if the change of schools is during a current season, for the remainder of that season as well. The student is eligible in other sports not participated in during the previous or current season if the transfer occurs dur- ing a season. Section 9(B) applies. Note: For a school district with at least three high schools comprised of both boundary and non-bound- ary schools, a transfer student (who meets an exception) is eligible immediately at the boundary school (attendance area or residence). If a student is accepted and enrolls at a non-boundary school, the student is eligible at the closest non-boundary school to the new residence. In this case, that student is no longer eligible at the boundary school of residence once enrolled at the closest non-boundary school. d. Public school academies (charter schools) and nonpublic schools do not have “districts” for the purpose of this section. A student must relocate from one traditional public school district (or attendance area of a multi- high-school district) to a second traditional public school district (or attendance area of a multi-high-school district) to be considered eligible under the transfer regulation at a charter school or nonpublic school. 62. When a student moves into (changes his or her residence to) a different public school district under the con- ditions of exceptions 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 or 12, and if the student was eligible under all MHSAA regulations when he/she relocated, then the student is eligible im me di ately in all sports at: a. the high school he/she had been attending, or b. the public high school of the new district, or c. the public high school academy under PA 362 (charter school) closest to the student’s new residence, or d. the nonpublic high school which is closest to the student’s new residence: • the nonpublic high school of the same denomination if the student had most recently been attending such a high school, or • a nonpublic, non-denominational, non-religious high school if the student had most recently been at- tending such a high school. e. A student who enrolls at a school other than a.-d. above is subject to Section 9(B-2). Note: The closest nonpublic school or public school academy shall be determined by drivable highway miles from the new residence to the new school, and includes both MHSAA member and non-member schools. Regulation I 43 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 43 63. Even if Interpretation 62(b), (c), or (d) is not satisfied, when a student who has not been living with a parent or parents returns to live with that parent or parents in the same public school attendance area as before and reenrolls at the same high school he or she most recently attended while living in that public school attendance area, the student is immediately eligible (one time only) at the school to which he/she returns insofar as the transfer regulation is concerned. (Exception [2]) 64. When a school ceases to exist (Exception 6), or a student completes the last grade available to any student in that school system (Exception 11), and the student does not change his or her residence into a new public school district, then that student has the same choice as students under Exception 10 (incoming first-time 9th- grader). See Interpretation 81. 65. a. References to “parent/parents” in all Regulations and Interpretations are intended to include stepparent/ stepparents. b. References to "persons with whom the student was/has been living" in the Regulations and Interpretations - "The family unit" - always include parents (whether married or not) and minor siblings. Depending on the specific circumstances that assure a complete change of residence for the student, references may also include adult siblings, stepsiblings, aunts, uncles and grandparents and significant others who have been living in the dwelling for at least 12 months as part of that family unit and not merely co-inhabitants of the same dwelling who have been and remain financially self-sufficient. 66. If a student remains at the school he or she has been attending after the only parent, parents, single parent if divorced, guardian or other persons with whom the student has been living during the period of his or her last high school enrollment move into (change their residence to) another school district, the student still is eligi- ble at the original school as far as this Regulation is concerned. The student may transfer at any time and be eligible immediately as outlined in Interpretation 62. For this Interpretation to be applied, the change of resi- dence must occur after the student in question has first enrolled in the 9th grade. 67. The change of schools under Exception 1 is permitted with immediate eligibility only one time in grades 9-12 when the circumstances are those of a student who has moved out of state with one or more parents, enrolled in a high school there while attending a specialized sports academy, and then returned to live in Michigan. (Exception [1]) 68. A student who has been attending a high school and moves (changes residence) by himself or herself into a new public school district, attends a new high school, and then returns to his or her parents’ residence in the original public school district, is immediately eligible at either the public school of that district or the closest nonpublic school or public school academy (charter school) under exception (2) of Regulation I, Section 9(A). 69. If during a student’s most recent previous high school enrollment, that student was living with one parent only for the most recent 30 consecutive calendar days, the student must move into a different public school district (change residence) with that parent and be enrolled to be immediately eligible. If a student was living with both parents or grandparents or with an aunt and uncle, the student must move (change residence) with both persons to be immediately eligible. (Exception [1]) 70. If a student makes a full and complete residential change (as defined in this Section) to a different school district having a high school, and the student enrolls in a school other than the one in his or her new home district (or as permitted under Interpretation 62), that student is not immediately eligible in that school pursuant to Section 9(B). A change of residence with “school of choice” enrollment does not grant immediate eligibility; Interpreta- tion 62 and Section 9(B) apply. 71. If the only parent, parents, or guardian of a student, or other persons with whom he or she has been living dur- ing the period of his or her last high school enrollment, move into (change residence to) a different public school district which does not have high school grades in that district as yet not completed by the student, he or she is free to attend any other high school and become eligible immediately. (exception [11]) 72. If a student moves (changes residence) during the summer with his/her parents from a school district where this student is eligible to another school district, and before the school year begins moves back to the original school district or to another school district, that student is eligible for interscholastic athletics at either the pre- vious school of enrollment or the school in the district where his/her parents reside at the start of the school year, provided the student has not participated in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest prior to the second move. 73. When a student moves (changes his or her residence) from one school district to another without the persons he/she had most recently been living and is ineligible under Section 9(A), and before the completion of at least 90 scheduled school days for students that student moves back to the original district or to a third school dis- trict with the persons he or she had been living in the second district, that student remains ineligible (See In- terpretation 2d.). 44 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 44 74. a. A first-time 9th-grade student who practices with a 9-12 grade team in August before school begins (on or after the official practice start date) but has not attended class or participated in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest (enrolled), is not immediately eligible in that sport at any school if he or she actually enrolls at a high school other than the one with which he or she practiced, or unless another of the 14 stated exceptions to the transfer regulation applies. This Interpretation would apply to an over-age 8th-grade student who has completed an Eligibility Advancement Application. This Interpretation would also apply to a student who completes the 9th (and highest) grade of a junior high/middle school and is a first-time 10th-grader. (Exception [10]) b. A first-time 9th-grade student who participates in a scrimmage or contest in August before school begins is considered enrolled in that school and is not eligible in that sport according to Section 9(B) should the student enroll at another school unless another of the 14 stated exceptions to the transfer rule applies. This Interpretation would also apply to a student who completes the 9th (and highest) grade of a junior high/middle school and is a first-time 10th-grader. (Exception [10]) 75. If a transfer student and the person(s) with whom the student has been living move (change residence) to a residence in a different school district and the student participates in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest in that district, and then the student and/or the person(s) with whom the student has been living move (change residence) back to the former district before the completion of 180 school days for students, the student is in- eligible for any interscholastic athletic competition in any sport at any school until approved by the two school districts and the MHSAA (see Interpretation 2d). 76. A student may take summer courses at a school other than the school in which the student has been enrolled or intends to enroll without affecting his/her eligibility under the transfer regulation. 77. A change of residence for eligibility purposes must be full and complete. A full residential change, as de- scribed within these regulations and interpretations, must be completed prior to a student’s participation in any contest or scrimmage. Before being deemed eligible, the student and his or her parents must attest to the facts and/or produce documentation of the following: (1) The student and family unit are actually residing in the new dwelling as the sole place of residency. (2) That all personal belongings have been moved from the prior residence, (3) That mail is received at the new residence; utility bills and driver's license have been changed to the new address. Additional proofs, including but not limited to proof of rental or completed sale of the for- mer residence and long-term rental or lease agreement (minimum of 12 months) and completed purchase of the new residence, may also be required. The former residence must be either vacant of people and pos- sessions or sold/rented to persons other than family members. A former residence may not be occupied for any residential purposes at any time by the student or his or her parents or minor siblings. 78. If a student enters a member school from a home school, the student’s eligibility for interscholastic athletics is subject to Section 9(B) unless, after attendance at that home school for at least 270 consecutive calendar days, the student transfers under the terms of Exception 6 (home high school ceases to operate), 11 (achieved the highest grade available at the home high school) or 12 (18-year-old moving without either parent) of Sec- tion 9(A). The transfer is permitted with immediate eligibility one time only. 79. When an accredited senior high school becomes available to a student in that student’s home district for the first time, he or she may transfer from the school of previous attendance to such an accredited senior high school and be eligible there immediately, provided a transfer to the new home district accredited senior high school is made at the first opportunity (beginning of the semester) that such transfer possibility existed and the student is eligible under all other Regulations. 80. Exception 9 may be applied in the following types of circumstances: a. To protect individuals from threatening situations that are not their fault; OR b. As a temporary measure to equalize enrollment between schools of a district without making permanent attendance area boundary changes. 81. A student entering the 9th grade for the first time is immediately eligible regardless of where that student at- tended the 8th grade, even if the student participated in a 9-12 grade program as an 8th-grader, as permitted under Regulation I, Section 1(D). (Exception [10].) This does not apply to a student present in the United States on a J-1 or F-1 visa. 82. A student moving into (changing residence to) a different public school district with or to one of his/her sepa- rated parents becomes immediately eligible when the divorce settlement becomes final and the Educational Transfer Form has been completed. (Exception [8]) 45 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 45 83. Approved International Student Programs are those which have been accepted for listing by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel and the MHSAA for the current school year. Programs not listed by CSIET may be included after they have been reviewed and approved by the MHSAA (see MHSAA.com for criteria and forms). The MHSAA may restrict the eligibility or rule ineligible an international student from a spe- cific program. The MHSAA may suspend a program or place a program on notice or probation at any time. a. Schools applying to be an Approved International Student Program will not receive MHSAA approval if it results in an international student population in grades 9-12 that exceeds one percent of the total school population in those grades, or 5 students, whichever is greater, in any one school. Exceptions to this pol- icy may be considered where the school involved agrees to apply the limit to the number of varsity-level participants on interscholastic sports teams. b. Schools gaining AISP status may allow varsity participation of international students up to the approved amount based on their school's enrollment (1% of enrollment, or 5 students, whichever is greater). c. AISP students are still subject to the “play one, wait one” rule. 84. To be immediately eligible for interscholastic scrimmages or contests, an international student, including a 9th-grader enrolling for the first time, must either (a) qualify under Exception 1, 2, 3, 8, 12 or 13, or (b) have a current J-1 or F-1 visa and be enrolled through an MHSAA Approved International Student Program, and in both cases be eligible under all MHSAA Regulations. a. Eligibility for an international student under Exception 1, 2, 3, 8, 12 or 13 is immediate and not time-limited under Interpretation 84(b) or level-limited under Interpretation 85. Interpretation 62 (residency) applies. An AISP student not enrolled in accord with Interpretation 62 (public school of residence or closest nonpublic or charter school of the host family) is subject to Interpretation 85, subvarsity eligibility after 90 schedule school days. MHSAA staff may make individual determinations for exchange students placed through an AISP-approved program with host families that reside outside of the district of residency when the host family has students or extenuating circumstances that would require the exchange student to attend a school other than the one where they are placed. b. Eligibility through an MHSAA Approved International Student Program is for a maximum of the first two consecutive semesters or three consecutive trimesters at any secondary school in the United States, regardless of actual participation, after which the student is ineligible for interscholastic athletic competition (“play one – wait one”) at any MHSAA member school at any level for the next academic year (next two consecutive semesters or next three consecutive trimesters). No exceptions to the Transfer Regulation apply during that academic year of ineligibility (Exception [4]). c. AISP Student Transfers: If, after or during the academic year of ineligibility (the “wait-one” year”), a student initially enrolled through an AISP program transfers to an MHSAA member school from any other school, the sport-specific transfer regulation (Section 9[B]) applies. • The student is not eligible during the “wait-one” year in any sport. • In the year following the “wait-one year”, the student is subject to Section 9(B) with respect to sport- specific eligibility based on participation during the “play-one” year. • A student initially enrolled through an AISP program who transfers to an MHSAA member school from any other school, after or during the academic year of ineligibility (the “wait-one year”) will be subject to the transfer regulation: The student will not be eligible in any sport that he or she participated in during their “play one” year, (the previous or current year if mid-season transfer) while at any secondary school in the United States. He or she may participate in sports not played during the “play-one” year, the previous or current year. All other eligibility and contest Regulations apply to these students. d. AISP Student Remains at Same School: If an AISP student who has been ineligible under “play one- wait one” remains at the same school (does not transfer), that student then is eligible in the years following the “wait-one year.” and may participate at any level in any sport so long as the student is eligible under all regulations. e. Wait-One Year of Ineligibility: International students who have been enrolled at any secondary school, including a non-MHSAA-member school or a home school, in the United States in a previous school year and transfer into an MHSAA member school in a subsequent school year, whether or not enrollment was through an Approved International Student Program, and regardless of actual athletic participation, are ineligible for interscholastic athletic competition at any level in all sports (“play one-wait one”) at any MHSAA member school for the next academic year (Interpretation 84b and c apply). f. International Student’s Program Changes: An international student who has been enrolled in any secondary school in the US whose program changes its status non-AISP to AISP, that student will be ineligible at the varsity level for the duration of his or her tenure in any MHSAA member school. 46 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 46 Subvarsity eligibility may be permitted after 90 scheduled school days in any sport. Section 9(B) does not apply to this student. g. Direct Placement: Direct Placement is defined as “placement in which the student has chosen a particular host family and or school rather than being “matched” randomly by the exchange organization.” Approval must be obtained for these students to confirm that a specific school or host family was not chosen for athletic reasons. See also Undue Influence & Links rule. 85. Subvarsity Eligibility for non-AISP: Except as indicated in Interpretation 86, an international student, in- cluding an incoming 9th-grade student who is not enrolled through an MHSAA Approved International Student Program, is not eligible for interscholastic athletics at the varsity level or in MHSAA tournaments for the du- ration of his or her enrollment in an MHSAA member school. After 90 scheduled school days for students, a member school may determine that an international student may participate at the subvarsity level only. After the period of ineligibility, that international student would be eligible by rule at the subvarsity level only for the remainder of his or her enrollment in any MHSAA member school; no waiver is necessary. A Non-AISP stu- dent who transfers would be subject to an additional 90 scheduled school days of ineligibility before resum- ing subvarsity eligibility in any sport. Subvarsity eligibility under this Interpretation or elsewhere by Executive Committee action including subvarsity co- operative agreements, permits participation in the following scrimmages or contests but not MHSAA tournaments. a. Non-varsity team sports: Teams consisting primarily of 9th- and/or 10th-graders and against other teams primarily of 9th- and/or 10th-graders. b. Individual sports subvarsity level: Races or heats, designated as subvarsity for all participants in that heat or race and not scoring within a varsity meet. c. Individual sports without a subvarsity level: On a non-scoring basis in the same events and even in the same heats/foursomes/rotations of those events designated as varsity level competition. Participation in relays would not be permitted if it is intended that the relay score within a varsity contest. d. In 1, 2 and 3: (1) This is not an opportunity for ineligible students to participate; it is only for those students who are eligible by rule or by MHSAA Executive Committee action. (2) This does not require schools to conduct non-scoring events or subvarsity competition (3) This does not create opportunities for ‘exhibitions’ in sports where such is not permitted.” 86. An international student who, when he or she first enrolls in any secondary school in the United States, is not required by Federal law to have either a J-1 or F-1 visa, is not subject to Interpretation 84 but is subject to all other aspects of the transfer regulation. Unless an exception and applicable Interpretation are met, this stu- dent is not immediately eligible under Section 9(A) or (B). This student must either meet an exception or have eligibility under Section 9(B). 87. An international student who is enrolled in a school under an agreement between that school’s governing body and an entity in another country is not exempt from Interpretation 84. 88. An international student who is provided housing free of charge or at a cost by a school or school district is not exempt from Interpretation 84 nor can he or she become eligible under Exception 13 unless the school of enrollment qualifies as a boarding school under Exception 13 and Interpretation 94 and an Educational Trans- fer Form is completed. 89. If a student has received a diploma or completed the courses to graduate from a secondary school in another country, that student is not eligible for interscholastic scrimmages or contests as a representative of an MHSAA member school. 90. A student whose school of residence is changed when a school district simultaneously closes one or more schools and reorganizes attendance boundaries for one or more schools of the same district (Exception 7) is not immediately eligible at any school, as under Exception 6, unless the school district determines this pref- erence that students from the closed school be eligible immediately at any school. Immediate eligibility would then apply to any student enrolled on the first day of the next school year at any school within the district or outside the district, as under Interpretation 64. 91. A student who would be ineligible for any reason in the next semester/trimester at a school is ineligible at any school to which he or she is assigned under school consolidation or any school he or she attends after his or her school ceases to operate. (Exception [7]) 92. A student who changes residence with or to one of his/her parents who were never married, and therefore not divorced, may seek eligibility using an Educational Transfer Form by submitting one or more of the following documents: A valid birth certificate indicating both parents, Circuit Court or Friend of the Court documents in- dicating the parents and the student, an Order of Filiation and Support, a notarized Affidavit of Parentage from 47 Regulation I 2027 Handbook FINAL_Layout 1 6/15/2026 8:07 PM Page 47 48 the State Department of Community Health. All other applications and Interpretations related to Exception 8 continue to apply. The student is not eligible until the form is completed and returned signed by the MHSAA Executive Director and allowed one time in grades 9-12. 93. A student must turn 18 years of age before his or her transfer to a school in order to be immediately eligible at that school unless, to facilitate educational continuity, the student enrolls in the new school district during the school year in which that student will turn 18 years of age. In that case, the student becomes eligible after turning 18 years of age when the Educational Transfer Form has been completed by both principals and the MHSAA office. (Exception [12]) 94. A boarding school is defined as a school which has an enrolled boarding school population in grades 9 through 12 of at least 25 students or ten percent of the full student enrollment, whichever is larger. Boarding students must spend at least an average of five days per week living and boarding on campus while school is in ses- sion. Additionally, the school shall be recognized as a boarding school through its own literature and be li- censed by the State of Michigan as a boarding school. For the purposes of this Section, Michigan School for the Deaf is considered a boarding school, but the completion of the Educational Transfer Form is not a required condition of eligibility. (Exception [13]) 95. If a student participates under Exception 8, 12 or 13 without first fulfilling the requirements of the Educational Transfer Form, he or she may not transfer a second time under the same exception and qualify for the one- time exception. 96. A newly established school may include one which is substantially different than a school that has previously occupied the same site (for example, public to nonpublic, secular to non-secular, Missouri Synod to Wiscon- sin Synod). It does not include a school that has simply relocated from one building to another or merged with another of the same district. (Exception [5]) 97. A student who is not enrolled at any school by the fourth Friday after Labor Day or the fourth Friday of Feb- ruary may not transfer any time thereafter to another school and be eligible immediately. 98. In this Section, the word “enrolled” means (a) actually having attended in person or online one or more classes in a school as well as the appearance of a student’s name in the official records of that school, or (b) repre- senting that school in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest. 99. Insofar as the sport-specific transfer regulation (Section 9[B]) is concerned, when a sport is conducted in the same season for girls and boys (e.g., bowling, cross country, skiing, track) or in different seasons for girls and boys (e.g., golf, tennis, soccer, swimming & diving), participation during one school year in either season makes that student ineligible for both seasons in that sport only the next school year.

SECTION 9 (A)—Section 9 (transfer) does not apply to 6th, 7th and 8th-grade students. A 9th-grade student who transfers from one high school or junior high/middle school to another high school or junior high/middle school is not immediately eligible to participate in an inter scho lastic scrimmage or contest in the school to which he or she trans fers, in accordance with Regulation I, Sect. 9 and appropriate Interpretations. SECTION 9 (B)—A student entering the 9th grade for the first time in any junior high/middle school or sen- ior high school and who has not utilized the advanced eligibility provision is immediately eligible under the transfer regulation regardless of where that student attended the 8th grade. This does not exempt students from other Sections of this Regulation, including Undue Influence. SECTION 9 (C)— 1. A 9th-grade junior high /middle school student who does not qualify for one of the exceptions under Section 9(A) and has transferred (changed enrollment) is subject to Regulation I, Section 9B, the Sport- Specific Transfer Rule. 2. Students in 7th or 8th grade who are eligible for high school competition are subject to the high school sport specific transfer rules while in middle school and competing at the high school level. Students would gain eligibility at any high school when beginning 9th grade. INTERPRETATIONS—SECTION 9 269. A 9th-grade student who participated in the 9-12 grade program as an 8th-grader under Regulation I, Section 1(D), is eligible immediately at any 9-12 grade school. 270. If an 8th-grade student, who has been participating in the 9-12 grade program of one school under Regula- tion I, Section 1 (D), transfers to another school district where 8th-graders do not participate in the 9-12 grade program, that student is eligible immediately at the 8th-grade level (but may not exceed the number of allow- able contests in a sport for the junior high/middle school level if the transfer is during the season for that sport). This student will be eligible at any school insofar as the Transfer Regulation is concerned when he/she be- comes a first-time 9th-grader.