Postseason Rules & Regulations Rev. 10.20.20

Section 1 POSTSEASON SEEDING

1. Postseason Definitions: 1.1. Championships - ​ ​Each sport season will conclude with a final event - State Championships. Some sports have a 1 or 2 date Championship while others have a playoff period prior to a Championship. 1.2. Playoff Period - T​ he two week period of time preceding the Championships will be considered “playoffs”. 1.3. Playoff Dates - ​ Within the playoff period, each classification/division will compete on a 3-6 dates, depending on how teams are competing. After opt-outs have been established, the playoff dates and brackets will be posted on the NCISAA website. See BRACKETS tab for sport related bracket layout. EXAMPLE: ● Week 1 - Playoffs may be played on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday OR Tuesday and Friday. ● Week 2 - Playoffs may be played on Tuesday, Friday and/or Saturday. 2. Seeding Meeting Dates: 2.1. Seeding will occur on the Saturday or Sunday preceding the beginning of the playoff period. TABLE 1: Seeding Meeting Dates Sports

Fall Sports ● Saturday/Sunday - October 18-19, 2020. ● Boys Soccer ● Field Hockey ● Girls ●

● Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2020. ● 11 Man Football (Div. I & II) ● Saturday/Sunday, October 25-26, 2020. ● 8 Man Football (Div II) ● Saturday/Sunday, Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 2020. ● 8 Man Football (Div. I)

Winter Sports ● Saturday/Sunday, February 8-9, 2021. ● Boys and Girls

Spring Sports ● Saturday/Sunday - May 1-2, 2021. ● ● Boys Tennis ● Girls Soccer ● Boys ● Girls Lacrosse ●

3. Seeding Committee: 3.1. The NCISAA State Office will facilitate the selection and seeding process for all sports and classifications. They will be assisted by a committee of non-voting advisors from each sport. The committee may be composed of coaches and/or athletic directors from a variety of member schools and classifications/divisions. 4. Playoff Eligibility- 4.1. By Sport: 4.1.1. A minimum of eight member schools must be playing a NCISAA-sanctioned sport in order for the NCISAA to conduct a state playoff in that specific sport. 4.1.2. The NCISAA playoff structure is made up of 4 classifications. When all 4 classifications cannot support a minimum of 8 team playoff structure, two or more classifications may be consolidated to form one group. In that case, the

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playoff structure would then be termed a Division, rather than a classification. (S​ ee REGULAR SEASON/Section 2/Sub-Section 5 for list of Divisional sports.) 4.1.2.1. If fewer than eight teams appear at any NCISAA event within two consecutive years, that event will be dropped from the playoff calendar until sufficient interest is demonstrated. 4.1.2.2. Under special circumstances, the NCISAA State Office may make exceptions to this rule. 4.1.3. For seeded playoffs, the number of teams participating in a given sport will be selected by the Seeding Committee. 4.2. By Team/School/Individual: 4.2.1. All contests must be completed prior to the seeding meetings or entry deadlines in order to be considered in the seeding process. 4.2.2. Any team/school/individual must play a minimum of (4) varsity contests on (4) separate dates of a given sport to be eligible to participate in state playoff competition. 4.2.2.1. EXCEPTION: T​ o be eligible to compete in Division III NCISAA State Championships in or track & field, each team/school/individual must compete in a minimum of (2) meets on (2) separate dates during the current season. Example: ​A swim meet with 5 teams participating counts as 1 meet, not 5 meets. 4.2.3. Hardship cases, i.e. injury, weather, or travel constraints, may be appealed to the NCISAA Office. C​ omplete the APPEALS FORM found on the ADMIN website. 4.2.4. Basketball:​ All basketball teams (boys and girls) advance to playoffs unless they opt out (see Table 2 for deadline). 4.2.5. All other sports advance a selection of teams to playoffs, depending on how many schools sponsor a team in the sport. 4.2.6. If a team chooses not to participate, they must submit the OPT OUT FORM before the opt out date. The OPT OUT FORM can be found on the ADMIN portal under NCISAA RESOURCES. Table 2: Opt Out Date

Fall Third Friday in August

Winter Third Friday in January

Spring First Friday in March

4.3. By Conference: 4.3.1. For each conference containing (4) teams, automatic bids will be given in all sports other than those having open playoffs, qualifying times or the USGA index. 4.3.2. The remaining playoff teams will be selected at-large by the seeding committee who seed the overall playoffs. 4.4. A team failing to fulfill a commitment to a playoff berth is subject to: 4.4.1. A fine up to $2,500 payable to the NCISAA and an additional fine of up to $1,000 payable to their opponent. 4.4.2. Serve a one year probation period and will not be eligible for playoff in that sport for the subsequent school year.

5. Seeding Process- 5.1. Step 1: ​ Utilize MaxPreps Rankings to identify potential schools for potential seeds in each classification/sport.

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5.2. Step 2: ​ After those teams are identified, the seeding criteria will be applied in the following order. TABLE 3: Seeding Criteria

1st Head-to-Head Results 45%

2nd Common Opponent Results 35%

3rd Strength of Schedule 20%

5.2.1. The committee will use team winning percentages to define the value of Common Opponent Results. 5.2.1.1. Example​ - Team A beats Team C in one game, Team A has a 100% winning percentage. Team B beats Team C in two games and loses one game, Team B has a 67% winning percentage. Team A would win the criteria over Team B. 5.2.2. The NCISAA will utilize MaxPreps to define strength of schedule. 5.2.2.1. MaxPreps does not provide an algorithm for Tennis (Boys and Girls). Strength of Schedule will be defined as the team’s collective body of work over the course of the season​. 5.2.3. MaxPreps due dates: Table 4: MaxPreps Fall Winter Spring

Schedules 1st Monday in Aug. 1st Monday in Nov. 3rd Monday in Feb.

Initial Rosters 3rd Friday in Aug. 3rd Friday in Nov. 3rd Friday in March

Game Results

Regular Season within 24 hours within 24 hours within 24 hours

ASAP/12:00PM the day of ASAP/12:00PM the day of ASAP/12:00PM the day of Playoffs the contest the contest the contest

Final Program Rosters Saturday before Seeding Saturday before Seeding Saturday before Seeding

5.2.3.1. Schools who do not comply with due dates will be faced with potential fines. 5.3. First Round: 5.3.1. Once the size of the playoff field is established, the committee will: 5.3.1.1. seed the top 8 teams and 5.3.1.2. select the remaining teams to be in the playoffs based on the NCISAA criteria. 5.3.1.2.1. The remaining teams will be placed so that contests in the first round are paired with substantial consideration given to geography. 5.3.1.2.1.1. The first consideration will be based on limiting travel for all schools involved rather than pairing the closest teams to one another. 5.3.1.2.1.2. A second consideration is to avoid pairing teams in the first round against a conference opponent. Interpretation: 6. Sub-Section 5 (5.3.1.2.1.1 - 5.3.1.2.1.2.) 6.1. Are schools guaranteed that they will not play conference opponents in the first or second rounds?

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6.1.1. No. Because the first priority is to place a​ ll​ teams with less travel in the early rounds, circumstances may determine that schools in the same conference must play each other.

6.2. Tie-Breaker Procedure: 6.2.1.1. Compare winning percentages against all teams seeded above in the playoffs. 6.2.1.2. If still tied, compare winning percentages against all teams seeded below in the playoffs. 6.2.1.3. The Executive Director or a designate of the NCISAA State Office will break any remaining ties. 6.3. Brackets:

6.3.1. Blank brackets will be posted on the website per sport/per classification once opt out dates have passed and the final bracket size has been established. See opt out dates for general deadlines. (Section 1; 5.2.6; Table 2)

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Section 2 All-State

1. Selection Meeting- T​ he All-State selection committee for each sport in each classification will consist of the following: 1.1. To ensure that the all-state team is selected in the proper order using appropriate supporting statistics, the NCISAA Sport Director must communicate with committee members prior to these meetings in order to address questions or problems. 1.2. The size of all-state teams is determined by the number of starters on a team plus one half of the team in that sport. Example​: Baseball would be 9 plus 4.5 rounded up to 5 for a total of 14. 1.3. All-State selectees must remain in good standing with their school team throughout the duration of their season. Removal from the school’s team for disciplinary reasons prior to the end of that season will result in the removal from the NCISAA All-State team. 1.4. The format of the All-State selection meeting will be an in-person ​or ​ virtual meeting. 1.5. Each conference must provide a representative. 1.5.1. Each NCISAA conference with​ two​ ​or more schools per classification participating in any given sport will have an All-State committee representative. 1.5.2. Each conference president is responsible for providing the State Office with their conference seeding representatives names and email addresses. 1.5.3. Conference representatives must use their all-conference team voting in rank order when selecting all-state teams. Nominations must be endorsed by the conference as a whole. 1.5.4. Conference representatives must have printed statistical information for each player considered from that conference. 1.5.5. Conference representatives may vote for athletes from their conference and their school. 1.6. Independent nominations will be represented by the coach​ ​or the All-State Committee Chair. 1.6.1. Presentations should be limited to three minutes per player. 1.7. The NCISAA State Office will release the All-State teams via the NCISAA website at the conclusion of the All-State meetings for each sport. Athletic Directors and Coaches may announce to their communities at their own discretion. 1.8. The NCISAA State Office will mail the All-State medals to the athletic director of the All-State recipient’s school.

2. Awards- 2.1. All-State athletes in the sports of Cross Country, Swimming, and Track & Field will receive their medals at the State Championship contest. 2.1.1. Cross Country:​ Top 11 finishers in the State Championship meet. 2.1.2. :​ 1st team - 9 individuals 2.1.3. Swimming, Track & Field, and Wrestling:​ Event/ flight 1st place finisher. 2.2. 8-Man Football: 2.2.1. Division I 2.2.1.1. 1st Team (medals) - 12 individuals 2.2.1.2. Honorable Mention (certificates) - 8 individuals 2.2.2. Division II 2.2.3. 1st Team (medals) - 8 individuals 2.2.4. Honorable Mention (certificates) - 6 individuals 2.3. 11-Man Football: 2.3.1. 1st Team (medals) - 24 individuals 2.3.2. 2nd Team (certificates) - 24 individuals 2.3.3. Honorable Mention (certificates) - 24 individuals 5 Postseason Rules & Regulations Rev. 10.20.20

2.3.4. This sums up to a total of 72 individuals, regardless of division. 2.3.5. The numbers of All-State recipients will be selected as indicated in the Table 5 below.

TABLE 5: FALL SPORTS WINTER SPORTS SPRING SPORTS

Cross Country - Top 11(State Boys Basketball - 12 Baseball-14 Championships)

Field Hockey - 17 Girls Basketball - 12 Boys Golf – Top 9 (State Championships)

8 Man Football - 20 1st Swimming- Event Winners Boys Lacrosse – 15 Team; 16 HM (State Championships)

11 Man Football – 24 1st Wrestling- Event Winners Girls Lacrosse - 18 Team, 24- 2nd Team, 24 HM (State Championships)

Girls Golf – Top 9 (State Girls Soccer – 17 Championships)

GirlsTennis - 9 Softball- 14

Boys Soccer – 17 BoysTennis - 9

Volleyball - 12 Track & Field- Event Winners (State Championships)

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SECTION 3 POSTSEASON RULES

1. Host Site Standards- 1.1. Preliminary Site Approval 1.1.1. Playoff sites must meet minimum standards according to National Federation High School rules. 1.1.2. Site Location Criteria- 1.1.2.1. Predetermined state playoff host sites are neutral and are required to provide equal amenities to all teams. 1.1.2.2. Basic criteria for host sites include: 1.1.2.2.1. proper field specifications for the sport 1.1.2.2.2. cost 1.1.2.2.3. support staff availability 1.1.2.2.4. locker rooms 1.1.2.2.5. seating capacity 1.1.2.2.6. safety conditions of the site 1.1.2.3. All state playoffs should be held at NCISAA member school facilities unless other sites are donated free of charge. 1.1.2.3.1. Secondary options include: 1.1.2.3.1.1. A modern public facility. 1.1.2.3.1.2. A modern college facility. 1.1.2.3.1.3. Any secondary option must be approved by the NCISAA Office. 1.1.2.4. Playoff sites should be located within the central corridor between I-95 in the East and I-77 in the West not to exceed thirty minutes travel beyond the Interstates. The Executive Director can make exceptions to this rule. 1.1.2.5. In certain circumstances or in playoffs held at the site of the higher seed, the NCISAA Office may approve sites outside the central corridor. 1.1.2.6. Geographic rotations are in place for some playoffs 1.1.2.7. Any site charging facility rental must be approved by the NCISAA State Office. 1.1.2.8. All state playoff sites must allow admission to be collected. 1.1.2.9. If any of these criteria are in question immediately following the release of the playoff bracket, contact the Sport Director and the NCISAA State Office for an immediate decision concerning that game. Interpretations: ● Sub-Section 1 ( ) ○ Can a school host a postseason contest at a facility where admissions cannot be collected (i.e. public park)? ■ In most cases, a school may not host if admissions cannot be collected. However, if a school is willing to cover the traditional admissions for that event, hosting is still possible. Approval for any exception must be obtained through the NCISAA State Office prior to any contests.

2. Sport Rules & Officiating- 2.1. Rule Book: 2.1.1. Unless otherwise specified, National Federation High School rules will be followed. 2.1.2. Additional sport specific rules can be found on the SPORTS tab on the NCISAA website. 7 Postseason Rules & Regulations Rev. 10.20.20

2.2. Booking Agents: 2.2.1. Booking Agents must be approved by the NCISAA State Office, prior to any member school utilizing the agent. 2.2.2. A list of approved Booking Agents for each appropriate sport may be found on the menu tab of the NCISAA ADMIN website. 2.3. Officiating: 2.3.1. Officials must be certified by a NC Regional Assignor or NCISAA approved Booking Agent. 2.3.2. For playoff rounds, the host site is responsible for securing officials. 2.3.3. For state championships at the higher seed, host schools will work with the NCISAA State Office in securing officials. 2.3.4. When the championship is being played at a neutral site, host schools will work with the NCISAA State Office in securing officials. 2.3.5. All other items related to officials and sportsmanship should default the policies of the regular season.

3. Scheduling Items- 3.1. Dates & Times: 3.1.1. Play-By Dates: ​ Playoff contests are to be played by the established dates. Established dates are identified on the official bracket located on the NCISAA website. 3.1.1.1. Participating schools can move first round, second round, third round or quarterfinal contests to an earlier date than the established playoff date provided both schools agree. If a playoff contest is moved, the host school must notify the NCISAA State Office. 3.1.1.2. If schools cannot agree on an earlier date, the contest will be played on the established date. 3.1.1.3. Semifinals and Finals cannot be moved without permission from the NCISAA State office. Interpretation: ● Sub-Section 3 (3.1.1.) ○ May a contest be moved to a later date than the play-by date if both schools agree? ■ No. All contests must be completed by the end of the play-by date.

3.2. Delays, Postponements & Cancellations: 3.2.1. Cancellation & Rescheduling- 3.2.1.1. When the game day administration determines that game postponement is appropriate he/she should consult with the NCISAA State Office in order to reach a decision concerning the next available playing date. 3.2.1.2. If a state playoff event in any sport is suspended before it is considered officially complete, it will be resumed at the point of interruption at the earliest possible time determined by the NCISAA State Office. 3.2.1.3. Once postponement of a playoff event is decided in team playoffs, all Heads of Schools involved must agree in order to reschedule the event on Sunday. 3.2.1.4. If all Heads of Schools are in agreement to play on Sunday, playoffs must not be resumed until after 1:00 P.M. 3.2.1.5. Final decisions to cancel a NCISAA event will be made by the NCISAA State Office.

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SECTION 4 POSTSEASON DETAILS

1. Site Host Responsibilities- 1.1. General Requirements: 1.1.1. Admissions: 1.1.1.1. Complimentary Tickets: 1.1.1.1.1. NCISAA Athletic Director & Coaches’ Passes- 1.1.1.1.1.1. These passes are intended for varsity coaches and Athletic Directors and will be accepted at any NCISAA playoff event. 1.1.1.2. Gate: 1.1.1.2.1. The NCISAA receives 100% of the gate receipts after approved expenses in all playoff competition. 1.1.1.2.2. When schools wish to pay admission for students or groups of fans, they should contact the host administrator with estimated attendance and payment plans for those individuals. 1.1.1.2.3. Playoff Admission Fees:​ TABLE 6​: Football 1st Round Semis & Finals

Child (8 and under) Free Free

Students $5.00 $5.00

Adults $7.00 $10.00

Swimming, XC, Championships Wrestling, T&F

Child (8 and under) Free

Students $5.00

Adults $10.00

All Other Playoffs 1st, 2nd & Quarterfinals Semifinals & Finals

Child (8 and under) Free Free

Students $5.00 $5.00

Adults $7.00 $10.00

1.2. Budgeting: 1.2.1. Financial Reports: 1.2.1.1. Schools hosting tournament event(s) must submit a ​Tournament Expenses & Income ​ report to the NCISAA office online at http://www.ncisaa.org within 10 school days of completing the event(s). 1.2.1.2. The NCISAA grants concession rights to any member school hosting a playoff event. 1.2.1.3. Valid Expenses-

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1.2.1.3.1. Valid expenses are identified on the INCOME/EXPENSE REPORT. Host school administrators should review this in the planning of any playoff contest. 1.2.1.3.2. For any item not listed on the HOST SITE CHECKLIST, administrators should contact the NCISAA State Office for approval. This checklist can be found on the ADMIN website. 1.3. Health & Safety Coverage: 1.3.1. A North Carolina State Licensed A​thletic Trainer is required for all NCISAA playoff contests. 1.3.1.1. The NCISAA does not require an ambulance. Administrators should contact the State Office for approval before hiring an ambulance. 1.3.2. All member schools must have an automated external defibrillator (AED) available for all athletic events. Location of the AED must be included in each school’s emergency action plan for each athletic venue. 1.3.3. Hosts should provide water and cups for both benches. Interpretation: ● Sub-Section 1 (1.3.1.) ○ If a school cannot provide a certified athletic trainer for a postseason event, are there alternatives? ■ With NCISAA State Office approval, a school may hire medical personnel when a certified athletic trainer is not possible.

1.4. Security 1.1.1. The NCISAA State Office recommends security personnel for all playoff contests. Host schools should contact the NCISAA State Office for final approval. 1.5. Signage & Publications: 1.5.1. Programs 1.5.1.1. Championship Hosts are responsible for working with the State Office on the assemblage and printing of a Championship Program. This should be addressed by the host administrator early in the planning stages. See HOST SITE CHECKLIST for details. 1.5.2. Signage 1.5.2.1. Host facilities should be well marked with proper signage that directs teams, fans and officials to their respective areas. Host administrators should review the HOST SITE CHECKLIST for details. 1.5.2.2. Corporate Sponsorship 1.5.2.2.1. The NCISAA has annual agreements with various corporate sponsors. They should be represented in several areas. Host administrators should review the HOST SITE CHECKLIST for details. 1.6. Game Administration: 1.1.1. Host Site administrators should use the HOST SITE CHECKLIST for detailed instructions for hosting playoff and championship events. This can be found at the end of the PLAYOFF INFORMATION section of the NCISAA Handbook and on the ADMIN website on the FORMS tab.

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SECTION 5 System of Playoff Determination

1. The expected championship dates are listed below. 1.1. Playoff Period- Playoffs will run from the week of seeding through the championship date listed below (two week period). 1.1.1. The first week of playoffs may run on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday OR Tuesday and Friday. 1.1.2. The second week of playoffs may occur on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday. 1.1.3. Each round will be determined after the opt out date and posted on the BRACKETS page on the NCISAA website. Table 7: Sport Tournament Date Guidelines

Baseball (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) Finals will be on the third Saturday & Friday of May.

Basketball, Boys and Girls (1A, 2A, Finals will be on the fourth Saturday in February. 3A, 4A)

Cross Country (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) Championships will be on the Friday preceding the last Saturday of October.

Field Hockey (Div. I) Finals will be on the last Saturday of October.

Football, 8 Man, (Div. II) Finals will be on the first Friday in November.

Football, 8 Man, (Div. I) Finals will be on the second Friday in November.

Football, 11 Man (Div. I) Finals will be on the third Friday in November.

Football, 11 Man (Div. II) Finals will be on the third Friday in November.

Golf, Boys (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) Championships will be on Monday and Tuesday prior to the third Saturday in May.

Golf, Girls (Div. I, Div. II) Championships will be on Monday and Tuesday preceding the last Saturday in October.

Lacrosse, Boys (Div. I, Div. II) Finals will be on the third Saturday in May.

Lacrosse, Girls (Div. I) Finals will be on the third Saturday in May.

Soccer, Boys (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) Finals will be on the last Saturday in October.

Soccer, Girls (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) Finals will be on the third Saturday in May.

Softball (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) Finals will be on the third Saturday of May.

Swimming (Div. I, Div. II, Div. III) Championships will be on the second Monday in February.

Tennis, Boys (Div. I, Div. II, Div. III) Finals will be on the third Saturday of May​.

Tennis, Girls (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) Finals will be on the last Saturday of October​.

Track & Field (Div. I, Div. II, Div. III) Championships will be on the third Saturday of May and the preceding Friday.

Volleyball (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A) Finals will be on the last Saturday of October.

Wrestling Championships will be on the third Saturday in February and the preceding Friday .

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