2021-2022 Gisa Interscholastic Rules & Regulations

Home , Wilson Sporting Goods

2021-2022 GISA INTERSCHOLASTIC RULES & REGULATIONS

Georgia Independent School Association, Inc. PO Box 1057 Thomaston, GA 30286 706-938-1400

www.gisaschools.org

8.11.21 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1: GOVERNANCE ...... 7

A. Purpose of the Organization ...... 7

B. Authority ...... 7

C. Standing Committees ...... 8

D. Appeal Committee ...... 8

E. Region Officers ...... 10

F. Classifications ...... 10

G. Advisory Council ...... 11

H. Violation of Rules ...... 12 1. Unsportsmanlike Conduct ...... 12 2. Forfeiture, Suspension, Probation ...... 14

I. Amending the Governing Rules ...... 14

J. GISA’s Interscholastic Rules & Regulations ...... 14

SECTION 2: MEMBERSHIP ...... 16

A. Annual Membership Dues ...... 16

D. Member School requirements to be eligible to participate in interscholastic contests include the following ...... 17

E. Commitment dates to participate in GISA Interscholastic competitions ...... 18

SECTION 3: GENERAL GUIDELINES ...... 22

A. Season Passes...... 22

B. Lifetime Passes ...... 22

C. Filming ...... 23

D. Sportsmanship Statement ...... 23

E. Bleeding & Open Wounds ...... 23

F. Comments to the Media ...... 24

G. Artificial Noisemakers, etc...... 24

SECTION 4: CROSS-OVER PLAY ...... 27

SECTION 5: COACHES ...... 29

A. Clinic Attendance or Rules Tests ...... 29

B. Concussion Management and Return-to-Play Policy ...... 29

SECTION 6: OFFICIALS ...... 33

SECTION 7: STUDENT ELIGIBILITY ...... 36

A. Definitions ...... 36

B. Certification of Eligibility ...... 36

C. Enrollment and Team Membership ...... 37

D. Age ...... 38

E. Limits of Participation ...... 38

F. ACADEMIC STANDING ...... 40

G. TRANSFERS ...... 43

H. International Students ...... 49

I. Physical Examination of Student-Athletes ...... 50

J. Scholarships ...... 51

K. Sports Academy’s ...... 51

L. Blaze Sports ...... 51

M. Violation of Eligibility Rules ...... 52

SECTION 8: SUMMER POLICY & SPECIAL PROVISIONS ...... 54

A. Required Guidelines for Implementation ...... 54

B. Severe Weather & Heat Index ...... 55

C. Suspended or Postponed Games ...... 57

D. SCRIMMAGES & PRACTICES ...... 58

SECTION 9: TEAMS ...... 60

A. Elite Teams ...... 60

C. Game Contracts ...... 60

D. Rosters, Schedules & Scores on MaxPreps ...... 60

SECTION 10: TOURNAMENTS, PLAY-OFFS, POST-SEASON AND ALL-STARS ...... 62

A. Official Balls ...... 62

B. All-Star Events ...... 62

C. Academic-Athlete Awards ...... 63

SECTION 11: STATE COMPETITIONS ...... 65

SECTION 12: ATHLETICS ...... 68

A. ARCHERY ...... 69

B. BASEBALL ...... 69

3. Official Balls: Wilson Sporting Goods will provide the “Official Balls” for GISA...... 70

C. BASKETBALL ...... 74

3. Official Ball: Wilson Sporting Goods will provide the “Official Balls” for GISA...... 74

D. BASS FISHING ...... 81

E. CLAY TARGET SPORTS ...... 89

F. COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING ...... 94

G. GAME DAY CHEER ...... 97

H. SIDELINE CHEER COACH GUIDELINES ...... 97

I. CROSS COUNTRY...... 99

J. FOOTBALL ...... 100

5. Official Ball: Wilson Sporting Goods will provide the “Official Balls” for GISA...... 100

32. 8-MAN FOOTBALL ...... 110

K. GOLF ...... 110

L. SOCCER & FALL SOCCER ...... 113

3. Official Ball: Wilson Sporting Goods will provide the “Official Balls” for GISA...... 113

13. Artificial Noisemakers, etc...... 117

M. SOFTBALL ...... 118

3. Official Ball: Wilson Sporting Goods will provide the “Official Balls” for GISA...... 118

19. Artificial Noisemakers, etc...... 122

N. SWIMMING ...... 122

O. TENNIS ...... 125

P. TRACK & FIELD ...... 129

Q. VOLLEYBALL ...... 133

2. Official Ball: Wilson Sporting Goods will provide the “Official Balls” for GISA...... 133

R. WRESTLING ...... 137

SECTION 13: ONE-ACT PLAY & LITERARY ...... 143

A. The State Literary Committee ...... 143

B. System of Ranking ...... 143

C. Correction of Errors ...... 143

D. Copyright Laws...... 143

G. Literary Points and Trophies ...... 144

H. Literary Participants ...... 144

I. Notice of Entry in Literary Events ...... 145

J. Literary Eligibility Reports ...... 145

K. Region Literary Meets ...... 145

L. One-Act Play ...... 146

M. Oral Interpretation ...... 148

N. Extemporaneous Speaking ...... 151

O. Impromptu Speaking ...... 153

P. Argumentative Essay ...... 154

Q. Personal Essay ...... 155

R. Rhetorical Analysis Essay ...... 156

S. Spelling ...... 157

T. Piano ...... 158

U. Solos ...... 159

V. Trio (Girls) ...... 160

W. Quartet (Boys) ...... 161

APPENDIX

A. Dates of Importance

B. Student/Parent Concussion Awareness Form

C. Pole Vault Verification Form

D. GISA Cheerleading Guidelines

SECTION 1: GOVERNANCE

A. Purpose of the Organization

1. The purpose of Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) will be to promote academic excellence among member schools; to promote, develop, direct, protect and regulate interscholastic, athletic, and literary relationships among member schools; and to stimulate fair play, friendly rivalry, and good sportsmanship among contestants, schools, and communities.

2. The purpose for which the GISA is organized is exclusively educational within the meaning of IRC 501(c)(3) or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law.

3. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these articles, the Association will not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempt from Federal income tax under IRC 501(c)(3) or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law.

B. Authority

1. Each member school is required to abide by all rules of the Georgia Independent School Association as promulgated by the GISA Office and interpreted by the GISA Office.

2. The GISA Office is authorized to make such investigation as may be necessary and to judge whether or not a member school has violated a rule. When a member school is adjudged guilty, the GISA Office is authorized to direct the penalty or penalties.

3. A member school violating any rule, whether it be due to carelessness, willfulness, ignorance or any other cause, may be subject to a fine, and/or probation in the sports(s) in which the violation has been made, and/or suspension from the GISA up to a full calendar year, and/or forfeiture of games and/or contests involved.

4. Schools may be placed on PROBATION, and said probation can include any of the following: may be prohibited from competing in regular season games and/or contests; or from competing for any championships; or other requirements that may be appropriate during the period of probation.

5. A member school who, after investigation, is adjudged guilty of violating the rules of the Georgia Independent School Association will pay the costs incidental to such investigation – such costs will be in addition to fines or penalties assessed. Failure to pay the costs will result in suspension or in lengthening the period of suspension.

C. Standing Committees

Standing committees will be appointed each year by the Interscholastic Board Member (IBM) designated by the Board. Appointees of the committees will perform the usual duties of each Committee and other specific and related duties when specified by the IBM. The standing committees will consist of:

1. State Athletic Committee 2. State Literary Committee

D. Appeal Committee

1. The Association Appeal Committee will be composed of Heads of School from member schools selected by the Association Office.

2. The Appeal Committee will have the authority to set aside the effect of the migratory rule, the courses passed rule and the accumulation of credits rule upon an individual student when in its opinion the rule works an undue hardship upon that student.

3. The Appeal Committee will meet at a location and on dates established by the President and/or Commissioner and published in the Association Calendar. Requests will be considered to have a rule or rules set aside for benefit of individual students and will consider such requests at the meetings held for that purpose, but not at any other meetings of the committee. If additional information upon which a request is based develop after an Appeal Committee Hearing, the President and/or Commissioner is authorized to set a date for a special meeting to be held to consider such case or cases.

4. The Head of School of all member schools who have filed requests to have the effect of a rule set aside for individual students will be notified of the time of the meeting at which such requests will be considered not less than ten (10) calendar days before such meeting.

5. All requests for appeals must be in writing (via online form) with the stated reasons for an appeal and approved by the Head of School. Requests for appeals must be received in the GISA Office ten (10) calendar days before the scheduled meeting.

6. A request will be considered at a meeting only if complete information concerning the case is filed in writing with the Association Office at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the date of the meeting, and if a representative of the school and any others who may be needed to speak on behalf of the appeal (i.e. parent, student, doctor, etc.) is present at the meeting to furnish the Appeal Committee with information. Complete information includes a transcript, if applicable.

7. The conditions which cause the student to fail to meet the eligibility requirements must have been beyond the control of the school, the student, and/or his parents, and such that none of them could reasonably have been expected to comply with the rule. Ignorance of the rule on the part of any or all of them will not be considered sufficient cause for setting aside its effects.

8. The decision of the Appeal Committee will be decided by a majority vote to set aside the effects of the rule in each individual case, and such decision will not be considered as setting a precedent for other cases of a somewhat similar nature.

9. Any other appeal requested (other than regularly scheduled dates) must be accompanied by a check sufficient to pay the entire estimated expenses of the Appeal Committee to defray the cost of bringing the Appeal Committee into session.

10. An appeal of an eligibility decision must be based on one or more of the following reasons:

1. There is substantial new information to be submitted that was not heard by the previous group making the decision that is being appealed.

2. There is an allegation that an Association rule was misapplied in that ruling.

3. There is an allegation that due process was not given in previous considerations.

11. An appeal of a decision by the President and/or Commissioner must be based on one of the following reasons:

1. There is an allegation that a GISA rule was misinterpreted. 2. There is an allegation that the President and/or Commissioner did not afford due process to the school.

12. The Appeal Committee, after hearing and/or examining the evidence submitted by the party or parties, may affirm or reverse the decision of the President and/or Commissioner. It will take a majority vote of the Appeal Committee to uphold the decision of the President and/or Commissioner.

13. The decision of the Appeal Committee will be appealable to the Heads of School at the next regularly scheduled meeting. If a member school wishes to appeal at a regularly scheduled meeting, it must submit the request in writing fourteen (14) business days in advance of the regularly scheduled meeting. Called meetings for the sole purpose to appeal the decision of the Appeals Committee are not permitted.

E. Region Officers

Each region in each classification will elect the following officers:

1. The Region Secretary/Treasurer will be the region representative to the Interscholastic Advisory Council.

2. The Region Athletic Chairman will be the region representative to the State Athletic Committee.

3. The Region Literary Chairman will be the region representative to the State Literary Committee.

4. Each Region Representative will have one (1) vote on matters presented at the Athletic and/or Literary Committee meetings.

F. Classifications

Member schools of GISA (Interscholastic) will be placed in regions and classifications for the purpose of athletic and literary competition.

1. In the fall of each even numbered year, GISA (Interscholastic) will reclassify for the following two-year period.

2. Classification will be based on high school enrollment. Enrollment figures for Grades 8-11 of the year of reclassification will be used to determine classifications.

3. Schools will submit their numbers to the GISA Office on the third Monday in November of the year of reclassification. Once the GISA Office receives the numbers, there can be no changes.

4. A school may be allowed to play in a higher classification by the approval of the GISA Office. However, the school must make a written request signed by the Head of School within five (5) days of the publication of the new classifications. A school that changes classification by this method will remain in that classification until schools are reclassified on a statewide basis.

5. Heads of School that believe another school has an error in their reported numbers can notify the GISA Office. A GISA representative will go to the school to confirm or deny the reported numbers.

G. Advisory Council

1. Membership of the Advisory Council will consist of the elected officials of the GISA (Interscholastic), past presidents of SEAIS or GISA (Interscholastic) who are still actively employed in an interscholastic school and the secretary of each region. Although a school may have more than one representative to this Council, no school may cast more than one vote in Council decisions.

2. Once the GISA Office has set the regions and groupings for reclassification, approval of the Interscholastic Advisory Council will be required before a school may change its region or classification. The Advisory Council will meet after the regions have been announced, to hear requests for exceptions to the GISA Office’s decision. The decisions of the Advisory Council will be final. There will be no appeal to the Heads of School. For issues not dealing directly with the previous classification decisions, the Advisory Council can be called back into session by its Chair to deal with concerns that arise over the next two years until the subsequent reclassification cycle.

H. Violation of Rules

1. Unsportsmanlike Conduct

i. Cases of unsportsmanlike conduct will be reported to the GISA Office who will handle each case or refer it to the Appeal Committee.

ii. The GISA Office is authorized to warn, place on probation, suspend, fine a school, or any combination of these and to bar or suspend from competition a player, coach, fan, or official for unsportsmanlike conduct.

2. Incidences of poor sportsmanship which result in a technical foul, ejection from the game and/or dismissal from the premises will be reported to the GISA Office on the first school day following such violation. All participating schools and the officials’ associations will be required to file such reports. Any contest terminated prematurely by approved officials due to the misconduct of players, coaches or fans must be reported in writing by the officials to the GISA Office, and will result in a $500 fine from the school or schools causing the termination. A second violation within one school year will result in an additional $500 fine and reprimand, plus a suspension from any post-season play-off contest for one calendar year from the date of the incident, or notification of results of any investigation which is lengthy. A third such violation will result in suspension of said school from membership in GISA (Interscholastic) and the school cannot make application for re- admission for a period of two years.

3. If a player or coach is ejected , that player or coach will be automatically suspended from the remainder of that game and the next previously scheduled game in that particular sport at that level, whether it is regular season, region or a state play-off game. Further, the school will be required to forward to the GISA Office a mandatory fine of at least $50 per occurrence. If there are no remaining games in the sport in which the ejection occurred, then suspension would be served in first or next game of next sport of participation. Any fan or other person who is associated with the school and is ejected from a game will also require the school to pay a mandatory fine of $50 and suspend that person from at least one game for each ejection. When a fan or coach is ejected, that person must be removed from the playing and seating area (i.e. gym, stadium, or ball field, etc.) and must not be seen or heard during the period of suspension. A player ejected may or may not be removed from the playing area as per officials’ instructions. The player may be allowed to attend the next game of suspension in the company of a school official or

his/her parents. The player may not be seated with the team or the school’s cheering section at that contest. All fines are due and must be paid within ten (10) days of incident.

4. Schools failing to report unsportsmanlike behavior by anyone involved with their school (coach, player, fan, etc.) by the conclusion of the next school day will be fined $50. The opposing school, after one letter of warning, will be fined $25 for not reporting unsportsmanlike behavior of the other school by the conclusion of the next school day. These reports must be entered via the online report form.

5. Any student who intentionally injures or intentionally attempts to injure another student, coach, official, spectator, or other person before, during, or immediately after any GISA sponsored or sanctioned activity may be declared ineligible in future GISA activities by the GISA Office.

6. Any non-student fan who intentionally injures or intentionally attempts to injure another before, during, or immediately after any GISA sponsored or sanctioned activity may be banned from all future GISA activities for a period of one year or greater by the GISA Office.

7. It is the responsibility of the school to ensure that all student athletes, coaches, officials, spectators, and fans conduct themselves consistent with good sportsmanship as outlined in the GISA Code of Good Conduct.

8. Non-student fans or spectators who conduct themselves in a seriously unsportsmanlike manner before, during, or immediately after a GISA event may be banned from attending any GISA event for a period of one year or longer by the GISA Office.

9. The Head of School or a designated administrator, other than the team’s coach, must be present for all GISA interscholastic athletic events. A coach may not serve as the game administrator if he or she has coaching duties during the competition.

10. Each school hosting a regular, tournament, or playoff game in football and/or basketball will employ adequate uniformed security for each such event. This sworn, uniformed officer must have legal arrest authority. Host school will be fined $200 per occurrence for non- compliance. The host school head, officials, and visiting school head will notify the GISA Office on the next school day to report any instance of non-compliance. Should there be a rare and unusual circumstance beyond the control of the school for security not to be present, the school may request in writing the next school day that the $200 fine be

abated (in part or whole) after review of the GISA Office. Security is strongly recommended for all other GISA events.

See each sport for additional rules pertaining to unsportsmanlike conduct.

I. Forfeiture, Suspension, Probation

The GISA Office has authority on sufficient evidence of the violation of rules of GISA (Interscholastic) to forfeit any games or events won by a school under its jurisdiction and/or to suspend from membership in GISA (Interscholastic) any school under its jurisdiction with the provision that appeal may be made in the manner presented in Section 1-D. Suspension of membership may be made to a maximum of twelve months.

J. Amending the Governing Rules

1. For the purpose of amending these rules, a majority vote of the membership of GISA (Interscholastic) is required.

2. Proposed amendments to these rules must be submitted in writing at a regular meeting of GISA (Interscholastic) and voted on at the next regular meeting. If needed, a special called meeting may be held for the stated purpose as outlined in the GISA By-Laws.

K. GISA’s Interscholastic Rules & Regulations , including its Governing Rules, Interscholastic Regulations, and all other rules and/or guidance promulgated by GISA, including its Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws (hereinafter collectively, GISA’s “Rules and Regulations”) are intended only to provide general guidance to GISA’s member schools. GISA’s Rules and Regulations do not create a contract, do not intend to create a contract, and are not a contract, between any member school and GISA. GISA has the exclusive authority to enforce or decline to enforce its Rules and Regulations. GISA is not obligated, contractually or otherwise, to adhere to any of the Rules and Regulations set forth herein, or which may have been set forth herein. GISA may, however, in its sole discretion, whether as a result of a member school’s violation of GISA’s Rules and Regulations or otherwise, take any action against any member school as it relates to said school’s participation and/or membership in GISA, including, for example, and without limitation, prohibiting post-season participation, prohibiting certain students from participation in athletics, vacating school wins, and/or removal of a member school from GISA.

______

SECTION 2: MEMBERSHIP

A. Interscholastic Membership In order for a school to be an Interscholastic Member, the school may not have been removed from or have left another league or association due to any of the following:

 Loss of Accreditation  Disciplinary actions imposed by league or association  Financial reasons such as failure to remit required financial payments (dues, fees, fines, etc.)

B. Annual Interscholastic Membership Dues:

1. GISA will collect total enrollment numbers from its member schools on January 15 of each school year. These numbers will be used to calculate the proposed dues and catastrophic insurance billing for the following school year. These numbers cannot be changed once submitted (even if the school’s enrollment increases or decreases).

2. The dues formula will be set annually by the Heads of School of the GISA.

3. In addition, member schools are required to obtain Mandatory Catastrophic Insurance through the GISA (based on reported January 15 enrollment numbers). [See (J) below.]

4. Membership Dues & Catastrophic Insurance must be paid by August 1st of each year.

5. Schools failing to meet the payment deadline are not eligible to participate in any contest until membership dues and catastrophic insurance are both paid in full.

C. If a school initiates litigation against the GISA and the court rules in favor of the GISA, or if the school withdraws its litigation, the school will be responsible for paying all court costs and attorneys’ fees.

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

E. Member School requirements to be eligible to participate in interscholastic contests include the following:

1. Member School will be governed by persons who believe in fairness and honesty, and evidence of which will be the strict observance of all rules and regulations in regard to eligibility of contestants representing their schools.

2. Member School will not have been disqualified as a member for violation of the GISA Constitution and By-Laws within one year.

3. Member School will operate all inter-school contests and activities under direct and complete control of the school administration or designated regular teaching school personnel.

4. Member School will abide by all rules of GISA and also the region organization when the rules of the region are not in conflict with the rules of GISA.

5. GISA Interscholastic schools may schedule no more than 20% of their games with Non-NFHS teams outside of GISA. Requests to play any games beyond the 20% and/or against Non-GISA schools must be approved by the GISA Office.

6. GISA Host Schools are required to notify all participating schools if a GHSA School will be participating in any event or competition. If you are attending a NON-GISA or GHSA event, it is your responsibility to find out if a GHSA school is attending.

7. Schools currently fielding a sport not offered by the GISA would be allowed to continue in other leagues until the GISA offers said sport within our interscholastic competitions. In addition, schools whose mission is to meet the needs of special needs students would be allowed to compete against other schools with the same special needs mission.

8. GISA General Member Schools who are currently a member of another Association are eligible to participate in sports/events not currently offered by their Association provided the following criteria are met:

A. School MUST be a GISA General Member School. B. School MUST be a member of another Association. C. The Sport or Event MUST NOT be offered by their current Association.

D. Additional Participation Fees will be added to General Member Dues as determined by the GISA Office.

9. Member Schools will not cancel any game contract that has been properly executed without the agreement and consent of the other school concerned. Any school failing to carry out a game contract may be suspended for up to one full calendar year by the GISA Office. Calendar year means twelve full months from the date of the scheduled contest in question. No contest may be cancelled or forfeited that has any bearing on standings.

F. Commitment dates to participate in GISA Interscholastic competitions:

1. Current GISA Interscholastic Members To participate in athletic and literary competitions, a school MUST inform the GISA Office of their intention by submitting a Participation Form issued in early November by the GISA Office for the purpose of reclassifying.

2. General Member schools wishing to move to Interscholastic General membership schools wishing to also join the Interscholastic category must have decided to do so in time to inform the GISA Office of their intent to participate in sports in a manner consistent with the time schedule for current Interscholastic schools.

3. New Interscholastic Member schools To receive a region schedule, which allows a school to participate in GISA championship competition, a new school must not be admitted as a full Interscholastic member during the middle of reclassification cycle unless approved by the GISA Office, and in consultation with Region Athletic Chair.

All member schools of GISA (Interscholastic) must compete in ALL sports sanctioned by GISA (Interscholastic) that the school offers as a varsity level sport. Interscholastic member schools may only participate in a varsity level sport in another association when GISA (Interscholastic) does not offer that sport. In other words, schools cannot compete in some sports with GISA (Interscholastic) and other sports with another association without forfeiting their right to participate in the GISA Region and State playoffs.

*An exception to the above rule, are schools whose primary mission is to serve students with special needs.

NOTE : Schools will be charged a $500 per sport penalty for withdrawing after the classifications and regions have been set. The $500 per sport penalty would apply to withdrawal at any time during the two-year cycle (with the exception of $1,000 for football as stated in Governing Rules, Section 15 #4). The penalty can be appealed to the Appeals Committee. The penalty does not apply to schools who will not field a sports team due to low student interest.

G. Meeting Attendance Each member school will have a representative attend at least two (2) meetings of GISA (Interscholastic) each year, one of which must be the November meeting. There will be three (3) meetings of GISA (Interscholastic) to be held as follows: In conjunction with the GISA Annual Conference in the fall (usually the first Monday in November); the January meeting will be held on an “as-needed” basis depending on whether there is business to be considered or not (schools will be notified if this meeting will be held); and the spring meeting in March or April. The November meeting will be the required “mandatory” meeting. Failure to attend the “mandatory” November meeting will result in a $100 Fine. In addition, all GISA (Interscholastic) members are required to attend one of the other two meetings or be subjected to fines of $100 per meeting missed over the limit. Schools are encouraged to send representatives to all meetings. Schools not having representatives at any of the meetings during the year are subject to suspension.

H. All new Interscholastic Heads of School and Athletic Directors (this includes NEW member schools) must attend one of the scheduled “New Heads’ & Athletic Directors Orientation Meetings” or schedule a meeting with the GISA Staff. This Orientation Meeting should be attended by those Heads and Athletic Directors with less than three years’ experience in GISA that have not previously attended this meeting. Failure to do so would subject the school and Head of School to possible fines and/or post season playing sanctions.

I. A Mandatory Athletic Director’s Meeting will be held each school year and ALL Athletic Directors are required to attend to avoid fine or penalty. [See GISA Calendar for date & site.]

J. Mandatory Participation in Catastrophic (Medical) and Fan Insurance

GISA Interscholastic Member Schools are required to obtain Catastrophic Insurance billed through the GISA Office. Each school will be billed annually based on their January 15 reported enrollment numbers for students in grades 7 through 11 (because those will ultimately be the school’s 8-12 graders the following year). This mandatory coverage will be for the purpose of providing catastrophic medical coverage (in excess of $25,000 or other such reasonable amounts as may be approved by the GISA Board of Trustees). Further, each school is required to maintain a roster of all current participants covered. Upon request, this roster will be made available to the GISA Office and/or insurance company. ______

SECTION 3: GENERAL GUIDELINES

A. Season Passes

1. The GISA Office will issue to each member school a pass for the head of school, assistant head of school, band/choral director, athletic coaches, and literary coordinators as listed by the school. Each school is also able to request passes for up to three (3) team doctors, or certified athletic trainers, to be given out at the discretion of the Head of School or Athletic Director.

2. Pass Lists will be cross-referenced with required Rules Compliance. Coaches that have not met compliance by the first scheduled contest in their sport but have received a Season Pass will be fined.

3. The name of the person to whom the pass is issued will be imprinted on the pass.

4. The GISA Season Pass will admit the person to whom it is issued and one other to any game or contest of GISA (Interscholastic).

5. School passes are for the use of the school personnel only and are void if presented by any person other than the one named or spouse.

6. Officials Passes issued by Georgia Athletic Officials Association (GAOA) will admit the official and one other person to all GISA Interscholastic events.

7. Official Passes issued by Georgia High School Association (GHSA) will admit the cardholder and one other person to all Regular Season GISA Interscholastic events. GHSA Passes are not valid at any post-season event.

B. Lifetime Passes Any school head or athletic coach who has served or coached for a total period of not less than ten (10) years in the GISA, upon application with the appropriate documentation to the GISA Office, may be issued a Lifetime Pass upon official retirement. The required documentation will consist of a letter (or a completed form available from the GISA Office) verifying all experience as school head and/or coaching and must show at least ten (10) cumulative years of GISA service in a combination of service as a school head or coach.

C. Filming

1. Coaches or anyone associated with a school (parents, fans, friends, etc.) are not allowed to film games in which they are not participating and are expected to refrain from accepting films from unauthorized sources. Coaches are encouraged to trade films with opponents in a professional manner.

2. All schools who participate in Varsity Football are required to use the Film Exchange Software (HUDL or QwikCut). Football coaches are required to exchange game films for the previous two games and/or scrimmages by 12 Noon on the Sunday following the game.

3. Basketball Film Exchange During the State Basketball Tournament, basketball coaches are required to use Film Exchange Software (HUDL or QwikCut) to exchange game film of the two (2) most recently played games. This film exchange must be made within 24-hours of their last game. Coaches are encouraged to use Film Exchange Software for regular season film exchange as well.

4. The use of drones for any purpose during all GISA contests and events is strictly prohibited .

D. Sportsmanship Statement

This statement is to be read at all GISA games and events that a speaker system is available.

“The GISA encourages and promotes sportsmanship by student-athletes, coaches, and spectators. We request your cooperation by supporting the participants and officials in a positive manner. Disruptive behavior of any kind, to include but not limited to protests, demonstrations, profanity, racial, ethnic, or sexist comments, or other intimidating actions, will not be tolerated and may be grounds for removal from the event, as well as possible cause for dismal from the event.”

E. Bleeding & Open Wounds

1. Players who are bleeding or have an open wound must be taken from the game as an injured player until the medical problem is corrected.

2. Players with blood on their uniform must change or thoroughly disinfect and clean the uniform in order to re-enter the game. The official in charge must review and approve the changed or cleaned uniform prior to re-entry.

3. This rule applies also to injured officials and coaches.

4. People who treat the bleeding individuals must follow prescribed procedures found in every National Federation of High Schools rule book.

5. In GISA events or practices such as in basketball gyms, etc., any blood on the playing floor must result in the official (or the coach in charge during a practice) calling a time out and having the soiled area thoroughly cleaned with appropriate cleaning materials and disinfectant before play or practice can resume.

F. Comments to the Media

Coaches, administrators, and players are NOT to make comments to the media which are critical of officials and their judgments in a game. Penalties that could be imposed by the GISA Office may include a fine and/or suspension. Coaches and administrators may file the complaints with the GISA Office for review and submission of complaints to the head of the officials' association or other appropriate action by the GISA President and/or Commissioner.

G. Artificial Noisemakers, etc.

Schools will not permit the use of megaphones, bullhorns, or other electronically amplifying devices used by fans, students, or coaches to cheer or harass players before, during, or after any GISA event.

Artificial noisemakers are defined as instruments that produce a wave or vibration, audible, electromagnetic, or other signal, generated by a human source.

EXAMPLES of ARTIFICIAL NOISEMAKERS: Megaphones; Bullhorns; Cowbells; Air Horns; and Whistles

FOR INDOOR SPORTS (Basketball; Volleyball): Artificial Noisemakers are prohibited for indoor sports.

FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS (Football; Softball; Soccer; Baseball) Artificial noisemakers, except air horns, whistles, or any other electronic devices are permitted for outdoor sports. Illegal artificial noisemakers will be confiscated when visible and/or used.

(Exception: School's official public announcement system, coaches at track meets or other meets where such a device is needed to conduct the event, or in the event of an emergency when the use is necessary by a school or other appropriate official.) The Head of the host school or tournament director must authorize use of any musical instruments in advance. Bands or any instruments cannot be played while the ball is in play. ______

SECTION 4: CROSS-OVER PLAY

SECTION 4: CROSS-OVER PLAY The following are some guidelines with respect to Crossover Play . The following interpretations of these rules are subject to change if abuse of the system occurs, or if GHSA or GISA schools are having serious scheduling difficulties caused or increased by these interpretations.

GHSA Rules: 1. GISA eligibility rules will be respected except 8 th grade students may not compete in a varsity contest against a GHSA team. 2. All GHSA requirements for catastrophic insurance, physical examinations and other appropriate risk management mitigations must be followed.

PLEASE NOTE : GHSA Rules State: Eighth grade students are not allowed to compete in Crossover events with GISA members. GISA Rules State: Students below the Eighth Grade (from any association) are not allowed to compete in any Varsity events with GISA members.

Volleyball Dual Meets between GHSA and GISA schools will be best 3 out of 5 games. All other GHSA-GISA crossover matches will be 2 out of 3 games. For regular season matches, each team will be billed by the officials’ association for one half of the officiating fees for games in which they played. Host school will pay the official’s travel fee. For invitational tournaments and multiple school play dates, the host school will be billed for the officiating fees (including travel).

GISA currently does not have teams participating in Gymnastics, Lacrosse & Riflery . At the time such teams do exist, they must follow the regulations above in that sport.

Wrestling Same rules as above, with GISA agreeing to the weight assessment component of the NFHS “Weight Management Program.”

Coaches’ Passes from both associations will be honored only at regular season games.

Since GHSA does not sanction Debate or Shooting Sports , activities that are sanctioned by GISA, these sports do not fall under this agreement. GHSA schools interested in participating in these activities should contact GISA for participation guidelines, including 8 th grade participation.

GISA reserves the right to pass further regulations limiting their schools amount of participation with non-member schools.

SECTION 5: COACHES

A. Clinic Attendance or Rules Tests are required of all varsity and assistant varsity coaches at either the Annual Coaches' Clinic and/or GISA Clinics (officially sponsored and conducted by GISA approved and registered officials’ associations). GISA and/or the Coaches’ Association will administer clinics. In lieu of clinic attendance, each coach must take and pass a rules test (administered by the GISA Office) prior to coaching their first regular season game. Failure to attend a clinic or pass a rules test prior to coaching will subject the coach to a $100 fine. Coaches are not allowed to be on the sideline or in the dugout until rules compliance is met. The penalty for coaching while not in compliance will be $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, etc.

B. Concussion Management and Return-to-Play Policy

All Georgia Independent School Association Interscholastic Member Schools are required to comply with the following policy effective September 1, 2013. This policy applies to all practices, conditioning, and games in all sports. This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees yearly, at which time comments and suggestions for the improvement of the policy will be solicited from all Member Schools, coaches, trainers, and officials, and appropriate modifications made.

1. Definitions

i. “Health Care Provider” means a licensed physician or another licensed individual under the supervision of a licensed physician, such as a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or certified athletic trainer who has received training in concussion evaluation and management.

ii. “Student Athlete” means any student who participates in interscholastic athletic competitions at a Member School regardless of age.

iii. “Coach” means all coaches of all interscholastic sports whether full or part time and whether paid or volunteer.

iv. “Member School” means each Georgia Independent School Association Interscholastic Member School.

2. Policy

i. At the beginning of every school year, all Member Schools will provide to the parents or legal guardians of every Student Athlete a “Student/Parent Concussion Awareness Form” which informs them of the nature and risks of concussions and head injuries and the actions to be taken by the schools to minimize the risks and effects of concussions and head injuries. This Form can be found in the Appendix. Each Member School will maintain a copy of the form signed by each Student Athlete’s parents or legal guardians for that school year.

ii. If a Coach observes a Student Athlete exhibit any sign, symptom, or behavior consistent with a concussion or head injury, the Coach must immediately remove that Student Athlete from practice, conditioning, or game. The Student Athlete may not return to practice, conditioning, or game until a Health Care Provider has determined that the Student Athlete has not suffered a concussion. In the case where a Health Care Provider has determined that the Student Athlete has suffered a concussion, the Student Athlete may not resume practice, conditioning, or participation in games until medically determined capable of doing so for full or graduated return. In no circumstance may a Student Athlete return to a practice, conditioning or a game on the same day that a concussion has been diagnosed by a Health Care Provider or cannot be ruled out.

iii. All Coaches must participate every year in a course of concussion management approved by the GISA. All Member Schools must maintain record of each Coach’s participation in the course. The online course in concussion management entitled “Concussion in Sports” and prepared by National Federation of High School Sports Associations is acceptable and is available free to Member Schools at www.nfhslearn.com .

3. Penalties

Member Schools violating this policy will be fined a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $1,000 for the first offense. A Member School may be removed from membership for repeat violations.

C. All new Interscholastic Heads of School and Athletic Directors (this includes NEW member schools) must attend one of the scheduled “New Heads’ & Athletic Directors Orientation Meetings” or schedule a meeting with the GISA Staff. This Orientation Meeting should be attended by those Heads and Athletic Directors with less than three years’ experience in GISA that have not previously attended this meeting. Failure to do so would subject the school and head of school to possible fines and/or post season playing sanctions.

D. All Athletic Directors must attend a Mandatory Athletic Director’s Meeting each year. ______

SECTION 6:

OFFICIALS

SECTION 6: OFFICIALS

1. All official/referee associations which call varsity level sports events must register (via submission of a registration form and a list of participating officials) with the GISA prior to beginning work with any member school. This registration will be required annually and registration will be required for each sport in which the association is involved.

2. All officials for varsity athletic contests will be members of an approved officials’ organization or approved by the GISA Office.

3. Each officials’ association must have a plan for the certification of athletic officials which includes: a. Published procedures for registration of officials. b. Published guidelines for training officials must include:  A rules clinic on all new rules for that year. They may attend a GISA Rules Clinic.  At least two other (preferably more) rules meetings.  A test over the rules.  A system for evaluating performances of officials.

The head of the officials’ association must certify that these requirements are satisfied each year. GISA reserves the right to request the Officials Association’s published training guidelines and procedures.

4. Absence of Officials : In the unlikely event that at least one game official does not arrive for a contest, both schools should agree on one of the following procedures:

A. Delay the game until a new set of officials can arrive. B. Agree to play the game on another date except a Sunday. C. Use registered officials who might be in attendance at the contest. D. Use coaches or school personnel from both schools. E. Use formerly registered officials who might be in attendance at the contest.

Notify the GISA the next school day of circumstances involved.

5. Paying Officials in shortened/postponed games:

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

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

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

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

6. GISA does NOT allow protests of officials or judgment calls made during any contests. ______

SECTION 7: STUDENT

ELIGIBILITY

SECTION 7: STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

A. Definitions : These rules establish the provisions governing student eligibility to participate in interscholastic activities.

1. The word “student” used in these Rules & Regulations refers either to a boy or girl participant in interscholastic athletics, cheerleading, or literary activities. Therefore, according to correct grammatical usage, since the antecedent “student” can involve persons of both sexes, the masculine pronouns he, his, or him used throughout said Rules & Regulations will refer to either male or female participants.

2. The term “Head of School” used in these Rules & Regulations refers either to a male or female head of a member school. Therefore, according to correct grammatical usage, since the antecedent “Head of School” can involve or refer to persons of either or both sexes the masculine pronouns, he, him, or his, will refer to a male or female head of a member school.

3. The abbreviation GISA used throughout these Rules & Regulations refers to the Georgia Independent School Association .

B. Certification of Eligibility

1. Eligibility Reports : Schools are required to enter ALL enrolled students in Grades 8 through 12 into the Eligibility Database by August 15 of each school year. Students transferring into a member school must be entered into the Eligibility Database within 10 days of enrolling. All late eligibility reports carry a $100 Fine. Any school which fails to submit eligibility reports, as required, will be considered in violation of eligibility rules and any game or contest played prior to the submission of those forms may be forfeited

All eligibility changes regarding units passed (grades) must be updated online within ten (10) calendar days following each quarter or semester. Heads of School are to report to the GISA Office any failures concerning eligibility at the end of a quarter or semester, whichever the school uses.

2. Students gain eligibility to compete for the school in which they are enrolled after they have been certified by the Head of School, after the eligibility forms have been processed by the GISA Office, and after the students have met the standards of:

i. academic requirements ii. age iii. semesters in high school iv. transfer rules

Note: Students establishing eligibility as entering 8 th or 9 th graders are automatically eligible for the first semester unless over age.

3. If a student ruled ineligible by the GISA, competes interscholastically due to the terms of a court restraining order or injunction against his/her school and/or the GISA, and then has the court order vacated, stayed, reversed, or ruled unjustified; the President and/or Commissioner will take one or more of the following actions:

i. Require that individual and/or team records and performances achieved during participation by the ineligible student be vacated or stricken.

ii. Require that team victories be forfeited to the opponent(s).

iii. Require that team awards earned by the school or individual awards earned by the ineligible student be returned to the Association.

C. Enrollment and Team Membership

1. To be eligible to participate and/or try-out for a sport or activity, a student must be enrolled full-time in grades 8-12 inclusive at the school seeking eligibility for that student.

i. Enrollment is defined as follows:

Fall Semester: when the student participates in a practice or contest before classes begin, or the student attends classes. Spring Semester: when the student attends classes.

ii. A student may be enrolled in only one (1) member school at a time, and must be under the direction of that school.

iii. The student must be in regular attendance.

2. Students who are ruled ineligible for GISA competitions are prohibited from representing a GISA school in a varsity contest regardless of the opponent.

D. Age : To be eligible to participate in interscholastic activities, a student must not have reached his 19th birthday prior to May 1st , preceding his year of participation.

E. Limits of Participation

1. Students must have a certificate of an annual physical examination on file at the school prior to participating in any athletic try-outs, practices, voluntary workouts or games that indicate the students are physically approved for participation.

i. Physical examinations will be good for twelve (12) months from the date of the exam. EXCEPTION: Any physical examination taken on or after April 1 in the preceding year will be accepted for the entire next school year.

ii. The physical exam must be conducted by a licensed medical physician, doctor of Osteopathic medicine, nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant.

iii. The exam must be signed by an M.D., D.O., or by a Physician’s Assistant, or an Advance Practice Nurse who has been delegated that task by an M.D., or D.O.

2. GISA requires that member schools use the latest edition of the pre- participation physical evaluation form approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics, et. al., found on the GISA web site.

3. A student has eight (8) consecutive semesters or four (4) consecutive years of eligibility from the date of entry into the ninth grade to be eligible for interscholastic competition.

i. A student is not considered to have entered the 9th grade when high school level courses are taken if the student is regularly enrolled in a school in a grade below the ninth grade. ii. Credits earned toward high school graduation which are taken below the ninth grade may be used when considering high school eligibility. iii. The provisions of the eight (8)-semester rule can only be waived in the case of an individual student by the Appeal Committee.

4. Students are allowed only one year of varsity eligibility as an 8 th grade student . (Students are not allowed to repeat the 8 th grade and retain varsity eligibility during the second year as an 8 th grade student.)

NOTE: Students below Grade 8 are not eligible to participate in any GISA sanctioned varsity sports or literary events.

5. Only students enrolled and attending a GISA school may participate in a GISA interscholastic sport or activity. Said student must be an enrolled student, and this includes JV team (9 th -10 th ) sports and activities as well. An exception to this would be high school/college joint enrollment as explained in Section 7, (F) #12.

NOTE: This not only has reference to home school students but also to students from feeder schools that are registered to attend next year.

6. JV (9th-10th) Squad Eligibility

Students participating on JV teams of a member school are required to meet the age limit, but are not required to meet other eligibility requirements. Only students enrolled and attending a GISA school may participate in a GISA interscholastic sport or activity.

7. Students in Grade 9 and higher may participate on both the varsity and one (1) sub-varsity team in the same sport with the following limitations:

i. Football: A player may not participate in interscholastic competitions more than six (6) quarters per week, beginning with the varsity game, excluding special teams.

ii. Basketball: During any one game day, an individual player may play up to a total of thirty-two (32) minutes in regular games (overtime excluded). Regardless of the total minutes played on a given day (again, not to exceed 32 minutes, except overtime), this will count as one of the 26 maximum games allowed.

iii. Soccer : A player may not participate in interscholastic competition more than three (3) halves per calendar day. (NOTE: Tournaments are exempt from this restriction.)

NOTE : Violations of these participation rules in ANY sport will result in a mandatory fine and an automatic forfeiture of the game in which the student exceeded the limit. Additional penalties may be imposed by the President and/or Commissioner in extreme circumstances.

8. The number of contests, start and end dates , and the number of practice days allowed for each sport or activity can be found listed in Appendix. (NOTE: The season ends for a team when that team is eliminated from the post-season competition or wins the State Championship in that sport.) The GISA’s Calendar will be approved by the member schools in November each year for the subsequent school year.

9. A student’s gender is determined as follows:

i. Girls may participate on boys’ teams when there is no girls’ team offered in that sport or activity by the school. Boys may not participate on girls’ teams even when there is no corresponding boys’ sport or activity. Cheerleading is a coed sport.

ii. GISA will not make gender identity determinations. The determination will be made by the gender listed on the Birth Certificate at the time of birth.

F. ACADEMIC STANDING

1. To be eligible to participate, practice, and/or try out in interscholastic activities, a student must be academically eligible. A student is required to pass classes that carry at least 5 credits (per semester) counting toward graduation the semester immediately preceding participation. EXCEPTION: First semester ninth-grade students.

o Passing in all GISA member schools is determined by the school by awarding a credit.

2. For schools offering courses with year-long grading, eligibility will be determined at the end of each individual semester. Yearly averages will not be used for determining eligibility unless half credits are issued each semester.

3. Students gain or lose eligibility on the first day of the subsequent semester. The first day of the Fall semester will be interpreted as the first date of practice for the first sport. Exception: Students who successfully complete summer school to maintain eligibility become eligible the last day of summer school.

i. Summer school is an extension of the previous semester and courses may be:

o Remedial in nature where a previously-taken course is repeated in its entirety with a new grade being given. o Enrichment in nature where a new course is taken that results in new credit being earned.

4. A maximum of two (2) unit credits earned in summer school may be counted for eligibility purposes. NOTE: Additional credits may be earned.

5. Summer school credits earned in non-accredited home study programs or non-accredited private schools may not be used to gain eligibility. Accreditation recognized under the rule will be from the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA), Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC) or a regional accreditation agency (such as COGNIA or SAIS- COGNIA).

6. An independent study course taken in summer school must be regionally accredited and accepted by the school for graduation credit.

o Courses completed after the beginning of a new semester may not be used to gain eligibility for that semester. Example: night school classes, correspondence courses, etc. o Independent study courses taken during the school year must meet the criteria of #2 above.

7. A student who has passed in 5 unit subjects for the first semester (approximately one-half of the academic school year) is eligible for the second semester. A student who passes in 5 unit subjects, or their equivalent, for the second semester or for the year is eligible for the following year. If a school is on the quarter system, a student must pass 5 unit subjects, or their equivalent, for the first quarter (approximately one-third of the regular academic year) in order to be eligible for the second quarter. A student must pass 5 unit subjects, or their equivalent, for the second quarter to be eligible for the third quarter. A student must pass 5 unit subjects, or their equivalent, for the third quarter or for the year in order to be eligible for the first quarter of the following year. Of the 5 unit subjects, 3 units MUST be in the following subject areas: English, Foreign Language, Science, Social Science, Mathematics, Religion, and Business Education. Excluded from any credit is teacher’s aide, office aide, or their equivalent.

8. Students failing to pass the required 5 unit subjects for the first semester may be allowed to become eligible at the end of the 3 rd nine weeks grading period if they are passing the required 5 unit subjects at that time. Students must have passed at least three (3) subjects at the semester to be eligible to gain eligibility in this manner.

9. All Students must be currently taking 4 or more classes to be eligible.

10. INTERPRETATION for BLOCK SCHEDULES : For transfer students’ whose earned credits are from schools on block schedules, simply count the units of credit earned and multiply times two. Example: A student transferring at mid-year with credits from a school using block scheduling, has one credit in Algebra I, one credit in History, and 1/2 credit in Science. Multiply each credit by two for a total of five. Enter 5 on Transfer Student Eligibility Form in place designated for number of credits earned in previous semester.

12. INTERPRETATION for JOINT ENROLLMENT : Students jointly enrolled in both a GISA Interscholastic school and a local college must meet the following criteria to establish eligibility.

i. At least ½ of the students’ schedule or course load must be scheduled and pursued at the GISA Interscholastic school. ii. The school and school head must maintain full and complete discipline and control during the students’ day. iii. Both the local college and school must agree in advance to award the student full and graduation credits for jointly enrolled courses.

13. A student who participates on an intercollegiate athletic team may not participate in any GISA activity.

14. VIRTUAL CLASSES

“Virtual Classes” = Distance Learning Classes; Online Classes: A mode of computer-based education whereby the teacher interacts with students via remote, electronic communications such as video- conferencing, Internet broadcast, or email; sometimes called distance learning or E-Learning.

A. To be eligible to represent your school in any Association sanctioned competition, students taking “virtual classes” must be fully enrolled at your school.

B. Virtual classes must be accredited by a regional accreditation organization (ex., GISA, COGNIA, or SAIS).

C. Students must be enrolled in core classes on campus at least 50% of the school day. (GISA has temporarily modified this rule during the COVID-19 pandemic. If a Head of School deems a student as a full-time student of their school while engaged in distance or hybrid learning, the student will be eligible to participate in athletics.)

D. Virtual classes cannot replace courses offered by your school unless approved by the Head of School for special circumstances.

E. Students can only establish eligibility in one established academic Association. Example: A student cannot be eligible to compete with an Association school and with a home school organization or college.

15. Regaining Academic Eligibility

A. Make-up programs occur when a course has not been completed and an “Incomplete” has been given and the student is given an opportunity to complete the coursework.

B. The student is ineligible until such time as the coursework is completed and the required passing grade has been recorded.

16. Students who do not meet qualifications listed above can request that their Head of School submit an appeal to the GISA Appeal Committee.

G. TRANSFERS

1. A transfer student who has established eligibility at a former school in grades 9-12 will be immediately eligible at the new school if :

i. The student moved simultaneously with the entire parental unit or persons he/she resided with at the former school. This is known as a “bona fide move.”

o It must be apparent that the parent(s) or the persons residing with the student and the student have relinquished the residence in the former location and have occupied a residence in the new area.

o The following factors, although not conclusive, may be evidence of relinquishment of the former residence: Selling the residence and vacating it; OR vacating the residence and listing it for sale at a fair market value; OR vacating the residence and leasing it to another (other than a relative) at fair market value. NOTE: When a family claims multiple residences, the residence for which they apply for a homestead exemption will be declared the primary residence provided the family spends the majority of their time at this residence.

o The bona fide move is validated when the student’s family maintains the new residence for at least one calendar year. A return to the previous location within that year renders the student to be a migrant student. All hardship appeal processes are available.

o Family Move: To be eligible, these criteria will be considered. The new family residence must be: (A) nearer to the school to which they are transferring than they were to the school previously attended. (B) The new residence must be nearer to the school to which they are transferring than the old residence was. (C) The new residence must be farther from the old school than the old residence was. (D) Any move that is not bona fide and is made for the purpose of creating eligibility will be considered illegal, and the student will be ineligible in any GISA (Interscholastic) school for a period of one calendar year.

INTERPRETATION: Students must make the school change at the time of the move to be eligible. Please advise the GISA Office if circumstances prevent change of schools at the time of move, and each situation will be evaluated.

ii. The student was enrolled in a non-member schoo l in Georgia and, without a bona fide move, transferred to a GISA member school:

o It is the initial move of the student from a non-member school to a member school, AND o The student has not yet established eligibility at a member school within the past 12 months.

2. Transfer from one member day school to another member day school : A student is ineligible for one calendar year unless a bona fide move is made.

INTERPRETATION: A student who leaves a member school will be ineligible at another member school for one calendar year regardless of the number of schools attended in between. Spending a summer session or a part of a school year in a non-member school will not allow a student to establish eligibility in a new member school until the year has passed.

3. Transfer from one member day school to a boarding school: A student who transfers as a resident student into a boarding school will be eligible, if all other eligibility requirements are met.

4. Transfer from a boarding school to a day school: A student who transfers from a resident program in a boarding school to a member day school will be eligible, if all other eligibility requirements are met.

5. Once a GISA Interscholastic school has competed against a GHSA school in a specific sport, students on the GHSA Team will be ineligible to participate in that specific sport the remainder of the season if a transfer takes place to the GISA school involved in the competition, unless existing transfer rules apply that would grant eligibility. The student is ineligible from the time the competition took place to the end of the State Championship for that sport.

6. The student transfers from a non-member home school and the receiving school grants credit so that the student has accumulated sufficient units. At the time such credit is given, the student must also have passed a minimum of at least 5 classes the previous semester. The student becomes eligible when credit is awarded officially.

7. If one of his/her parents or the custodial parent is a “full-time” employee of the receiving school. “Full-time” is defined as working a minimum of 30-hours per week for the entire school year.

8. The student has one of the following family related circumstances which will constitute a waiver of the “bona fide move” rule:

i. There is a Superior Court Final Order changing permanent physical custody of the student from one parent to the other parent and the student moves to the residence of the parent receiving custody and attends the member school.

ii. There is a Superior Court Final Order awarding permanent joint physical custody to the parents and the student elects to move from the residence of one parent to the residence of the other parent in a new area and attends the new member school. Provided, however, that such an election can be made only once during a 12-month period beginning the date of the transfer and the Final Order must have specifically awarded the parents “joint physical custody” of the student. An award of “joint legal custody” will not suffice for purposes of this paragraph.

iii. There is a death of the custodial parent with whom the student resided and the student moves to live with the other parent in a new area and attends another member school.

iv. There is a military transfer of one or both custodial parents that requires a change of residence of the student to a new area and the student attends another member school.

NOTE: Eligibility forms for transfer eligibility under paragraphs 9 (i), (ii), and (iii) above must be accompanied by certified copies of applicable Court Orders. Eligibility forms for transfer eligibility under paragraph (9. iv) above must be accompanied by true and correct copies of verifiable deployment orders.

9. Students who are U.S. citizens and who have been enrolled and attended a high school in a foreign country, upon return to the U.S., will be eligible to participate at an Association member school and are otherwise eligible under Association age, eight-semester, academic and other eligibility rules.

10. The migratory rule will be waived one time for boarding students.

i. A “migrant student” is a student who transfers into a GISA school without a bona fide move or without one of the exceptions listed in Section G, #1-6. The student may practice or compete at the sub-varsity level, but may not compete at the varsity level for one calendar year from the date of his entry into the new school.

ii. A student who is not eligible because of Association rules at the former school, and then transfers to a new school, cannot regain eligibility by the transfer. Ineligible students cannot gain eligibility by being adjudicated to YDC and subsequently returning to their resident school with earned credit.

11. All new or returning students must be in school and deemed eligible by GISA forty-five (45) calendar days prior to the state playoffs in the activity in which the student might compete to be eligible.

H. AES Student Eligibility Requirements & Limitations

An AES (Alternatively Educated Student) is one who receives his or her education from a qualified parent, legal guardian, or tutor under the State of Georgia requirements (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690 ) for home schooling.

The GISA eligibility requirements below are adopted in addition to the regulations as enacted by Senate Bill 51 , known as the “Dexter Mosley Act” which “authorizes home study students in grades 6 through 12 to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities, and requires the home study student will complete one qualifying course during any semester the student participates in an extracurricular or interscholastic activity.”

As defined by SB 51, the following are definitions of terms used in these regulations:

“Extracurricular activities” means activities in which students take part on a voluntary basis, which do not offer or provide school or course credits; which are generally conducted outside regular school hours or, if conducted in whole or in part during regular school hours, at times agreed to by the participants and approved by the school officials; and which are managed and operated under the guidance of a teacher, other school employee, or other adult approved by a school official.

“Qualifying course” means an online course facilitated by the AES student’s “Declared School,” by way of a dual enrollment course, or by way of an onsite course required for participation in the designated extracurricular and interscholastic activities.

For participation in a GISA Interscholastic Member School , the following regulations are required:

1. The GISA Member School that initially accepts an AES Student will be considered the student’s “Declared School” for the duration of the student’s eligibility.

2. An AES Student’s primary residence must be within a 45-mile radius of the GISA “Declared School.”

3. Once an AES Student has established a “Declared School,” they are required to participate with that “Declared School” in any interscholastic competition offered by the school. The student becomes associated with the “Declared School” similar to an enrolled student.

4. An AES Student must meet the admission qualifications of the “Declared School.”

5. An AES student must complete one qualifying course during the semester the student participates in an extracurricular or interscholastic activity.

6. The “Declared School” of the AES athlete must complete the GISA Online AES Student Eligibility Application to be considered for eligibility. This application requires the following documents to be submitted:  Official Birth Certificate ( NOT Certificate of Live Birth )  AES Student-Athlete Information Form  A copy of the Declaration of Intent Form that was submitted to the Georgia DOE for the student.

7. According to Georgia homeschool regulations, homeschool students must take an appropriate nationally standardized test at the end of their 9th grade year. The “Declared School” must provide results of the test to the GISA Office. Once a homeschool (AES) student has taken this test in the 9th grade, s/he will have three years left of eligibility in GISA.

8. AES students will be deemed eligible to compete under the authority of the GISA and must meet ALL eligibility and academic requirements as stated in the GISA Student Eligibility section.

9. An AES student must be at least 13 years old to participate in GISA Varsity competitions.

10. To be eligible to participate in interscholastic competitions, an AES student must not have reached his/her 19th birthday prior to May 1st, preceding the year of participation.

11. Students enrolled in a public school are NOT considered AES students and are NOT eligible to participate with a GISA member school.

12. GISA Member Schools are limited to the number of eligible AES students who can compete on teams as follows:

GISA Number of AES Students Allowed

# # Team AES Individual AES Baseball 4 Archery 2 Basketball 2 Cross Country 2 Cheer 3 Golf 1 8-Man Football 3 Clay Target 1 11-Man Football 5 Swimming 2 Soccer 5 Tennis 1 Softball 4 Track & Field 2 Volleyball 2 Wrestling 4 OAP & Literary 2

* All AES students must be noted on all MaxPreps Rosters .

I. International Students

GISA recognizes all exchange programs that are approved through the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) which identifies reputable international youth exchange programs, to provide leadership and support to the exchange and educational communities so that youth are provided with meaningful and safe international exchange experiences, and to promote the importance and educational value of international youth exchange. The current list of approved programs can be found on the CSIET website at www.csiet.org .

A. International students registered with a CSIET-approved program are eligible without appearing before the Appeal Committee, if they arrive BEFORE September 15 .

B. International students registered with a CSIET-approved program that arrive AFTER September 15 , must appear before the Appeal Committee to be considered eligible.

C. International students that live with immediate family (parents, grandparents, or adult siblings) and arrive in this country legally are eligible.

D. International students that arrive in this country legally and are not living with immediate family (parents, grandparents, or adult siblings), and are not under an approved exchange program, must appear before the Appeal Committee to be considered eligible.

E. Students in situations (a), (b), and (d) that remain at the same school are eligible in successive, consecutive years based on establishing eligibility in the GISA School (in the same manner as a migrant student) without having to return to the Appeal Committee.

F. Schools that develop their own “foreign exchange programs” or programs with other exchange organizations (not approved by CSIET) must file paperwork with the GISA Office each year by May 15 of the preceding year of attendance to obtain approval or rejection. If the GISA rejects the request, the school can appeal to the Appeal Committee at their August meeting.

G. All students in situations (a) through (f) above must be submitted for eligibility on paper forms (they cannot be submitted online) and will not be approved without a transcript accompanying the Eligibility Form .

NOTE : The GISA International Student Form MUST be completed for EACH International Student and all requested documentation MUST be submitted to GISA Office in order for eligibility to be considered. All other eligibility requirements (i.e. age, units passed, etc.) must also be met for International students to approved.

J. Physical Examination of Student-Athletes :

The Administrative Head of each school will have on file in the school office:

A certificate of an annual physical examination given by a licensed medical physician, a doctor of Osteopathic medicine, nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant indicating the student is approved for participation in athletic activities before that student may try-out, participate in practice,

conditioning drills or summer activities, or participate in interscholastic contests.

NOTE : Schools are highly encouraged and requested to carry copies of these forms on trips to out of town games to expedite medical attention for injured athletes. The person responsible for these forms should be reminded of the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of the information contained on the forms.

K. Scholarships

1. No student will be given a scholarship purely for athletic purposes.

2. The GISA Office will determine whether or not a scholarship and/or financial aid is being given for athletic purposes.

L. Sports Academy

Students enrolled in a sports academy who wish to also be enrolled in a GISA Interscholastic member school for academic and educational requirements must adhere to the following requirements:

1. Sports academy must be an entity separate from the school. 2. Students will not be eligible for any GISA interscholastic activity. 3. Students will not be eligible for one calendar year after leaving sports academy at the school attended. 4. Students will not count against a school’s enrollment numbers. 5. In August, the school must submit a list of names for all students attending the academy and continue to update any changes as they occur.

M. Blaze Sports

GISA partners with Blaze Sports , a non-profit organization that advances the lives of youth and adults with physical disability through sport and healthy lifestyles. Blaze Sports provides sports training, competitions, summer camps and other sports and recreational opportunities for youth and adults with spinal cord injury, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, muscular dystrophy, amputation, visual impairment or blindness as well as other physical disabilities.

N. Violation of Eligibility Rules

1. A school violating an eligibility rule will be subjected to a fine of not more than $500 for each offense and/or suspension from GISA (Interscholastic) for a period up to a full calendar year and/or forfeiture of games and/or contest involved.

2. The GISA Office is authorized to make such investigation as may be necessary to judge whether or not a school has violated an eligibility rule. When a school is found guilty, the GISA Office is authorized to direct the penalty or penalties.

3. A school found guilty must accept the ruling of the GISA Office and pay any fine imposed or make an appeal within two (2) weeks of the ruling in the manner as prescribed in Section 1.D of the Governing Rules. ______

SECTION 8: SUMMER POLICY & SPECIAL PROVISIONS

GISA does not sanction, sponsor, promote, approve, or disapprove any individual school’s summer activity. Therefore, each GISA school has the right and privilege of choosing the degree and nature of involvement for summer activities. Also, each must understand and accept that GISA assumes no liability or purview for any summer activities.

A. Required Guidelines for Implementation :

1. GISA’s Catastrophic Insurance is in effect for all school-sponsored summer team activities whether on or off campus. No student is covered while in attendance at an individual or specialty camp.

2. School heads must ensure total and adequate supervision and liability. In permitting or sponsoring participation, the head is assuring GISA that they assume all responsibility (inherent, expressed, or implied) for any summer activity conducted by anyone associated with the school. Should coaches participate without said approval from the school, full responsibility rests totally with the school.

3. Therefore, any school, on their own, may sponsor, schedule, etc. any summer activity not in conflict with written GISA rules. This includes, but is not restricted to camps, practices, clinics, field trips, summer school, literary camps, and tournaments, and any other activity for which the school takes sole responsibility.

4. Summer is defined from the last day of school until fall sports practice begins as published in the GISA Calendar of Events .

5. Practices may be held during the summer months in any individual school approved activity. Football practices in pads are still restricted to Fall starting dates, as per GISA Rules & Regulations .

6. Students may participate in leagues; however, they may not officially represent a school during the summer months

7. Practices, camps, and/or clinics may or may not be taught by coaches of the school’s team. However, for liability and safety reasons the school must provide appropriate supervision.

8. Summer activities may or may not be held on school property. Proper arrangements should be made with authorities for the use of the facilities.

B. Severe Weather & Heat Index

All Georgia Independent School Association Interscholastic Member Schools (“Member School(s)”) are required to comply with the following policy effective August 1, 2012. This policy applies to all practices and conditioning in all sports, but does not apply to games. This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees after the conclusion of the 2012 calendar year, at which time comments and suggestions for the improvement of the policy will be solicited from all Member Schools, coaches, trainers, and officials, and appropriate modifications made.

1. Definitions.

A. “Practice” means the period of time that a student engages in coach- supervised, school-approved preparation for sport whether indoors or outdoors, including Acclimation Activities, conditioning, weight training, distance running, and scrimmages, but not including a Walk Through.

B. “Walk Through” means the period of time, not exceeding one hour per day, that a student engages in coach-supervised, school-approved sessions, whether indoors or outdoors, to work on formations, schemes, and techniques without physical contact. No protective equipment is worn during a Walk Through. No conditioning activities are held during a Walk Through. A Walk Through may not be held on a day when two practices are being held.

C. “Acclimation Activities” in football means practicing in shorts, shoulder pads and helmets for five consecutive weekdays prior to practicing in full pads. No contact will be allowed during this period. Starting Date for Acclimation is July 25.

D. “WBGT” stands for the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature reading, which is a composite temperature used to estimate the effect of air temperature, humidity, and solar radiation on the human body, expressed in degrees. It is not equated with the “Heat Index.”

2. Policy

A. All Member Schools will utilize at each Practice a scientifically approved instrument that measures WBGT.

B. At the following WBGT readings the corresponding activity, hydration, and rest break guidelines apply:

Under 82.0 Normal activities. Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour of a minimum duration of 3 minutes each during Practice.

82.0 - 86.9 Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise. Watch at-risk students carefully. Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour of a minimum of four-minutes duration each during Practice.

87.0 - 89.9 Maximum outdoor Practice time is two hours. For football, students are restricted to helmet, shoulder pads, and shorts during Practice. All protective equipment must be removed for conditioning activities. For all sports, provide at least four separate rest breaks each hour of a minimum of four minutes each during Practice.

90.0 - 92.0 Maximum outdoor Practice time is one hour. No protective equipment may be worn during outdoor Practice and there may be no outdoor conditioning activities. There must be twenty minutes of rest breaks provided during the hour of outdoor Practice.

Over 92 No outdoor activities or exercise. Delay outdoor Practice until a lower WBGT reading occurs.

C. The following guidelines apply to hydration and rest breaks:

1. Rest time should involve both unlimited hydration (water or electrolyte drinks) and rest without any activity involved.

2. For football, helmets should be removed during rest time.

3. The site of the rest time should be a cooling zone not in direct sunlight, such as indoors, under a tent, or under a shade tree.

4. When the WBGT is over 86, ice towels and spray bottles filled with ice water should be available in the cooling zone and cold immersion tubs will be available for a student showing signs of heat illness. A cold immersion tub may be anything, including a shower or wading pool that can be adapted to immerse a student in cold water and ice which is available within two-minutes travel from an outdoor Practice facility.

D. The following guidelines apply to Practice :

1. All Member Schools must hold Acclimation Activities.

2. No two-a-day Practices may exceed four hours for both sessions; no single Practice during two-a-days may exceed two hours. A three- hour rest period must be observed between the two sessions.

3. No single Practice may last more than three hours.

4. Restrictions based on outdoor WBGT readings do not apply to indoor Practice where indoor air temperature is 85 degrees or less.

3. Penalties

Member Schools violating this policy will be fined a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $1,000 for the first offense. A Member School may be removed from membership for repeat violations.

C. Suspended or Postponed Games

1. If a game is suspended or postponed : The two schools involved must agree on a solution within a reasonable amount of time (within 2 hours) or the game is to be resumed at the interrupted time on a date to be agreed upon by the two heads of school within forty-eight (48) hours. If the two heads of school cannot agree on a time, the decision will come from the GISA Office. The GISA Office will be notified of the decision by the two schools involved.

2. Schools are required to develop their own severe weather policy.

3. In the event of the threat of severe weather (observed lightning or thunder in the area, or weather bureau-announced tornado warnings or watch) during the course of an outdoor sporting event, the head of school and/or coaches of the competing teams, by agreement, have the authority to suspend the event until non-threatening conditions return.

4. Schools are required to have weather detection devices that give warning if severe weather is in the area.

D. SCRIMMAGES & PRACTICES

Each school will be allowed ONE (1) Scrimmage . EXCEPTION: In Football, if a team does not participate in any spring practice, then one additional scrimmage will be allowed.

A SCRIMMAGE is defined as: A regular contest that takes place between the first allowable date to practice and the first allowable date to play a game/match. All normal rules of a game/match must be followed with one exception for Football. In a Football Scrimmage, there will be NO LIVE SPECIAL TEAMS. Schools will be allowed to charge admission. The Scoreboard/Game Clock and Officials must be used.

NOTE: NO CONTACT will be allowed the day following a Scrimmage!!!

Schools may have PRACTICE with one or more schools. These PRACTICE'S must meet ALL OF THE FOLLOWING guidelines:

1. There will be NO OFFICIALS.

2. You may NOT charge admission.

3. No score will be kept. ______

SECTION 9: TEAMS

A. Elite Teams

A member school will have no more than one varsity team in any sport. This rule covers competition inside and outside the GISA. No interscholastic school is permitted to have an elite team in any activity.

B. Playing a Non-Region Schedule

A school may choose to play a non-region schedule in football, basketball, and/or baseball, and this choice is in effect for the two-year scheduling period.

1. A school playing a non-region schedule may not participate in post-season competition. 2. Results of games with a school playing a non-region schedule may not be used in region standings.

C. Game Contracts

Two-year contracts are required for all scheduled athletic contests in football, volleyball, softball, basketball, baseball, and soccer, unless otherwise stipulated and agreed upon by both schools in the contract. Official contracts will also be required annually in wrestling and competitive cheerleading. All contracts must be kept on file by the Host School(s) and be available upon request of the GISA Office if needed.

D. Rosters, Schedules & Scores on MaxPreps

Schools are required to place their team rosters, team schedules (with accurate date and start times) and scores on MaxPreps website at (www.maxpreps.com). Scores must be recorded immediately following the conclusion of the game/meet/match. Failure to report scores within 24 hours will result in fine(s) for non-compliance. ______

SECTION 10: TOURNAMENTS, PLAY-OFFS, POST-SEASON &

ALL-STARS

SECTION 10: TOURNAMENTS, PLAY-OFFS, POST- SEASON and ALL-STARS All tournaments and playoffs must be approved by the GISA Office.

A. Official Balls Wilson Sporting Goods will provide the “Official Balls” for GISA as follows:

FOOTBALL: GST Leather Football (NFHS Approved) WTF1003B SOFTBALL: NFHS Softball – WTA9011BSST BASKETBALL: NCAA Solution Official Game Basketball (Boys and Girls) SOCCER: NCAA Forte FYbrid Official Championship Match Ball VOLLEYBALL: K-1 Gold BASEBALL: NFHS Baseball – WTA1010HS1SST

The Official Wilson Balls listed here are the only balls that can be used during regular season and postseason sports. The HOME Team is responsible for providing the official ball. The penalty for non-compliance will be $1000 for first offense, and forfeiture of contest for second offense. ( Exception : In Football, both teams will be responsible for providing their own Official Wilson Ball.)

B. All-Star Events

1. Schools must request approval from the GISA Office for participation in All-Star Events.

i. Member schools will not permit their teams or players to participate in “Bowl” or “All Star” games during the GISA regular season or during GISA playoffs. Players selected to participate in out-of-season all-star games must adhere to GISA amateur standing rules, and to NCAA regulations regarding all-star games.

ii. Coaches who are going to coach their own underclass players in an all-star game must report this to the GISA Office.

2. All-Star games may be held in any activity approved by the GISA Office. Student All-Stars must be seniors or have graduated (if All-Star games are conducted in the summer).

3. All-Star players will be selected by the All-Star coaches selected to coach the All-Star team, under supervision and direction of the GISA.

C. Academic-Athlete Awards

Each year the GISA Coaches' Association may present a Morris Johnson Athletic / Academic Achievement Award . Criteria for selection must be approved in advance during a meeting of interscholastic schools. The GISA Office will annually review and approve the final list of qualified students. The GISA Coaches’ Association will furnish all funding for this award. ______

SECTION 11: STATE COMPETITIONS

1. The President and/or Commissioner will determine the activities in which State Tournament, Playoffs, and/or Meets are to be held.

A. In order for a new sport to have a state competition to determine a state champion, the sport or activity must show significant growth and financial stability for a period of three (3) years.

B. The President and/or Commissioner will ask the Athletic Committee and a sport liaison to monitor the sport.

C. In order to have a State Championship in an Open Meet Event, there must be a minimum of ten (10) teams participating and this will be determined with the “Intent to Participate” form that is submitted to the GISA Office the preceding school year. Schools which submit this form and then withdraw from that sport will be fined.

2. The President and/or Commissioner will determine and provide adequate sites for all State Tournaments, Playoffs, and/or Meets to successfully conduct the event.

A. Tournament sites will not be available to participating teams for practice prior to the tournaments.

B. GISA will have full rights to the use of the Association logo at these events, and have full and complete rights to the sale of championship merchandise at the venue. GISA will also have the right to display signage of corporate partners and to restrict the use of goods in the competitive area that promote a competitor of GISA corporate partners.

3. GISA will provide team trophies for State Champions and Runners-Up in all State activities.

4. The President and/or Commissioner is authorized to modify all competition dates, times, sites, officiating requirements and other practical and logistical matters.

5. Individual students qualifying for state competition in athletic and/or literary events are required to participate in the state event. Any school failing to notify the GISA Office at least twenty-four (24) hours before the event will be fined $50.

6. Teams qualifying for state competition in athletic events are required to participate in the state event. If a team qualifies and does not attend they will subject the school to a $2500 fine for the first offense. For a second offense, the school will be subjected to a $2500 fine plus forfeiture of participation in the next season’s playoffs. All other circumstances will be reviewed and considered by the GISA Office. ______

SECTION 12: ATHLETICS

1. All athletics will be played under the rules and regulations of the National Federation of State High School (NFHS) except archery, swimming, tennis, golf, and clay target sports.

 Archery will use the National Archery in the School Program (NASP) Rules.  Swimming will use the United States Swimming (USS) Rules and Regulations book. Tennis will use the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Rule Book.  Golf will use the USGA Rules of Golf .,  Clay Target Sports will use National Skeet Association (NSSA), National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA) , and Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA) .

2. Practices or competitions before the beginning date or after the ending dates listed in the Appendix under “Dates of Importance” are ILLEGAL . An illegal practice is defined as more than 3 athletes participating in any extracurricular activity under the direct or indirect supervision of a coach or coaches at one time. This includes community coaches. The penalty for violation is forfeiture of the playoffs in the sport in which the violation occurred.

3. Try-Outs: All try-outs must be conducted after the official start date of each sport with the exception of competitive cheer.

A. Students must be enrolled at a school in order to try-out for all GISA- sanctioned sports. A student may be enrolled in only one school at a time.

B. Enrolled migrant students may try-out for a GISA-sanctioned sport but may not represent the school at the varsity level during the school year until the migratory sit-out period has ended.

C. Students must meet academic eligibility requirements in order to try-out.

4. The GISA Coaches Association will assist in selection of All-State and/or All-Star players, teams, and awards. Only eligible Seniors may be selected to the All-Star Teams.

5. Disruptive behavior of any kind, to include but not limited to protests, demonstrations, profanity, racial, ethnic, or sexist comments, or other intimidating actions, will not be tolerated and may be grounds for removal from the event, as well as possible cause for dismissal from the league.

A. ARCHERY

1. Archery will follow the Equipment, Meet Format and Safety Procedures of the National Archery in the School Program (NASP) .

2. Archery is a non-classification event with no differentiation on teams for gender.

3. All Coaches must have a Basic Archery Instructor (BAI) Certification or equivalent.

4. All Varsity Archers must meet all GISA eligibility rules and be on the current school eligibility list approved by the GISA. If a student is not listed on an approved roster and approved eligible, s/he will be disqualified and the school will be fined. Only 8th Graders and above will be allowed to participate on Varsity teams

5. All Schools must participate in at least two meets, GISA or NASP, of which their shooters must participate in at least one of the two to qualify for the State Meet.

6. A Team includes all athletes and coaches representing a school . For the State Championship each school’s Team Score will be the total of their top Six shooters in both Bullseye and 3D disciplines added together. A Middle School Team Score will be the top four shooter’s scores added together from just the Bullseye Competition.

7. Awards at the State Meet will be Champion and Runner-Up. The individual awards will be presented to the top male and female scorers based on the number of participants. ______

B. BASEBALL

1. The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Rules of Baseball is the official guide with exceptions as may be noted in this section.

2. Baseball is a State Championship event in each classification, and schools are aligned on a regional basis.

3. Official Ball: Wilson Sporting Goods will provide the “Official Balls” for GISA.

BASEBALL: NFHS Baseball – WTA1010HS1SST

The Official Wilson Balls listed here are the only balls that can be used during regular season and postseason sports. The HOME Team is responsible for providing the official ball. The penalty for non-compliance will be $1000 for the first offense and forfeiture of contest for the second offense.

4. Clinic Attendance or Rules Tests are required of all varsity and assistant varsity coaches at either the Annual Coaches' Clinic and/or GISA Clinics (officially sponsored and conducted by GISA approved and registered officials’ associations). GISA and/or the Coaches’ Association will administer clinics. In lieu of clinic attendance, each coach must take and pass a rules test (administered by the GISA Office) at least 10 days prior to start of season or first regular season game. Failure to attend a clinic or pass a rules test prior to coaching will subject the coach to a $100 fine. Coaches are not allowed to be on the sideline or in the dugout until rules compliance is met. The penalty for coaching while not under compliance will be $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, etc.

5. The maximum number of games allowed (not including state playoffs) is twenty-three (23) .

6. A school will not allow its baseball team to engage in an interscholastic practice and/or scrimmage game after the first regular season game.

7. All varsity baseball games will be played with officially-dressed officials who are registered with the GISA.

i. The school is responsible for contacting and executing a signed contract with the Officials Association for their Home games.

ii. The host school has the responsibility of providing security escorts for umpires at all regular-season games.

8. The following items allowed in the NFHS Rule Book as “State Adoptions” have been adopted by the GISA:

i. A game will end anytime that a team is 10 or more runs behind and has completed five or more turns at bat. A game will end anytime that a team is 15 or more runs behind and has completed three or more turns at bat.

ii. If a baseball game is ended by the umpire on account of darkness, rain, thunder and lightning, or other causes, and four-and-a-half (4 ½) innings have been played, it is a regulation game if the home team does not need their 1/2 inning. If the game is not complete or goes into extra innings, the game will be completed at a later date and will be continued from the point of suspension.

iii. The use of the “courtesy runner” is the only “speed-up rule” that has been adopted. Being a courtesy runner does not count as a game played.

9. The following interpretations have been approved by GISA:

A. Termination of the game due to weather, unplayable conditions, or mechanical malfunctions:

1. The umpires may halt play for up to two hours when conditions do not allow play to continue.

i. The two-hour interruption(s) is cumulative.

ii. The game must be terminated when the two-hour time has elapsed. If the first game of a doubleheader is terminated, the second game will be postponed.

iii. The two-hour period does not include time needed to prepare the field for the resumption of play.

2. Umpires must wait for at least thirty (30) minutes before terminating a game for unplayable field conditions.

10. Pitching Restrictions :

A. Maximum Pitches in One Day : High School - 110 Middle School - 90

B. Required Rest Periods :

High School Middle School * 1-35 Pitches 0 Days 1-24 Pitches 0 Days 36-60 Pitches 1 Day 25-44 Pitches 1 Day 61-85 Pitches 2 Days 45-64 Pitches 2 Days 86-110 Pitches ^ 3 Days 65-90 Pitches ^ 3 Days

^120 allowed in post season series ^100 allowed in post season series

*All 8th graders will be treated as a Middle Schooler no matter what level they are pitching. Also, an 8th grader will be allowed 10 additional pitches for a High School Post-season series.

NOTE : A pitcher appearing in consecutive games may not throw more than 60 pitches (45 for Middle School) cumulative over a two-day period. Once his total reaches 60 pitches (45 for Middle School) on the second consecutive day of pitching, he will be required to rest for a day before appearing again.

C. A pitcher at any level (varsity or sub-varsity) will be allowed to finish the batter when the pitch count limit is reached during an at- bat but must be replaced immediately when that at-bat ends.

D. A “Day of Rest” is defined as a calendar day. Example: a varsity level pitcher who reaches the 110-pitch limit on a Tuesday would not be allowed to pitch again until Saturday.

E. Tabulation of Pitch Counts - It will be the responsibility of each team to track their own pitch counts throughout the game. And at the conclusion of the game, the head coaches will meet to approve and agree upon the respective pitch counts for each team. It will then be the responsibility of the home team head coach to enter the agreed- upon numbers into the online database as directed by the GISA Office. Pitch Counts must be entered into the Online Pitch Count Program by 8:00 AM the next day.

F. In games vs. non-GISA member schools, the GISA pitching restrictions will be adhered to, regardless of the pitch count policy of the host school affiliation or state Association. When playing out of state, it is the GISA member school’s responsibility to report the pitch count information to the GISA Office.

G. State Tournament - The format for all rounds will be a “best-of- three” series with the first two games being played on the first day. During the State Tournament, pitchers in grades 9-12 will not be allowed to throw more than 120 pitches over a three-game series (100 for 8th graders).

H. If a school is found to have violated any of the provisions of this policy, the offending school will be fined $500. Additionally, the head coach at that level will be assessed a two-game suspension, and the game will be forfeited. Any subsequent violation during the same season will result in penalties being doubled, and the head coach being required to meet with the President and/or Commissioner prior to being reinstated to coach.

I. Contracts are required for all regular-season contests. Contracted games cannot be canceled for any reason other than weather-related playing conditions without the approval of the GISA Office. NOTE: When rescheduling, region games take priority.

STATE BASEBALL PLAYOFFS:

A. In order to host a State Playoff Game , the host school must be able to provide the following:

1. Seating for 100 attendees (calculated at 24 inches per seat). 2. Adequate restroom facilities for the size of the crowd. 3. A dressing room or locker room for the Visiting Team. 4. A field that is properly marked at all times. The field must have an outfield fence not less than 280 feet from home plate. 5. Portable pitching mounds are prohibited during the playoffs.

B. All rounds of the State Playoff involve a best two-of-three series.

1. Officials will be assigned by the GISA Office. Three officials will be used in all playoff games. Four officials will be used in the Championship Series.

2. The higher seeded team will host all three games.

3. The host team will be the home team in the first game and the “IF” game, and the visiting team will be the home team in the second game.

4. At the end of each day, the host school will report the results to the GISA Office or a designated location.

5. The responsibilities of the host team are to: i. Furnish game balls. ii. Notify the GISA Office as to the arrangements for the series.

6. In the event that two schools involved cannot agree on the arrangements for the series (dates, times, etc.), the brackets will be used.

7. In the event that a State Playoff game is suspended prior to becoming a legal game, it will resume from the point of interruption on the next available date. If that date cannot be agreed upon by the competing schools, the GISA President and/or Commissioner will determine the playing date.

C. The playing dates for the State Tournament are listed in the Beginning and Ending Dates published in the Appendix. In all cases, a doubleheader will be played on Day 1, followed by the “IF” Game on Day 2. ______

C. BASKETBALL

1. National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Rules of Basketball is the official guide with exceptions as may be noted in this section.

2. Basketball is a State Championship event in each classification for boys and girls.

3. Official Ball: Wilson Sporting Goods will provide the “Official Balls” for GISA.

BASKETBALL: NCAA Solution Official Game Basketball (Boys and Girls)

The Official Wilson Balls listed here are the only balls that can be used during regular season and postseason sports. The HOME Team is responsible for providing the official ball. The penalty for non-compliance will be $1000 for the first offense and forfeiture of contest for the second offense.

5. The number of basketball games allowed (not including regional and state tournaments) is twenty-six (26) regular season games either in head- to-head competition or in invitational tournaments that have been approved by the GISA.

NOTE : All basketball schedules and contracts are to be completed by start of the season .

6. The school should choose only one of either (i), (ii), or (iii) to meet game limit requirements:

i. A school may count as one of the twenty-six (26) single games any game on any day that the student plays, regardless of the number of times that the student athlete or basketball player has entered that one single game on that day.

ii. A school or team may also choose to keep in its official season scoring book for each player the number of games counted by quarters. Since 26 games are allowed, 26 x 4 quarters (excluding overtime) = 104 quarters. Also, when necessary, a junior varsity player may be allowed to play part of his/her quarters in the junior varsity game and the remaining quarters in the varsity but not vice-versa. Further, using this method, any time a player enters the game during a quarter, this counts as a quarter of playing time. This is in keeping with past practices and the intentions of the twenty-six (26) game rule of the association regarding these matters.

iii. During any one game day, an individual player may play up to a total of thirty-two (32) minutes in regular games (overtime excluded). Regardless of the total minutes played on a given day (again, not to exceed thirty-two (32) minutes, except overtime), this will count as one of the 26 maximum games allowed.

iv. Regardless of the method chosen, no athlete may participate in more than thirty-two (32) minutes of basketball, excluding overtime, in any one day.

7. The following limitations exist for basketball games:

i. Warm-up time between games will be no less than fifteen (15) minutes. The game clock operator will start the clock between games when the last player from the previous game leaves the court.

ii. Sub-varsity games will be played using seven (7) minute quarters. Playing time may be reduced on a night that precedes a school day.

iii. All basketball varsity games that involve both boys and girls must begin no later than 6:30 PM. JV or middle school games must terminate no later than 6:15 PM.

8. BASKETBALL MERCY RULE : In accordance with National Federation rule options, the second half of a game may be reduced to six (6) minute quarters while using normal timing/scoring rules when:

i. The point differential at halftime is forty (40) points or greater, and the coach of the trailing team wishes to have the “Mercy Rule” imposed.

ii. The point differential at the beginning of the fourth (4th) quarter is thirty (30) points or greater, the “Mercy Rule” will be invoked automatically.

9. SHOT CLOCK (Year 1) 2021-2022 Season = Intro Phase Schools can choose to play Non-Region games with a Shot Clock as long as both schools agree in Non-Region play to use it.

Region Games, Region Tournament Games, and State Tournament Games will be played without a Shot Clock.

(Year 2) 2022-2023 A Shot Clock is MANDATORY for all games including Region and State Play.

10. All varsity basketball games will be played with officially-dressed basketball officials who are registered with GISA.

i. The host school must provide an adult (21 or older) to maintain the official scorebook and electronic clock/scoreboard at all varsity games.

ii. The host school must provide a safe and secure changing area near the playing court for contest officials one hour prior to game time, during the duration of the contest(s), and until the contest officials depart the facility. The changing are must be free from traffic by school staff, students, and spectators.

iii. The host school has the responsibility for providing security escorts for officials at all regular season games and tournaments.

11. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION :

A. Cheerleaders at basketball games will be restricted from the area at the end of the court during the time a game is in progress unless they are more than eight (8) feet from the boundary line of the court.

i. This includes when cheerleaders are in an “L” shape with part on the sideline and part on the end line.

ii. The host school or tournament director is responsible for enforcing this rule.

iii. Cheerleaders will not occupy spectator seating and will be in designated courtside areas.

iv. Mascots will be members of the student body.

B. Artificial Noisemakers Schools will not permit the use of artificial noisemakers or other electronically amplifying devices used by fans, students, or coaches to cheer or harass players before, during, or after any GISA event.

Artificial noisemakers are defined as instruments that produce a wave or vibration (audible, electromagnetic, or other signal) generated by a human source.

EXAMPLES of ARTIFICIAL NOISEMAKERS: Megaphones, Bullhorns, Cowbells, Air Horns, and Whistles

FOR INDOOR SPORTS (Basketball ; Volleyball): Artificial Noisemakers are prohibited for indoor sports.

FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS (Football, Softball, Soccer, Baseball) Artificial noisemakers, except air horns, whistles, or any other electronic devices, are permitted for outdoor sports. Illegal artificial noisemakers will be confiscated when visible and/or used.

C. Bands will play only during intervals between periods or during timeouts; the host school is responsible for enforcing this rule.

D. The practice of cutting or removing nets or hanging on the rim or backboard is prohibited at all GISA games.

E. All spectators must wear shirts during the games.

F. The host school should provide dressing areas for visiting teams in close proximity to the playing floor. Game managers, in conjunction with game officials, may extend halftime intermission to 15 minutes if the dressing area is not in close proximity to the playing floor.

G. Coaching boxes must be marked on the floor in both bench areas with one line that is 28 feet from the end line of the court.

H. An “X” must be marked on the floor in front of the spot where the scorekeeper sits in order to facilitate the substitution process.

I. In accordance with NFHS Rules, the official scorer is required to wear a black-and-white, vertically-striped shirt.

J. There will be a minimum warm-up time of 15 minutes between multiple games.

12. REGION BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS:

A. The Tournament Director will secure the services of competent scorekeeper(s) and clock operator(s). Students are not allowed to be scorers or timers.

B. No team will have the privilege of placing its scorekeeper and/or timekeeper at or near the position of the official scorekeeper and clock operator.

13. Officials’ Associations for all sub-region and region tournaments must be agreed upon by the Region or a NEUTRAL Association will be used.

A. It is recommended that the same number of officials be used in sub- region/region tournaments as used in the State Tournament.

B. Issues for covering the tournament will be handled by the Tournament Director and the assigning officer of the selected Officials’ Association.

14. Sub-region and/or region tournament dates and game times must be submitted to the GISA Office no later than January 15th of that season. If the sites are to be determined by region standings, that information will be submitted to the GISA Office within 24 hours of the site determination.

15. STATE BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

A. In the 1 st Round of the State Basketball Tournament, the higher seeded teams will host.

B. Officials will be assigned by the GISA Office. There will be three (3) officials on the court in all State Tournament games. The officials in all games will have complete control over all features of the game.

C. Official Scorekeepers for the State Championship Games will be selected by the GISA Office.

D. The host team will provide an adult (21 or older) timer and scorer.

E. All other GISA Rules & Regulations pertaining to the State Tournament apply to these games except where specified.

F. STATE BASKETBALL PLAY-OFF VENUE CRITERIA In order to host a State Basketball Play-Off Game, the venue must have a minimum seating capacity of 500 and four (4) adequate locker rooms. If the venue is not at a GISA Member School, the host school must obtain prior approval from GISA no later than a week prior to the start of the State Tournament.

G. Until eliminated from the tournament of its respective classification, each team will be entitled to free admission for the remainder of the round. Example: Team A Girls eliminated in Round 1 may receive free admission for Boys games in Round 1 but not Round 2 and beyond.

H. Team Instructions for State Tournament games will be communicated by the GISA Office.

I. The higher seed is designated as the home team and will wear white jerseys .

J. Upon arriving at the tournament site, the head coach or a designee will:

i. Submit a complete lineup to the official scorer. ii. Verify with the opposing coach the color of jerseys being worn.

K. Tournament sites will not be available to participating teams prior to the tournament. EXCEPTION: When the team of the host school is in the tournament.

i. Teams playing in the first game of the day will have access to the court no earlier than fifteen (15) minutes before game time. ii. There will be fifteen (15) minutes between tournament games. iii. Players are prohibited from warming up on the court at halftime intermission of the preceding games.

L. Each team is responsible for providing its own basketballs for warm-ups, towels, training supplies, and half-time refreshments, unless notified differently by the GISA Office. The GISA will provide game balls for the Finals.

M. Each school is responsible for the behavior of its coaches, players, and spectators at tournament games. Therefore, the behavior of these groups must be monitored by school administrators, especially (but not exclusively) in the following areas:

i. No bands, artificial noise makers, banners or signs, radios or other music-producing devices are allowed. ii. Throwing objects on the floor will not be tolerated. iii. Cutting nets, hanging on rims, and climbing on backboards is prohibited. iv. Displays of unsportsmanlike conduct directed toward the opposing team or the officials will not be tolerated. vi. Spectators are not allowed on the court at any time prior to, during, or following the game. Players are not allowed to go into the spectators’ area following the game.

16. BASKETBALL FILM EXCHANGE During the State Basketball Tournament, basketball coaches are required to use Film Exchange Software (HUDL or QwikCut) to exchange game film of the two (2) most recently played games. This film exchange must be made within 24-hours of their last game. Coaches are encouraged to use Film Exchange Software for regular season film exchange as well.

17. Each school in the tournament is allowed to have one video camera filming only its games under the following conditions:

A. The video personnel of the school must film from an area designated by the Tournament Director.

B. Video of the tournament game(s) may neither be shown at the school or in the community for admission nor on cable television without authorization from the GISA Office.

18. BASKETBALL : Cumulative Unsportsmanlike Conduct Technical Fouls

Varsity Basketball Players and Coaches may receive two cumulative unsportsmanlike conduct technical fouls in a season without further increase in sanctions. The third (3rd) cumulative unsportsmanlike technical will result in a one game suspension to be served the following game and a $50 fine from the school. The fourth (4th) technical will result in a two game suspension to be served the following two games and a $100 fine. A fifth (5th) technical will result in a suspension for the remainder of the season. This rule will not interfere with rules in place regarding ejections but will be in addition to said rule. For example, Player/Coach #1 has one accumulated unsportsmanlike technical foul and receives two (2) more in the same game. Player/Coach would be ejected, miss the following previously scheduled game, and pay $50 fine for ejection. Player/Coach would also be suspended for one additional game because of three (3) accumulated technicals. Any Player/Coach construed by the Officials to be baiting an opponent with known cumulative technical foul problems will be subject to be disciplined very severely by the GISA Office, including game suspensions, fines, or game forfeiture. NOTE: Administrative Technicals and Bench Technicals NOT called directly on the Coach do not count toward cumulative technical, for example, incorrect jersey number for player or Technical on bench. Coaches’ technicals do not carry over from multiple teams. ______

D. BASS FISHING

1. The Bass Federation (TBF) and Student Angler Federation (SAF) are the official rules of GISA Bass Fishing with exceptions as may be noted in this section. The current High School Fishing State Championship, Open and Challenge Event Rules of TBF and SAF will be followed.

2. In order to be eligible to compete in GISA region and state tournaments, students must be a member of Student Angler Federation (SAF) . For information about SAF visit https://highschoolfishing.org/getting-started/

3. Clinic Attendance or Rules Tests are required of all varsity and assistant varsity coaches at either the Annual Coaches' Clinic and/or GISA Clinics officially sponsored and conducted by GISA approved and registered officials’ associations. GISA and/or the Coaches’ Association will administer clinics. In lieu of clinic attendance, each coach must take and pass a rules test administered by the GISA Office at least ten (10) days prior to start of season or first regular season game. Failure to attend a clinic or pass a rules test prior to coaching will subject the coach to a $100 fine. Coaches are not allowed to coach until rules compliance is met. The penalty for coaching while not under compliance will be $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and so on.

4. PARTICIPATION AND ELIGIBILITY

A. GISA Bass Fishing Teams may compete in three (3) regular season meets.

B. Each team will consist of two eligible anglers and one coach or boat captain. Teams may consist of 8th - 12th grade students who are deemed eligible according to GISA Eligibility rules.

C. Contestants must have in their possession a current, valid fishing license for the waters they fish.

D. Contestants are required to follow all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and laws. Any violation of such regulations and laws may result in disqualification from the tournament.

5. PURCHASING OF OR GATHERING INFO The purchasing of or bartering for information about locating or catching fish on tournament waters, including but not limited to, GPS waypoints (other than through commercially available sources) and the hiring of fishing guide services or a coach is not permitted by contestants or coaches within ten (10) days of the start of any GISA event.

6. OFF-LIMITS, PRACTICE, AND COMPETITION

A. During the 10-day period prior to a GISA-sanctioned competition, competitors will NOT be permitted to practice or gain assistance from anyone for the purposes of locating or catching fish, except from a teammate or coach from your school or team who is fishing the same event, your designated boat captain for that event, or an immediate family member. Any violation of this rule may result in disqualification.

B. Contestants and coaches may NOT enter tournament waters to locate bass or potential fishing waters or sightsee after the start of onsite registration except during tournament hours.

C. Testing equipment on tournament waters after the start of onsite registration is permitted only with prior approval from GISA.

D. No team, contestant, or coach may practice with, hire, barter for, or engage services for the purposes of locating or catching bass on the tournament waters, any person who has been a bass guide for hire on the tournament waters within the last 12 months, unless such person is the parent or documented permanent legal guardian of a contestant on a registered team in the event. Written proof of permanent legal guardianship to the satisfaction of tournament officials may be required.

E. Contestants may only practice with a teammate who is confirmed in the tournament, their coach, or an immediate family member (mother, father, brother, sister, or grandparent) who also meets the above criteria concerning guides. No one else, except a GISA pre-approved media representative or official, is allowed in the boat.

F. Within ten (10) days of the tournament and extending through competition, contestants may NOT solicit and/or receive information about locating or catching fish on tournament waters from anyone except contestants confirmed in the tournament and through publicly available sources, such as quasi-public websites, blogs and/or social media pages set up for the specific purpose of sharing information with individuals or a small group of individuals are not publicly available sources.

G. Within ten (10) days of the tournament and extending through competition, teams may NOT follow a non-contestant’s boat, participate in the placing of markers by non-contestants, or participate in the practice of “hole sitting” by anyone.

H. Flights over tournament waters, including drones, are NOT permitted on competition days. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification.

7. BOAT ASSIGNMENTS

A. Take-off order (boat number) is determined by GISA or by random computer draw, according to the choice of officials for each event.

B. Each team must be accompanied on the water by their coach who will supply a boat but is not permitted to fish.

8. SAFETY

A. Each contestant and coach are required to wear a fastened U.S. Coast Guard-approved and state-approved personal flotation device anytime the combustion engine is in operation from boat check until weigh-in on each day of the tournament.

B. All boats must be equipped with an emergency ignition-shutoff device that must be securely attached to the driver’s body whenever the combustion engine is in operation.

C. All persons in a tournament boat will remain seated in a manufacturer-recommended, on-plane seating location when the combustion engine is in operation. Sitting on pedestal seats while the combustion engine is in operation is not permitted.

D. Contestants are NOT permitted to drive the boat when the combustion engine is in operation. Safe boat conduct must always be observed by contestants and coaches. At the discretion of the tournament director, tournament days may be shortened, postponed, or canceled due to unsafe weather or water conditions. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification.

9. BOAT OPERATION

A. Coaches must supply and drive boats for their teams. To qualify as a coach, the person must be at least 19 years old.

B. Contestants may operate the trolling motor. Coaches may help, including information about locating and catching fish, but are not permitted to fish.

C. The use of mobile communication devices, including but not limited to, cell phones, marine radios, walkie-talkies, CBs, etc. by contestants and coaches during tournament hours is strictly prohibited except in an emergency, such as severe weather, breakdowns, etc., to communicate with lockmasters about locking or with the tournament director.

10. BOAT AND HORSEPOWER REGULATIONS

A. All boats must be propeller-driven and a minimum of 16 feet in length. Each boat must have all required U.S. Coast Guard safety equipment. Boats must contain a properly-aerated live well space to maintain a live limit catch of bass.

B. Maximum horsepower for all outboards is not to exceed the horsepower capacity set forth on the “Maximum Capacities” placard described below:

i. Each boat must have a clearly legible “Maximum Capacities” or comparably titled placard affixed to the boat by the manufacturer that includes a maximum horsepower rating.

ii. The horsepower of the outboard engine must not exceed the maximum horsepower capacity specified on this placard or any horsepower limit set by GISA.

C. Contestants and coaches agree to submit their boats and/or motor to an inspection by tournament officials. Falsifying information on entry forms or altering the horsepower numbers on the motor or rating placard will be cause for disqualification from the tournament and may result in ineligibility to compete in future GISA tournaments.

D. Fishing platforms must be factory-installed equipment. No portable platforms may be used in tournament competition.

E. Fuel may be carried only in factory-installed, built-in fuel tanks or auxiliary fuel tanks that are securely strapped or otherwise fastened to the boat. Any additional fuel used during the tournament day must be purchased from a retail facility open to the public and pumped through a hose with a nozzle.

F. Liability insurance with coverage in reasonable amounts is required on all boats used. Proof of insurance must be with the boat being used and must cover all passengers in the boat. Random checks will be conducted. Failure to provide proof of insurance when requested by the tournament director may result in disqualification.

11. PERMITTED FISHING METHODS

A. Fishing is defined as having a lure attached to a line and a rod and reel with the lure in the water. NO LIVE BAIT IS PERMITTED. All bass must be caught alive in a conventional sporting manner.

B. Only artificial lures may be used, except for pork trailers and biodegradable soft baits.

C. Only ONE fishing rod per contestant may be used at a time. Trolling as a method of fishing is strictly prohibited. All bass caught while sight- fishing must be hooked inside the mouth and immediately shown to your coach for verification.

12. PERMITTED FISHING LOCATIONS AND BOUNDARIES

A. Teams may fish anywhere on tournament waters within the boundaries defined by GISA, available to the public, and accessible by boat, except areas designated as “off-limits,” “no boats,” “keep out,” “restricted,” “no trespassing,” “no fishing,” or similar language or markings intended to restrict public access by tournament officials, local, state, or federal officials, or within 50 yards of a contestant’s boat that was first anchored.

B. An anchored boat is a boat held in a stable position by a line attached to a weight or by a Power-Pole or similar shallow water anchor with the trolling motor in the “up” position.

C. All fishing must be conducted from the boat. At no time may a contestant leave the boat to land a fish or to make the boat more accessible to fishing waters.

D. The use of cables, ropes, chains or any type of block and tackle system to maneuver a boat into fishing waters is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification from the tournament.

E. Teams must leave and return to the check-in by boat.

F. The boat must remain in the tournament waters during the tournament day. No tournament boat may be loaded on a trailer before the weigh- in except with the permission of the tournament director.

G. In the event of equipment failure or emergency, there are three permitted methods of returning to the check-in:

i. By both contestants remaining in their boat and being towed by water. ii. By one contestant entering the boat of another team. iii. Both contestants entering a rescue boat so designated by the tournament director.

H. Under these three conditions the team’s catch may be counted without a penalty, except for late penalties or other penalties pertaining to other tournament rules. Teams that elect to return to the check-in by any other means than cited above will forfeit their day’s catch to that point in time of the tournament day.

I. Any team returning to the check-in point will be eligible to restart and resume competition under the supervision of the tournament director or his designated tournament official. It is the sole responsibility of teams to locate the tournament director to request a restart.

13. CHECKPOINTS AND PENALTIES

A. There will be only one checkpoint for boat check in the morning and one in the afternoon. Failure to go through boat check and check out in the morning or failure to check in at the check-in point will result in disqualification. All fishing must cease upon check-in.

B. Teams that are not at the designated afternoon checkpoint at the appointed time will be penalized one (1) pound per minute deducted from the total weight. Teams more than fifteen (15) minutes late will lose credit for that day’s weight. Every effort must be made to keep fish alive using a properly aerated live well. Eight (8) ounces will be deducted from the total weight for each dead bass presented for weigh-in.

14. SCORING

A. Scoring is determined by the final weight of each team’s catch during each tournament.

B. Only largemouth, spotted, redeye, or smallmouth bass are accepted species. The tournament limit is five (5) bass per team unless the state or lake limit is less than five (5), in which case the state or lake limit prevails.

C. Teams possessing more than the tournament limit will have their catch to that point in the day disqualified and, time permitting, are eligible for a restart from the take-off location.

D. The minimum length limit for bass is twelve (12) inches unless the state or lake limit is more than twelve (12) inches, in which case, the state or lake limit prevails.

E. Bass presented for weigh-in that fail to measure the prescribed length limit will be penalized at the rate of one (1) pound for each short bass presented, plus loss of that fish.

F. Each team’s catch must be presented in an official weigh-in bag.

G. The winning team is determined by the day’s heaviest catch.

H. Total number of fish for the tournament will break ties then the total number of fish alive.

15. REGIONAL AND STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Regional and State Championship trophies will be awarded to the school that has the winning team. Only the individual team totals will be counted towards championships. There are no combinations of weights from different teams from the same school.

16. LOGO DISPLAY

Contestants and coaches may wear their own shirts or jerseys during State Championships. Tournament officials reserve the right in their sole discretion to prohibit any contestant or coach’s shirt or jersey found to be offensive.

17. ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO

Contestants and coaches may NOT smoke or use tobacco products during tournament hours at any event, including weigh-in.

18. VIOLATIONS

A. Each contestant and coach agree to report any rule violation to the Tournament Director immediately upon discovery of the violation. Failure to report violations may be cause for disqualification.

B. The violation of a tournament rule, such as late penalty, dead-fish penalty, and short fish penalty, may result in weight loss, the loss of weight up to a particular time in the tournament day, the loss of weight for the entire day, or disqualification from the entire tournament.

C. Protests are to be made in writing within 30 minutes of the check-in time of the final flight of each tournament day. ______

E. CLAY TARGET SPORTS

1. All GISA Clay Target Sports events, including the State Championships, will be conducted in accordance with the rules for each of the clay target disciplines as set forth by the appropriate National Governing Bodies: National Skeet Association (NSSA), National Sporting Clays Association (NSCA), and Amateur Trapshooting Association (ATA).

2. All rules and regulations for each discipline will be followed starting with the first meet. All coaches are responsible for all basic rules and regulations and must have on hand the rule books to refer to for unusual situations that may come up.

3. In order to be eligible to compete in any GISA meet, students must pass the DNR Hunter Safety Course and obtain an HE# . Each school must submit a complete Team Roster listing all coaches and students (including their name, grade, gender, and HE#).

4. All Varsity Shooters must meet all GISA eligibility rules and be on the current school eligibility list approved by the GISA. If a student is not listed on an approved roster and approved eligible, s/he will be disqualified, and the school will be fined. Only 8 th Graders and above will be allowed to participate on Varsity teams.

5. Clay Target Sports has three classifications: AA, AAA Interscholastic, and a General Division with no differentiation on teams for gender.

6. All Coaches must have Level 1 NRA Shotgun Coach / Instructor Training, or higher training. Coaches with other training credentials must be approved by the GISA Office at least one week prior to a shoot. Most training listed as accepted in SCTP will be accepted by the GISA in the short term; however, in the long term, Level 1 NRA or higher training must be attained.

7. Each school will have a coach / assistant coach for every six shooters.

8. Safety Requirements and Procedures :

 All Clay Target athletes, coaches, and anyone on the shooting field must wear eye and ear protection during all practices and competitions. Earbuds are not protection for athletes who are competing unless designed for shotgun noise protection. Earbuds must be visibly unplugged from any source during competition and remain that way until the event is over.

 Footwear : No opened-toed/open-heeled shoes will be allowed.

 Toe Pads : The use of toe pads is prohibited. Resting the muzzle of any gun on the foot is a safety violation.

 Muzzle Control : While on a shooting post or station, the muzzle must never cross any part of the shooter’s anatomy or any other person’s anatomy. When not competing and not in a gun rack, an automatic shotgun should be held straight up with the action open and facing away from the body, so everyone can see it is unloaded. An over-and-under shotgun should be broken open with gun resting over the shoulder with the barrel forward.

 ATV Safety : All golf carts and off-road vehicles must be driven by a coach, parent, or licensed driver.

9. Dress Code :

 A camouflage pattern is not allowed as part of the school uniform but is allowed on outer garments worn for inclement weather.

 Tops : Shirts must have sleeves. Items of clothing that expose any part of the torso are prohibited.

 Bottoms : Shorts must be no higher than six (6) inches above the knee. Low-riding shorts or pants revealing undergarments or buttocks are prohibited.

 Clothing Adornments : Any clothing and associated items (hats, banners, etc.) carried or worn with direct or indirect references to alcohol, tobacco, sex or sexual connotations, drugs, gambling, or profanities are prohibited.

 Tattoos : Visible tattoos are prohibited.

10. Code of Conduct : The Code of Conduct applies to all coaches and athletes. Acts of using abusive or profane language or displays of unsportsmanlike conduct during competition include but are not limited to:

 Arguing with referees, officials, or club staff  Unsafe handling/use of firearms  Disrupting a competitor  Cheating  Consuming alcohol/tobacco products (including any form of e-cigarettes or “vapor” products) or using non-prescribed drugs before or during any GISA event

Coaches are expected to uphold and enforce all of these rules. Any violations will be grounds for disqualification and/or fines.

11. YELLOW & RED CARD INFRACTIONS In Clay Target Sports, yellow and red cards will be used as a means to warn and discipline shooters for infractions of the rules set in place by GISA or national governing bodies of each discipline (NSSA, NSCA, or ATA).

YELLOW CARDS A YELLOW CARD is used to caution and warn shooters of milder forms of misconduct. If a shooter receives two (2) yellow cards in a meet, it becomes an automatic RED CARD.

A shooter will receive a YELLOW CARD for committing any of the following offenses:

 Unsafe gun handling with an unloaded gun  Dissenting by word or action  Persistently breaking rules of the shooting disciplines

DURING A MEET: A shooter receiving a YELLOW CARD may continue to participate in the meet.

ACCUMULATION: The accumulation of two (2) YELLOW CARDS in a meet will result in an automatic RED CARD.

POST MATCH: A shooter may accumulate four (4) YELLOW CARDS in a season without further increase in sanctions. The 5 th YELLOW CARD will result in a suspension from the NEXT scheduled meet.

RED CARDS A shooter receives a RED CARD for committing any of the following offenses:

 Any loaded gun safety infractions  Offensive, insulting, or abusive language or gestures

DURING A MEET: A RED CARD results in the shooter’s immediate dismissal from the competition. The shooter will also be suspended from the NEXT scheduled meet.

ACCUMULATION: An accumulation of RED CARDS may result in complete dismissal from the sport.

AUTHORITY to Issue Infractions The following have authority to issue infraction cards:  Certified Head Coach  Certified Assistant Coach  Range Safety Officer (RSO)  Clay Target Club Personnel

State Championship Meet :

12. All Shooters must participate in at least three (3) GISA-sanctioned Qualifier Meets prior to entering the State Meet . [List of Qualifier Meets are available on the GISA website.]

13. The GISA Office will appoint a Meet Director for the State Meet and must work with this Director on establishing site, time, and arrangements for the State Meet.

14. The Meet Director will appoint a Rules Committee, Chief Referee, and others as may be deemed necessary to successfully run the meet.

15. GISA will require factory ammo at the State Meet. No reloads will be allowed at the State Meet. Other meets may set their own rules regarding reloads. Ammo must be in the following limits:

Shot Size: 9 to 7 ½ Load Size: 1 1/8 or smaller

Speed Requirements (for Trap Only): 1 1/8 oz. – 1290 fps max 1 oz. – 1325 fps max 7/8 oz. – 1350 fps max

16. Only 12-guage guns or smaller may be used at the GISA State Meet.

17. Teams cannot practice on the sporting clay course after setup for the State Meet.

18. GISA will have three (3) disciplines at their State Meet: Sporting Clays, Skeet, and Trap. Other GISA meets may or may not have all three disciplines.

19. A GISA Team includes all athletes and coaches representing a school. For the State Championship each school’s HOA Score will be the total of their top five shooters in both Class AAA and General Divisions and the top three shooters in all other classifications , in all three disciplines added together. Individuals may participate and compete for individual recognition in each of the individual disciplines, as well as HOA Individual, if they compete in all three disciplines.

20. Shoot-Off Procedures :  Trap : All shoot-offs for trap will start from the 16-yard line in a 25- target round. The total number of targets broken by the individuals during the rounds will be used to determine the winner. If there are tie scores after the first round, those still “alive” will move on to a second round from the 22-yard line and continue the shoot-off procedure. If needed, a third round will be shot from the 27-yard line. The next and any subsequent rounds will be from the 27-yard line.

 Skeet : All shoot-offs will be doubles shot on the same field from Stations 3, 4, and 5 in that order. All individuals will shoot doubles in a station-by- station sudden death format until a winner is decided. Doubles will be thrown in the following order: 3HL, 4HL, 5LH, 4LH, 3HL, 4HL, 5LH, 4LH, and so one until ties are broken.

 Sporting Clays : Shoot-offs will be conducted on a 5-Stand Field. Shooters will shoot True Pairs from each of the 5 different stations for a total of 10 targets. The total number of targets broken by the individuals during the round will be used to determine the winner.

 HOA : Shoot-offs for individual and team HOA will be total scores of the following: 10 Targets for Sporting – True Pairs from each station on the 5-Stand Field 10 Targets for Trap – 2 single targets from each of the 5 stations from the 16- yard line 10 Targets from Stations 3, 4, 5, 4, 3 for Skeet – doubles format 3HL, 4HL, 5LH, 4LH, 3HL

F. COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING

1. The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Rules of Spirit is the official guide with exceptions as may be noted in this section and in the GISA Competitive Cheerleading Guide as found in Appendix. NOTE: GISA will use a Judging Rubric that is commonly used across the state to avoid confusion with judges.

2. Clinic Attendance or Rules Tests are required of all varsity and assistant varsity coaches at either the Annual Coaches' Clinic and/or GISA Clinics officially sponsored and conducted by GISA approved and registered officials’ associations. GISA and/or the Coaches’ Association will administer clinics. In lieu of clinic attendance, each coach must take and pass a rules test administered by the GISA Office at least ten (10) days prior to start of season or first regular season game. Failure to attend a clinic or pass a rules test prior to coaching will subject the coach to a $100 fine. Coaches are not allowed to be on the sideline or in the dugout until rules compliance is met. The penalty for coaching while not under compliance will be $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and so on.

3. Schools may have only one (1) varsity competitive team. Schools may choose to have any number of support/spirit squad(s) that do(es) not compete.

4. All competitive cheerleaders must be eligible according to academic standards and the transfer rule and must be declared eligible by the GISA Office on the proper eligibility forms.

5. All competitive cheerleaders must have a physical examination on file in the school office before they may try out, practice, or perform.

6. Eligibility for Try-Outs :

i. Students must be enrolled at a school in order to try out for that school's cheerleading team. A student may be enrolled in only one school at a time. EXCEPTION: See Section 7-C.

ii. Enrolled migrant students may try out for a cheerleading team but may not represent the school at the varsity level during the school year until the migratory sit-out period has ended.

iii. Students must meet academic eligibility requirements in order to try out.

7. COMPETITION RULES:

A. The maximum number of competitions for a varsity cheerleading team is ten (10), plus region and state competitions.

In order to be eligible to compete in Region and State, a team must compete in at least one (1) sanctioned competition during the competitive regular season.

i. All competitions must be approved by the GISA. ii. GISA-Approved Cheerleading competitions may include member schools and non-member schools.

8. Deadlines for the competitive season are as follows:

Each squad wishing to participate in the GISA State Cheerleading Meet must inform the GISA Office of intent to compete in the State Meet by October 1. This notification must be endorsed by the Head of School and the competitive cheerleading coach stating that neither the music nor any part of the routine should be deemed objectionable for a GISA audience. If, in the opinion of all judges, the material is obscene, the team will be disqualified and face possible other sanctions from the GISA Office.

9. A competitive cheerleading team is comprised of a maximum of sixteen (16) performers.

i. A team mascot (if used) is included as one of the 16 performers. ii. A school may have a roster greater than 16 performers and may use any combination of eligible cheerleaders. iii. All team members must be dressed in the appropriate adopted school uniform that displays the school identification (i.e., letter, monogram, mascot symbol, etc.) NOTE: The mascot is exempt from this uniform rule.

10. The competitive area is a 42’ x 42’ cheerleading mat, and the routine must be performed within the boundaries of the competitive area. Mats must have a minimum thickness of 1 3/8 inches . i. A full set of cheerleading mats (42’x42’) must be used in all competitions. ii. Only approved GISA coaches, competitors, and officials are allowed in the competitive area. iii. Only team members may act as spotters. iv. Non-competitors (i.e., alternates, coaches) may not assist during the routine.

v. All mats should be placed on the floor horizontally facing the judges. Center of the mat should be marked with tape. The floor will be considered out-of-bounds. vi. It is recommended, but not mandatory, that cheerleaders practice stunting on one or more 6'x42' cheerleading mats prior to performing stunts in a team routine.

11. Each school is responsible for the preparation and presentation of the music in its routine and for complying with all copyright laws .

i. The Head of School must review the music to be used in the school's routine and must stipulate that the music is in good taste for high school students and acceptable for the morals of their community. ii. Each school must furnish a high-quality CD of their music. NOTE: It is recommended that each school bring an identical back-up CD. iii. The coach or team representative is responsible for starting and stopping the music during the competition. iv. Schools are responsible for furnishing their own equipment and music for use in the practice/warm-up area.

12. Winners in the competitions will be determined by the highest point total from the judges. Panel A will score jumps, cheer/chant, dance, and safety. Panel B will score standing and running tumbling, and Panel C will score all stunts and pyramids. The rules for breaking ties are explained in detail in the Competitive Cheerleading Guide. Ties will be broken by culminating the scores of jumps, tumbling, stunts, pyramids and then subtracting the deductions.

13. Prior to any disqualification for a rules violation, the Head Judge must call a conference at the conclusion of competition, and the majority of the judges must agree the violation occurred.

14. Judges' decisions are final.

15. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION :

i. Beginning and ending dates for practice and competition can be found in the Appendix. ii. Cheerleading teams are allowed to attend camps after the last day of school until GISA Cheer Day. iii. Out-of-season practices may be held with prior approval from the GISA Office in preparation for tryouts. Once tryouts are complete, no practices may be held until school is out. ______

G. GAME DAY CHEER Game Day Cheer Rules to be Inserted Here

______

H. SIDELINE CHEER COACH GUIDELINES

COACHING FOR SAFETY A guide to understanding the liabilities, duties, and responsibilities of coaching follows.

COACHING RESPONSIBILITIES :

1. Recognize that risks exist. 2. Identify the possible risks. 3. Prepare or plan for risks and plan ways to lower risks. 4. Evaluate risks when they occur. 5. Supervise the program to control risks. 6. Remind participants of their roles in controlling risks. 7. Remain vigilant in managing the program. 8. Review the program when necessary. 9. Ask for assistance as needed. 10.Educate yourself and your athletes. 11.Care about the welfare of your athletes. 12. Use common sense.

NINE LEGAL DUTIES OF COACHES:

1. Properly plan the activity a. Sequence activities. b. Know the progressions of safety, keep records, and follow the progressions. c. Have a master plan for practice.

2. Provide proper instruction a. Inform athletes of your expectations. b. Provide proper training and instruction for all activities. c. Explain the rules and make sure athletes understand them.

3. Provide a safe physical environment a. Inspect sites (gym, field, performance surface) to make sure they are appropriate. b. Use the appropriate surface as expected (floor, grass, mats, field, concrete, etc.). c. Provide a place safe from hazard.

4. Provide adequate and proper equipment a. Inventory at the end of season and replace equipment as needed. b. Make sure equipment is set up appropriately.

5. Match the athlete to his/her ability a. Watch for size, weight, age, maturity, and mental state when selecting positions for athletes. b. Be realistic when setting expectations for athletes.

6. Evaluate your athletes for injury and the ability to participate a. Have CPR and First Aid Training for emergencies. b. Be able to evaluate an injury and determine the immediate needs of the athlete. c. Have an EMERGENCY PLAN in place and review the plan with team members.

7. Supervise all activities closely a. Be present. b. Be attentive. c. Be where you can control the situation.

8. Warn all athletes of inherent risk a. Provide information for both parents and athletes. b. Use INHERENT RISK FORMS. c. Review the inherent risk form with both athletes and parents and obtain signatures stating both the athlete and parent understand the information presented. d. Make sure parents and athletes understand the rules and the risk.

9. Provide emergency assistance a. Know First Aid and CPR. b. Be ready to respond and prepare others to also respond. c. Keep a list of contacts and phone numbers. d. Have a plan.

Good coaches know their legal duties, implement their legal duties, and seek assistance when in doubt.

NOTE: The nine legal duties listed above apply to all coaches, regardless of sport. These nine legal duties are a vital part of athletic risk management and the prevention of injuries. It is acknowledged that regardless of the excellence of any risk management program, injuries cannot be totally eliminated. The coach must be a trained individual who is committed to the safety of each and every individual athlete, to consistency in the program, and to competent and appropriate management of the team. Coaches are obligated to follow the nine legal duties of coaching.

I. CROSS COUNTRY

1. The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Rules of Track and Field is the official guide with the exceptions as may be found in this section. Cross Country is found in Chapter 9.

2. Clinic Attendance or Rules Tests are required of all varsity and assistant varsity coaches at either the Annual Coaches' Clinic and/or GISA Clinics officially sponsored and conducted by GISA approved and registered officials’ associations. GISA and/or the Coaches’ Association will administer clinics. In lieu of clinic attendance, each coach must take and pass a rules test administered by the GISA Office at least 10 days prior to start of season or first regular season game. Failure to attend a clinic or pass a rules test prior to coaching will subject the coach to a $100 fine. Coaches are not allowed to be on the sideline or in the dugout until rules compliance is met. The penalty for coaching while not under compliance will be $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and so on.

3. Teams will not enter any meet unless approved in advance by the GISA Office.

4. The cross country course will be 3.1 miles in distance for boys and girls at the varsity level of competition.

5. No contestant will be permitted to enter a meet if the contestant is not accompanied by a faculty member or coach of the school the contestant attends.

6. A boys’ team will consist of a minimum of five (5) and a maximum of seven (7) boys. A girls’ team will consist of a minimum of five (5) and a maximum of seven (7) girls. However, if a school does not have a team, it may enter less than five members in the individual division of the meet. No school will enter more than seven (7) participants in the region or state meet. Three (3) alternates may be listed on the entrance forms.

7. Cross Country rules governing uniforms must be observed.

8. A computer chip timing system will be used at the GISA State Cross Country Meet. Schools will be responsible for paying for lost chips at $10 per chip.

9. The GISA Office will appoint a meet director for the State Meet and must approve the site and time for the State Meet.

10. The top four (4) teams and any individual who finishes in the top 10 at the region meets will qualify for the State Meet.

11. Ten (10) All-State awards will be presented to the boys, and ten (10) All- State awards will be presented to the girls who finish in the top ten rankings in each classification. In addition, the State Champion and Runner-Up boys’ teams and the State Champion and Runner-Up girls’ teams in each classification will be presented an appropriate trophy.

12. The State Championship Meet Course will be set at 3.1 miles distance for boys and girls. The course will be set up to comply with all NFHS course requirements. Host school will set up and keep concession proceeds.

13 Team Entrance Rule: Any GISA region or school may host a regular season competition provided it is conducted on a course in accordance with NFHS requirements and approved in writing in advance by the GISA Office.

14. Any meet conducted by a school may provide awards. The meet, awards, etc. will be the financial responsibility of the host school. The awards presented for the State Championship will be the responsibility of the GISA.

15. The GISA Office will appoint the Meet Director. The Meet Director will then appoint the following State Championship Meet officials: referee, starters, clerk of the course, finish judge, chute umpire, caller, checker, course umpire, timers, marshals, and P.A. announcer. The Meet Director will appoint the proper person(s) to keep all individual and team records and designate awards for qualifying participants and teams.

16. The host school for any meet will provide responsible person(s) to collect admission and ensure adequate security.

17. Only eligible varsity level athletes may participate in the State Championship. ______

J. FOOTBALL

1. The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Rules of Football is the official guide with the exceptions as may be found in this section.

2. Official Ball: Wilson Sporting Goods will provide the “Official Balls” for GISA.

FOOTBALL: GST Leather Football (NFHS Approved) WTF1003B

100

The Official Wilson Balls listed here are the only balls that can be used during regular season and postseason sports. The HOME Team is responsible for providing the official ball. The penalty for non-compliance will be $1000 for first offense and forfeiture of contest for second offense. ( Exception : In Football, both teams will be responsible for providing their own Official Wilson Ball.)

3. Clinic Attendance or Rules Tests are required of all varsity and assistant varsity coaches at either the Annual Coaches' Clinic and/or GISA Clinics officially sponsored and conducted by GISA approved and registered officials’ associations. GISA and/or the Coaches’ Association will administer clinics. In lieu of clinic attendance, each coach must take and pass a rules test administered by the GISA Office at least 10 days prior to start of season or first regular season game. Failure to attend a clinic or pass a rules test prior to coaching will subject the coach to a $100 fine. Coaches are not allowed to be on the sideline or in the dugout until rules compliance is met. The penalty for coaching while not under compliance will be $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and so on.

4. NOTE: In March 2019, GISA member school Heads discussed ATAVUS Tackling Certification and unanimously approved the requirement below.

Beginning in August 2020, all Football Coaches will be required to obtain ATAVUS TACKLING Certification.

5. No football schedule is valid until it has been approved by the GISA Office.

6. The recommendation by NFHS pertaining to the numbering system of football jerseys is waived.

7. All contracts should be drawn to coincide with the two-year reclassification period and show the day, date, time, opponent, and game site.

8. Each school must file its football schedule with the GISA Office no later than March 1 , each year. i. The schedule must show the day, date, time, opponent, and game site. ii. The GISA Office must be notified concerning any changes made to the schedule after the submission date. iii. Any changes made for a region game must be made prior to the date for beginning football practice. iv. Contracts with officials for varsity games should be signed by June 1 each year, and copies of the schedules must be submitted to the proper Officials’ Association(s).

101

9. The number of football games allowed excluding state playoffs is ten (10). An 11th game may be approved to help a member school fill its schedule. An 11th game must be pre-approved by the Association.

10. The schedule week is a traditional week – Sunday through Saturday. Only one football game may be played per week except in the case of make-up games due to special circumstances that have been approved by the President and/or Commissioner.

11. Eighth (8th) graders are ineligible to play against varsity teams and "B" teams that have eleventh (11th) or twelfth (12th) graders playing.

12. Football players playing on both the varsity and one sub-varsity team are limited to six quarters of competition in any seven (7) calendar-day period beginning with the date of the varsity game.

13. The football season ends for a team or individual when that team, having completed its regular-season schedule, is eliminated from playoff competition or wins the State Championship.

14. Acclimation Week : Beginning July 25th , the first five days of pre-season practice are in shorts, shoulder pads, and helmets. No contact will be allowed during this period.

15. Beginning August 1st , any student may practice in full pads and may practice a maximum of two (2) times in a single calendar day under the following stipulations:

A. A student must have participated in 5 Acclimation Days before being allowed to practice in full pads.

B. In a single calendar day: i. No single session may last longer than three (3) hours. ii. If two (2) practices are held, the TOTAL time will not exceed five (5) hours. iii. There must be at least a three-hour time of rest between sessions if two (2) sessions are held. iv. A walk-through may not be held on days when two practices are conducted.

16. Full contact should be limited during practices as well as during activity outside of the traditional fall practice. NOTE: No limitation is placed on activities defined below as “AIR, BAGS or CONTROL” contact.

102

A. For purposes of this section, the following definitions will apply:

AIR - Players run a drill unopposed without contact.

BAGS - Players run a drill against a bag or another soft-contact surface.

CONTROL - Players run a drill at assigned speed until the moment of contact, and one player is pre-determined the “winner” by the coach. Contact remains above the waist and players stay on their feet.

THUD - Players run a drill at competitive speed through the moment of contact with no predetermined “winner.” Contact remains above the waist; players stay on their feet, and a quick whistle ends the drill.

LIVE ACTION - Players run a drill in game-like conditions, and this is the only time that players are taken to the ground.

FULL CONTACT - Contact which meets the definition of Live Action or Thud.

17. Pre-Season Practice:

A. Full contact will be allowed in no more than 2 consecutive practice days per week. B. Full contact during practice will be limited to not more than 45 minutes per day. C. Full contact during practice will be limited to not more than 135 minutes per week. D. During any twice-daily practice, only one session per day will include full contact.

18. Regular & Post Season Practice :

A. Full contact during practice will be allowed in no more than three (3) practice days per week. B. Full contact during practice will not be allowed on more than two (2) consecutive days. C. Full contact during practice will be limited to not more than 30 minutes per day. D. Full contact during practice will be limited to not more than 90 minutes per week.

103

19. Written Practice Plans : A written practice plan in compliance with this section will be prepared in advance by the head coach prior to every practice and maintained by the school for a period of at least twelve (12) months. Such practice plans will be made available to the GISA upon request.

20. Violations : The penalty to be imposed upon any member school found to have violated this rule in any substantial manner will be as follows:

A. First Offense: A fine of not less than $500 nor more than $2500 per violation at the discretion of the President and/or Commissioner. B. Second Offense: The school will be placed on probation and will not be eligible to participate in postseason play.

21. From the end of school in the spring until the first day of preseason practice, players may wear no other protective football equipment, except helmets and mouthpieces, for all voluntary workouts and passing league games. Institutional heat policies are also in effect for voluntary workouts supervised by school personnel.

EXCEPTION: Teams will be allowed to participate in “padded” camps at GISA or GHSA schools or other facilities between June 6 and July 24. Full pads are not allowed. The total number of days at these camps cannot exceed four (4) days.

A. Coaches for these teams must verify that their players have had acclimation practices for five (5) days immediately preceding the camp.

B. Equipment allowed in summer “padded” camps are limited to helmets, shoulder pads, and mouthpieces. Compression-style shorts that have thigh pads and/or girdle pads are NOT allowed.

C. Applications for padded camps must be submitted to the GISA Office by May 1, and all subsequent correspondence to complete the application must be completed by May 15.

D. All teams must complete a waiver to participate in padded camps.

22. All varsity football games will be played with a minimum of five (5) officially-dressed field officials who are registered and approved by GISA. The officiating crew also will have an electric clock operator whose only duty is to operate the game clock.

104

A. In all games, the host school must provide some type of dressing facilities for officials at or near the game site that can also be used to hold the pre-game conference. B. During the regular season, the host school is responsible for providing a crew to work the sideline chains. These individuals must be responsible adults. C. The host school is responsible for providing security escorts for the officials at all regular season and playoff games.

23. The following regulations are in place for GISA football games:

A. All GISA football games will have a twenty (20) minute halftime. B. Bands are not to play during live-ball situations. NOTE: This includes the situation in which there is no timeout, and the teams are in a huddle.

i. During a football game if a team claims interference with communications due to band noise, the Referee will give a warning to one or both head coaches, and the bands must cease playing. ii. If there is a second offense by the same school's band, an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty will be imposed against that school's team.

24. In the regular season, a school may utilize a visible 25-second clock as long as the time is visible on both ends of the field, and the clock is operated by a paid game official.

25. GISA SPRING FOOTBALL PRACTICE :

A. Each school year , schools must declare in writing if they choose to conduct Spring Football Practice. Schools hiring a new Head Football Coach may submit an appeal to GISA to change the previous declaration made by the school.

B. Spring Football Practice may be held for ten (10) school days out of fourteen (14) consecutive days beginning March 15. The first five (5) days of Spring Football Practice must be an acclimation period in helmets only. The next five (5) days may be in full pads. There will be NO spring game or scrimmage .

105

C. If a school chooses not to conduct spring practice, the team will be allowed to hold an additional second scrimmage game in the fall. This request must be submitted in writing to the GISA Office for approval.

D. Eighth (8 th ) Grade students who are currently enrolled at your school may participate in Spring Football Practice.

E. No student in 8th Grade and above may participate in more than ten (10) days of Spring Football Practice. They may not participate with more than one (1) school.

26. In case of a game being terminated in the first half (suspended game), Section 8-C must be followed.

NOTE: All varsity football games must be played to completion. Any interrupted game must be replayed from the point of interruption. The school that is behind in the score may choose not to continue the game, and the score will be recorded as it was at the point of interruption. NOTE: Teams will not be allowed to play two football games in the same week, except when making up a suspended game with the permission of the President and/or Commissioner.

27. During warmups before the game and at halftime, there will be a division of the field , and neither team will enter the other team's portion of the field.

That division will be as follows:

Before the game : Each team will occupy the space from their own 45- yard line to the end line of their goal line. Neither team will occupy the area between the 45-yard lines.

EXCEPTION: When kicking, each team will have the area between the opponent's 45-yard line and kicking team's end zone in the side zone area on the same side of the field as its bench. Kickers will kick toward their end zone.

28. FOOTBALL MERCY RULE : At the end of the first half of play, if a team is trailing by 30 points or more, the coach of the trailing team may choose to play the second half with a running clock. Quarters will remain at twelve (12) minutes.

A. If the coach does not exercise the option of the running clock, the third quarter will be played with regulation timing.

106

B. If the point differential reaches or remains thirty (30) or more points during the third quarter, the clock will still run according to rule for the remainder of the third quarter, but the fourth quarter will have a running clock mandated.

C. A running clock means the clock will be stopped only: i. After a touchdown and until the ball is kicked off. ii. During deliberations for penalty administration. iii. During charged timeouts or official’s timeouts.

D. A game that is reduced in time by use of a running clock will Constitute a “completed” game to meet other by-law considerations.

29. The GISA Overtime Procedure will be used whenever two schools are tied at the end of regulation play.

The tie-breaking procedure for all region and state playoffs is as follows :

A. The winner of the coin toss will have the option to be on offense or defense first.

B. All play will take place on one end of the field as determined by the officials.

C. The ball will be placed on the 25-yard line, and each team will have a series of plays on offense and defense. Teams may make first-downs and will retain possession of the ball until a score is made, the team loses the ball, or the ball goes over on downs. If there is not a winner, the teams alternate choice of being on offense and defense first, and each team has another series of downs from the 25-yard line.

D. After each team has had two possessions and there is still not a winner, the ball will be placed on the 10-yard line, and the teams will continue to alternate choice of offense or defense first. The playoff will continue this process from the 10-yard line until a winner is determined.

30. STATE FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS :

A. All rounds of games after the end of the regular season are considered part of the State Playoff structure.

i. In ALL Rounds except the Finals, the higher-seeded team will host.

107

ii. In ALL Rounds except the Finals, one half of all permanent and temporary seats will be offered to the visiting team, and it is the responsibility of the home team to regulate the seating so as to guarantee designated seating to the visiting team's supporters.

B. In ALL Rounds except the Finals, facilities for officials to dress, shower, and/or hold meetings will be made available at the site or nearby.

C. It is mandatory to have emergency medical personnel at the site of all football playoff games .

D. In order to host a Semifinal Round playoff game, a school must meet the following site requirements:

1. Permanent seating requirements: i. One seat equals 24 inches in width. EXCEPTION: Each theater-style seat with back and arm rests will count as one seat regardless of the width of the seat. ii. All seats must be at least 15 feet from playing field. iii. Each Head of School of a school in the playoffs will certify that the school stadium meets or does not meet football playoff requirements. iv. GISA will mediate with both teams involved when there are concerns about the safety of a venue in regard to seating limitations. v. The higher-seeded team in the Semi-Final Round will be the host team . If they do not have a stadium that meets GISA minimum standards, they may secure a suitable site. vi. The higher-seeded team may use portable seating to bring its home stadium seating capacity up to the GISA minimum requirement in order to host the game as long as any portable seating brought in for games in earlier rounds must meet these specifications:

 The seating meets the standards of the industry and is installed by professional installers.  All seats provide clear sight lines to the field of play.  No costs for the temporary seating are taken out of game receipts.  Seating requirements for a semifinal game may be waived upon written agreement of the Heads of School of the competing schools that the host’s stadium will be adequate and with the approval of the President and/or Commissioner.

2. If neither site meets or exceeds GISA standards, the President and/or Commissioner will designate a neutral site.

108

31. FOOTBALL: Cumulative Unsportsmanlike Conduct

A. Varsity Football Coaches may receive two (2) cumulative unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in a season without further increase in sanctions. The third (3rd) unsportsmanlike cumulative penalty will require a $50 fine from the school. The fourth (4th) such penalty mandates a $100 fine and a one game suspension to be served the following previously scheduled game in that sport at the same level. The fifth (5th) penalty warrants a $150 fine, and the offending coach is suspended for the following two (2) games. The sixth (6th) penalty will result in a $200 fine, and the coach will not be allowed to coach any more in that sport for the season. This rule will not interfere with rules in place regarding ejections but will be in addition to said rule. (Example : Coach with one accumulated unsportsmanlike penalty receives two such penalties in the same game. Coach will be ejected and miss following game and pay $50 for ejection. Coach would also be fined $50 for third accumulated penalty.)

B. Varsity Football Players may receive two cumulative non-contact unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in a season without further increase in sanctions. The third (3rd) cumulative non-contact unsportsmanlike penalty will result in a one game suspension to be served the following game. The fourth (4th) non-contact unsportsmanlike penalty will result in a two-game suspension to be served the following two games. Should there be a fifth (5th) penalty, the player is suspended for the remainder of the season. This rule will not interfere with rules in place regarding ejections but will be in addition to said rule. (Example : Player #1 has one accumulated non-contact unsportsmanlike penalty and receives two (2) more in same game. Player will be ejected, miss the following previously scheduled game, and pay a $50 fine for ejection. Player would also be suspended for one additional game because of three (3) accumulated non-contact unsportsmanlike penalties.) Any player with known cumulative unsportsmanlike penalty problems construed by the officials to be baiting an opponent will be subject to harsh discipline by the GISA Office, including game suspensions, fines, and/or game forfeiture.

109

32. 8-MAN FOOTBALL

A. The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Rules of Football is the official guide with exceptions as may be found in this section.

B. The width of the playing field should be 40-yards, and the length of the field should be 100-yards.

C. Eighth (8 th ) Graders are ineligible to play against varsity teams and “B” teams that have eleventh (11 th ) or twelfth (12 th ) graders playing. ______

K. GOLF

1. The United State Golf Association (USGA) Rules of Golf is the official guide with the exceptions as may be found in this section.

2. Beginning and ending dates for practice and competition can be found in the Appendix.

3. Clinic Attendance or Rules Tests are required of all varsity and assistant varsity coaches at either the Annual Coaches' Clinic and/or GISA Clinics officially sponsored and conducted by GISA approved and registered officials’ associations. GISA and/or the Coaches’ Association will administer clinics. In lieu of clinic attendance, each coach must take and pass a rules test administered by the GISA Office at least 10 days prior to start of season or first regular season game. Failure to attend a clinic or pass a rules test prior to coaching will subject the coach to a $100 fine. Coaches are not allowed to be on the sideline or in the dugout until rules compliance is met. The penalty for coaching while not under compliance will be $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and so on.

4. Exceptions specific to all GISA competitions include:

A. Players may use push/pull carts in regular season and post season matches. Motorized carts or caddies are NOT permitted.

B. Range finders and GPS devices will be allowed in match and tournament play with the following stipulations:

i. Single function GPS devices that measure distance only are allowed. Any device that performs multiple functions is illegal and its usage will lead to disqualification .

110

ii. GPS devices on cell phones or wrist watches are NOT permitted under penalty of disqualification .

iii. Range finders that calculate slope, wind, or other information are NOT permitted under penalty of disqualification .

C. Other electronic devices including, but not limited to, cell phones, cameras, video recorders, etc., may not be used by players or coaches during competition. Violation of this policy will lead to disqualification .

EXCEPTION: If a player encounters a dangerous situation (weather, person, animal, medical emergency), s/he may use a cell phone to call for immediate assistance.

D. If a coach receives information from an “artificial device” as defined by USGA rules and passes that information on to a player during competition, it is grounds for disqualification .

5. In the event that a match ends in a tie during the regular-season or post- season competition, a “team sudden-death playoff” will be used.

 All five (5) players will play the first playoff hole.  The best four (4) scores of each team will count.  If the teams are still tied, all players will proceed to the next playoff hole.

6. A maximum of two (2) golf coaches with GISA-issued identification may confer with their golfer(s) anywhere on the course with the exception of the greens, as long as there is no delay in play. NOTE : Conversations with or suggestions from any other person are prohibited. (First Violation: 2 stroke penalty. Second Violation: Disqualification.)

7. REGION GOLF TOURNAMENT:

A. Each Region Tournament will be an 18-hole event unless given prior approval from the GISA Office.

i. Details of the tournament will be sent to schools by the Tournament Director.

ii. A team may enter up to five (5) players with the top four scores counting. Teams are encouraged to include up to two (2) alternates on the Team Entry Form.

111

iii. Ties for the final qualifying slot(s) must be played off.

B. Each Region Tournament will have a team competition and an individual competition.

C. The Tournament Director will submit the Region Results to the GISA Office immediately following the conclusion of the tournament. (See Notification of Entry in State Tournament section below).

i. The Low Medalist from each region and individual golfers who finish in the Top 6 in the region, and are not on a qualifying team, would also be invited to the State Tournament. ii. All Golfers who shoot 85 or below will qualify for the State Tournament. iii. In the case of a tie for a qualifying slot, the tied competitors must play it off.

D. The Top 4 teams from each region with a team score of 380 or below will qualify to participate in the GISA State Tournament.

E. If boys and girls participate in region and/or state golf competition, boys will drive from the men's tee and girls will drive from the women's tee. Distance played by the girls will be equal to 90% of distance played by the boys.

8. STATE GOLF TOURNAMENT:

A. The State Golf Tournaments in all classifications will be held as follows:

 All State Tournaments will be 18-hole events.

 Details of the State Tournaments will be sent to the schools involved by the respective Tournament Directors or the GISA Office.

B. All State Tournament sites will be marked and prepared by the Tournament Director and the host club’s golf professional.

C. Playing distances for State Tournaments will be:

 Distance played by the girls will be equal to 90% of distance played by the boys.

112

D. Notification of Entry: Team Roster/Entry Form must be submitted to the GISA Office upon completion of Region Tournament, using the FORM supplied by the GISA Office. A school may list a maximum of five (5) golfers, plus up to two (2) alternates. Lineup changes and/or substitutions may be made at the Region or State level using only those players listed on the Entry Form submitted to the GISA.

E. The State Golf Tournament will have a maximum of five (5) players per school, with the four (4) best scores per team counted toward tournament placement. Up to seven (7) names from each school may be submitted for the region tournament with two (2) serving as alternates.

F. The Top 4 teams from each region with a team score of 380 or below will qualify to participate in the GISA State Tournament. Region Champions and Runners-Up are exempt from team score rule qualifier.

G. The Low Medalist from each region and individual golfers who finish in the Top 6 in the region and are not on a qualifying team will also be invited to the State Tournament.

 All Golfers who shoot 85 or below will qualify for the State Tournament.

______

L. SOCCER & FALL SOCCER

1. The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Rules of Soccer is the official guide with exceptions as may be found in this section.

2. Soccer is a State Championship event for boys and girls played in the Spring season and Boys only in the Fall for schools that do not offer football.

3. Official Ball: Wilson Sporting Goods will provide the “Official Balls” for GISA.

SOCCER: NCAA Forte FYbrid Official Championship Match Ball

113

4. Clinic Attendance or Rules Tests are required of all varsity and assistant varsity coaches at either the Annual Coaches' Clinic and/or GISA Clinics officially sponsored and conducted by GISA approved and registered officials’ associations. GISA and/or the Coaches’ Association will administer clinics. In lieu of clinic attendance, each coach must take and pass a rules test administered by the GISA Office at least 10 days prior to start of season or first regular season game. Failure to attend a clinic or pass a rules test prior to coaching will subject the coach to a $100 fine. Coaches are not allowed to be on the sideline or in the dugout until rules compliance is met. The penalty for coaching while not under compliance will be $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and so on.

5. All soccer matches will be played according to the rules published by the National Federation, and all National Federation recommendations for “State Adoption” have been adopted by the GISA.

6. The number of soccer matches allowed (not including state tournaments) will be twenty-two (22). If a region chooses to play a region/area tournament, those matches must be included as part of the 22-game total allowed. Beginning and ending dates for practice and competition can be found at the end of this publication.

7. All GISA Varsity Soccer matches will be played with one or more officially- dressed officials who are registered with the GISA Office.

8. GISA SOCCER MERCY RULE :

A. If a team is seven (7) or more goals down at the midpoint of the first half, that will be considered the end of the half, and the teams will play a twenty (20) minute second half.

B. If a team is seven (7) or more goals behind at halftime, the second half will be restricted to twenty (20) minutes.

C. When a team trails by ten (10) or more goals at halftime or any point in the second half, the game will be terminated.

9. All soccer matches between schools from the same classification must be played to completion. Matches that are interrupted by weather or mechanical difficulties will be replayed from the point of interruption unless the team that is behind chooses not to complete the match.

114

10. OVERTIME PROCEDURE:

TIE BREAKING PROCEDURES

Regular Season, State Playoffs and State Championship If the game is tied at the end of regulation, teams will play a 10-minute overtime period. If either team is ahead at the end of the period, they are the winner. If teams are still tied, they will play another 10-minute overtime period. If either team is ahead at the end of the period, they are the winner. If teams remain tied at the end of the second overtime period, they will use NFHS rules for penalty kicks to determine a winner.

Per NFHS Rules - Penalty Kick Shootout If the score still remains tied, all coaches, officials, and team captains will assemble at the halfway line to review the procedure as outlined below:

a. The head referee will choose the goal at which all of the kicks from the penalty mark will be taken. b. Each coach will select any five players, including the goalkeeper, on or off the field (except those who may have been disqualified) to take the kicks. c. A coin toss will be held as in Rule 5-2-2(d). The team winning the toss will have the choice of kicking first or second. d. Teams will alternate kickers. There is no follow-up on the kick. e. The defending team may change the goalkeeper prior to each penalty kick. f. Following five kicks for each team, the team scoring on the greatest number of these kicks will be declared the winner. g. Add one goal to the winning team score and credit the team with a victory. An asterisk (*) may be placed by the team advancing to indicate the advancement was the result of a tie breaker system.

11. REGION COMPETITION (Fall Soccer ONLY):

A. When a Region has not adopted its own tie-breaker method, the following Tie-Breaking Procedure will be used for seeding purposes:

REGION TIE-BREAKER : If the soccer region has not approved its own tie-breaker rules for regular season standings, the following procedure will be used:

TIE-BREAKER 115

1. Head-to-Head 2. Head-to-Head Goal Differential (max 5 Goals per game) 3. Head-to-Head Goals Scored (max 5 Goals per game) 4. Least Goals Allowed in Region Play 5. Overall Goal Differential in Region Play (max 5 goals per game with 3 teams) 6. If teams are still tied then both teams are declared region co- champions, and a coin toss by a GISA Official or a playoff will take place if a team would not make the state tournament. o Coin toss to determine home field o Play championship rules for overtime.

12. SOCCER: Cumulative Yellow Cards

As always, two yellow cards in any game equals a red card and constitutes an ejection. Any fan asked to leave the premises or acting in a manner subjecting an official to an undue threat by physical or verbal assault will be treated as an ejection. At the very least, the school will be fined $50, and said fan will not be allowed to attend the next game played by his or her team.

A. Varsity Soccer Coaches may receive two (2) cumulative unsportsmanlike yellow cards in a season without further increase in sanctions. The 3rd unsportsmanlike yellow card will require a $50 fine from the school. The 4th such yellow card mandates a $100 school fine and a one (1) game suspension to be served on the following game in that sport at the same level. The 5th yellow card warrants a $150 school fine and the offending coach is suspended from the following two (2) games. The 6th unsportsmanlike yellow card will result in a $200 school fine and the coach will not be allowed to coach any more in that sport for the season. This rule will not interfere with rules in place regarding ejections (red cards), but will be in addition to said rule. ( Example : Coach with one accumulated yellow card receives two yellow cards in same game. Coach would miss the following previously scheduled game and pay $50 Fine for ejection, and pay $50 Fine for 3rd accumulated yellow card.)

B. Varsity Soccer Players may receive four (4) cumulative yellow cards in a season without further increase in sanctions. The 5th cumulative yellow card will result in a one (1) game suspension to be served the following game. The 6th cumulative yellow card will result in a two (2) game suspension to be served the following two games, and should there be a 7th cumulative yellow card, the player is suspended for the remainder of the

116

season. This rule will not interfere with rules in place regarding ejections (red cards), but will be in addition to said rule. (Example : Player has three accumulated yellow cards and receives two more in same game. Player would be ejected and miss following previously scheduled game and pay $50 fine for ejection. Player would also be suspended for one additional game for five accumulated yellow cards.) Any player construed by the officials to be baiting an opponent with known cumulative yellow card problems will be subject to harsh discipline by the GISA Office, including game suspensions, fines, and game forfeitures.

Should a team participate in the playoffs, its players will be allowed an additional yellow card prior to sanctions beginning. Sanctions will apply as listed above; they will begin with the 6th yellow card instead of 5th. This addition will take place once the playoffs begin and will not change any regular season sanctions already in effect. (Example: A player has four yellow cards during the regular season and receives one yellow card in a playoff game, the player will be allowed to play the following game, but should the player receive a 6th yellow card the player would miss the following game.

13. Artificial Noisemakers, etc.

Artificial noisemakers are defined as instruments that produce a wave or vibration, audible, electromagnetic, or other signal, generated by a human source.

EXAMPLES of ARTIFICIAL NOISEMAKERS: Megaphones, Bullhorns, Cowbells, Air Horns, and Whistles

FOR INDOOR SPORTS (Basketball, Volleyball): Artificial Noisemakers are prohibited for indoor sports.

FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS (Football, Softball, Soccer , Baseball) Artificial noisemakers, except air horns, whistles, or any other electronic devices are permitted for outdoor sports. Illegal artificial noisemakers will be confiscated when visible and/or used.

117

______

M. SOFTBALL

1. The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Rules of Softball is the official rules with exceptions as may be found in this section.

2. Fast Pitch Softball is a State Championship event.

3. Official Ball: Wilson Sporting Goods will provide the “Official Balls” for GISA.

SOFTBALL: NFHS Softball – WTA9011BSST

5. The maximum number of softball games allowed (not including invitational/open tournaments or state playoffs) will be twenty-three (23) games either head-to-head competition or in invitational tournament games.

i. Invitational/Open Tournaments will be structured so that no school will play more than eight (8) games in that tournament.

118

ii. Contracts are required for all GISA member schools’ fast pitch softball games, including invitational tournaments.

6. All Varsity softball games will be played with officially-dressed officials who are registered and approved with the GISA.

7. The following “State Adoptions” rule has been approved for GISA play in Softball:

A. The game will end when:

i. A team has completed three turns at bat and is fifteen (15) runs behind. ii. A team has completed four turns at bat and is twelve (12) runs behind. iii. A team has completed five or more turns at bat and is eight (8) runs behind.

B. Courtesy runners are allowed in fast pitch softball as a timesaving device for pitchers and catchers only. The same runner cannot be used to run for both positions. Participation as a courtesy runner does not constitute entry into the game and does not count as a game played.

C. The suspended game rule will be used.

i. When a game is stopped before it becomes a legal game, it must be resumed at the exact point it was stopped. ii. When a game is stopped after it becomes a legal game and a winner can be determined, the game is completed. iii. When a game is stopped after it becomes a legal game and a winner cannot be determined, any replay will begin from the point of interruption.

D. Termination of the game due to weather, unplayable conditions, or mechanical malfunctions:

i. The umpires may halt play for up to two (2) hours when conditions do not allow play to continue.

119

1. The two-hour interruption(s) is cumulative.

2. The game must be terminated when the two-hour time period has elapsed. If the first game of a doubleheader is terminated, the second game will be postponed.

3. The two-hour period does not include time needed to prepare the field for the resumption of play.

ii. Umpires must wait for at least 30 minutes before terminating a game for unplayable field conditions.

E. The tie-breaker procedure for extra-inning games will be:

If after seven innings of play the game is tied, the following tie- breaker rule will be played to determine a winning team. Each half inning thereafter will begin with the final batter from the preceding inning being placed on second base (e.g., If the number 5 batter is scheduled as the lead-off batter, the number 4 batter will be placed on second base). Any substitute for this runner must comply with substitution rules.

8. Only game-essential personnel are permitted within the confines of the team’s dugout and will be held to the same level of accountability as the coaching staff and players.

9. Sub-varsity games may have a time limit instead of playing seven innings as long as the guidelines are agreed upon before the start of the game.

10. STATE TOURNAMENT:

Softball Playoffs: Each round of the playoffs will be the best 2 out of 3 games in all rounds. Each round will be played at the higher seed with the first two games on Saturday and the if-game on Monday.

State Championship Series will be the best 2 out of 3 games. Game 1 for all classifications will be played on Thursday at Mercer University and Game 2 and the IF-Game will be played on Saturday at Mercer University.

11. Umpires for the Finals will be assigned by the GISA Office.

120

12. A double base is prohibited to be used as a first base.

13. The distance between bases is 60 feet. The distance from the pitchers rubber to home plate is 43 feet for varsity. Regular season fence placement must comply with NFHS regulations. The outfield fence will be set at 200 feet during the state playoffs. The GISA Office may waive this rule if fields meeting this requirement cannot be found.

14. Catchers must wear a mask, throat protector, chest or body protector, shin guards that offer protection to the kneecaps, and a helmet with ear flaps. An extended wire mask can be worn in lieu of a throat protector attached to the mask. The ice hockey style mask is approved for use by catchers. If the umpire feels there is not adequate throat protection built into the mask, a throat attachment must be added to the mask before using. Fast pitch catchers cannot wear the plastic face mask/guard.

15. Metal cleats are allowed in GISA Softball.

16. Teams are required to use the “on deck circle” deemed safest for player without regard for team dugout placement.

17. Playoff Field Conditions : Teams hosting state playoff games must meet the following field conditions:

A. Baseball pitching mound must be removed. B. Sliding areas around bases must be cut out. C. Must have seating for 100. D. Must have bathroom facilities. E. Must have a Visitor Locker Room available.

18. All teams advancing to the Championship Finals will be required to have all team bats inspected prior to each game.

A. Bats that pass inspection will have an approved sticker placed on the bat. B. Bats that do not pass inspection will be confiscated and returned to the team at the conclusion of that team’s final game. C. Bats found to be used in a game that do not have the approved sticker will be confiscated, and the offending player and head coach will be restricted to the dugout for that game.

121

19. Artificial Noisemakers, etc.

Artificial noisemakers are defined as instruments that produce a wave or vibration, audible, electromagnetic, or other signal, generated by a human source.

EXAMPLES of ARTIFICIAL NOISEMAKERS: Megaphones, Bullhorns, Cowbells, Air Horns, and Whistles

FOR INDOOR SPORTS (Basketball, Volleyball): Artificial Noisemakers are prohibited for indoor sports.

FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS (Football, Softball , Soccer, Baseball) Artificial noisemakers, except air horns, whistles, or any other electronic devices are permitted for outdoor sports. Illegal artificial noisemakers will be confiscated when visible and/or used.

N. SWIMMING

1. The United States Swimming (USS) Rules and Regulations will be the official rules for all GISA competitions with special exceptions noted in this section. Meet format may vary from USS guidelines in order to meet certain specific GISA rules and regulations.

2. United States Swimming Rules regarding uniforms (suits) must be observed. If swimmers wear a cap, it must follow United States Swimming guidelines. Each school should select a suit and cap to be worn by all swimmers during competition. No jewelry will be allowed except Medic-Alert items.

3. Boys and girls compete for separate Championships in each class.

122

5. Each school with participating student(s) must have a school representative present at all GISA meets.

6. STATE MEET GENERAL INFORMATION:

A. In order to participate in the State Swimming Meet : i. A participant must qualify at a meet governed by GISA and USS Rules. ii. Qualifying Times are listed at the end of this section, and entry deadlines must be met. iii. Proof of Performance (POP) for swimming events must be verified by two GISA coaches who are in attendance at that meet.

B. All eligible relay swimmers must be listed on the entry form. It will not count as an entry unless the competitor actually competes in the event. Any individual listed on the entry form may swim in the prelims, swim-offs, and/or finals provided he does not exceed the permitted entry limit for the meet.

C. Qualifying standards for the State Meet will be established by the GISA Office.

D. A Coaches’ Meeting will be held at the site preceding the swimming competition.

E. Only the coaches / faculty members listed on the entry form will have access to the pool deck.

F. Rules and Restrictions for Meet Entries : A contestant may enter a maximum of five (5) events, no more than three (3) of which are individual events.

123

7. 2021 GISA Championship Time Standards :

High School - Varsity

Girls Event Boys 32.99 50 Free 29.69* 1:15.89* 100 Free 1:09.89* 2:57.09 200 Free 2:47.09 8:30.09 500 Free 8:20.09 1:32.99 100 Back 1:27.99 1:34.99 100 Fly 1:29.99 1:35.99 100 Breast 1:30.39 3:25.99 200 IM 3:15.99

Middle School Invitational (Open to all GISA member schools)

Girls Event Boys 38.09 50 Free 38.09 1:30.09 100 Free 1:30.09 50.09 50 Back 50.09 50.09 50 Fly 50.09 55.09 50 Breast 55.09 1:50.09 100 IM 1:50.09

Formula : Based on the 30 th place time at the Championship meet. In any year when the 30 th place time in an event gets faster, the next year’s Qualifying time in that event will change accordingly. * An asterisk denotes a time that has been adjusted based on last year’s results.

Qualifying: Qualifying performances must be achieved by athletes representing their school in a GISA or GHSA sanctioned meet during the current season. All entries must be submitted to designated Meet Director using Hy-Tek. NO manual entries are permitted. ______

124

O. TENNIS

1. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) Rules of Tennis is the official guide with exceptions as may be noted in this section.

2. The rules of the USTA Handbook relating to lateness for a match will apply to GISA matches.

3. Clinic Attendance or Rules Tests are required of all varsity and assistant varsity coaches at either the Annual Coaches' Clinic and/or GISA Clinics officially sponsored and conducted by GISA approved and registered officials’ associations. GISA and/or the Coaches’ Association will administer clinics. In lieu of clinic attendance, each coach must take and pass a rules test administered by the GISA Office at least 10 days prior to start of season or first regular season game. Failure to attend a clinic or pass a rules test prior to coaching will subject the coach to a $100 fine. Coaches are not allowed to be on the sideline or in the dugout until rules compliance is met. The penalty for coaching while not under compliance will be $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and so on.

4. There will be continuous play except that a GISA certified coach from that school may talk to his or her player(s) as they change ends of the court after a game, but the player(s) must stay on the court.

5. Regulation tennis shoes must be worn by all contestants in the State Tennis Tournament or be approved by the tournament director prior to the beginning of play.

6. Participants displaying flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct will be penalized. Penalty for first offense will be loss of game. Penalty for second offense in the same match will be disqualification. Flagrant misconduct is defined, but not limited to, throwing racquets, profanity, etc.

7. Rules regarding tardiness and coaching will be consistent with GISA rules and distributed to all schools at the meeting prior to the beginning of the tournament.

8. The format for all GISA tennis matches will be three (3) singles matches and two (2) doubles matches. With prior agreement of both coaches, JV squads may use a format of two (2) singles matches and one (1) doubles match. NOTE : No GISA match at any level may be played where there are fewer than three (3) points available, and any pre-match

125

forfeitures must take place at the lowest level. No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles may never be forfeited before a match begins.

A. An individual player may play in either one (1) singles match or one (1) doubles match ONLY.

B. Substitution is not permitted once a match is engaged under USTA definition. If any injury occurs during play that prevents a player from completing the match, that player defaults, and the opponent is awarded the victory.

9. As long as region rules are not violated in regular season matches, if the region so chooses or the schools agree in advance an 8-Game pro set format is allowed instead of the best 2 of 3 sets format. In this format the first player to win 8 games by a margin or two (2) games wins the set. If the score reaches 8-8, then the usual 12-point tiebreaker will be used. This format will be useful if time and/or court space is a consideration.

10. STATE INDIVIDUAL TENNIS TOURNAMENT

A. 1st through 4 th place winners in singles and doubles as determined in each region will be invited to participate in the State Individual Tennis Tournament. This applies regardless of which school(s) these students attend within a given region.

B. A total of six (6) All-State plaques will be awarded for Singles (2 plaques) and Doubles players (4 plaques) who reach the Finals (per gender, per classification).

C. The State Individual Tennis Tournament will be conducted as follows:

Day One – Two rounds. Classification start times will be announced.

Day Two – Semifinals and Championship matches for both classifications.

All matches will be best 2 of 3 sets, with 12-point tiebreaker in effect at 6-6.

126

11 . STATE TEAM TENNIS TOURNAMENT

A. Separate team championships for girls and boys will be decided by team play.

B. Each Region will send their Team Region Champion and Runner-Up to a one-day GISA State Team Tournament to determine a State Champion and State Runner-Up. The State Team Tennis Tournament will be held on separate days for each classification. (Effective Spring 2020)

C. The format for all rounds of the GISA State Team Tennis Tournament will be three (3) singles and two (2) doubles matches. Any team not having one or more of these positions will have automatic losses for every position not fielded, and the opponent receives one (1) point for each forfeited match.

i. A player may play in only one (1) singles match or in only one (1) doubles match.

ii. No player is permitted to play in both a singles and a doubles match.

iii. Substitution is NOT permitted once a match has officially begun. If any injury occurs during play that prevents a player from completing the match, that player defaults, and the opponent is awarded the victory.

12. All matches at State will be best 2 of 3 sets with 12-point tiebreaker in effect in any set (1 st , 2 nd , or 3 rd ) when set score reaches 6-6.

13. Each region will select the method used to determine region champion prior to the beginning of the tennis season. The following methods are suggested:

A. Team that has the best record in region tennis matches during regular season using format described.

B. Team that wins the team region tournament if region has one.

14. LINE-UP for State Team Tournament : 127

The coach must submit their lineup to the GISA Office one-week prior to the State Team Tournament.

The roster will include: A. Three (3) singles players, listed in proper position with the best player as #1, next best as #2, and next best as #3. B. Two (2) doubles teams listed with the best as #1 and the next best as #2. C. Alternates are to be designated on the roster submitted to the GISA Office. See (d) below for how alternates may be used. D. No changes will be made to lineups after official roster and rankings are submitted to the GISA Office. (This means no changes in your line-up will take place at the State Team Championships)

If a player is injured during a contest and unable to continue, that contest will end in a forfeit by the injured player/team.

An alternate can be inserted into a lineup for an injured player. i. If the injured player was competing in the singles competition, the alternate must enter as the lowest seed (3), and other competitors will be moved up in the rankings. If the injured player was competing in the doubles competition, the alternate must enter in one of two ways: ii. Take the place on the team of the injured player, and this team will be moved to the lowest seed (2 doubles). iii. Take a player from the other doubles (the team with the non- injured player) team to replace the injured player, and the team with the alternate player will be moved to the lowest seed (2).

If the injured player is able to return to the team lineup, that team’s seeding will revert to the original seeding. The team’s lineup will revert to the lineup that was turned prior to the beginning of the tournament and play will continue.

E. The Games Committee will be appointed by GISA to assist the GISA representative and to review decisions made concerning approval or disapproval of change should either involved-coach request a ruling.

15. A team winning three (3) matches of the five (5) possible (3 singles-2 doubles) will be declared the winner. All teams must have at least a total

128

of three (3) singles or doubles teams eligible to compete, or the match is a forfeit and will be scored as 3-0.

16. All matches must be stopped in all rounds prior to the State Championship round as soon as a team has won three (3) matches, and the score recorded at that point (i.e. 3-0, 3-1, or 3-2).

17. If a Region Team Tennis Tournament is held, rules and procedures must be consistent with GISA State tennis rules. ______

P. TRACK & FIELD

1. The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Rules of Track & Field is the official guide with exceptions as may be noted in this section.

(NOTE : Knowledge of and compliance to all exceptions is the responsibility of the Head Coach.)

2. Track and Field is a Team Championship event for boys and girls.

3. Clinic Attendance or Rules Tests are required of all varsity and assistant varsity coaches at either the Annual Coaches' Clinic and/or GISA Clinics officially sponsored and conducted by GISA approved and registered officials’ associations. GISA and/or the Coaches’ Association will administer clinics. In lieu of clinic attendance, each coach must take and pass a rules test administered by the GISA Office at least 10 days prior to start of season or first regular season game. Failure to attend a clinic or pass a rules test prior to coaching will subject the coach to a $100 fine. Coaches are not allowed to be on the sideline or in the dugout until rules compliance is met. The penalty for coaching while not under compliance will be $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and so on.

4. A contestant in Track and Field may enter a maximum of both relays and three (3) individual events.

5. The following regulations apply to the Pole Vault event:

A. All Association schools competing in the pole vault event must meet the minimum NFHS regulations on the vaulting area, the plant box, the vaulting standards, the crossbar, and the landing pads. Schools not able to meet these regulations are not allowed to practice or compete in the pole vault event at the non-complying site.

B. In compliance with NFHS rules, coaches must verify that all vaulters and poles meet event requirements. A “Pole Vault Verification Form” 129

found on the GISA web site is to be submitted before each competition.

6. GISA has elected to fully comply with the 2019 NFHS Rule 4-3-1. All competitors will have legal uniforms . The singlet and bottom, or one- piece uniform, must be a school-issued or school-approved Track and Field uniform. Uniform bottoms clearly designed as “underwear” will NOT meet the NFHS or GISA requirement. Uniform apparel with multiple manufacturer logos are NOT legal. Team uniforms worn must clearly identify the competitors at a glance as being a member of a certain team. (CLARIFICATION: Team members competing in individual events must wear clearly identifying uniforms for that team but NOT NECESSARILY of the same design. Relay team members on the same team must wear uniforms of the same design. A school entering two relay teams in the same event may have a different design of uniform for each team.) NOTE : The ultimate responsibility for uniforms compliance lies with the coach. Coaches should inspect any/all garments competitors wear to make sure they are in compliance with Association and NFHS uniforms rules.

7. Athletes may not compete while wearing electronic devices .

8. Electronic devices , including but not limited to disc players, tape players, cell phones, pagers, and walkie-talkies, are permitted for use by coaches within designated coaching boxes or outside of restricted competition areas.

9. At the State Meet , eight (8) places will be scored with point totals counting as follows:

First Place = 10 points Second Place = 8 points Third Place = 6 points Fourth Place = 5 points Fifth Place = 4 points Sixth Place = 3 points Seventh Place = 2 points Eighth Place = 1 point

NOTE : When there is a tie, the points will be divided equally among the contestants who are tied.

10. REGION COMPETITION:

130

A. All Schools hosting a REGION Track Meet are required to use Fully Automatic Timing (FAT).

B. Deadlines for posting the Region list of entries will be a Region decision. i. Coaches may alter the list of entries until the deadline established by each Region for its Region Meet. ii. All Region Secretaries Coordinators should communicate their deadline for entries before the “Scratch Meeting” that precedes the Region Meet.

C. The time schedule for the Region Meet will be given to each competing school prior to the start of the Meet.

i. Events to be contested for Boys and Girls Track (16 events):

RUNNING EVENTS FIELD EVENTS 4 X 100m Relay Discus – GIRLS (2.20 lb / 1.kg) 1600m Relay Discus – BOYS (3.53 lb / 1.6 kg) 400m Dash High Jump 100m Dash Long Jump Girls 100m Hurdles (33’) Pole Vault Boys 110m Hurdles (39’) Shot Put – GIRLS (8.81 lb / 4.kg) 800m Run Shot Put – BOYS (12 lb / 5.443 kg) 200m Dash Triple Jump Girls 300m Hurdles (30”) Boys 300m Hurdles (36”) 3200m Run 4 x 400m Relays

D. Each school may have two (2) entries in each event.

E. Relay teams entered in the Region Meet may list a maximum of six (6) runners.

i. Schools with two (2) teams entered in the same relay event may list a competitor on both teams.

ii. The relay names remain the SAME throughout the State Meet Series (Region/State Meets) and are the ONLY eligible participants for qualifying relay teams throughout the State Meet.

iii. NO replacements may be made in the Relay list of runners advancing from the Region to the State Meet.

131

iv. Any four (4) competitors listed on a Region Meet relay event entry may run in that event in any round of advancement (Region, State Meet Semifinals and Finals) and in any order desired.

F. In Shot Put, Discus, Long Jump, and Triple Jump, the giving of qualifying and final trials is optional.

NOTE : The Region Games Committee may institute a process in which each contestant has three (3) attempts, and only the best attempt counts.

G. It is recommended that all Regions conduct the boys and girls competitions on the same dates in order to comply with the GISA deadline for completion of Region track competitions.

H. When there is a tie in any event involving more contestants than the Region is entitled to enter in the State Meet, the contest must continue or be re-held until the representatives to the State Meet are determined, and no points will be given for the continued or re-held contest. For possible replacement purposes, all field events must determine clear 5th and 6th place finishers.

I. The Top Four (4) finishers from each Region Meet will advance directly to State.

 When a qualifier cannot compete in the State Final, the next competitor in the order of finish will be selected as a replacement.

 In the 3200 Meter Run , runners must run under a “maximum time” at their respective Region Meet to qualify for State. The “maximum time” will be the 8 th Place Time from the previous year plus 90-seconds. The time will be set for each classification and gender and will be announced and published prior to the start of the track season. (Effective Spring 2019)

11. STATE MEET

A. For Running Events :

i. There will be two heats in each event. The top two (2) finishers in each heat and the next four (4) fastest times from either heat will advance to the State Final. ii. The 800, 1600 Meter and 3200 Meter Runs will be run as Finals, and all sixteen (16) compete.

132

B. For Field Events (except High and Pole) There will be two (2) flights. i. All 16 competitors will receive 3 attempts. ii. The Top 8 advance and receive 2 additional attempts. iii. Any of the 5 attempts may be used for the championship.

C. For Pole Vault and High Jump , all 16 compete in the Finals.

D. Each contestant is requested to bring his/her own shot and discus . i. Any contestant may use any shot or discus after it has been checked for weight and legality at the field. ii. Rings for the shot and discus are concrete; therefore, rubber soled shoes must be worn. iii. The NFHS Track & Field Rule Book will be strictly enforced in regard to the time between jumps and throws.

E. Arcs for throwing sectors will be the following as per state adoption of NFHS rules: Discus & Shot Put – 34.92 degrees (Rule 6-4-5; Shot Put: Rule 6-5). This is required for all region and state qualifiers and the GISA State Meet.

F. The tracks and runways that are used for all State Finals are all- weather tracks.

i. Spikes on track shoes must not exceed the specified length(s) at each State Meet: NOTE: Shoes may be inspected before contestants are allowed on the track. ii. Spikes that have been cut off by individuals must be filed to a sharp point. Blunt spikes will not be allowed. iii. Only the starting blocks furnished at the track may be used in the State Meets. ______

Q. VOLLEYBALL

1. The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Rules of Volleyball is the official guide with the exception as may be found in this section.

2. Official Ball: Wilson Sporting Goods will provide the “Official Balls” for GISA.

VOLLEYBALL: K-1 Gold

133

3. Clinic Attendance or Rules Tests are required of all varsity and assistant varsity coaches at either the Annual Coaches' Clinic and/or GISA Clinics officially sponsored and conducted by GISA approved and registered officials’ associations. GISA and/or the Coaches’ Association will administer clinics. In lieu of clinic attendance, each coach must take and pass a rules test administered by the GISA Office at least 10 days prior to start of season or first regular season game. Failure to attend a clinic or pass a rules test prior to coaching will subject the coach to a $100 fine. Coaches are not allowed to be on the sideline or in the dugout until rules compliance is met. The penalty for coaching while not under compliance will be $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and so on.

4. Playing dates : i. Schools have a maximum of twenty (20) playing dates regardless of whether or not it is a tournament format or head-to-head competition. Each day of a tournament equals one playing date. Region and State Play-Offs are not counted as part of the allotted playing dates. ii. An invitational tournament is defined as three (3) or more schools competing in a single or double elimination format that leads to a champion being declared. The use of pool play is acceptable. iii. The maximum number of days for an invitational tournament is two (2) days.

5. MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION :

i. In accordance with National Federation rules, the use of artificial noisemakers will be prohibited.

ii. Competitors must stay in uniform while in the competitive area.

iii. All varsity Volleyball matches will be officiated by at least one (1) officially-dressed volleyball official who is registered with the GISA.

iv. Each school will have a contract with an Officials’ Association for regular season matches, play days, and invitational tournaments.

6. All GISA matches are to be a best of five (5) format using the rally-scoring format to a point total of 25. Winning team must have a two- point margin. Game 5 will begin with score 10-10 and will also be played to 25.

7. All varsity volleyball matches should begin as follows:

i. Dual-Matches must start no later than 8:00 p.m. ii. Tri-Matches must start no later than 7:00 p.m. iii. Quad-Matches must start no later than 6:00 p.m.

134

8. Schools will not permit the use of megaphones, bullhorns, or other electronically amplifying devices used by fans, students, or coaches to cheer or harass players before, during, or after any GISA event.

Artificial noisemakers are defined as instruments that produce a wave or vibration, audible, electromagnetic, or other signal, generated by a human source.

EXAMPLES of ARTIFICIAL NOISEMAKERS: Megaphones, Bullhorns, Cowbells, Air Horns, and Whistles

FOR INDOOR SPORTS (Basketball, Volleyball ): Artificial Noisemakers are prohibited for indoor sports.

FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS (Football, Softball, Soccer, Baseball) Artificial noisemakers, except air horns, whistles, or any other electronic devices are permitted for outdoor sports. Illegal artificial noisemakers will be confiscated when visible and/or used.

9. Consideration for schools with difficulties for late Friday and Saturday play was approved by the Heads. Schedules will be adjusted as applicable.

19. The officials in all matches will be registered with GISA and have complete control over all features of the game.

11. In Region and State tournaments, no teams will have the privilege of placing their scorer at or near the position occupied by the Official Scorer.

12. In Region and State tournaments the committee or person in charge will secure the services of a competent scorer.

13. The State Champion and Runner-Up will receive appropriate trophies. The All-State selectees will receive a plaque.

14. Ties

A. Head-to-head advantage will be used to break all ties.

B. If tie still exists for:

 Last play-off spot with at least one (1) school being eliminated, a playoff match will be held in the following manner:

2-Teams: Coin toss to determine site 3-Teams: Coin toss to determine site, and bye with other two schools playing with winner playing school that received bye

135

4-Teams: Coin toss to determine site and pairings for single elimination tournament.

 Ties that do not eliminate any team will be broken by game results in head-to-head competition. EXAMPLE : A team winning 3-to-1 and losing 3-to-2 would be a higher seed because they had one more total game. If game results fail to determine winner, then a coin toss will be held.

15. VOLLEYBALL: Cumulative Yellow Cards

As always, three yellow cards in any game equals a red card and constitutes an ejection. Any fan asked to leave the premises or acting in a manner subjecting an official to an undue threat by physical or verbal assault will be treated as an ejection. At the very least, the school will be fined $50, and said fan will not be allowed to attend the next game played by their team.

A. Varsity Volleyball Coaches may receive three (3) cumulative unsportsmanlike yellow cards in a season without further increase in sanctions. The 4 th unsportsmanlike yellow card will require a $50 fine from the school. The 5 th such yellow card mandates a $100 school fine and a one (1) game suspension to be served on the following game in that sport at the same level. The 6 th yellow card warrants a $150 school fine, and the offending coach is suspended from the following two (2) games. The 7 th unsportsmanlike yellow card will result in a $200 school fine, and the coach will not be allowed to coach any more in that sport for the season.

This rule will not interfere with rules in place regarding ejections (red cards) but will be in addition to said rule. (Example : Coach with one accumulated yellow card receives three yellow cards in same game. Coach would miss the following previously scheduled game and pay $50 fine for ejection, and pay $50 fine for 4 th accumulated yellow card.) Heads are expected to regulate sub- varsity accumulated yellow cards in a very rigid and responsible manner.

B. Varsity Volleyball Players may receive four (4) cumulative yellow cards in a season without further increase in sanctions. The 5 th cumulative yellow card will result in a one (1) game suspension to be served the following game. The 6 th cumulative yellow card will result in a two (2) game suspension to be served the following two games. Should there be a 7 th cumulative yellow card, the player is suspended for the remainder of the season. This rule will not interfere with rules in place regarding ejections (red cards) but will

136

be in addition to said rule. ( Example : Player has two (2) accumulated yellow cards and receives three more in same game. Player would be ejected and miss following previously scheduled game and pay $50 fine for ejection. Player would also be suspended for one additional game for five (5) accumulated yellow cards.) Any player construed by the officials to be baiting an opponent with known cumulative yellow card problems will be subject to very severe discipline by the GISA Office, including game suspensions, fines, and game forfeitures. ______

R. WRESTLING

1. The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) Rules of Wrestling will be the official guide with the exceptions as may be found in this section or in the GISA Wrestling Management Handbook found in the Appendix.

2. Clinic Attendance or Rules Tests are required of all varsity and assistant varsity coaches at either the Annual Coaches' Clinic and/or GISA Clinics officially sponsored and conducted by GISA approved and registered officials’ associations. GISA and/or the Coaches’ Association will administer clinics. In lieu of clinic attendance, each coach must take and pass a rules test administered by the GISA Office at least 10 days prior to start of season or first regular season game. Failure to attend a clinic or pass a rules test prior to coaching will subject the coach to a $100 fine. Coaches are not allowed to be on the sideline or in the dugout until rules compliance is met. The penalty for coaching while not under compliance will be $100 for the first offense, $200 for the second offense, and so on.

3. Prior to all competitions, coaches must present a properly-dated weigh-in roster created no more than three (3) calendar days prior to the event to the head official, demonstrating that the Weight Management Program is being followed.

4. Notification of entry in Wrestling must be filed with the GISA Office no later than October 1.

5. A school may enter its wrestling team in competition for sixteen (16) playing dates, not including post-season competition.

i. The maximum number of days for an invitational tournament is two (2) dates. ii. On a day/night preceding a school day, a student may not wrestle more than three (3) matches. On all other occasions, a student may not wrestle more than five (5) matches per day. Forfeits do not count toward the daily match limit. iii. Contestants must have 45-minutes rest between matches.

137

iv. A wrestler may wrestle in both a varsity and a sub-varsity match on the same day as long as that wrestler does not exceed the maximum number of matches allowed for that day. v. It is permissible for coaches to use “split squads” during the regular season. However, the use of split squads will count as two (2) of that school’s maximum allowed competitions.

6. Beginning and ending dates for practice and competition can be found in the Appendix.

7. Weight classifications will be as follows:

106 lbs. 132 lbs. 160 lbs. 195 lbs. 113 lbs. 138 lbs. 170 lbs. 220 lbs. 120 lbs. 145 lbs. 182 lbs. 285 lbs. 126 lbs. 152 lbs.

i. When there are consecutive days of team competition, there will be a one (1) pound additional allowance granted each day for all wrestlers up to a maximum of two (2) pounds for any weigh-in. In order to be granted this one (1) pound additional allowance, a minimum of 48-hours advance notice is required for the opponent(s). NOTE : There will be no consecutive day weight allowance granted for teams/athletes who compete the day before any post-season championship series tournament.

ii. GISA does not approve any practice that endangers the health and safety of wrestlers. Crash dieting, the use of diuretics and other drugs for rapid weight reduction, the use of a sweat box, any type of vinyl or plastic sweat suit or bag, hot showers, whirlpool, or any other type of artificial heat device for rapid weight reduction is prohibited.

iii. Effective for ALL weekday meets and tournaments, all weigh-in procedures of the National Federation (Rule 4-5) will apply.

iv. In tournament competitions (regular season dual and invitational, and the State Championship series), wrestlers will not have an option to weigh-out at the conclusion of the first day of competition. All weigh-ins will take place prior to the start of competition each day.

v. All contestants may engage in legal weight loss activities on site until weigh-ins begin. Once weigh-ins begin, activities that promote weight loss/dehydration or weight gain are prohibited. Contestants will not leave the designated weigh-in area unless permission is granted by the school administrator or meet director.

138

vi. Only two (2) certified coaches affiliated with the school of the athlete on the mat will be allowed at mat side during regular season tournaments and at the Region and State Finals tournaments.

8. All Varsity wrestling matches will be held with officially-dressed wrestling officials who are registered with GISA.

i. Before each meet, the referee will perform skin checks and sign a verification form.

ii. The referee will also check for items outlined as pre-meet duties for officials in the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book.

9. Appropriate health-care professionals will be available at all wrestling tournaments.

10. Communicable Skin Disorders :

i. GISA strongly recommends that wrestling mats be left unrolled during the competitive season and be disinfected a minimum of three (3) times per week with a medically-approved cleansing solution.

ii. In the event an athlete develops a skin disorder or skin lesion that is considered contagious, the school must complete and provide the “Physician's Release for Wrestler to Participate” form. No other form of documentation will be accepted at the site of the competition. The release form is to be presented by the coach at the weigh-in or prior to competition. NOTE : The form and information can be found on the GISA web site.

11. When a coach is charged with a flagrant misconduct penalty , that individual must go to a location outside the “sight and sound” of the competitive area and can have no interactions with wrestlers or any other team personnel (removal from premises).

12. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:

i. All GISA wrestling schools will participate in the mandatory and binding “Weight Management Program.”

139

ii. Schools must enter weigh-in results in the computerized weight management program (OPC) within 48 hours of each weigh-in or before the next scheduled contest, whichever comes first. An athlete’s weight descent plan ends on the date of the Region Meet; it is not necessary to enter region tournament weights into the OPC.

iii. The “Wrestling Weight Management Coaches Handbook” that contains details of program guidelines and forms will be posted on the GISA web site.

iv. Schools must have all scales used for wrestling weigh-ins certified annually by the Georgia Department of Agriculture (Fuels and Measures; 404-656-3605).

13. TRADITIONAL WRESTLING

REGION TOURNAMENTS:

i. Each Region will hold its Region Tournament, and the Top four (4) from each region will advance to the Sectional. All weight classes must wrestle through six places at the Region and the Sectional Tournament unless there are less than five (5) wrestlers in a region/section. The 5th and 6th Place winners in each region and sectional will be alternates for the next tournament only in the event a seed is unfilled or vacated.

ii. In order to eliminate byes after the 1st Round of the State Tournament, a Sectional System will be used for seeding the State Wrestling Tournament. The two Sectionals will be held on the Friday of the State Tournament. The Top 4 from each sectional will advance to the State Finals Tournament to be held on Saturday. The placers in each sectional will be placed automatically into the correct spot on an 8-man bracket. Each sectional will pair two (2) regions and will rotate every two (2) years.

Wrestlers must weigh in for Region, as well as the Sectional and State Finals Tournament.

The Sectional will NOT count toward Team Score in the State Tournament. Team Scores will be awarded from matches wrestled on Saturday.

iii. Region Tournaments may be held on or before the last date to complete the Region. Those hosting Region Tournaments are encouraged to hold a one-day tournament whenever possible.

iv. Officials are to be secured and paid by the Region.

140

v. All finances will be handled by the Region, including all expenses, payment of officials, and distribution of receipts.

vi. Scoring for wrestlers failing to report, failing skin checks, not weighing in, or not making weight will follow NFHS guidelines for forfeitures.

vii. Wrestlers must make weight at Region Tournament in order to participate in State Wrestling.

14. STATE FINALS TOURNAMENT:

i. Reports of wrestlers advancing to the State Finals Tournament must be transmitted electronically to the State Meet Director. Specific reporting instructions will be forwarded to each Tournament Director.

ii. All replacements for wrestlers who qualified for the State Finals Tournament should be reported to the Meet Director immediately.

iii. Wrestlers must wrestle in the Region and State Tournaments at the weight certified in accordance with all provisions of the GISA Wrestling Weight Management Program.

A. All weigh-ins for the State Finals Tournament will be in accordance with the NFHS Rule 4-5. B. Exact weigh-in times will be determined by tournament administration.

iv. The State Finals Tournament will be scored to six (6) places.

v. In the event the Traditional State Tournament ends in a tie, the teams will be declared co-champions.

______

141

SECTION 13: ONE-ACT PLAY & LITERARY

142

SECTION 13: ONE-ACT PLAY & LITERARY

A. The State Literary Committee working under the rules and regulations set forth in the By-Laws and Regulations of GISA Interscholastic will have entire charge of the operation of the State Literary Meet and the selection of Judges and Officials for each event. In regional elimination, the Region Literary Chairman and the Region Secretary-Treasurer will serve as co-chairmen. They will:

1. Provide a timekeeper in each event in which there is a time limit to be observed. It will be the duty of the timekeeper to keep an accurate account of the time the contestant is consuming.

2. Provide a stopwatch (as needed) for each timekeeper.

3. The timekeeper will be stationed in full view of the contestant. By use of cards the contestant will be informed when one minute is remaining and when time is up. The notification when time is up will be when the timekeeper stands up and gives an audible “STOP TIME.” If the contestant stops when time is called, he or she will not be disqualified.

4. Provide one or more judges in various events and give the judges a written copy of the rules concerning the judging of that particular event.

5. Inform each contestant where and when to appear for a contest.

6. On timed events, have an adult record the time used on each judge's evaluation sheet for each individual contestant.

B. System of Ranking : In Region and State Literary Events, a system of judging and ranking will be used to determine order of finish. Scores will be used in the event of a tie. The contestants or schools will be identified by number only. No contestant or school name will be used until all judge’s evaluation sheets have been submitted for final points tabulation.

C. Correction of Errors : All mistakes due to errors in calculations or made contrary to the rules of the contest and discovered before or after the decision of the judges will be corrected. Such corrections in Region and State Meets must be made within forty-eight (48) hours after such meets.

D. Copyright Laws : Due to copyright laws, no type of music duplication will be permitted. A letter from the publisher authorizing duplication is acceptable. Internet purchases from legitimate publishers must include a proof of purchase or receipt.

143

NOTE: Free Online Courses offered by NFHS Learn ( www.nfhslearn.com ) about “Understanding Copyright and Compliance” are available and highly recommended for all one-act play and literary coaches.

E. Videotaping may be done only with one’s own contestant(s) or school, and for One-Act Plays may be done only in accordance with a play’s licensing agreement. Videotaping of another school’s performance is strictly prohibited.

F. School One-Act Play & Literary Coach Requirements : All One-Act Play and Literary School Coordinators (those assigned and listed by their school to coordinate their school’s event) are required to take an online rules test each year. Failure to take and pass the rules test will result in a fine to the school. It is also highly recommended that all others (teachers/staff) who “coach” one-act play or literary (any event) take the online test as well. (Effective 2020-21)

G. Literary Points and Trophies:

1. Championship, First and Second Runner-Up trophies will be presented for One-Act Play and Spring Literary & Music competitions.

2. In Spring Region or State Literary and Music Competitions where a single sex school (100% male or 100% female enrollment) is in competition, the scoring will be done on a percentage basis. For a single sex school 84 points will be the base; for a co-ed school 98 points will be the base. The winner will be the school with the highest percentage of points.

3. Individual winners will receive awards for first place only in the State Meet. Region first and second place winners in all events are to compete in the State Literary Meet.

H. Literary Participants :

1. Each school may have only one (1) contestant or contesting team in each of the following events:

One-Act Play Piano Extemporaneous Speaking (U.S./Int’l) Trio (Girls) Impromptu Speaking Solo (Boys) Oral Interpretation (Dramatic) Solo (Girls) Oral Interpretation (Humorous) Quartet (Boys) Duo Interpretation Personal Essay Spelling Argumentative Essay Rhetorical Analysis Essay

2. A student may represent his or her school in not more than two (2) events in which he or she performs alone. There will be no limit on performing in group events.

144

3. In all Interpretation, Vocal, and Piano events contestants must perform the same selection at Region and State.

4. Each Region must determine a first and second place winner for each event to represent the Region in the State Literary Events. All ties for 2 nd Place from the Region level must be resolved according to Region By- Laws prior to the State Events.

5. There is no minimum number of events that a school must enter in Region Literary Events.

I. Notice of Entry in Literary Events:

1. Each school wishing to enter any Literary Event must notify the Region Literary Chairman in writing. Notification must be received no later than twenty (20) calendar days prior to the Region competition in that event. In the event there is no Region competition, the deadline will be twenty- seven (27) calendar days before State.

2. Failure to comply with this rule will result in disqualification without recourse.

J. Literary Eligibility Reports:

It is the responsibility of the Region Secretary and/or Region Literary Chairman to determine if a contestant is on the eligibility list certified by the GISA Office. (Interscholastic transfer rules apply.)

K. Region Literary Meets:

1. Each school participating in the Region Literary and Music Events will provide one (1) staff member to assist the Region Literary Chairman in the conduct of the meet.

2. The Region Secretary or his/her appointed person and the Region Literary Chairman will have the authority to disqualify participants who fail to follow the GISA Interscholastic Rules and Regulations.

3. Each Region Literary Chairman must submit the official Region Results for the plays and students qualifying for the State One-Act Play Competition, Debate Tournament, and Literary and Music Events with the GISA Office immediately after completion of the Region Event. ______

145

L. ONE-ACT PLAY

1. Considerations at State One-Act Plays :

 A schedule for unloading will be provided by the GISA Office prior to the State competition.

 Schools will have 15-minutes from the time the previous school clears the wings until they should be ready to begin.

 Spiking of the stage is prohibited.

 Microphone use by speakers or singers on stage is prohibited.

 No oral critiques will be made at the State competitions.

 Videotaping may be done only with one’s own contestant(s) or school, and for One-Act Plays may be done only in accordance with a play’s licensing agreement. Videotaping of another school’s performance is strictly prohibited.

2. Contest Rules :

A. Schools choosing to enter musical productions will not use a reproduction of the cast recording as part of the production. Musical accompaniment may be performed live or with an accompaniment CD. This does not include background music, intros, sound effects, etc. No recorded vocals are allowed.

B. Proof of performance rights and payment of royalties must be submitted to the Region Literary Chair prior to the Region One-Act Play Competition. Schools performing a cutting or abridgement of a play must also provide written permission from the publisher to cut the play. No play will be allowed to perform without proof of royalties and/or rights paid. GISA will in no way be responsible for any faults that may occur with rights and/or royalties.

C. Schools performing original scripts or plays in the public domain will be exempt from the rule regarding rights and royalties.

D. No school will be permitted to perform the same play selection in consecutive years.

E. Each school will be given 55-minutes to set-up, perform, and strike its production. Any play which exceeds the above time limit will be penalized 2 points from each judge’s total for each 15-second increment over the limit.

146

F. There are no restrictions on costumes, properties, and scenery. Properties are defined as any handheld items used on stage apart from the scenery. Scenery is defined as the physical structures used to stimulate an environment set forth in the play including furniture, platforms, wagons, flats, etc.

G. Each school must begin with a standard intro not in character and without the use of props. A standard intro includes the school number, name of play, author of the play, and an audible “Start Time” before beginning any performance. At the conclusion of the play and removal of all set items there must be an audible, “Stop Time.”

H. If a play in the opinion of all three judges contains profane or obscene language and/or gestures it will be disqualified by the judges without recourse.

I. No ineligible person will be visible on stage in the acting area as part of the production nor will offer conspicuous direction. This also includes no directors on stage in the acting area to start or stop the play. An adult may be an accompanist on a musical instrument if that person is off stage.

3. Judges :

A. There will be three (3) certified judges for this event. (See GHSA Trained Adjudicators List .)

B. There will be three (3) judges for this event. Judges will sit apart during the presentations. They will score and give their written comments without conferring with one another or any other person. Judges will hold all evaluation sheets until after all the contestants have presented. Individual judges cannot give two performances the SAME point total; the judge must differentiate his or her scores to rank the performances.

Judges may discuss individual, group, and production awards after all performances have been completed and team score sheets have been turned in for tabulations.

C. Judges will avoid contact with directors or cast members until after all schools have performed.

147

4. Awards :

A. The sum of the points from the judges will determine first (Champion), second (First Runner-Up), third (Second Runner-Up). Ties will be broken by judges’ decisions.

B. Champion, First, and Second Runner-Up trophies will be presented. Plaques will be awarded to the five (5) Best Performances regardless of gender.

5. The Champion and First Runner-Up from each Region will advance to the State One-Act Play Competition. ______

Spring Literary and Music Events

M. Oral Interpretation (Dramatic; Humorous and Duo)

1. Explanation : The art of interpretation is to be regarded as recreating the characters in the story presented and making them seem living and real to the audience. Interpretation is not a singing event; however, brief amounts of singing are allowed if called for in the script.

2. Divisions : Separate contests will be conducted in Dramatic, Humorous, and Duo Interpretation. Each will be presented as memorized selections and without the use of scripts, physical objects, costume, musical selections, and sound effects. These events are non-gender specific.

3. Selections : Selections will be cuttings from published, printed novels, short stories, plays, or poetry. Recorded material that is not published and printed is prohibited. Monologues are acceptable in Dramatic and Humorous Interpretations.

4. Re-Use : No contestant or school will be permitted to perform the same selection in consecutive years. Material cannot be a cutting from the school’s current year One-Act Play performance.

5. Plagiarizing : In Interpretation, coaches are strongly encouraged to create a presentation of an original nature and are on their honor to refrain from imitating a published performance (i.e. YouTube; NFL Final Video, etc.). If judges recognize a piece from a media presentation, deductions may be severe, and/or a student may be disqualified.

148

6. Source : A cutting must be a single work of literature: one short story or one play or one novel or one or more poems from the same published volume. The original published source of any selection used in Dramatic, Humorous, or Duo Interpretation must be immediately available at the event, as well as a complete script of the cutting used.

A complete script of the cutting would be:  A photocopy of every page from which any line of the cutting is taken; pages are to be in the order in which they are performed.  All works used from the script should be highlighted. Any words/lines not used should be left unmarked.  Any word changes to eliminate profane language and/or additions for transition must be indicated clearly in ink.

As proof of publication, a coach or supervising adult must be able to present one of the following:  An original printed source with an ISBN#, ISSN#, or IFFN#. If these options are not available then,  Proof that the material was obtained commercially from an author, literary agent, or publisher – or is publicly available and verifiable for download, purchase, or use on the Internet by any individual.

Failure to provide a complete script and/or original published source to the event monitor prior to performing will result in disqualification.

7. Adaptations : Adaptations may only be used for the purpose of transition. The gender stated by the author must be honored. However, a female contestant may play a male role, and a male contestant may play a female role.

8. Introduction : During the presentation the contestant/team must name the author and the book or magazine from which the cutting was made. Contestants may recite the title and author of the piece and give a brief introduction of the piece. In Interpretation, the teaser must be from the same material or piece as the one being performed.

9. Participation : In Duo Interpretation, each of the two performers may play one or more characters as long as performance responsibility in the cutting remains as balanced as possible. The performer’s roles and dialogue are to be as equitable as possible. In other words, one performer should not speak the majority of the time.

10. Narration : If the selection is prose or poetry and contains narration, either or both of the performers may present the narration. Narration, if included, should be vivid and animated so as to be an interesting and integral part of the story rather than just “filler” between portions of dialogue.

149

11. Focus : In Dramatic and Humorous Interpretation, use of focal points and/or direct contact with the audience should be determined by the requirements of the literature being presented. In Duo Interpretation, focus may be direct during the introduction (the performers may look at each other) but must be indirect (off-stage to the audience) during the performance itself. The performers may not touch each other at any time during the performance. Performance should be limited to the performance space, and performers may not enter the audience.

12. Caution : It will be the affirmative duty of each coach and each student entered in Interpretation events to determine absolutely that the cutting being performed meets GISA rules.

13. Judging considerations : The selection should be judged for its appropriateness as contest material and its suitability to the particular contestant using it. The use of good literature should be noted favorably, and a selection devoid of literary merit graded lowest.

Contestants are evaluated on preparation, vocal technique, visible technique, and communication.

The final test of good interpretation is the ability to use all of these factors so successfully and unobtrusively that the hearer forgets that this is a contest and in a created atmosphere is carried away to the time and place of the story being unfolded.

14. Order of performances : At State, contestants will draw for positions (1-8) to determine the order of performance.

15. Timing : There is no minimum time requirement. The timing will start as soon as the contestant(s) begin speaking. Presentation will not exceed ten (10) minutes. Time cards will be used to inform contestants of time remaining and stop time. Timekeepers will stand up to give an audible “STOP TIME.”

16. Audiences : Audiences are permitted based on space available at the site and at the discretion of the GISA Office. Once the performances have begun, audience members are not allowed to enter or exit the performance room during the performances. The contest manager or monitor will have complete control over entry/exits during the performances.

17. Judges : There will be two (2) judges for this event. Judges will sit apart during the presentations. They will score and give their written comments without conferring with one another or any other person. Judges will hold all evaluation sheets until after all the contestants have presented. Individual judges cannot give two performances the SAME point total; the judge must differentiate his or her scores to rank the performances.

150

18. Awards : Medals will be awarded to the contestants placing first in the events. ______

N. Extemporaneous Speaking

1. Divisions : Contests will be held for United States Division and International Division , and National Forensic League (NFL) rules will apply.  United States Division – will cover U.S. domestic and U.S. foreign policy.  International Division – will cover the domestic affairs of foreign countries and the foreign affairs of all countries, including the United States.

Competition in this event will alternate with United States Division competing in even years and International Division competing in odd years.

2. Topics : The GISA Office will prepare a list of topics for both the Region and State Literary Meets on current national and international policies discussed in periodicals published since September 1 of the current school year. The current year and preceding year's debate topics will not be considered.

3. Explanation : The extemporaneous speech should not be regarded as a memory test of the material contained in any one magazine article but rather as an original synthesis by the speaker of the current fact and opinion on the designated topic as presented by numerous sources. The contestant, therefore, should be held accountable for strict adherence to the precise statement of the topic drawn and discounted severely for shifting to some other phase of the topic on which s/he might prefer to speak. The information presented should be well-chosen, pertinent, and sufficient to support the central thought of the topic. The best extemporaneous speech combines clear thinking, good speaking, and interesting presentation to establish a definite thought with respect to the subject chosen. Do not require a contestant speaking on a controversial subject to take a personal stand on that issue. S/He may do so, or s/he may elect to present both sides of the controversy as currently set forth in the public press. Judge him/her on the effectiveness with which s/he develops the subject according to his/her own plan.

4. Drawing : At State, contestants will draw for positions (1-8) to determine the order of performance. Thirty (30) minutes before the contest is to begin, the first speaker will draw three topics, choose one, and return the other two. The other contestants will draw in like manner in the order of speaking at intervals of seven (7) minutes. The entire list of subjects will be used for the drawing by each section.

151

5. Preparation : As soon as a topic is chosen, the contestant will withdraw and prepare a speech without consultation and without reference to previously prepared notes. Students may consult published books, magazines, newspapers, journals, or articles there from provided:

They are originals or photocopies of the originals. That original article or copy is intact and uncut. There is no written material on that original or copy. Topical index without annotation may be present.

6. Electronic Devices

A. Students may use computers or electronic devices to store and retrieve their subject files to read but cannot write speeches or organize their thoughts on the computers.

B. Source Materials : Students may consult published books, periodical articles, newspaper articles, think tank articles, government reports, or journal articles saved on their electronic retrieval device provided:

i. There are no notations made within or on the saved article other than citation information. ii. Any highlighting or underlining of the articles is done in only one color within each article. Bolding, italicizing, or any other manipulation of the original text of sources other than highlighting or underlining as previously stipulated is prohibited.

C. Students from the same school may share computers during preparation. However, communication among contestants during preparation time is strictly prohibited.

7. Prewritten Extemporaneous speeches, handbooks, briefs, or outlines are prohibited from the prep room whether stored electronically or present in hard copy form.

8. Computers or electronic devices may not be used to receive in-round coaching from any source inside or outside the room in which the competition occurs.

9. Students can access the Internet for evidence retrieval during the prep time.

10. Contestants electing to use computers are responsible for providing their own computers, batteries, extension cords, and all other necessary accessories. Tournament hosts will not be responsible for providing computers, printers, software, paper, or extension cords for contestants. Students and judges should not unplug anything from classrooms to gain access.

152

11. Contestants choosing to use laptop computers and related equipment accept the risk of equipment failure. Judges and/or contest directors will give no special consideration or accommodation, including no additional speech time or prep time, should equipment failure occur.

12. Notes : Contestants may make notes during the preparation time and may use one (1) 3”x5” note card handwritten. Note card will be provided in the Prep Room and must be turned in to the monitor after speech.

13. Recusal : Contestants will not leave the preparation area until dismissed by the Extemp Proctor or Contest Manager. Consultation with any person other than the contest manager between the time of drawing and time of speaking is prohibited.

14. Time Limit : There is no minimum qualifying time for the extemp speech. Do not penalize a contestant for brevity unless s/he fails to adequately cover the subject s/he has chosen. Maximum time is seven (7) minutes. Time cards will be used to inform contestants of time remaining and stop time. Timekeeper will stand up and give an audible “STOP TIME.”

15. Audiences : Audiences are permitted based on space available at the site and at the discretion of the GISA Office. Once the performances have begun, audience members are not allowed to enter or exit the performance room during the performances. The contest manager or monitor will have complete control over entry/exits during performances.

16. Judges : There will be two (2) judges for this event. Judges will sit apart during the presentations. They will score and give their written comments without conferring with one another or any other person. Judges will hold all evaluation sheets until after all the contestants have presented. Individual judges cannot give two performances the SAME point total; the judge must differentiate his or her scores to rank the performances.

17. Awards : Medals will be awarded to the contestants placing first in this event. ______

O. Impromptu Speaking

1. Preparation and Delivery : The speaker has seven (7) minutes in which to prepare a response and present a speech without consultation of prepared notes; however, no more than two (2) minutes can be used for speech preparation. The monitor will tell the speaker when the two-minute preparation period has ended, and the speaker must begin the speech immediately unless the speaker opts to begin speaking before the allotted prep time.

153

2. Topics : Topics will include (1) proverbs, (2) abstract words, (3) events, (4) quotations, and (5) famous people. There will be at least two topics representing each of these five areas.

3. Drawing : A monitor in each section/room will be provided with an envelope containing a uniform set of topics. Each speaker will draw three topics, choose one, and return the other two to the envelope.

4. Sources : No outside materials or electronic devices may be used for either speech preparation or delivery. This event is meant to encourage creativity, humor, and story-telling.

5. Notes : No notes will be used during presentation.

6. Audiences : Audiences are permitted based on space available at the site and at the discretion of the GISA Office. Once the performances have begun, audience members are not allowed to enter or exit the performance room during the performances. The contest manager or monitor will have complete control over entry/exits during performances.

7. Time : The maximum time limit is 7 minutes. No minimum time is mandated.

8. Judges : There will be two (2) judges for this event. Judges will sit apart during the presentations. They will score and give their written comments without conferring with one another or any other person. Judges will hold all evaluation sheets until after all the contestants have presented. Individual judges cannot give two performances the SAME point total; the judge must differentiate his or her scores to rank the performances.

______

P. Argumentative Essay

1. Each school may enter one (1) contestant. The contestant may be either a boy or a girl. Contestants may enter only one essay contest, i.e. Argumentative, Personal, or Rhetorical.

2. The GISA Office will prepare a list of topics for the Region and State Literary Meets on current state, national, and international policies discussed in periodicals published since September 1 of the current school year.

3. All essays will be written in ink.

4. Two (2) hours will be given for writing the essay.

154

5. Neither coaching nor supplemental materials will be allowed. The use of a dictionary during the contest is not permitted.

6. The essay will be judged on total effect; analysis of content including focus, originality, argumentation, levels of generality; organization, including thesis, paragraphs, coherence, and structure; style, including sentence variety, diction, voice, and mechanics. Verbal and grammatical correctness, spelling, and punctuation will be considered of less importance than the interest and general effectiveness of the whole composition but should be weighed. It is a ready writer's contest, and evidence of pre-memorized composition will weigh heavily against the contestant.

7. Judges : There will be two (2) judges for this event. Judges will sit apart during the presentations. They will score and give their written comments without conferring with one another or any other person. Judges will hold all evaluation sheets until after all the contestants have presented. Individual judges cannot give two performances the SAME point total; the judge must differentiate his or her scores to rank the performances.

8. A medal will be awarded to the contestant placing first in this event. ______

Q. Personal Essay

1. Each school may enter one (1) contestant. The contestant may be either a boy or a girl. Contestants may enter only one essay contest, i.e. Argumentative, Personal, or Rhetorical.

2. The GISA Office will prepare a list of three (3) topics for the Region and State Literary Competitions. Topics should mirror college application personal essay topics by inviting narrative and descriptive writing.

3. All essays will be written in ink.

4. Two (2) hours will be given for writing the essay.

5. Neither coaching nor supplemental materials will be allowed. The use of a dictionary during the contest is not permitted.

6. The essays will be judged on total effect, including originality, form, vividness, language, voice, audience, mechanics, and usage. Verbal and grammatical correctness, spelling, and punctuation will be considered of less importance than the interest and general effectiveness of the whole composition but should be weighed. Evidence of pre-memorized composition will weigh heavily against the contestant.

155

8. A medal will be awarded to the contestant placing first in this event. ______

R. Rhetorical Analysis Essay

1. Each school may enter one (1) contestant. The contestant may be either a boy or a girl. Contestants may enter only one essay contest, i.e. Argumentative, Personal, or Rhetorical.

2. The GISA Office will select an excerpt from a prose work either a novel or short story. Students are to read the passage and write an essay analyzing for narrative and literary techniques of the strategies the author uses to achieve his or her goal or purpose of writing their piece.

3. All essays will be written in ink.

4. Two (2) hours will be given for writing the essay.

5. Neither coaching nor supplemental materials will be allowed. The use of a dictionary during the contest is not permitted.

6. The essay will be judged by the quality of the analysis of elements of the essay including how the writer interprets, develops, and organizes the essay, as well as style and correctness.

8. A medal will be awarded to the contestant placing first in this event. ______

156

S. Spelling

1. Each school may enter one (1) contestant. The contestant may be either a boy or a girl.

2. Contestants will take a written test consisting of 100 words furnished by the GISA Office. The list from the GISA Office will be compiled with the words and a definition of each word given. All words on this list will be taken from Webster's New Universal Unabridged Dictionary . The GISA Office will also provide word lists for the Region Competition.

3. All spelling examinations must be written in ink.

4. Contestants will not be permitted to write a word or words on a scratch paper and then write the word or words on the examination sheet.

5. If an error is made, it is not permissible to start over on a new sheet with the next word and recopy the previous word or words.

6. After the original examination sheet has been completed, it is not permissible to recopy the examination.

7. In correcting papers count as errors the following:

All words so poorly written the judge cannot read them. All words written as an "i" over an "e". All words which show erasures and/or changes. All words erased and/or crossed out and rewritten. All words omitted. All words in which the preferred spelling is not used. When a word can be spelled two or more ways, the preferred spelling will be the correct spelling.

8. At the end of the 100-word examination, an additional 25 words will be called out and used to break ties, should a tie exist. These words will be graded one at a time between the tied individuals.

9. If a contestant asks for a definition of a word and/or the use of a word in a sentence, the examiner will do so.

10. There will be one (1) judge for this event. The judge will hold all examinations until after all tests have been scored.

11. The number of words correct will also determine first, second, third, and fourth place winners. A tie will be broken by eliminating the contestant that incorrectly spells the first tie-breaker word. ______

157

T. Piano

1. Each school may enter one (1) contestant. The contestant may be either a boy or a girl.

2. A contestant will be allowed a brief warm-up to run a scale not to exceed 60- seconds prior to his or her performance.

3. Contestants must begin with a standard introduction that includes contestant number, and the name and composer of selections to be performed. This introduction may be done before or after their warm-up.

4. Contestants will choose two (2) pieces from contrasting periods: Baroque (1600-1750), Classical (1730-1820), Romantic (1830-1900), Contemporary (1945 ). The compositions must be originally composed for piano. No arrangements or transcriptions will be permitted. Both selections must be played from memory. Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification.

5. Each pianist will be limited to ten (10) minutes. Timing begins after the first note and does not stop between selections. If a pianist exceeds the time limit, s/he will be disqualified.

6. No contestant will be permitted to perform the same selection in consecutive years.

7. Contestants will furnish at least one original piece of music to the judges.

8. No duplicated music may be used unless a letter from the publisher authorizing duplication is presented. Downloaded sheet music will be permitted with proper proof-of-purchase.

9. No contestant may have a second chance to perform.

10. Audiences will not be excluded from this event

11. Judges : There will be two (2) judges for this event. Judges will sit apart during the presentations. They will score and give their written comments without conferring with one another or any other person. Judges will hold all evaluation sheets until after all the contestants have presented. Individual judges cannot give two performances the SAME point total; the judge must differentiate his or her scores to rank the performances.

158

12. The judges will take into consideration the following:

Accuracy (notes and time value) Interpretation (understanding of composition, expression marks, contrast, general effect) Technique (fingering, facility, and appropriateness) Rhythm (steadiness, tempo, and freedom) Phrasing (melodic line, attack, release, content) Presentation (stage deportment, poise, stage personality) ______

U. Solos (Boys & Girls)

1. Each school may enter one (1) male contestant and/or one (1) female contestant.

2. Each soloist will be limited to seven (7) minutes. Timing begins after the first note and does not stop between selections. If a soloist exceeds the time limit, s/he will be disqualified.

3. Contestants must begin with a standard introduction that includes contestant number and the name and composer/arranger of selections to be performed.

4. Two selections will be sung from memory from contrasting genres each of which will be original vocal solo compositions and not arrangements of instructional or choral pieces, as well as being from the standard repertory of the art song, folk, oratorio aria, operatic aria, or Broadway musical. Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification.

5. Soloists may sing with or without a pianist. No other accompanist or tape recording may be used.

6. No individual soloist will be permitted to perform the same selection in consecutive years.

7. Contestants will furnish at least one original piece of music to the judges.

8. No duplicated music may be used unless a letter from the publisher authorizing duplication is presented. Downloaded sheet music will be permitted with proper proof-of-purchase.

9. Audiences will not be excluded from this event.

159

10. Judges : There will be two (2) judges for this event. Judges will sit apart during the presentations. They will score and give their written comments without conferring with one another or any other person. Judges will hold all evaluation sheets until after all the contestants have presented. Individual judges cannot give two performances the SAME point total; the judge must differentiate his or her scores to rank the performances. ______

V. Trio (Girls)

1. A Girls' Trio will consist of three female voices and will carry the following distinct harmony parts (Referred to in music S.S.A.):

o First soprano o Second soprano o Alto

2. Each trio will be limited to eight (8) minutes. Time begins after the first note and does not stop between selections. If a trio exceeds the time limit, they will be disqualified.

3. Contestants must begin with a standard introduction that includes contestant number, and the name and composer/arranger of selections to be performed.

4. Two selections will be sung from memory; each of which will be appropriate for a small group of singers. One selection must be one of the following: a chorale, madrigal, art song, folk song, Broadway musical. Failure to follow this rule will result in disqualification.

5. A trio may sing with or without a pianist. No other accompanist or tape recording may be used.

6. No school’s trio will be permitted to perform the same selection in consecutive years.

7. Contestants will furnish at least one original piece of music for the use of the judges.

8. No duplicated music may be used unless a letter from the publisher authorizing duplication is presented. Downloaded sheet music will be permitted with proper proof-of-purchase.

9. Choreography will not be considered in the judging of this event.

10. Audiences will not be excluded from this event.

160

W. Quartet (Boys)

1. A Boys’ Quartet will consist of four male voices and will carry the following distinct harmony parts (referred to as TTBB):

o First Tenor o Second Tenor o First Bass / Baritone o Second Bass

2. Each quartet will be limited to eight (8) minutes. Time begins after the first note and does not stop between selections. If a quartet exceeds the time limit, they will be disqualified.

3. Contestants must begin with a standard introduction that includes contestant number and the name and composer/arranger of selections to be performed.

5. A quartet may sing with or without a pianist. No other accompanist or tape recording may be used.

6. No school’s trio will be permitted to perform the same selection in consecutive years.

7. Contestants will furnish at least one original piece of music for the use of the judges.

8. No duplicated music may be used unless a letter from the publisher authorizing duplication is presented. Downloaded sheet music will be permitted with proper proof-of-purchase.

9. Choreography will not be considered in the judging of this event.

10. Audiences will not be excluded from this event.

161

162

APPENDIX

163

GEORGIA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION 2021-2022 DATES OF IMPORTANCE First Day of First Must enroll Last Date to Championships ACTIVITY Practice Game on or before complete Region End Date

FALL SOCCER August 1, 2021 August 1, 2021 August 25, 2021 September 28, 2021 Oct 1-2, 2021

VOLLEYBALL August 1, 2021 August 1, 2021 August 25, 2021 October 4, 2021 Oct 8-9, 2021

October 21 & 23, August 1, 2021 August 1, 2021 August 25, 2021 October 5, 2021 SOFTBALL 2021

CROSS COUNTRY August 1, 2021 August 1, 2021 September 28, 2021 October 30, 2021 November 6, 2021

CHEERLEADING August 1, 2021 August 1, 2021 September 28, 2021 November 13, 2021

CLAY TARGET August 1, 2021 August 1, 2021 October 4, 2021 November 13, 2021 Nov 18-20, 2021 NOTE: Acclimation for Football starts on July 25. Helmets and Shoulder pads only - NO CONTACT!

8-MAN FOOTBALL August 1, 2021 August 27, 2021 September 28, 2021 October 29, 2021 November 19, 2021

FOOTBALL August 1, 2021 August 27, 2021 September 28, 2021 November 5, 2021 December 3, 2021

SWIMMING October 12, 2021 November 5, 2021 January 6, 2022 January 29, 2022

ARCHERY October 12, 2021 November 5, 2021 January 6, 2022 January 29, 2022

WRESTLING October 12, 2021 November 5, 2021 January 6, 2022 January 29, 2022 Feb 4-5, 2022

BASKETBALL October 12, 2021 November 5, 2021 January 6, 2022 February 12, 2022 Feb 23-26, 2022

BASS FISHING February 2, 2021 February 26, 2021 March 19, 2022 INDIVIDUAL January 21, 2022 February 11, 2022 March 14, 2022 April 11, 2022 Apr 18-19, 2022 TENNIS

TRACK January 21, 2022 February 11, 2022 March 14, 2022 April 14, 2022 Apr 21-23, 2022

GOLF January 21, 2022 February 11, 2022 March 14, 2022 April 18, 2022 April 25, 2022

AA - Apr 26, 2022 TEAM TENNIS January 21, 2022 February 11, 2022 March 14, 2022 April 11, 2022 AAA - Apr 27, 2022

SOCCER January 21, 2022 February 11, 2022 March 14, 2022 April 20, 2022 May 6-7, 2022

BASEBALL January 21, 2022 February 11, 2022 March 14, 2022 April 20, 2022 May 13-14, 2022 GEORGIA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATION STUDENT/PARENT CONCUSSION AWARENESS FORM

SCHOOL :______

DANGERS OF CONCUSSION Concussions at all levels of sports have received a great deal of attention and a state law has been passed to address this issue. Adolescent athletes are particularly vulnerable to the effects of concussion. Once considered little more than a minor “ding” to the head, it is now understood that a concussion has the potential to result in death, or changes in brain function (either short-term or long-term). A concussion is a brain injury that results in a temporary disruption of normal brain function. A concussion occurs when the brain is violently rocked back and forth or twisted inside the skull as a result of a blow to the head or body. Continued participation in any sport following a concussion can lead to worsening concussion symptoms, as well as increased risk for further injury to the brain, and even death.

Player and parental education in this area is crucial – that is the reason for this document. Refer to it regularly. This form must be signed by a parent or guardian of each student who wishes to participate in GISA Athletics. One copy needs to be returned to the school, and one retained at home.

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION  Headache, dizziness, poor balance, moves clumsily, reduced energy level/tiredness  Nausea or vomiting  Blurred vision, sensitivity to light and sounds  Fogginess of memory, difficulty concentrating, slowed though processes, confused about surroundings or game assignments  Unexplained changes in behavior or personality  Loss of consciousness (NOTE: This does not occur in all concussion episodes.)

GISA CONCUSSION POLICY : In accordance with Georgia law and national playing rules, published by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be immediately removed from the practice or contest and shall not return to play until an appropriate health care professional has determined that no concussion has occurred. (NOTE: An appropriate health care professional may include a licensed physician (MD/DO) or another licensed individual under the supervision of a licensed physician, such as a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or certified athletic trainer who has received training in concussion evaluation and management.)

A. No athlete is allowed to return to the game or a practice on the same day that a concussion has been diagnosed, or cannot be ruled out. B. Any athlete diagnosed with a concussion shall be cleared medically by an appropriate health care professional prior to resuming participation in any future practice or contest. The formulation of a gradual return to play protocol shall be a part of the medical clearance.

By signing this Concussion Awareness Form , I give ______permission to transfer this Name of School concussion form to all sports that my child may play. I am aware of the dangers of concussion and this signed document will represent myself and my child during the 2020-2021 school year. This form will be stored with the student’s athletic physical form and other accompanying forms required by the school and/or GISA.

I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT AND I UNDERSTAND THE FACTS PRESENTED IN IT:

______PRINTED STUDENT NAME SIGNATURE OF STUDENT DATE

______PRINTED PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME SIGNATURE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN DATE

GISA-June 2020 GEORGIA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ASSOCIATON POLE VAULT VERIFICATION FORM

ALL GISA INTERSCHOLASTIC MEMBER SCHOOLS are required to complete this GISA POLE VAULT VERIFICATION FORM listing the name and grade of each contestant participating in the Pole Vault event. The Head Coach must verify, on the day of each meet, the weight of each contestant, and the proper ratings of all poles used by each contestant. This procedure is required for ALL GISA- sanctioned Track & Field Pole Vault events. This completed form must be presented to the HEAD FIELD JUDGE of the Pole Vault Event prior to the start of warm-ups, on the day of competition.

SCHOOL NAME______CLASSIFICATION______

NAME OF MEET______DATE______

FULL NAME OF POLE VAULTER GRADE VAULTER’S WEIGHT* LIST ALL POLE RATINGS

______

* Weight includes full competition uniform and footwear.

NAME OF HEAD COACH (Printed) ______

SIGNATURE OF HEAD COACH ______

NAME OF EVENT COACH (Printed) ______

SIGNATURE OF EVENT COACH ______

NOTE TO ALL ADMINISTRATORS, ATHLETIC DIRECTORS, TRACK & FIELD COACHES AND OFFICIALS

Below are the NFHS Track & Field Rules relevant to Pole Vault Safety:

NFHS TRACK & FIELD RULE 7-5-3: The competitor’s weight shall be at or below the manufacturer’s pole rate. The manufacturers must include on each pole: the pole rating that shall be a minimum of ¾-inch in a contrasting color located within or above the top hand-hold position; a 1-inch circular band indicating the maximum top hand-hold position with the position being determined by the manufacturer. Prior to the competition, the Coach must verify that all of the school’s pole vaulters and poles meet these requirements. NOTE: Etchings, serial numbers, etc. that may appear on poles shall not replace the requirement of the manufacturer’s pole rating of the minimum of ¾-inch marking in contrasting color on each pole.

NFHS TRACK & FIELD RULE 7-5-4: A competitor shall not use a variable weight pole, a pole which is improperly marked, or a pole rated below his/her weight, or any equipment that is not legal during warm-up or competition. NOTE: Altering the pole in any fashion renders it illegal. PENALTY: Disqualification from the event.

NFHS TRACK & FIELD RULE 7-5-23 : A competitor shall not be allowed to use the pole of another individual without the consent of the owner. The event judge shall approve the use and verify that the pole is rated weight-appropriate. PENALTY: Disqualification from the event.

NFHS TRACK & FIELD RULE 7-5-29h : It is a foul if the competitor grips the pole above the top hand-hold position band . PENALTY: An unsuccessful trial is charged but not measured.

GISA-June 2019

GISA Competition Cheerleading Guide MATS T he Tournament Host is responsible for placing the competition mats according to the GISA directions. The H ead Judge will check placement when they arrive and may ask that mats to be changed to mee t requirements. Competition will not begin and may be halted until the mats are correctly placed. • Mats should be 42’ X 42’. • Mats must be a minimum of 1- and 3/8-inches’ thickness. • Mats cannot be spring floors.

• The competition mat is the competition floor. White tape may be used to mark the center of the mat and around the outside of the mat. This would be a safety precaution for the cheerleader to help them to determine where they are on the mat when tumbling. • The entire mat is considered the competition floor. • Out-of-bounds will be considered stepping off, tumbling off, stunting off, dancing off, jumping off the mat, or performing off the mat. • In the case of an injury or accident, mats must be appropriately cleaned of any bodily fluids before the competition can proceed. Mat Placement Mats must be placed according to the GISA rules and failure to do so can result in a penalty for the host school. Pl ease follow the steps for placing the mats and see the drawing. Step Action 1 Lay the length of the mats parallel to the officials’ table. • Mat placement: 7 mats wide, 7 mats long. 2 Locate the center by measuring front-to-back and side-to-side. 3 Mark the center with white tape forming an “X”. 4 Measure three feet either side of it and this is where the first blue strips will be placed from the back to the front, perpendicular to the officials’ table. 5 From there measure 6’ on either side of that line and continue to do so. There will be six lines of blue tape from back to front. 6 White tape may then be placed around the border of the mat to define the ends/edges of the mat. • This does not define the boundary and is a safety precaution only. Back of mat (Team entry should occur at back of the mat if possible.)



----

Blue Tape runs from front to to front runsBlue from Tape

back of mat mat of back

Center marker ‘X’

→

Center Front of Mat – Officials’ Table

COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING MASTER SCORE SHEET

TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGE Division/ Host School SQUADS ___ of ___

The Subtotal is Panel A Subtotal, Panel B Subtotal, and Panel C Subtotal added together.

TEAM ___ TEAM ___ TEAM ___ TEAM ___

SCHOOL

Panel A Subtotal

Panel B Subtotal

Panel C Subtotal

SUBTOTAL

Deductions

TOTAL SCORE

PLACEMENT

TEAM ___ TEAM ___ TEAM ___ TEAM ___

SCHOOL

Panel A Subtotal

Panel B Subtotal

Panel C Subtotal

SUBTOTAL

Deductions

TOTAL SCORE

PLACEMENT

HEAD OFFICIAL’S SCORE KEEPER’S

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

G ISA Competition Cheerleading Guide Deductions The Competitive Cheerleading Safety Infraction Sheet is for safety sheet infractions and warnings only. A team may have a deduction due to an NFHS or GISA safety infraction. Do not w rite personal comments on the Competitive Cheerleading Safety Infraction Sheet. 2 Point Infractions – NFHS/GISA Two (2) points per each individual violation will be incurred and may be called by any official on the panel. 2 Point Safety Violations When beginning with a stunt or pyramid, the team may set and prepare to build prior to beginning the routine. Only at the beginning of the routine, a flyer must have one foot on the floor ready to begin the stunt and in preparation of the signal to begin. Routines cannot begin in a stunt per GHSA rules. • It is a 2-point deduction per top person who does not have one foot on the floor. T umbling outside of a routine is ill egal and will result in a violation as well as a penalty. If the team member t umbles while coming on the floor, time will begin when the team member tumbles. A team member canno t t umble on or off the mat. It will be a GISA violation. • It is a 2-point deduction per team member who tumbles outside of the routine. Loss of hair devices, loss of hair pieces, or inappropriate hair pieces, inappropriate fingernails, untied shoestrings, jewelry, glitter, etc. Items from the above list that interfere with the execution of a skill. Inappropriate uniform. Failure to follow GISA and NFHS rules. Beginning the routine off the mat. Boundary violations – stepping out-of-bounds. Falls to the floor. Unsafe performing surface – Loss of shoe or loss of hair device: • Should a performer step on the bow or walk over a bow or other item it is not a violation. However, if the performer executes a skill(s); such as tumbles, jumps or stunts/builds pyramid; onto the bow, hair device, shoe, pom etc., it is a violation. • The loss of a shoe or another part of the uniform would be considered a violation of NFHS Rule 3-1- 4. Shoes must remain tied and, on the foot, to be considered safe and an appropriate uniform. An official may call an untied shoelace as a violation of this rule. Untied shoes laces or loss of shoe will result in an unsafe uniform violation. Inattentive spotter. Only one official is needed to call this violation. Only call shoes that are inappropriate for cheer. Cheerleaders may have on various types of shoes. For example, it is okay if some of the squad chooses to wear high top cheer shoes and the other part of the team wears regular cheer shoes. Boundary Violations The entire mat is considered the performing surface/competition floor. A white or blue line of tape may be placed around the outside of the entire mat to indicate the edge of the mat. • If mats are of unequal length the entire mat is still the performing surface and the boundary tap around the outside of the mat does not define the performing surface. • Any body part, including the entire shoe which steps off the mat will be considered out-of-bounds.

GISA Competition Cheerleading Guide Hair Violations The key to calling any hair violations is that the hair must interfere with the execution of the skill or cause an issue on the performing surface (NFHS 3-1-3). Stunt can refer to stunting, pyramids, and tumbling. • The officials will make the final determination in how to score the issues created by hair. • A ponytail touching the back of the neck and back, including the shoulders would not be a violation unless it interfered with the execution of the skill. • If a team member runs into another team member while tumbling and it is felt the hair caused the issue, then a violation may be called. • If a flyer steps on a base’s hair or a base, tangles her hand in the hair while stunting, then a violation may be called. • Any judge may call a violation if a team member, tumbles, jumps, or builds a stunt on the hair device or piece. It is unsafe performing surface. Stunts would include all members of a stunt group including the spotter. • If a member drops a hair bow or hair piece and it falls on the floor for safety reasons a team member may pick it up and throw it off the floor or away from the performance area. • This would not be a violation for floor safety. However, it is a two-point deduction for an unsafe uniform. • If the team member steps onto the bow but is not executing a skill it would not be a violation. Hair Device Violations Hair devices are considered unsafe when they come off, untied, or fall on the floor. Several rules may be involved when a hair device is considered unsafe. This is a one-time call no matter which rule the judge selects to call. NFHS Violation Deduction Rule Amount 3-1-3 A hair bow or hair piece comes out and falls to the floor. For safety reasons, the 2 points team member may reach down and pick up the bow. The bow may be tossed from the competition area. Loss of hair device 2-1-5 A team member drops a hair bow or hair piece and the team then stunts on, dances 2 points on, jumps on, etc. the bow then the performing surface will be considered unsafe. Fingernail Clarifications When does the length of the nail constitute an inappropriate nail? • The color of the nails is a coaching decision. Colors can become distracting and so motions, violations, etc. are much easier to see from an official's perspective. • The nails need to be safe. If you can see the nail over the tip of the finger, then it becomes a safety issue. Falls A stunt group is dependent on one another to perform or execute the element/skill and must work as a team, it will be considered one fall whether one member of the stunt group or more falls. The same would be true of a stunt group in a pyramid. Partner Stunt/Toss • Because each of the members of the stunt group are interdependent, if the group has a fall it will be considered one fall. • If all three or four team members of the stunt group fall to the floor it is still would be one fall. Pyramid When determining the number of falls in a pyramid, consider the number of possible stunt groups that may fall. Here are a couple of examples. • If one side of a pyramid falls, it is one fall. • If two sides fall or a center and the side, it is two falls.

G ISA Competition Cheerleading Guide 5 Point Infractions– NFHS/GISA Type Violation Violations of Rule 3 Section 2 – 10 located in the NFHS Safety Spirit Rules Book. stunting rules

Timin g Infrac tions 5 point s per e ach 15-se co nds.

involving routin e

timing o r music * see next page for in-depth explanataion of music and timing

10 Point Infractions – NFHS/GISA Type Description Sportsmanship As defined by the GISA acts of sportsmanship will be a 10-po int deduction per a ct. T he new rules specifically give the officials the responsibility for calling unsportsmanlike acts through the competition time. • Music cannot contain profanity, suggestive and inappropriate language. Music in poor taste will result in a sportsmanship deduction of ten points. Disqualifications DQ Description 1 Too many team members 2 Illegal substitutions 3 Ineligible student participating on the team. 4 Unauthorized props (Props will be defined as the use of any item other than pom-poms to initiate crowd response.) • No part of a uniform may be used as a sign, to include briefs, socks, items worn as a part of the uniform or under the uniform such as T-shirts. • No signs allowed.

All scores are final. There is no protest.

The following outlines when the timing of a routine begins and ends.

• The timing of the routine will begin with the first movement, first word, or first musical sound in the routine.

• Teams may not come onto the floor chanting or cheering in an organized fashion. They may enter the floor and leave the floor showing spirit.

• The timing of the routine ends with the last motion or word of the routine.

• If a routine ends with a stunt or pyramid, the timing will end with the highest point of the stunt or pyramid.

Music Considerations

• The length of the routine shall be two minutes and thirty seconds (2:30); however, there is no limit of how much of that can be music. Music may be a part of the entire routine but should not exceed the two minutes and thirty seconds. Competitive Cheerleading Safety Infraction Sheet

TEAM COMPETITION Division DATE

Indicate in the correct time box below when and where on the mat the infraction occurred by using the correct symbol or combination of symbols.

PS – Partner Stunt T – Tumbling PY – Pyramid X – Fall O – Out-of-bounds W – Warning

0 to 30 sec. 30 sec. to 1 min. 1 min. to 1:30 min. 1:30 to 2:00 min. 2:00 to 2:30 min.

FRONT OF MAT 2-POINT INFRACTIONS WARNING(S): Include Rule Number NFHS – R ule 2 S ection 1; R ule 3 S ec tion 1 and 2; GISA Perform ance violations & Section Hair, hair pieces/devices, nails, shoelaces, jewelry, glitter. Improper uniforms, unsafe performing surface, inattentive spotter, tumbling outside the routine, top person ______not beginning with one foot on the floor, etc.; Minus 2 points each ______TOTAL RULE NUMBER QTY DEDUCTION ______Rule: __ Sect: ______Rule: __ Sect: ______Rule: __ Sect: ______FALLS: Total for tumbling _____; Total for stunting ______OUT-OF-BOUNDS ______5-POINT INFRACTIONS NFHS – Rule 3 Sections 2 – 10; Safety Infractions; Minus 5 points each ______TOTAL RULE NUMBER QTY ______DEDUCTION Rule: __ Sect: ______Rule: __ Sect: ______Rule: __ Sect: ______DELAY OF MEET ______TIMING INFRACTIONS _____ TIME OF ROUTINE: ______(5 points per 15 seconds or ______seconds over portion over) ______10-POINT INFRACTIONS NFHS – Rule 2 Section 2 - Sportsmanship; Minus 10 points each ______TOTAL RULE NUMBER QTY ______DEDUCTION Explanation: DISQUALIFICATIONS GISA – T oo ma ny tea m members; illegal substitution; or unauthoriz ed props (briefs, socks, T-sh irts, or any other items that may be used as signs) Explanation:

Head Judge ______Table Safety ______GRAND Floor Safety ______TOTAL

4-8 | P a g e Section 4 – Scoring and Deductions GISA Competition Cheerleading Guide Cheer Introduction The key to this rubric and scoring system is to perform within the means of the squad’s skill level, execute all skills soundly, and score high in the execution categories. Definitions Term Description Majority 51% or more of the team members execute a required skill. Half of the team plus one. • 15 members would need 8 members completing the skill to fall in the majority range. Less than 50% or fewer of the team members execute a required skill. Half the team or less. majority • A team of 15 members have 7 members complete a skill, then they would fall in the less than majority range. Total Team Minus The Total Team members performing the skill is used to determine the DOD in jumps, standing and running tumbling. The following table identifies the number of team members who are not required to perform the skill. If the rubric reads… Then… Total Team# - 0 All team members must perform the skill. Total Team# - 2 1 and/or 2 team members are not required to perform the skill. Total Team# - 4 3 and/or 4 team members are not required to perform the skill. Total Team# - 6 5 and/or 6 team members are not required to perform the skill. Total Team# - 8 7 and/or 8 team members are not required to perform the skill. Check Boxes Check boxes on the score sheet defines the areas for improvement for a team’s execution scores. This provides coaches with information to assist them on working to improve their execution scores week-to-week.

GISA Competition Cheerleading Guide Panel A - Jumps/Cheer/Dance/ORC Jumps should be performed as a team. • Squads may complete jumps connected to tumbling. However, the jumps will be scored in jumps and the tumbling portion will be scored in standing tumbling. Definitions Term Description Combo Connected jumps without a pause in between. All approaches within the jumps must use a whip approach to be connected. • A double toe touch. • A toe touch, pike, hurdler that are all connected. Variety Involves different jumps • A right herkie, toe touch, left herkie all connected would complete the 3-jump triple combo requirement. Level of Jumps DOD Jump Level Description DOD Basic tuck jumps, spread eagles, banana jumps 1-2 Advanced herkie, hurdler, pike, double nine, toe touch 2-6 Cheer Cheer Requirements • A minimum of 3 eight counts of cheer with an incorporation(s). • The entire team must participate in cheer to be eligible to receive maximum points. • Athletes must say the words in the cheer. • Cheer words should be distinct and have a high volume. Cheer Incorporations One of the following must be incorporated into the cheer to be eligible to receive maximum points. • Jumps, tumbling, stunts, tosses, pyramids, or any combination Dance • To be eligible to receive the maximum points, all must dance the entire four (4) eight counts. • Dance should have level changes, transitions, footwork, and floor choreography to max out. • Lifts and rolls are permitted as part of the choreography. Overall Routine Composition Overall routine will be evaluated on the following criteria: • Showmanship, energy level, excitement, crowd appeal, uniformity, genuine enthusiasm, and the athletic sportsmanship. • A team’s ability to demonstrate precise spacing and seamless patterns of movement performed throughout the routine. This includes innovative, visual, and intricate ideas; as well as any additional skills performed to enhance the overall appeal. (Source: Varsity All Star Scoring guide)

GISA Competition Cheerleading Guide Panel A – Jumps/Cheer/Dance/ORC Rubric Jumps DOD 1 2 3 4 5 6 Total Team # - 4 Total Team # - 2 Total Team # - 0 Triple combo of 3 different advanced jumps. Must be connected. Total Team # - 4 Total Team # - 2 Total Team # - 0 Double combo advanced jumps with variety or triple combo advanced jumps with no variety. Total Team # - 2 Total Team # - 0 Single or non-connected basic jumps. EXE 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 Below average technique, poor Average technique and form, very Above average technique and form, Excellent technique and form, form, and timing missed jumps. little timing off. Very few missed good timing. No missed jumps perfect timing. No missed jumps. Majority dropping chest, bent legs, jumps. Some dropped chest, flexed no dropped chest, flexed toes, or no dropped chest, all toes pointed, flexed toes, and bad landings toes, and bad landings bad landings perfect landings Cheer DOD 1-2 3 4 5 Less than majority squad Half squad to full squad Majority to full squad Full squad incorporations. Multiple incorporations. Basic transitions, incorporations. Intermediate incorporations. Advanced advanced transitions. lacking complexity. transitions. transitions. Very sharp/precise advanced Slung motions, words not said by Majority sharp intermediate/ Sharp advanced motions, words said motions, words said by entire team. entire team. advanced motions, words said by by entire team. Highly creative and very visual. Little creativity and lacking visual. most of the team. Creative and visual. Moderate creativity and somewhat visual. EXE Poor technique, poor timing, Average technique, good timing, Above average technique, very Excellent technique, perfect timing, sloppy transitions and formations, transitions, and formations need good timing, clean transitions and very clean transitions and no volume very little clean up, low volume formations, good volume formations, excellent volume Dance DOD 1-2 3-4 5-6 7 Basic motions and transitions. Very Intermediate motions and Advanced motions, with advanced Multiple advanced motions with few level changes. transitions. Few level changes. transitions and several level advanced transitions and several Lacks energy, little creativity, lacks Average energy, Moderate changes. level changes. originality, and lacking visually. creativity, with some originality Very good energy, creative, Excellent energy, highly creative and somewhat visual. original, and visual. and original, very visual. EXE Poor technique, poor timing, Average technique, good timing, Above average technique, very Excellent technique, perfect timing, sloppy transitions, and formations, not very clean on transitions and good timing, clean transitions, and very clean transitions, and poor rhythm formations, average rhythm formations, good rhythm formations, excellent rhythm Overall Routine Composition 1-2 3-4 5 6-7 Below average overall impression, Average overall impression and Clean routine and good overall Very clean routine and excellent cleanliness of routine and pacing cleanliness of routine, pacing impression. Good pacing overall impression. Excellent throughout. throughout. throughout. pacing throughout. Below average routine layout, Average routine layout, Solid routine layout and good use of Solid routine layout and excellent choreography with skills and use of choreography with skills and use of choreography with skills and of use of choreography with skills and the floor space. floor space. floor space. use of floor space. Little to no creative formations, Few creative formations, Some creative formations and Creative formations and transitions. transitions, no moments of transitions, moments of innovative, transitions. Some innovative, visual, Innovative, visual, and intricate innovative, visual, and intricate visual, and intricate choreography. and intricate choreography. choreography. choreography. Average level of energy and Mid to high level of energy and Highest level of energy and Below average level of energy, excitement, enthusiasm, and excitement. Genuine enthusiasm excitement. Genuine enthusiasm excitement, enthusiasm, and showmanship. and showmanship. and showmanship. showmanship.

COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING OFFICIAL’S SCORE SHEET PANEL A – JUMPS/CHEER/DANCE/ORC

NUMBER CHOOL DIVISION PANEL S ON SQUAD

A JUMPS Areas of EXE Improvement SCORE  Landings  Height  Form  Synchronized DOD 6  Pointed Toes  Dropped Chest  Formation  Arm Placement  Straight Legs  Timing  Missed Jumps  Legs Not Horizontal EXE 8 CHEER/CHANT Areas of EXE Improvement Decimal of .5 permitted  Creative & Visual  Add Motions  Formations  Synchronization  Transitions  Projection  Energy  Involve Total Team DOD/ 5  Sharpness  Volume  Say Words  Needs More Counts EXE  Pace  Timing  No Incorporations DANCE Areas of EXE Improvement Decimal of .5 permitted  Creative & Visual  Rhythm  Motions  Synchronization

 Formations  Choreography  Pace  Needs More Counts DOD/ 7  Energy  Transitions  Level Changes  Knowledge of routine EXE  Showmanship  Intricacy  Involve Total Team OVERALL ROUTINE COMPOSITION Areas of EXE Improvement Decimal of .5 permitted

 Creative & Visual  Flow/Pace  Use of floor  Synchronization

 Crowd appeal  Clean up  Variations  Intricate choreography EXE 7  Energy  Innovative  Formations  Structure/layout of routine  Showmanship  Transitions

SUBTOTAL SCORE

OFFICIAL 1 OFFICIAL 2 SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

GISA Competition Cheerleading Guide Panel B - Tumbling The officials need to see what the Squad can do as a team. • Teams should tumble in sections of the routine as a squad and not randomly throughout the routine. • If squads reuse/repeat the same tumbler, officials will not be able to distinguish what the squad can do as a group. • An official will assume that if an athlete performs a higher-level skill, then that athlete can also perform the lower level skill and give credit for that skill. • Split the floor with your partner and use the floor safety to verify your numbers. Examples • If an athlete performs a round off back handspring full, then an official must assume that the athlete can also perform a round off back handspring tuck or layout. • If an athlete performs a standing tuck, an official must assume that the athlete can also perform a standing back handspring. Definitions Term Description Standing A tumbling skill (series of skills) performed from a standing position without any previous Tumbling forward momentum. Any number of steps backward prior to execution of tumbling skill(s) is defined as standing tumbling. (Source: usasf.net) Running Tumbling that is performed with a running start and/or involves a step or a hurdle (etc.) used to Tumbling gain momentum as an entry to another skill. Any type of forward momentum/movement prior to execution of the tumbling skill(s) is defined as running tumbling. (Source: usasf.net) Entry Officials will watch the entry into the skill. • Cartwheel: Defined as standing tumbling because that is what initiates the skill. • Round-off: Defined as running tumbling because of the momentum it generates. • A step hurdle into a cartwheel will be judged as running. Full A team member performing a full through to full tumbling pass will count as 2 fulls. through to • Two (2) will be the maximum credit given per athlete. Full Specialty Running tumbling across the mat that contains skills from the following during the pass. Pass 1. Contains possibly: back handspring, step outs, whips, Arabians, front walk- over/handspring, aerial, or punch front 2. Ends: A tuck or higher. Execution – Fall When a team member executes a back-handspring with the hands touching the floor the judge cannot assume that the team member intended to execute a tuck. Placing one’s hands on the floor during the execution of a tuck is not a fall to the floor. It is an execution error. Based on how the skill is executed, it may be scored as a back-handspring. When tumbling, a fall is considered a fall to the floor when the tumbler lands on their legs, knees, back, head, rear, elbows, and so on, that was not considered a part of the original landing.

GISA Competition Cheerleading Guide Credit Examples Scoring will lack accuracy if elements are scattered out in several segments of the routine. These examples apply to both running and standing tumbling. The tumbling DOD for a routine is not cumulative Team Example The officials give credit for… A A team executes 3 standing fulls on the 2nd eight count of the routine, then 3 standing fulls, not 4, during the 10th eight count into the routine the team executes 15 standing plus 15 standing tucks. tucks and 1 standing full. B A team executes 2 standing fulls on the 3rd eight count of the routine. Later 2 standing fulls, not 3, in the routine, the team executes 1 standing full and 15 standing tucks. plus 15 standing tucks. C A team executes one standing full in the first eight count of the routine. 15 3 back handsprings-to- eight counts later, the team executes 3 back handsprings-to-fulls and 12 fulls, plus 12 standing standing tucks. tucks. Not 4 fulls. D A team executes 2 running fulls-through-to-fulls (total of 4 fulls) in the 4 full plus 14 layouts. 2nd eight count of the routine. 12 eight counts later, the team executes 2 round-off handspring fulls and 14 round-off handspring layouts. E A team executes 1 round-off full in the 1st eight count of the routine. 7 eight 3 fulls plus 13 round-off counts later, the team executes 3 round-off fulls and 13 round-off tucks. tucks.

GISA Competition Cheerleading Guide Panel B – Standing/Running Tumbling Rubric Standing Tumbling DOD 1 2 3 4 5 6 Forward rolls, back Total Team # - 6 Total Team # - 4 Total Team # - 2 extension rolls, Tucks or handspring tucks or handsprings to layouts standing cartwheels. including 1 standing including 2 standing including 3 or more series to full/ standing series to full/ standing standing series to full/ full. full(s). standing full(s). Total Team # - 4 Total Team # - 2 Tucks and/or handspring tucks or handsprings to layouts. Less than majority Majority Total Team # - 0 Handsprings, Tucks or handspring tucks or Handsprings higher skill. EXE 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 Poor form, technique, and timing, Average form, technique, and Above average form, technique, and Excellent form, technique, and many bent legs/bodies timing, very few bent legs/bodies timing, minimum bent legs/ body timing. no bent legs/body 5 or more hands-down/bust, many 3-4 hands-down/bust, many 1-2 hands-down/bust, multiple steps No missed tumbling/bust, multiple steps w/ many unsteady multiple steps w/ some unsteady w minimum unsteady landings minimum steps w/ solid landings landings landings Running Tumbling DOD 1 2 3 4 5 6 Running cartwheels Total Team # - 6 Total Team # - 4 Total Team # - 2 and round-offs. Round off tucks or handspring tucks or layouts or specialty passes including 1 full. including 2-3 fulls. including 4 or more fulls. Total Team # - 6 Total Team # -4 Total Team # - 2 Total Team # - 0 Round off tucks and/ or handspring tucks. Total Team # - 8 Total Team # - 6 Total Team # - 4 Total Team # - 2 Layouts and/ or specialty passes. Less than majority Majority Round off handsprings, limited tucks. EXE 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 Poor form, technique, and timing, Average form, technique, and Above average form, technique, and Excellent form, technique, and many bent legs/bodies timing, very few bent legs/bodies timing, minimum bent legs/ body timing. no bent legs/body 5 or more hands-down/bust, many 3-4 hands-down/bust, many 1-2 hands-down/bust, multiple steps No missed tumbling/bust, multiple steps w/ numerous multiple steps w/ unsteady landings w/ minimum unsteady landings minimum step w/ solid landings unsteady landings

COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING OFFICIAL’S SCORE SHEET PANEL B – STANDING/RUNNING TUMBLING

NUMBER CHOOL DIVISION PANEL S ON SQUAD

B STANDING TUMBLING Areas of EXE Improvement SCORE

 Technique  Landings  Form/Stability  Timing DOD 6  Choreography  Precision  Straighten Legs  Hands Down/Bust

 Synchronization  Formation/Spacing  Missed Tumbling  Multiple Steps EXE 8  Height  Legs Together  Falls

RUNNING TUMBLING Areas of EXE Improvement

 Technique  Landings  Form/Stability  Timing DOD 6  Choreography  Precision  Straighten Legs  Hands Down/Bust

 Synchronization  Formation/Spacing  Missed Tumbling  Multiple Steps EXE 8  Height  Legs Together  Falls  Use of Floor

SUBTOTAL SCORE

OFFICIAL 3 OFFICIAL 4

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

GISA Competition Cheerleading Guide Panel C – Partner Stunt/Pyramids The officials need to see what the squad can do as a team. If squads re-use/repeat stunts elsewhere in the routine, officials will not be able to distinguish what the squad can do as a group. Therefore, it is imperative that teams’ stunt in sections of the routine as a squad and not randomly throughout the routine. Definitions Term Description Fall A body part, other than the sole of the shoe, coming into contact with the performance surface during the execution of a stunt/skill. Falling to the floor with a body part landing on the floor such as hands, knees, legs, back, head, rear, elbow, and so on. • A stunt group falling to the floor will count as 1 fall. Drop A stunt/skill being attempted that comes down early. It may then be put up again; however, it is clear to the officials that the stunt was not executed as intended. Missed Stunt A skill is attempted but does not hit the appropriate position or height as the other stunts. • Failure to hit a heel stretch and instead remaining in a platform or liberty. Bobble When a flyer hits a stunt/skill and wobbles, shakes, swings their arms; but the stunt remains in the air. True Full up Bases remain stationery and flyer rotates 360°. Entry The beginning or mounting phase of a stunt, where one foot/hand(s) starts on the performing surface or in a loading position. Structure A place in a pyramid when flyers connect (hand-hand or hand-foot) and pause to show a defined position. This is also known as a picture. Extended The supporting hand(s) of the base(s) is/are above the head. (Source: NFHS) Stunt/Position DOD – Intended Height A judge will give credit for those stunts that go to the intended height of the stunts. Stunts that do not go to the intended height will not be factored into the scoring of the Degree of Difficulty. This is in Primary and Secondary Stunts as well as Pyramids. • A team attempts to execute four liberty heel stretches. One does not make it up and the second one dismounts to the floor prior to hitting the highest point. Hence, two of the four of the stunts did not make it to the intended height. Thus, the team is only given credit for the two stunts that reach the intended height/hit.

One point for front spots in stunts and tosses will no longer be deducted.

Partner Stunts/Tosses All groups must demonstrate stability at the extended point of the executed stunt. This cannot be a show & go style execution. All stunts must have the required spotters and bases. Level Description Primary A squad’s best and most creative stunts. More than one person working together as a team to Stunts execute the skill. • All required elements should be executed during one section of the routine to receive full credit. Secondary Basic two-legged stunts, to one-legged extended stunts, and high-flying basket tosses. Stunts ! Example – e xtend ed si ngle leg stun ts. Tosses T osses can be used in place of the Secondary Stunt. Tosses Basic Intermediate Advanced Straight rides Single full Kick single or 1 ¼ Blow outs X-outs Hitch-kick single or 1 ¼ Pose Toe touch Star single or 1 ¼ Pike Toe touch full down Ball up star Full up toe-touch

Dismounts The ending movement from a stunt or pyramid to a cradle or the performing surface. Movements are only considered dismounts if released to a cradle or released and assisted to the performing surface. Movement from a cradle to the ground is not considered a dismount. (Source: USAF) • Specific dismounts are not necessary in secondary stunts. Load-in A stunting position in which the top person has at least one foot in the base(s) hands. The base(s) hands are at waist level. (USASF: 2016-17 Cheer Glossary) The manner by which you get the flyer to the top. Load-in Position: the two-foot entry position for an elevator; a hang drill. • Only at the beginning of the routine, a flyer must have one foot on the floor ready to begin the stunt and in preparation of the signal to begin. Routines cannot begin in a stunt per GISA r ules.

GISA Competition Cheerleading Guide Stunt Skills If a squad performs the same skill multiple times it will still only count as one skill. • A full up from load and a full up from straddle position will count as one advanced skill. The full up is the repeated skill.

• All groups must perform the same skill(s) to receive credit. The table below represents a limited list of stunt skills a squad may perform. The officials are responsible for determining the level of difficulty for any stunt skills not listed. Stunt Skills Basic Intermediate Advanced Straight-up stunt to prep Faux full-up to extended position True full-up to extended position level or extension Prep level stunts True full-up to prep level Ball-up Half-up to prep Half-up to extended position Switch-up to extended position Switch-up to prep level Inversion to extended position Inversion from below prep level to prep level Quick toss to the extended position Quick toss to prep level Unbraced tick-tock (low-to-high) Inversion from prep level to prep level High-to-high extended Ball-up to prep level • If the tick tock is not released, this will not be considered an advanced skill. Body Positions/Flexibility Skills Body Position Flexibility Front Stretch Front Stretch Heel Stretch Heel Stretch Bow & Arrow, Cobra Bow & Arrow, Cobra Scale Scale Scorpion, Needle Scorpion, Needle No-hands/Chin Chin/Cry Baby No-hands/Chin Chin/Cry Baby Liberty Torch Arabesque Dismounts Dismounts Basic Intermediate Advanced Straight cradles from two leg 1 - 1 ¼ rotation (twist) from prep level 1 - 1 ¼ rotation (twist) from extended or single leg stunts single leg position single leg position Pop downs 360 down (corkscrew) from extended 360 down (corkscrew) from extended (two legged) position to a squish or floor (single leg) position to a squish or floor Squish 360 down (corkscrew) from prep level to power press prep level kick/toe/pike full a squish or floor Prone from prep level Full down from prep or extended position Forward suspended roll Prone from extended level Half turn cradle Yoyo

Maxing Out in Primary Partner Stunt • A team with 16 members will be expected to stunt 4 primary stunts executing the max DOD requirements to receive an 8. • A team of 16 members stunt 3 primary stunt groups, if the squad maxes DOD requirement, the highest DOD the squad will receive is a 7. The groups must complete all the skills outlined in the rubric to receive the highest score in DOD. • If a team has a total of 15 members, they are expected to stunt 3 primary stunt groups. 3 stunt groups executing the max DOD requirement would receive a 7. However, if a team has a total of 15 members and stunt 4 main groups with the required skills, they can receive a maximum of 8 for DOD points. Maxing out in Secondary Partner Stunt/Tosses • To max out DOD in secondary stunt/tosses, a team of 16 will be expected to do 5 secondary extended single leg stunts or throw 4 advanced tosses to receive a 4. • If a team has a total of 15 members, they are expected to stunt 4 secondary extended single leg stunts or throw 3 advanced tosses to receive a maximum score of 3 for DOD. • A team of 15 could max out DOD of 4 if they perform 5 single leg extended stunts. However, a team of 15 members would be unable to legally complete 4 tosses.

Stunting Execution • W hen stun t ing, a fa ll is consi d e re d to the f loor by a s tunt t ea m me m ber, incl ud ing b a ses, f ly ers , and spotters.

• When a flyer or stunt group falls, a team member must fall to the floor landing on a part of the body such as the hands, legs, knees, back, head, rear, elbow, hand, and so on. See Fall definition.

• If a p e rson l a nds on the ir fee t , i t is not con si de red a fall. It w ou ld be con s id e red a n early d is mount and /or an exec ution erro r. This shou ld be fa ctor ed i nt o the ex e cution sco re.

• The secondary stunt must show stability at the top before coming down, not show-and-go style. The stunt cannot just pass thru the top.

GISA Competition Cheerleading Guide Basket Tosses Will be scored in the Secondary Stunt skill area on the scoresheet. They are not required. A basket toss can be considered a high-level stunt when it is executed appropriately and safely. A team may score the top score for DOD or EXE without the execution of any basket tosses.

Pyramids Two or more connected stunt groups built no more than two body lengths high. A squad of 16 will likely have a more intricate pyramid than a squad of 12. Skills If a squad performs the same skill multiple times it will still only count as one skill. • A full up from load and a full up from straddle position will count as one advanced skill. The full up is the repeated skill. Pyramid Skills Basic Intermediate Advanced Straight-up stunt to prep level Faux full-up to extended position True full-up to extended position or extension Prep level stunts True full-up to prep level Ball-up to extended position Half-up to prep Half-up to extended position Switch-up to extended position Switch-up to prep level Inversion to extended position Inversion from below prep level to Quick toss to the extended position prep level Quick toss to prep level Invert from prep level to prep level Ball-up to prep level Transitions Transitions Basic Intermediate Advanced Show and go Half around back to squish 1½ around back to squish Single leg show-and-go Full around back to squish Vault Straddle sit Flat back into stunt Release transitions – loss of contact Splits Helicopter tricks in a pyramid such as a braced Power press and other similarly difficult • High-to-high tick tock skills • Low-to-high tick tock Invert from prep level to prep level or • Ball up load position • Toe touch Up and over (leapfrog) • Full around • Forward flip • Backward flip • And more Pyramid Execution When a pyramid is attempted, and part of the pyramid is executed appropriately, then the team is given credit for any portion of pyramid that hits. Provided the pyramid reached the intended height, a fall in one stunt group of a pyramid would not prevent the team from scoring a Degree of Difficulty (DOD) score. Spacing issues, falls/missed elements on one side, and timing issues would be an example of elements that would be scored in the execution of the pyramid. Either side falling may result in a fall deduction if the fall goes to the floor.

Panel C – Partner Stunts/Pyramids Rubric Primary Partner Stunts DOD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 2 Total Groups 3 Total Groups 4 Total Groups 2 Total Groups 3 Total Groups 3 Total Groups 4 Total Groups Less than majority squad Squad intermediate dismounts. Majority squad advanced dismounts. Squad advanced dismounts. basic dismounts. Must include 1 Must include 1 basic skill to prep basic skill plus 2 Must include 2 advanced skills to the extended position level or higher body positions plus 3 body positions with 3 of them being flexibility skills. plus 2 body positions with 1 of them with 1 of them being flexibility skill. being flexibility skill 1/2 Total 3/4 Total 2 Total Groups 3 Total Groups 4 Total Groups Groups Groups Squad Majority Squad advanced Must include 1 Must include 1 intermediate advanced dismounts. basic skill with basic skill with dismounts. dismounts. limited or no limited or no flexibility/ body flexibility/ body Must include 1 advanced skill to the extended position plus positions. positions. 2 body positions with 2 of them being flexibility skills. 2 Total Groups 3 Total Groups 4 Total Groups Majority intermediate dismount. Squad advanced dismounts. Must include 2 intermediate skills plus 2 body positions with 2 of them being flexibility skills. EXE 1-2 3-5 6-8 9-10 Poor technique and timing, poor Average technique, good timing, not Above average technique, very good Excellent technique and timing, very dismounts, lacks flexibility – poor very clean dismounts, flexibility – timing, clean dismounts, flexibility – clean dismounts, flexibility – very good precision average/fair precision good precision precision 3 or more dropped stunts; multiple 2 dropped stunts; multiple bobbles, 1 dropped stunt; limited bobbles, 0 dropped stunts; no bobbles, falls, or bobbles, falls, or missed stunts. falls, or missed stunts. falls, or missed stunts. missed stunts. Secondary Stunts/ Tosses/ Coed DOD 1 2 3 4 2 Total Groups 3 Total Groups 4 Total Groups 5 Total Groups extended single leg secondary stunt extended single leg secondary stunt extended single leg secondary stunt extended single leg secondary stunt 3 Total Groups 4 Total Groups 5 Total Groups extended secondary stunt extended secondary stunt extended secondary stunt 4 Total Groups 5 Total Groups prep-level secondary stunt prep-level secondary stunt 1 Total Groups 2 Total Groups 3 Total Groups 4 Total Groups advanced tosses advanced tosses advanced tosses advanced tosses 2 Total Groups 3 Total Groups 4 Total Groups intermediate tosses intermediate tosses intermediate tosses 3 Total Groups 4 Total Groups basic tosses basic tosses

EXE 1 2 3-4 5-6 Poor technique and timing, poor Average technique, good timing, not Above average technique, very good Excellent technique and timing, very dismounts, lacks flexibility – poor very clean dismounts, flexibility – timing, clean dismounts, flexibility – clean dismounts, flexibility – very good precision average/fair precision good precision precision 3 or more dropped stunts; multiple 2 dropped stunts; multiple bobbles, 1 dropped stunt; limited bobbles, 0 dropped stunts; no bobbles, falls, or bobbles, falls, or missed stunts. falls, or missed stunts. falls, or missed stunts. missed stunts.

GISA Competition Cheerleading Guide Panel C – Partner Stunts/Pyramids Rubric Pyramids DOD 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 Basic pyramid that includes Intermediate pyramid that includes Advanced pyramid that includes Highly advanced pyramid that 1-2 connected structures with 1-2 connected structures with 2 pyramid structures with includes basic skills. intermediate skills to the prep level 1-2 advanced skills to the extended 2 or more structures with Basic transition(s)/ connected position or above. position using 2 or more 2 or more advanced skills to the release skills, lacking complexity. Intermediate transition(s)/ release synchronized flyers, plus extended position using 2 or more transition(s). advanced transition(s)/ release synchronized flyers, plus transition(s). 2 or more advanced transitions/ release transitions. Determining factors between the two scores in each range of DOD. Creativity Use of flyers Full team participation Pace of the skills performed Combination of skills Transition and flow of skills EXE 1-2 3-5 6-8 9-10 Poor technique and timing, sloppy Average technique, good timing, Above average technique, very Excellent technique and timing, and slow transitions; lacks not very clean transitions, needs good timing, clean transitions, good excellent synchronization – very synchronization – poor precision improved synchronization – synchronization – good precision good precision average/ fair precision Several bobbles, falls, or drops; Multiple bobbles, falls, or drops; Few bobbles, falls, or drops; few No bobbles, falls, or drops; no missed elements missed elements missed elements missed elements

COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING OFFICIAL’S SCORE SHEET PANEL C – PARTNER STUNTS/PYRAMIDS

NUMBER CHOOL DIVISION PANEL S ON SQUAD

C PRIMARY PARTNER STUNTS SCORE

Areas of EXE Improvement

 Missed Stunts  Bobbles  Body Positions  Creative & Visual DOD 8  Dropped Stunts  Flyer Form  Formations  Variety  Cleanup Dismounts  Precision  Stability  Synchronization EXE 10

S ECONDARY STUNTS/ TOSSES Areas of EXE Improvement  Missed Stunts  Stability  Precision  Creative & Visual DOD 4  Dropped Stunts  Variety  Formations  Synchronization

 Bobbles  Flexibility  Toss Height ! Assisted EXE 6  Toss Technique  Flyers Form (Toss)

PYRAMIDS Areas of EXE Improvement  Creativity & Visuals  Flow  Improve Transitions  Synchronized DOD 8  Complexity  Missed Elements  Cleanup Releases  Timing

 Drops  Bobbles  Pace  Connections EXE 10  Stability  Flyer Form

SUBTOTAL SCORE

OFFICIAL 5 OFFICIAL 6

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE