SECTION B: BYLAWS

ARTICLE 1 - ELIGIBILITY

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Students must meet all SHSAA eligibility rules.
2. In any school year participation in activities organized or sponsored by the MJHSAD shall be open to any high school student:

A) whose principal certifies that the student meets the eligibility requirements of the MJHSAD as set out in number 3 below; and
B) who is not otherwise ineligible pursuant to the bylaws or policies of the MJHSAD.

3. The eligibility requirements of the MJHSAD are that, in any school year, each student:

A) must be enrolled in Grade 9 through 12 during that school year, and
B) must not hold a Grade 12 certificate as of September 1 of that school year, and
C) must be registered in a minimum of 50% of the total number of possible classes throughout the season of the activity. Ex. For the Copernican system, a student must always be registered in at least 1 class. Students taking classes in a school on the semester system must be registered in 2.5 or 3 classes. If a student falls below the 50% minimum, he/she immediately becomes ineligible to play, and
D) must provide a signed and completed parent=s permission form on a form approved by the MJHSAD which is on file with the high school, and
E) must be within the period of eligibility as set out in these bylaws, and
F) must not be in violation of any school or board of education policy that would prevent the student from participating in the activity.
G) Player eligibility forms must be submitted by the coach to the commissioner twenty-four hours prior to the first contest of the season. Further additions to the player list during the season must also be submitted twenty-four hours prior to participation in league or tournament play. NOTE: Registration cards are good for one calendar year in football and one sport activity season in all other activities.

4. Players who dress for a third league game or attend a second tournament in a senior sport shall not be eligible to participate as a junior or frosh in that same high school sport during that same season. Junior players may participate in one senior tournament and play in two senior league game before becoming ineligible to play junior or frosh.
5. Any student who attends a practice or plays in a game becomes ineligible to play for any other school in that sport for that school year.
6. The MJHSAD Executive is empowered to consider and rule upon special cases of eligibility upon written application by the school principals.

PERIOD OF ELIGIBILITY

1. Students shall be eligible to participate in activities organized or sponsored by the MJHSAD for a period of a maximum of three consecutive school years or 6 consecutive semesters.
NOTE: (15 consecutive blocks for the Copernican system).

2. The period of eligibility shall commence at the earlier of:
A) the first day of the school year in which the student enters Grade 10; or
B) the first day of the school year in which the student was sixteen years old on September 1st, if a student has no record of grade placement or past education; or
C) the first day of the school year in which the student was seventeen years old on September 1st.
D) Schools may apply to the SHSAA Executive Director on behalf of students who may be age appropriate and wish to participate in high school athletics but are not yet enrolled in grade nine.

ELIGIBILITY TO REPRESENT SCHOOL TEAMS

1. Students shall play as a representative of the high school in which they first registered in the school year or in the semester.
2. A student who transfers schools is ineligible for interscholastic competition unless they establish their eligibility for participation. The onus is on the student to provide the school with information required to establish eligibility to the satisfaction of the SHSAA.

In order to establish eligibility for participation in athletics, students who transfer schools must meet one of the following three conditions:
1. Change of residence - parent to parent move or family move.
2. Directed by Legal Authority.
3. Proper completion of a Transfer Form.

Please Note: Follow guidelines as set out in the SHSAA Handbook.

3. Violations of this policy could be subject to a period of suspension from participation in interschool sport of up to one year at the discretion of the SHSAA Executive Council.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ELIGIBILITY PROVISIONS

1. In the event a student participates in an activity organized by the MJHSAD when that student is not eligible then any contest in which the student is dressed or has participated in shall be forfeited.

ARTICLE 2 - COMPETITION, PRACTICING, RULES OF PLAY, TIE BREAKING CRITERIA

COMPETITION

Starting dates of practice for the various sporting activities shall be as follows: The exact date will be decided by the sports commissioner in consultation with the coaches of the activity. The closing date shall be when Provincial Play downs are completed.

Football*, ** - 12 weeks prior to provincial final.
Volleyball - 14 weeks prior to 2nd provincial volleyball weekend.
Soccer - 10 weeks prior to provincial soccer tournament.
Cross Country - 10 weeks prior to provincial meet.
Golf - 10 weeks - 5 weeks in the spring and 5 weeks in the fall.
Curling - 19 weeks prior to provincial bonspiel.
Basketball - 18 weeks prior to HOOPLA.
Wrestling - 17 weeks prior to provincial tournament.
Badminton - 12 weeks prior to provincial tournament.
Track & Field - 11 weeks prior to provincial meet.

* A five day spring football camp may be run on MJHSAD and principal approval.
** Before the first regular season football game of the season, teams must have participated in a minimum of 10 practices, but no more than 15 after the official start date determined by the MJHSAD league coaches and commissioner.

PRACTICING
*** Teams participating in sporting activities sponsored by the MJHSAD may not practice on Sundays. ***

The MJHSAD is opposed to pre-season & out-of-season practices. A coach working with a team member or members in an organized activity with a goal of improving the team for interschool competition shall constitute a practice.

A PRACTICE SHALL BE DEFINED AS:
- a coach/designate is present and drills are being run
- a coach/team is developing skills and strategies to get ready for competition
- game specific skill evaluation of players is involved
- gym/facility is being used for restricted group of players for game specific skill development

A PRACTICE IS NOT:
- fitness testing, strength training, strength testing or other programs where general athletic skills such as speed, agility and power are being measured. It must be understood that these activities must not result in students being informed about their future (make/cut) with the team.
- involvement in any intramural activity

A CLUB TEAM IS DEFINED AS:
- a team not sanctioned by the MJHSAD
- a team composed of athletes from two or more high schools
- a team that does not use the school uniforms or the school name and is not funded by the school
- a team that is not covered by the school system insurance policy
- a team that rents school gym time for practice and games
- NOTE: ** Club teams are not allowed to use school facilities on school days between the hours of 7:00 am - 6:00 pm. **

PENALTY:
- A coach who is found to be practicing outside of the designated MJHSAD Sport Season, as outlined by this Article, is in breach of the MJHSAD Bylaws and is liable to the consequences listed in Article 4.

RULES OF PLAY
The rules of play in each sport will be based on the recognized Canadian and International rules for the sport. These rules may be modified to better suit school competition. The MJHSAD will strive to follow SHSAA guidelines regarding rules of play.

TIE BREAKING CRITERIA
To apply if the sport has not provided a procedure of its own in the Sports Activities section of the Handbook.

In the event of a tie to determine play-off positions, the criteria for breaking the tie shall be:

A. The win/loss record between the teams concerned. If Team AA defeated Team AB twice, or won one and tied one, Team AA would finish ahead of Team AB in the regular season standings.
B. Points for and against involving only the tied teams.
C. Average points for and against involving only teams ahead of them in the standings.
D. Average points for and against involving the team one position below in the standings.
E. Average points for and against involving the team two positions below in the standings.
F. Etc.

ARTICLE 3 - TRAVELING AND ACCOMMODATIONS

1. Travel allowances will be paid in accordance with the following regulations:
A. Allowances will be paid to individuals or groups representing the MJHSAD in SHSAA sponsored activities or meetings.
B. Mileage will be calculated on a round trip basis. The following classifications will be used in calculating payment:
- for an individual or small group attending a meeting, seminar, clinic, curling bonspiel, etc., $0.25 per km.
- for larger groups such as school teams using vans or buses, the cost of the transportation.

2. An accommodation allowance of $15.00 per player (plus manager) will be allotted for each team member.
3. The full cost of reasonable accommodations for coaches and opposite gender chaperones will be
provided. See maximum number of coaches allowed per sports activity listed below.
NOTE: (football - 5 coaches), (track and field - 5 coaches and two officials), (golf, volleyball, soccer, basketball, cross country, badminton, curling - 2 coaches). In some cases the 2nd coach may need to be a same sex chaperone.
4. Each coach (see limits listed above) shall receive a per diem for post district trips in which there is a district team on the following basis except where meals are provided by the host:
- Breakfast $ 6.50
- Lunch $ 8.00
- Supper $10.50

NOTE: As the MJHSAD struggles to break even financially each year, it is expected that coaches will strive to keep expenses to a minimum. An extra night's stay or additional coaches for example shall be paid for by the school. The physical education consultant in consultation with the treasurer shall be empowered to make decisions regarding these matters.

ARTICLE 4 - DISCIPLINE

GENERAL
1. The head coach is responsible for the conduct of all personnel composing the school=s team (players, assistant coaches and other bench personnel).
2. For a coach to address, or permit anyone on his bench to address uncomplimentary remarks to any official during the progress of a game, or to indulge in conduct which might incite players or spectators against the officials, is a violation of the rules of the game and must likewise be considered conduct unworthy of a coach.
3. Behavior by any member of a team, including all bench personnel, deemed objectionable conduct as defined in the rule book for the sport, shall be immediately subject to the penalty prescribed in the rule book for such an offense. In this situation during a game the head official for the game shall be empowered to see that the penalty is carried out (including ejection of a coach from the game site) to allow the game to go on, or if necessary to halt further play and award the game to the non-offending team.

EJECTION OF A PLAYER FROM A CONTEST
1. If a player is ejected from a contest by an official, that player shall be suspended for the remainder of the contest during which the ejection took place, and:
A. shall be suspended from the next previously scheduled contest to be played by the student in that sport;
B. if a student is ejected from the final contest of the year in a particular sport, the student shall be suspended for the first scheduled contest in that same sport in the next year;
C. if a student in the final year of eligibility is ejected from the final contest of the year in a particular sport, the student shall be suspended from the next contest to be played by the student in any sport.
D. NOTE: An ejected player must leave the gymnasium/football field/ soccer field etc. The ejected player shall go to and remain in his/her team=s dressing room for the duration of the game or, if he/she so chooses, leave the building or field entirely. If a team has no dressing room a player should leave the facility.
E. A suspended player may be on his/her team=s bench but he/she is not to be in team uniform and he/she may not participate in the team warm-up.

2. Suspensions are not limited to one game.
3. A written officials report must be submitted to the League Commissioner preferably 24 hours but no later than 48 hours after the game.
4. If a suspended player plays in a contest, the contest shall be forfeited by the suspended player=s team, and the suspended player shall still be suspended from the next contest.

BREACH OF BYLAWS BY STUDENTS OR TEAMS
1. If any team or player is alleged to have violated any of the bylaws of the MJHSAD or SHSAA, the incident shall be reported in writing to the Commissioner.
2. The Commissioner shall (NOTE: If the commissioner is directly involved in the breach of bylaws by students or teams, the PE Consultant will assume the role of Commissioner):

A. investigate the alleged breach and may speak with the students, teachers and coaches involved and any other party deemed advisable; and
B. consult with the principal of the school or schools involved.

3. After completing the required investigation and consultation with the Hearing Committee, the Commissioner may (Once again, the PE Consultant will assume the role of Commissioner if the Commissioner is directly involved):

A. write a letter of concern, or
B. write a letter of reprimand, or
C. impose a period of probation of up to one year, or
D. impose a period of suspension of up to one year, or
E. declare a forfeiture of a contest, or
F. declare a forfeiture of a championship.

4. The Commissioner shall give a brief written report to the MJHSAD and SHSAA Executive Council of the incident and the action taken.
5. If any Member disagrees with any decision made by the Commissioner, the Member may appeal that decision to the SHSAA Executive Council whose decision on the matter shall be final.

BREACH OF BYLAWS BY COACHES OR SUPERVISORS
1. If any coach or supervisor is alleged to have violated any of the bylaws of this Association, the incident shall be reported in writing to the SHSAA Executive Director (Form E-9).
2. The Executive Director shall:
A. Contact the school reporting the violation to confirm that the named coach (es) / supervisor (s) were forwarded a copy of the report by the person making the report.
B. Confirm receipt of the report with the named coach (es) / supervisor (s).
C. Request a written reply regarding the allegation, to be forwarded to the Executive Director and school reporting the violation, by a set date.
D. Consult with the principal (s) of the school (s) and Director (s) of Education involved.
E. Investigate the alleged breach. He/she may speak with teachers, coaches and students involved and any other party the Executive Director deems advisable, and
F. Prepare a written report on the incident for the President. Forward a copy of the report to the individual (s) from the school (s) involved their principal (s) and Director (s) of Education.
3. Upon receiving the report of the Executive Director the President may appoint three of the Executive Council's members to sit as a Hearing Committee.
4. The hearing committee shall:
A. Ensure that a copy of the written report of the Executive Director has been received by the individuals, their principal (s) and their Director (s) of Education.
B. Allow the person making the allegation, the person being accused, their legal consel (s) if desired and the SHSAA Executive Director to appear before the committee.
5. After hearing from the coach or supervisor the hearing committee may:
- write a letter of concern, or
- write a letter of reprimand, or
- impose a period of probation or suspension on a coach, supervisor or team of up to one year, or
- declare a forfeiture of a contest, or
- declare a forfeiture of a championship
6. The Member shall receive a copy of the decision of the hearing committee.
7. If any Member disagrees with any decision made by the hearing committee of the SHSAA Executive Council the Member may appeal that decision to the SHSAA Board of Review whose decision on the matter shall be final.
8. NOTE: A coach ejected from a contest must leave the gymnasium/football field/soccer field, etc.
9. A suspended coach may attend his/her team=s games but is not to be on the team bench.

ARTICLE 5 - PROTESTS

1. Any protests regarding procedures or rulings by a Commissioner, an official, or actions by a member of a school (coach, manager or team representative), shall be submitted in writing and presented to the Commissioner, with copies submitted to the Physical Education Consultant and to the schools involved. The protest must be presented within 48 hours of the disputed procedure, action or ruling.
2. All protests shall be handled by a Hearing Committee consisting of the Physical Education Consultant and one representative from each of the four member schools. The Commissioner of the sport, the Secretary of the MJHSAD and the head coach of the team(s) involved in the protest shall be present at the meeting but shall not have voting privileges.
3. The ruling by the Hearing Committee shall be absolute and binding.

ARTICLE 6 - GAME CONTROL

1. The host school is responsible for general crowd control, but each team is responsible for the actions of their own spectators. A coach, site manager, school personnel, commissioner, etc. of the game site is expected to notify the Physical Education Consultant and an administrator of the offending school no later than the following day of any serious problem or situation in the area of spectator control, crowd sportsmanship, etc.
2. Game officials and school personnel are empowered to have disruptive or abusive spectators removed from the game site. Failure of a spectator or spectators to leave when requested to do so by an official may result in forfeiture to the offending team.
3. A game official may warn and, if necessary thereafter, order forfeiture by the offending team or school if the conduct and control of any party concerned, including spectators, interrupts or adversely affects the normal procedure and progress of a contest.
4. It shall be the responsibility of each school to eliminate pranks and mischief involving destruction and/or theft of game equipment and materials.
5. Coaches will be expected at all times to display the type of conduct which contributes to sportsmanlike competition and which does not incite crowds. Coaches will be expected to impress upon their athletes the importance of these same sportsmanlike attitudes in their behavior while in competition (or sitting on the bench) as well as following the contest.
6. Artificial noise makers, laser lights, drums and other musical instruments are prohibited from our gymnasiums during games. The exception to this policy would be a school Pep Band under the direct supervision of school personnel. Site managers may allow noisemakers at outdoor competitions.

ARTICLE 7 - EXPECTED SPECTATOR CONDUCT

1. Respect the players in the game (for without them there would be no game). Fans must cheer showing their support for their team not disrespect for their opponents. Recognize and appreciate skill in performance regardless of affiliation. The ability to recognize quality in performance and the willingness to acknowledge it without regard to team membership is one of the most highly commendable gestures of sportsmanship.
2. It will be unacceptable for fans to make noise of any kind during a foul shot in basketball or a service in volleyball. You cheer for your team, but you don=t cheer against the other team.
3. School supporters are asked not to applaud errors by opponents nor heckle, jeer or distract members of the opposite team.
4. Respect the officials. They are doing the best job they can and should not be criticized for the judgments they make. Officials should be applauded for the service they provide to high school sports.
5. Refrain from taking food or drink into the gymnasium when posted. As well, fans must respect the property of the school and the authority of the school officials. Please ask students to refrain from walking across the gymnasium floor.
6. Refrain from using artificial noisemakers, drums or other musical instruments. The exception to this policy would be a school Pep Band under the direct supervision of authorized school personnel, with the understanding that nothing will be done to interfere with the performance of the opposing team.
7. Be a sport - blend your cheers for AYOUR TEAM@ with APPLAUSE FOR YOUR OPPONENTS. Observe the letter and spirit of the rules and show consideration for others.

- Coaches and school administrators should make certain that the school team, as well as, any team followers taking part in a high school athletic event is made aware of these expectations.

ARTICLE 8 - ALL STAR PROHIBITION

1. A school, including its administrators and coaches shall not become involved directly or indirectly with the coaching, management, direction, and/or promotion of any kind of All Star game (Senior Bowl - excluded) or similar contest involving students with remaining high school eligibility in any sport.
2. Students who have participated in athletics representing a member school and who have not yet graduated from high school shall not compete on an All Star team, or in an All Star game, contest or meet during the school year in sports sponsored by the MJHSAD.
3. An All Star team is one made up from two or more schools, teams or areas.
4. Violation of this regulation shall result in loss of eligibility of the student for a period of one year from the date of the last violation.
5. Nothing in this regulation shall prohibit any student from participating as an unattached individual or as a member of a non-school team in these sports during the off-season for that sport in the school term, providing the contest in not All Star in character.

ARTICLE 9 - WEARING OF HEADGEAR

1. Headgear shall not be worn during MJHSAD & SHSAA athletic contests. Exceptions will be allowed for health, safety and religious reason only.

ARTICLE 10 - HYGIENIC PRECAUTIONS TO DEAL WITH BLOOD

1. Prevention Policies:
- Prior to participation in a competition, any wounds, including abrasions or rashes, on athletes, coaches and officials must be securely covered.
- If a bleeding injury occurs to any participant during the course of the competition, the individual must be removed from the competition until the bleeding has been stopped. The wound must be cleansed with an antiseptic solution and securely covered before the individual can re-enter the competition.
- Should blood appear on any part of a participant=s uniform or protective equipment that is exposed to other participants, the uniform/equipment must be either changed or cleaned before participation can resume.
- The athlete may change into a uniform bearing a different number. The opposing coach and the official scorers must be made aware of this change prior to the resumption of play.
- Athletes will be permitted to wear a practice T-shirt or singlet bearing the athlete=s uniform number in the same dominant colour as the official team uniform.
- All equipment or playing surfaces which come in contact with blood will be cleaned with a solution of one part household bleach and one hundred parts water - 10 ml. Bleach to 1 litre of water. This solution must be freshly prepared before every competition.

2. Recommended Practices:
- Any personnel dealing with body fluids or open wounds should wear rubber or latex gloves. Gloves should be disposed of and replaced after each individual is treated.
- After treating a bloody wound or cleaning a blood-stained surface, gloves should be removed and hands washed with soapy water before continuing.
- Athletes involved in contact sports will be encouraged to wear protective equipment that may prevent bloody injuries during competition (e.g. mouth guards).
- Instruments designed for piercing the skin should be sterile, used only once, and not shared.
- Athletes are urged not to share personal items that may pierce the skin or mucous membranes (e.g. razors, nail clippers).
- Athletes should render first aid to themselves and cover their own wounds, whenever possible. It is also recommended that athletes clean up their own blood from equipment, uniforms and athletic surfaces, if possible.

ARTICLE 11 - THE ELIMINATION OF RACISM IN SPORT AND RECREATION

1. The Saskatchewan Committee for the Elimination of Racism in Sport and Recreation has completed the development of a resource to be used by any person in a leadership role in sport and recreation. See SHSAA Handbook for more information and a copy of the resource (policy statement).

ARTICLE 12 - RECRUITING

Recruiting of student-athletes shall be considered a violation of the spirit and philosophy of the bylaws of this association. The principal of each member school shall be held accountable for recruiting infractions by any member of his/her faculty and non-faculty coaches.

1. No member school may directly or indirectly attempt to induce or solicit the enrolment of any prospective student-athlete.
2. Normal advertisement in the new media and the distribution of school catalogues, pamphlets and brochures by the school administration is not a violation of the regulations.
3. The principal may respond to initial inquiries of a prospective student or parent relative to the curriculum or enrolment procedures of his/her school.
4. Principals are responsible for informing community groups, school parent groups, and school coaches about referring inquiries of prospective students to the principal.
5. The principal may involve faculty members in providing information about specific school programs to prospective students and parents.
6. The MJHSAD may contact community organizations in response to concerns about recruiting brought by a member school. This contact may be through a letter or meeting to inform community groups about the objectives of the school athletic program. Ex. - The penalty for violating this Article is severe. It is the intent that a school not profit from the successful recruitment of a student.

GUIDELINES FOR COACHES

1. If a prospective student-athlete or parent approaches a school coach (faculty or non-faculty), he/she should be directed to the principal for information about the school.
2. In the event of a suspected violation, these steps will be followed:
A. Letter to the PE Consultant and the President of the Executive.
B. Letter referred to the discipline committee to investigate the suspected violation.
C. The discipline committee will meet at is earliest opportunity to plan and conduct the investigation and report back to the MJHSAD.
3. Penalties for violation of the provisions of these bylaws shall be subject to the sanctions imposed by the disciplinary committee and may include the following:
- a letter of concern, or
- a letter of reprimand, or
- impose a period of probation or suspension on a coach, supervisor or team of up to one year, or
- declare a forfeiture of a contest, or
- declare a forfeiture of a championship