REGULATORY IMPLEMENTING ORDER
1051 DIAA Senior High School Interscholastic Athletics
Summary Of The Evidence And Information Submitted
The Secretary of Education seeks the consent of the State Board of Education to amend the following Regulations of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA):
1050 DIAA Sportsmanship
1051 DIAA Senior High School Interscholastic
Athletics
1052 DIAA Junior High/Middle School
Interscholastic Athletics.
The most significant changes to the regulations include the following:
Reinstating the “continuous enrollment” requirement which penalizes a student for failing to complete a semester or being absent for one or more semesters for reasons other than injury or illness. (Reg. 1051, 1.2.7 and Reg. 1052, 1.2.6)
Deleting the “developmental sport” category and as a result, eliminating DIAA’s regulation of sports in which fewer than 12 high schools or 7 middle schools are participating.(Reg. 1051, 20.3 and Reg. 1052, 20.3)
Increasing the permissible number of baseball and softball teams from 18 to 20 games per season for senior high school athletes. (Reg. 1051, 24.1 only)
The remaining proposals represent editorial changes or minor modifications to a particular section of the regulations. All of the proposed revisions have been reviewed by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, discussed by the membership at the annual meeting and have received two affirmative votes from the DIAA Board of Directors.
In addition, all references to the Delaware Secondary School Athletic Association (DSSAA) have been changed to Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) because of the passage of House Bill 475 by the 141th General Assembly.
Notice of the proposed regulation was published in the News Journal and the Delaware State News on May 23, 2002, in the form hereto attached as Exhibit A. No comments were received.
Findings Of Facts
The Secretary finds that it is appropriate to amend these regulation because the changes are needed to reflect current procedures and to address the desire of the member schools for less regulation with regard to out of season coaching and the sponsorship of interscholastic teams.
Decision To Amend The Regulation
For the foregoing reasons, the Secretary concludes that it is appropriate to amend the regulations. Therefore, pursuant to 14 Del. C. §122, the regulation attached hereto as Exhibit “B” is hereby amended. Pursuant to the provision of 14 Del. C. §122(e), the regulation hereby amended shall be in effect for a period of five years from the effective date of this order as set fourth in Section V. below.
Text And Citation
The text of the regulation amended hereby shall be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit “B”, and said regulation shall be cited as 14 DE Admin. Code §§ 1050, 1051,and 1052 in the Regulations of the Department of Education.
Effective Date Of Order
The actions hereinabove referred to were taken by the Secretary pursuant to 14 Del. C. §122, on August 15, 2002. The effective date of this Order shall be ten (10) days from the date this Order is published in the Delaware Register of Regulations.
IT IS SO ORDERED the 15th day of August 2002.
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Valerie A. Woodruff, Secretary of Education
Approved this 15 th day of August 2002
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Dr. Joseph A. Pika, President
Jean W. Allen, Vice President
Robert J. Gilsdorf
Mary B. Graham, Esquire
Valarie Pepper
Dennis J. Savage
Dr. Claibourne D. Smith
1051 DSSA DIAA Senior High School Interscholastic Athletics
1.0 Eligibility
No student shall represent a school in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest if he/she does not meet the following requirements:
1.1 Age
1.1.1 Students who become 19 years of age on or after June 15 shall be eligible for all sports during the school year provided all other eligibility requirements are met. Students who have attained the age of 19 prior to June 15 shall be ineligible for all sports.
3 DE Reg. 437 (9/1/99)
1.1.2 In determining the age of a contestant, the birth date as entered on the birth record of the Bureau of Vital Statistics shall be required and shall be so certified on all eligibility lists.
1.1.3 Requests for waiver of the age requirement shall be considered only for participation on an unofficial, non-scoring basis in non-contact or non-collision sports.
1.2 Enrollment and Attendance
1.2.1 A student must be legally enrolled in the high school which he/she represents and must be in regular attendance prior to the 11th school day of the academic year in order to participate in practice scrimmage or contest.
1.2.2 A student must be in regular attendance prior to the 11th school day of the academic year.
1.2.1.1 1.2.2.1 A student who enters school on or after the 11th school day of the academic year shall not be eligible to participate for ninety (90) school days.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.2.2 1.2.3 A shared-time student who attends two (2) different schools during the regular school day shall be eligible to participate only at his/her home school.
1.2.2.1 1.2.3.1 A student's home school shall be the school at which he/she is receiving instruction in the core academic areas and at which he/she is satisfying the majority of his/her graduation requirements.
1.2.2.2 1.2.3.2 A shared-time student shall not be eligible to participate at the school at which he/she is receiving only specialized educational instruction; e.g., vocational training.
1.2.3 1.2.4 A student who is participating in the Delaware School Choice Program, as authorized by 14 Del. C., Ch. 4, is obligated to attend the choice school for a minimum of two (2) years unless the student=s custodial parent(s) or legal guardian(s) relocate to a different school district or the student fails to meet the academic requirements of the choice school. If a student attends a choice school for less than two (2) years and subsequently returns to his/her home school, the student must receive a release from the A choice district@ in order to legally enroll at his/her home school. Without a release, the student would not be eligible legally enrolled and consequently would be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics (see [(1.4.11 1.4.8)].
1.2.4 1.2.5 A student may not participate in a practice, scrimmage, or contest during the time a suspension, either in-school or out-of-school, is in effect or during the time he/she is assigned to an alternative school for disciplinary reasons.
1.2.5 1.2.6 A student must be legally in attendance at school in order to participate in a practice, scrimmage, or contest except when excused by proper school authorities.
1.2.5.1 1.2.6.1 A student who is not legally in attendance at school due to illness or injury shall not be permitted to participate in a practice, scrimmage, or contest on that day.
1.2.7 Failure to complete a semester or absence for one or more semesters for reasons other than personal illness or injury shall render a student ineligible for ninety (90) school days from the date of his/her reentry to school.
1.2.6 1.2.8 An ineligible student who practices in violation of 1.2.4 1.2.1or 1.2.5 1.2.6 shall, when he/she regains his/her eligibility, be prohibited from practicing, scrimmaging, or competing for an equivalent number of days.
4 De Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.3 Residence
1.3.1 A student must be living with his/her custodial parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s) in the attendance zone of the school which he/she attends in order to be eligible for interscholastic athletics in that school. In cases of joint custody, the custodial parent shall be the parent with actual physical placement as determined by court action.
1.3.1.1 Maintaining multiple residences in order to circumvent this requirement shall render the student ineligible.
1.3.1.2 A student who, pursuant to established school board policy or administrative procedure, remains in a school he/she has been attending after his/her legal residence changes to the attendance zone of a different school in the same school district, may exercise, prior to the first official student day of the subsequent academic year, a one time election to remain at his/her current school and thereby not lose athletic eligibility.
1.3.1.2.1 However, if a student chooses to remain at his/her current school and then transfers to the school in his/her new attendance zone on or after the first official student day of the subsequent academic year, he/ she shall be ineligible, for ninety (90) school days.
1.3.1.3 If a student changes residence to a different attendance zone after the start of the last marking period and, pursuant to established school board policy or administrative procedure, is granted permission to continue attending his/her present school, the student shall retain his/her athletic eligibility in that school for the remainder of the school year provided all other eligibility requirements are met.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.3.1.4 A student shall be permitted to complete his/her senior year at the school he/she is attending and remain eligible even though a change of legal residence to the attendance zone of another school has occurred. This provision shall refer to any change of legal residence that occurs after the completion of the student's junior year.
1.3.1.5 A student may be residing outside of the attendance zone of the school which he/she attends if the student is participating in the Delaware School Choice Program as authorized by 14 Del. C., Ch. 4.
1.3.1.6 A student who is a non-resident of Delaware shall be eligible at a public, vocational-technical, or charter school if, in accordance with 14 Del. C., ' 607, his/her custodial parent or court appointed legal guardian is a full-time employee of that district.
3 DE Reg. 437 (9/1/99)
1.3.1.7 Notwithstanding 1.3.1, a student shall be eligible at a public or vocational-technical school if he/ she enrolls in accordance with 14 Del.C. §202(f), the Caregivers’ School Authorization.
1.3.1.7.1 An exception would be a student whose relative caregiver does not provide the documentation required by the Caregivers’ School Authorization (proof of relation and proof of full-time care) but is permitted to register on the basis of a petition for the transfer of guardianship. A student who registers on the basis of a petition for the transfer of guardianship is not eligible to scrimmage or compete until the relative caregiver has provided the aforementioned required documentation or has received a signed court order designating him/her as the student’s legal guardian.
See 4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.3.2 Notwithstanding 1.4, a student who reaches the age of majority (18), leaves his/her parents' place of residency and jurisdiction thereof, and moves to another attendance zone to continue his/her high school education shall be ineligible to participate in athletics for 90 school days commencing with the first day of official attendance. This provision shall not apply to a student participating in the Delaware School Choice Program, as authorized by 14 Del. C., Ch. 4, provided the student=s choice application was properly submitted prior to the his/her change of residence.
3 DE Reg. 437 (9/1/99)
1.4 Transfer
1.4.1 A student who has not previously participated in interscholastic athletics (previous participation is defined as having practiced, scrimmaged, or competed in grades 9 through 12 except as specified in 5.2) is released by a proper school authority from a sending school, has completed the registration process at the receiving school, and is pursuing an approved course of study shall be eligible immediately upon registration provided he/she meets all other DSSA DIAA eligibility requirements.
1.4.2 If a student has previously participated in interscholastic athletics, he/she shall be ineligible for a period of ninety (90) school days commencing with the first day of official attendance in the receiving school unless one of the following exceptions applies:
1.4.2.1 The transfer is within a school district and is approved by the district's superintendent pursuant to established school board policy or administrative procedure. This provision shall not apply to a student who transfers to his/her home school from a “choice school” within the district and who has not completed the two-year attendance requirement unless he/she satisfies the conditions stipulated in 1.4.2.5.1 through 1.4.2.5.4. This provision shall also not apply to a student who transfers from a “choice school” to another “choice school” within the district (see 1.4.7.1).
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.4.2.2 The transfer is caused by court action, court action being an order from a court of law affecting legally committed students.
1.4.2.2.1 In the case of a transfer of guardianship/custody, the transfer shall be the result of a court order signed by a judge, commissioner, or master of a court of competent jurisdiction. A petition for the transfer of guardianship/custody, an affidavit, (except as permitted by 1.4.2.3), or a notarized statement signed by the affected parties shall not be sufficient to render the student eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.4.2.3 The transfer is in accordance with 14 Del. C. §202(f), the Caregivers School Authorization.
1.4.2.3.1 An exception would be a student whose relative caregiver does not provide the documentation required by the Caregivers’ School Authorization (proof of relation and proof of full-time care) but is permitted to register on the basis of a petition for the transfer of guardianship. A student who registers on the basis of a petition for the transfer of guardianship is not eligible to scrimmage or compete until the relative caregiver has provided the aforementioned required documentation or has received a signed court order designating him/her as the student’s legal guardian.
See 4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.4.2.4 The transfer is the result of a change in residence by the custodial parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s) from the attendance zone of the sending school to the attendance zone of the receiving school. A change in residence has occurred when all occupancy of the previous residence has ended.
1.4.2.4.1 A student who transfers from a public, private, vocational-technical, charter, or choice school to another public, private, vocational-technical, charter, or choice school shall be eligible in the receiving school immediately, except as prohibited by 1.4.10.1, when the custodial parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s) has established a new legal residence in another public school attendance zone different from the one in which the custodial parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s) resided for attendance in the sending school. In the case of a transfer to a public or vocational-technical school, the new legal residence must be in the attendance zone of the receiving school.
1.4.2.5 The transfer occurs after the close of the sending school's academic year and prior to the first official student day of the receiving school's academic year provided:
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.4.2.5.1 The student has completed the registration process at the receiving school prior to the first official student day of the academic year. The first official student day shall be defined as the first day on which students in any grade in that school are required to be in attendance.
3 DE Reg 437 (9/1/99)
1.4.2.5.2 The student has not attended class, excluding summer school, or participated in a scrimmage or contest at the sending school since the close of the previous academic year.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.4.2.5.3 The student's legal residence is located in the attendance zone of the receiving school.
1.4.2.5.4 All other DSSA DIAA eligibility requirements have been met.
1.4.3 Promotion or administrative assignment to the ninth grade from a school whose terminal point is the eighth grade, or to the tenth grade from a junior high school whose terminal point is the ninth grade, shall not constitute a transfer. Students so promoted or administratively assigned shall be eligible.
1.4.4 If a waiver of the ninety (90) school day ineligibility clause is requested due to a desired change in the program of study or financial hardship, the parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s) is responsible for providing documentation to the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors to support the request. Documentation should include the following:
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.4.4.1 Change in program of study (a multi-year, hierarchical sequence of courses with a common theme or subject matter leading to a specific outcome).
1.4.4.1.1 Student schedule card.
1.4.4.1.2 Student transcript.
1.4.4.1.3 Current course descriptions from both the sending and receiving schools.
1.4.4.1.4 Statement from the principal of the sending school indicating that a significant part of the student's desired program of study will not be offered and that it will place the student at a definite disadvantage to delay transfer until the end of the current school year.
1.4.4.1.5 Statement from the principal of both the sending and receiving schools that the student is not transferring primarily for athletic advantage as defined in 1.4.6.1 through 1.4.6.4.
3 DE Reg 437 (9/1/99)
1.4.4.2 Financial hardship
1.4.4.2.1 Proof of extreme financial hardship caused by significant and unexpected reduction in income and/or increase in expenses.
1.4.4.2.2 Statement from the principal of both the sending and receiving schools that the student is not transferring primarily for athletic advantage as defined in 1.4.6.1 through 1.4.6.4.
3 DE Reg 437 (9/1/99)
1.4.5 In cases of joint custody when a primary residence is established, a change in a student's primary residence without court action subjects the student to the ninety (90) school day ineligibility clause.
1.4.6 A change of custody or guardianship for athletic advantage shall render a student ineligible under the ninety (90) school day ineligibility clause if the primary reason for his/her transfer is one of the following:
1.4.6.1 To seek a superior team.
1.4.6.2 To seek a team more compatible with his/her abilities.
1.4.6.3 Dissatisfaction with the philosophy, policies, methods, or actions of a coach or administrator pertaining to interscholastic athletics.
1.4.6.4 To avoid disciplinary action imposed by the sending school related to or affecting interscholastic athletic participation.
1.4.7 A student who transfers from a public, private, vocational-technical, or charter school to a school of choice, as authorized by 14 Del. C., Ch. 4, shall be eligible immediately provided the transfer occurs after the close of the sending school's academic year and prior to the first official student day of the receiving school's academic year and the student satisfies the conditions stipulated in 1.4.2.5.1, 1.4.2.5.2, and 1.4.2.5.4.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.4.7.1 A student who transfers from a school of choice to another school of choice shall be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics during his/ her first year of attendance at the receiving school unless the receiving school sponsors a sport(s) not sponsored by the sending school in which case the student shall be eligible to participate in that sport(s) only.
1.4.8 A student who transfers from a school of choice to either a private school or, after completing his/her two-year commitment, to a public, vocational technical, or charter school shall be eligible immediately provided the transfer occurs after the close of the sending school’s academic year and prior to the first official student day of the receiving school’s academic year and the student satisfies the conditions stipulated in 1.4.2.5.1 through 1.4.2.5.4.
1.4.9 If a student transfers with fewer than ninety (90) school days left in the academic year, he/she shall be ineligible for the remainder of the school year but shall be eligible beginning with the subsequent fall sports season provided he/she is in compliance with all other eligibility requirements.
See 3 DE Reg 437 (9/1/99)
1.5 Amateur
1.5.1 A student may not participate in an interscholastic sport unless he/she is considered an amateur in that sport. A student forfeits his/her amateur status if he/ she does any of the following:
1.5.1.1 Knowingly plays on or against a professional team.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.5.1.2 Signs a professional contract, accepts reimbursement for expenses to attend a professional tryout, or receives financial assistance in any form from a professional sports organization.
1.5.1.3 Enters competition under an assumed name. The surname and given name used by any player in his/her first game of interscholastic competition shall be used during the remainder of the student's interscholastic career. Any change in spelling or use of another name shall be regarded as an attempt to evade this rule unless the change has been properly certified by the player to the principal of the school.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.5.1.4 Receives remuneration of any kind or accepts reimbursement for expenses in excess of the actual and necessary costs of transportation, meals, and lodging for participating in a team or individual competition or an instructional camp or clinic. Reimbursement for the aforementioned expenses is permitted only if all of the participants receive the same benefit.
3 DE Reg 437 (9/1/99)
1.5.1.5 Receives cash or a cash equivalent (savings bond, certificate of deposit, etc.), merchandise (except as permitted by 26.5) or a merchandise discount, (except for discount arranged by school for part of team uniform) a reduction or waiver of fees, a gift certificate, or other valuable consideration as a result of his/her participation in an organized competition or instructional camp/clinic.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.5.1.5.1 Accepting an event program and/or a complimentary item(s) (t-shirt, hat, equipment bag, etc.) that is inscribed with a reference to the event, has an aggregate retail value of no more than $50.00, and is provided to all of the participants, shall not jeopardize his/ her amateur status.
3 DE Reg 525 (10/1/99)
1.5.1.6 Sells or pawns awards received.
1.5.1.7 Uses his/her athletic status to promote or endorse a commercial product or service in a newsprint, radio, or television advertisement or personal appearance.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
1.5.2 Accepting compensation for teaching lessons, coaching, or officiating shall not jeopardize his/her amateur status.
1.5.3 A student who forfeits his/her amateur status under the provisions of this rule is ineligible to participate at the interscholastic level in the sport in which the violation occurred. He/she may be reinstated after a period of up to 180 school days provided that during the suspension, he/she complies with all of the provisions of this rule. The suspension shall date from the time of the last offense.
2.0 Use of Influence for Athletic Purposes
2.1 The use of influence by a person(s) employed by or representing a member school including members of alumni associations, booster groups, and similar organizations to persuade, induce, or facilitate the enrollment of a student in that school for athletic purposes shall render the student ineligible for up to 180 school days from the date the charge is substantiated. In addition, the offending school shall be placed on probation, as determined by the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors, and the offending employee, if a coach, shall be suspended for up to 180 school days from the date the charge is substantiated.
2.2 The use of influence for athletic purposes shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
2.2.1 Offer of money, room, board, clothing, transportation, or other valuable consideration to a prospective athlete or his/her parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s).
2.2.2 Offer of waiver/reduction of tuition or financial aid if based, even partially, on athletic considerations.
2.2.3 Preference in job assignments or offer of compensation for work performed in excess of what is customarily paid for such services.
2.2.4 Offer of special privileges not accorded to other students.
2.2.5 Offer of financial assistance including free or reduced rent, payment of moving expenses, etc., to induce a prospective athlete or his/her parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s) to change residence.
2.3 A school employee or Board approved volunteer may not initiate contact or request that a booster club member, alumnus, or player initiate contact with a student enrolled in another school or his/her parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s) in order to persuade the student to enroll in a particular school for athletic purposes. Illegal contact shall include, but not be limited to, letters, questionnaires or brochures, telephone calls, and home visits or personal contact at athletic contests.
2.3.1 If a coach or athletic director is contacted by a prospective athlete or his/her parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s), the former must refer the individual(s) to the principal or school personnel responsible for admissions.
2.3.2 A school employee or Board approved volunteer may discuss the athletic program with a prospective student or his/her parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s) during an open house or approved visit initiated by the parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s).
2.3.2.1 A school employee or Board approved volunteer may provide information concerning sports offered, facilities, conference affiliation, and general athletic policies. However, he/she is not permitted to state or imply in any way that his/her athletic program is superior to that of another school or that it would be more beneficial or advantageous for the prospective student to participate in athletics at his/her school.
2.3.3 A school employee or Board approved volunteer may conduct an informational presentation at a feeder school provided he/she observes the restrictions specified in 2.3.2.1.
2.4 If the number of applicants under the Delaware School Choice Program exceeds the number of available student openings, the selection criteria established by the district shall not include athletic considerations.
3.0 Non-School Competition (participants competing “unattached” and not representing their schools)
3.1 A student may participate on a non-school team or in a non-school individual event both during and out of the designated sport season. However, the student owes his/her primary loyalty and allegiance to the school team of which he/she is a member. A school shall have the authority to require attendance at practices and contests and students not in compliance shall be subject to disciplinary action as determined by the school.
3.2 Participation on a non-school team or in a non-school individual event shall be subject to the following conditions:
3.2.1 With the exception of organized intramurals, the student may not wear school uniforms.
3.2.2 With the exception of organized intramurals, the student may use only school equipment whose primary purpose is to protect the wearer from physical injury.
3.2.3 The school or a school affiliated support group may not provide transportation.
3.2.4 The school or a school affiliated support group may not pay entry fees or provide any form of financial assistance.
3.2.5 The school coach may not require his/her athletes to participate in non-school competition or provide instruction to his/her athletes in non-school competition.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
3.3 14 Del. C. §122(b)(15) requires written parental permission prior to participation on a similar team during the designated sport season. Written authorization must be on file in the student's school prior to engaging in a tryout, practice, or contest with a similar team. Consent forms shall be available in all member schools.
3.3.1 Similar teams shall include organized intramural teams as well as non-school teams in that sport.
4.0 Passing Work
4.1 In order to be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics, including practices, a student must pursue a regular course of study or its equivalent as approved by the local governing body, and must be passing at least five (5) credits. Two (2) of those credits must be in the areas of English, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies.
4.1.1 A student who is receiving special education services and is precluded from meeting the aforementioned academic requirements due to modifications in the grading procedure or course of study, shall be adjudged eligible by the principal if he/she is making satisfactory progress in accordance with the requirements of his/her individualized education plan (IEP).
4.2 In the case of a student in the twelfth grade, he/she must be passing all courses necessary for graduation from high school in order to be eligible for participation. A course necessary for graduation shall be any course, whether taken during or outside the regular school day, that satisfies an unmet graduation requirement.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
4.3 A student whose work in any regular marking period does not meet the above standards shall be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics, including practices, for the next marking period.
4.3.1 In the case of a conflict between the marking period grade and the final grade, the final grade shall determine eligibility.
4.3.2 The final accumulation of credits shall determine eligibility for the first marking period of the following school year. When a student makes up a failure or earns the required credit(s) during the summer, he/she shall become eligible provided he/she successfully completes the course work prior to the first official student day of the school year.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
4.3.2.1 Written verification of the successful completion of a correspondence course must be received before a student shall regain his/her eligibility.
4.4 A student forfeits or regains his/her eligibility, in accordance with the provisions of this rule, on the day report cards are issued.
4.5 Local school boards and non-public schools may establish more stringent requirements for academic eligibility than the minimum standards herein prescribed.
3 DE Reg 437 (9/1/99)
4.6 An ineligible student who practices in violation of 4.1, 4.2, or 4.3 shall, when he/she regains his/her eligibility, be prohibited from practicing, scrimmaging, or competing for an equivalent number of days.
5.0 Participation
5.1 No student shall represent a school in athletics after four (4) consecutive years from the date of his/her first entrance into the ninth grade unless a waiver is granted for hardship reasons.
5.1.1 No student shall have more than four (4) opportunities to participate in a fall sport or combination of fall sports, in a winter sport or combination of winter sports, or in a spring sport or combination of spring sports.
5.1.2 “Hardship” shall be defined as extenuating circumstances which are unusual, extraordinary and beyond the control of the student or his/her parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s); preclude him/her from completing the academic requirements for graduation within the normal period of eligibility; and deprive him/her of all or part of one of his/her opportunities to participate in a particular sports season.
3 DE Reg 437 (9/1/99)
5.1.2.1 A clear and direct causal relationship must exist between the alleged hardship condition and the failure of the student to complete the academic requirements for graduation within the normal period of eligibility and the loss of all or part of one of his/ her opportunities to participate in a particular sports season.
3 DE Reg 437 (9/1/99)
5.1.2.2 The burden of proof rests with the student in conjunction with the waiver/appeal process as described in 1053 Waiver Procedure and 1055 Appeal Procedure. Claims of extended illness, debilitating injury, emotional stress, etc., must be accompanied by appropriate documentation. Evidence must be submitted to verify that the student or his/her parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s) sought assistance to ameliorate the effects of the hardship condition.
5.1.3 Satisfactory completion of studies in accordance with promotion policies established by the local governing body shall determine when a student is beyond the eighth grade.
5.2 If the eighth grade is part of the same administrative unit as grades 9 through 12, participation on the part of an eighth-grade student toward five (5) years of eligibility shall be at the discretion of the individual school.
5.2.1 Seventh-grade students shall not be permitted to participate on senior high school interscholastic teams.
5.3 Participation shall be defined as taking part in a school sponsored practice (see 25.3), scrimmage, or contest on or after the first allowable date for practice in that sport.
6.0 Postgraduates/Higher Institutions
6.1 Postgraduates shall not be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics.
6.1.1 All graduates of recognized senior high schools shall be considered postgraduates.
6.2 Students whose commencement exercises are prior to the completion of the school's regular season schedule and/or the state tournament shall be eligible to compete.
6.3 A regularly enrolled student taking courses in an institution of higher education shall be eligible provided he/she meets all other DSSA DIAA requirements.
7.0 Foreign Exchange Students/Foreign Students
7.1 Notwithstanding 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4, foreign students may be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics upon arrival at their host school provided they have not attained the age of 19 prior to June 15 and are enrolled as participants in a recognized foreign exchange program.
7.1.1 All foreign exchange programs which are included on the Advisory List of International Educational Travel and Exchange Programs of the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) and are two (2) semesters in length shall be considered as recognized.
7.1.2 Students participating in programs not included on the CSIET list shall be required to present evidence that the program is a bona fide educational exchange program before it shall be considered as recognized.
7.2 Foreign students who are not participating in a foreign exchange program are considered to be transfer students and are ineligible to compete in interscholastic athletics unless they are in compliance with all DSSA DIAA eligibility requirements including 1.3.1.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
7.2.1 With the exception of a boarding school student, a foreign student who is attending a private or parochial school must be residing with his/her court appointed legal guardian in order to be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
7.3 Once enrolled, foreign exchange and other foreign students must comply with all DSSA DIAA eligibility rules.
7.4 Athletic recruitment of foreign exchange students or other foreign students by a member school or any other entity is prohibited, and any such students recruited shall be adjudged ineligible.
8.0 Examinations
8.1 A student shall not be eligible to practice, scrimmage, or compete in an interscholastic contest unless he/she has been adequately examined by a licensed physician (M.D. or D.O.), a certified nurse practitioner, or a certified physician's assistant on or after June 1 and before beginning such athletic activity for the current school year.
8.1.1 A certificate to that effect, as well as the parent's or court appointed legal guardian's consent, shall be on file with the administrative head of the school prior to the student participating in a practice, scrimmage, or game.
8.2 For any subsequent sports season in the school year, a limited reexamination shall be performed under the following circumstances:
8.2.1 If the athlete has been treated for an injury during the preceding sports season.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
8.2.2 If the athlete has been out of school during the preceding sports season with an illness other than the usual minor upper respiratory or gastrointestinal upset.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
8.2.3 If an operation has been performed on the athlete during the preceding sports season.
8.2.4 If the athlete has a remedial defect.
8.3 The medical history of the student should be available at the time of each examination.
8.4 A player who is properly certified to participate in interscholastic athletics but is physically unable to participate for five (5) consecutive days on which a practice, scrimmage, or contest is held due to illness or injury, must present to the administrative head of the school a statement from a qualified physician that he/she is again physically able to participate.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
9.0 Clarifying Eligibility
9.1 In cases of uncertainty or disagreement, the eligibility of a student shall be determined initially by the Executive Director. If the Executive Director determines that the student is ineligible, the school and the student shall be notified and the student suspended immediately from participation in interscholastic athletics.
9.2 The school and the student shall be informed that the decision of the Executive Director may be appealed to the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors in accordance with the procedure described in 1055 DSSA DIAA Appeal Procedure.
9.3 Decisions of the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors to affirm, modify, or reverse the eligibility rulings of the Executive Director may be appealed to the State Board of Education in accordance with the procedure described in 1055 DSSA DIAA Appeal Procedure.
10.0 Eligibility Lists
10.1 Member schools shall use eligibility forms approved by the Executive Director.
10.2 A copy of the original eligibility report and subsequent addenda must be either received by the Executive Director or postmarked prior to the first contest for which the students listed are eligible. Failure to file an eligibility report as prescribed shall result in a $15.00 fine against the school.
10.3 In the case of a student who met all DSSA DIAA eligibility requirements but was omitted from the eligibility report due to administrative or clerical error, he/ she shall be adjudged eligible and the school assessed a $10.00 fine.
3 DE Reg. 437 (9/1/99)
11.0 Contracts Interchanged
11.1 Contracts between DSSA DIAA member schools or between DSSA DIAA member schools and full member schools of comparable state associations are encouraged but not required.
11.1.1 Conference master contracts are approved substitutes for individual contracts.
11.1.2 In the case of a dispute and provided either a signed individual contract or conference master contract is in place, was received in the DSSA DIAA office or postmarked prior to the contest in question, appeal may be made to the Executive Director or the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors which, after review of the circumstances, may assign an appropriate penalty.
11.1.2.1 Without a signed individual contract or conference master contract, a member school has no right of appeal to the Executive Director or the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors.
11.2 Contracts between DSSA DIAA member schools and non-member or associate member schools of comparable state associations are required.
11.2.1 A copy of the signed contract must be either received by the Executive Director or postmarked prior to the contest for which the agreement was drawn up. Failure to file a signed contract as prescribed shall result in the DSSA DIAA member school being assessed a $15.00 fine.
11.2.2 In the case of a dispute, a member school has no right of appeal to the Executive Director or the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors unless a signed individual contract is in place.
11.3 Contracts shall be interchanged according to the following provisions:
11.3.1 Contracts on the accepted form shall be arranged by the competing schools for each season's interscholastic athletic contests.
11.3.2 Contracts shall be drawn up by the faculty manager or other designated staff member of the home school of the earlier varsity contest.
11.3.3 A signed contract or any part thereof may not be nullified or modified except by mutual agreement of both schools involved.
11.4 If a game is not played, it shall be considered “no contest” unless a signed individual contract or conference master contract was in place received in the DSSA DIAA office or postmarked prior to the contest in question and one of the participating schools breached the agreement in which case appeal may be made to the Executive Director or the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors.
11.4.1 If a game is not played because an out of state opponent qualifies for its state championship series and the date of the playoff game conflicts with the date of the regular season game, a forfeit shall not be awarded.
See 4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
12.0 Spring Football
12.1 No member school shall participate in spring football games nor shall a member school conduct football practice of any type outside of the regular fall sports season except when participating in the state tournament.
12.2 "Organized football" or "organized football practice" shall be defined as any type of sport which is organized to promote efficiency in any of the various aspects of football. Rugby and touch football featuring blocking, tackling, ball handling, signaling, etc. shall be considered "organized football" and shall be illegal under the intent of this rule.
13.0 Licensed Physician
13.1 Provision shall be made for a licensed physician, a NATA certified athletic trainer, or a registered nurse to be present at all interscholastic football games in which a member school participates. The host school shall provide this service.
See 3 DE Reg. 438 (9/1/99)
13.2 Failure by the host school to provide this service shall result in the school being assessed a $100.00 fine.
14.0 Use of Ineligible Athlete
14.1 The deliberate or inadvertent use of an ineligible athlete in the sports of soccer, football, volleyball, field hockey, basketball, baseball, softball, and lacrosse shall require the offending school to forfeit the contest(s) in which the ineligible athlete participated.
14.1.1 If the infraction occurs during a tournament, including a state championship, the offending school shall be replaced by its most recently defeated opponent. Teams eliminated prior to the most recently defeated opponent shall not be allowed to reenter the tournament.
14.1.2 Team and/or individual awards shall be returned to the event sponsor.
14.1.3 Team and/or individual records and performances shall be nullified.
14.1.4 The offending school may appeal to the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors for a waiver of the forfeiture penalty if the ineligible athlete had no tangible effect on the outcome of the contest(s). If the forfeiture penalty is waived, the offending school shall be reprimanded and fined $200.00 unless the athlete or his/her parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s) knowingly withheld information or provided false information that caused him/her to be eligible for interscholastic competition. The burden of proof, in both instances, rests entirely with the offending school.
3 DE Reg. 438 (9/1/99)
14.1.5 A forfeit shall constitute a loss for the offending school and a win for its opponent for purposes of standings and playoff eligibility.
14.1.6 A forfeit shall be automatic and not subject to refusal by the offending school's opponent.
14.2 The deliberate or inadvertent use of an ineligible athlete in the sports of cross country, wrestling, swimming, track, golf, and tennis shall require the offending school to forfeit the matches won and/or points earned by the ineligible athlete or by a relay team of which he/she was a member. The points contributed by an ineligible athlete to his/her team score shall be deleted.
14.2.1 If the infraction occurs during a tournament, including a state championship, the ineligible athlete shall be replaced by his/her most recently defeated opponent or the next highest finisher. Contestants eliminated prior to the most recently defeated opponent shall not be allowed to reenter the tournament.
14.2.2 Individual awards earned by the ineligible athlete and team awards, if necessary because of adjustments in the standings, shall be returned to the event sponsor.
14.2.3 Individual records and performances by the ineligible athlete shall be nullified.
14.3 If an ineligible athlete participates in interscholastic competition contrary to DSSA DIAA rules but in accordance with a temporary restraining order or injunction against his/her school and/or DSSA DIAA, and the injunction is subsequently vacated, stayed, or reversed, or the courts determine that injunctive relief is not or was not justified, or the injunction expires without further judicial determination, the penalties stipulated in 14.1 and 14.2 shall be imposed.
14.4 The intentional use of an ineligible athlete by a member school or repeated indifference to its responsibility to determine the eligibility of its athletes will subject the school to additional penalties which may include suspension for up to 180 school days from the date the charge is substantiated.
14.5 If a coach knowingly withholds information or provides false information that causes an athlete to be eligible for interscholastic competition, the coach shall be suspended from coaching in any sport at any DSSA DIAA member school for up to 180 school days from the date the charge is substantiated.
14.6 If an athlete or his/her parent(s) or court appointed legal guardian(s) knowingly withholds information or provides false information that causes him/ her to be eligible for interscholastic competition, the athlete shall be suspended from participation in any sport at any DSSA DIAA member school for up to 180 school days from the date the charge is substantiated.
15.0 Reporting Violations
15.1 If a school violates a provision of the DSSA DIAA Constitution and Bylaws, the administrative head or his/her designee shall notify the Executive Director in writing of the violation.
15.2 If a school uses an ineligible athlete, the administrative head or his/her designee shall notify the opposing school(s) or event sponsor, in the case of a tournament or meet, and the Executive Director in writing of the violation and the forfeiture of the appropriate game(s), match(es), and/or point(s) won.
15.3 All violations will be reviewed by the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors which may impose additional penalties in accordance with 38.0.
See 4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
16.0 Equivalent Rules
16.1 A member school shall not participate in a scrimmage or contest with any an in-state school that is not a member in good standing of DSSA DIAA or a state association comparable to DSSA.
16.1.1 16.2 A full member school shall not participate in a scrimmage or contest with an associate or non-member school of another state association unless the opposing school, as part of a written contract, certifies that its contestants are eligible under the rules of its home state association.
16.1.1.1 16.2.1 Postgraduate students shall not be allowed to participate.
16.1.2 16.3 An associate member school shall not participate in a scrimmage or contest with an associate or non-member school of another state association unless the opposing school complies with the conditions specified in 16.1.1 16.2. However, the opposing school shall be exempt from those rules which DSSA DIAA has waived for its associate member school.
16.1.2.1 16.3.1 Postgraduate students shall not be allowed to participate.
16.2 16.4 Member schools shall not participate in a practice, scrimmage, or contest with a non-school sponsored team.
16.3 16.5 Member schools shall not participate in a practice, scrimmage, or contest with college students.
16.3.1 16.5.1 This provision shall not apply to games played against the alumni or faculty of the school when the game is sponsored by school authorities.
16.4 16.6 A school which participates in a game against an illegal opponent shall be required to forfeit the contest and be assessed a $100.00 fine.
See 4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
17.0 Codes
17.1 DSSA DIAA is affiliated with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). The playing codes, sanctions, and other rules of the NFHS are adopted except as modified by the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors.
17.2 The playing rules of the United States Tennis Association, the United States Golf Association, and the United States Lacrosse Association are adopted for the sports of tennis, golf, and girls' lacrosse respectively except as modified by the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors.
18.0 Conferences
18.1 Member schools may establish voluntary conference organizations according to the following rules:
18.1.1 Any such organization may be composed of public and non-public schools.
18.1.2 Any conference so formed must submit its proposed membership and its constitution and bylaws to the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors and they must be approved before the schools may enter into any contractual agreements.
18.1.2.1 All subsequent amendments to the constitution and bylaws of the conference must be approved by the DSSA Board of Directors compatible with all provisions of the DSSA DIAA [Constitution and Bylaws; Regulations;] interpretations and rulings of the Executive Director, Sportsmanship Committee, and Board of Directors; state tournament regulations; and DIAA approved playing codes.
3 DE Reg. 438 (9/1/99)
19.0 All-Star Contests
19.1 An all-star contest shall be defined as an organized competition in which the participants are selected by the sponsoring organization or its designee on the basis of their performance during the interscholastic season in that sport.
19.2 Students who have completed their eligibility in a sport may participate in one all-star contest in that sport, if approved by DSSA DIAA, prior to graduation from high school.
19.3 Member schools shall not make their facilities, equipment, or uniforms available to the sponsoring organization or the participants unless the all-star contest is approved by DSSA DIAA.
19.4 The all-star contest must be approved by DSSA DIAA in accordance with the following criteria:
19.4.1 The contest shall not be for determining a regional or national champion.
19.4.2 The contest shall be organized, promoted, and conducted by and all profits go to a nonprofit organization. Involvement by a commercial organization shall be limited to providing financial support.
19.4.3 The awards given shall be in compliance with 1.5.
19.4.4 Exceptions to the adopted rules code for the sport, including uniform regulations, shall require the approval of DSSA DIAA.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
19.4.5 A full financial report must be filed with the Executive Director within thirty (30) days of the contest. Failure to submit a financial report within the specified period of time shall result in the sponsoring organization being assessed a $50.00 fine.
19.4.6 The event organizer shall not accept financial support or sell advertising to companies involved in the production or distribution of alcohol and tobacco products.
3 DE Reg. 439 (9/1/99)
19.5 A student who participates in more than one all-star game or in a non-approved all-star game shall forfeit his/her eligibility for 90 school days.
20.0 Sponsoring Interscholastic Teams
20.1 Definition of Interscholastic Athletics
20.1.1 Interscholastic competition is defined as any athletic contest between students representing two (2) or more schools. Students are considered to be representing a school if the school does any of the following:
20.1.1.1 Partially or wholly subsidizes the activity (providing equipment, uniforms, transportation, entry fees, etc.).
20.1.1.2 Controls and administers the funds, regardless of their source, needed to conduct the activity.
20.1.1.3 Permits the students to compete under the name of the school.
20.1.1.4 Publicizes or promotes the activity through announcements, bulletins, or school sponsored publications in excess of what is customarily done for “outside” organizations.
20.1.1.5 Presents or displays individual/ team awards.
20.1.2 Members of school clubs who participate in non-competitive, recreational activities or compete unattached are not considered to be engaged in interscholastic competition.
20.2 Sponsorship of Teams
20.2.1 Schools may sponsor teams for interscholastic competition in a sport provided the following criteria are met:
20.2.1.1 The governing body of the participating district or non-public school approves participation in the sport. The administrative head of the school shall notify the Executive Director in writing of the school=s intent to sponsor a team in a new sport.
20.2.1.2 The governing body of the participating district or non-public school controls the funds needed to support the proposed team, regardless of their source, in the same manner as existing teams (coaches= salaries, purchase and repair of equipment, medical supervision, transportation, preparation and maintenance of practice and game facilities, awards, etc.). Requests from outside sources to make financial contributions or to donate equipment or services must be submitted in writing and must include an acknowledgment that the equipment becomes the property of the school. The contribution or donation must be approved in writing by the administrative head of the school.
3 DE Reg. 439 (9/1/99)
20.2.1.3 The participating schools agree to comply with all applicable DSSA DIAA rules and regulations as stated in the current DSSA DIAA Official Handbook.
20.3 Levels of Participation
20.3.1 Level 1 or developmental sport - less than twelve (12) participating schools at the varsity level.
20.3.1.1 All DSSA DIAA rules and regulations shall not be in effect except 23.0, 24.0, and 32.0.
20.3.1.2 Schools shall not be permitted to scrimmage or compete against a non-school sponsored team.
20.3.2 Level 2 or recognized sport - twelve (12) or more participating schools at the varsity level.
20.3.2.1 Participating schools must petition the DIAA Board of Directors for official recognition of the sport.
20.3.2.1 20.3.2.2 At the time of official recognition, DSSA DIAA shall provide rules publications to the participating schools, designate an approved officials' association, conduct an annual or biannual rules clinic for coaches and officials, establish a maximum game schedule, and form a committee to promote the continued development of the sport and prepare for a future state championship.
20.3.2.2 20.3.2.3 All DSSA DIAA rules and regulations shall be in effect.
20.3.3 Level 3 or championship sport - sixteen (16) or more participating schools at the varsity level.
20.3.3.1 Upon petition by the sport committee and adoption of a tournament proposal, DSSA DIAA shall establish a state championship.
20.3.4 Withdrawal of level 2 or level 3 status.
20.3.4.1 If, for two (2) consecutive years, less than the required number of schools participate in a sport, DSSA DIAA may withdraw official recognition or suspend the state tournament/meet for a period of time as determined by the Board of Directors.
21.0 State Championships
21.1 The minimum number of high schools which must sponsor a sport at the varsity level in order for DSSA DIAA to approve a state championship shall be sixteen (16).
21.2 State championship play shall be permitted at the varsity level only in football, basketball, indoor and outdoor track, cross country, swimming, wrestling, golf, baseball, soccer, tennis, field hockey, softball, girls' volleyball, and lacrosse provided such tournament or meet is under the direct control and supervision of and/or has the approval of DSSA DIAA.
See 4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
21.3 All state championships shall be managed by committees established in accordance with Sections 11. and 12. of Article IV of the DSSA DIAA Constitution.
21.3.1 Each tournament format, as well as the criteria and procedures for selecting and seeding the participating teams, must be approved by the Board of Directors and any subsequent changes must also be approved by the Board. The Executive Director shall advise the committees as to which proposed changes must be presented to the Board. If the Executive Director and the committee cannot agree, the proposed change must be presented to the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors for approval.
3 DE Reg. 439 (9/1/99)
21.3.2 All financial arrangements, including the collection of monies and expenditures, must be approved by the Executive Director
21.4 Championship play in other sports must be confined to the individual conferences and conducted in accordance with the rules of the conference as approved by the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors.
21.5 No member school shall participate in a post-season contest.
22.0 Certified Coaches
22.1 Only those professional employees certified by the Department of Education and whose salary is paid by the State and/or local Board of Education, or in the case of charter and non-public schools by a similar governing body, if acceptable as a coach by the governing body, shall coach, assist in coaching, or direct member school teams in any district.
22.1.1 The terms of employment must be for the regular school year and the professional assignment shall be no less than 1/2 of the school day, exclusive of coaching duties.
See 3 DE Reg. 439 (9/1/99)
22.2 Emergency coaches
22.2.1 An emergency coach shall be defined as an individual who is either not certified by the Department of Education, or is certified by the Department of Education but is not employed for the regular school year or whose professional assignment is less than 1/2 of the school day.
22.2.2 An individual who meets the requirements of a certified coach as specified in 22.1 but whose professional assignment is located in a different school or district than his/her coaching assignment shall not be considered an emergency coach by DSSA DIAA.
22.2.3 Member schools shall be required to annually reopen all positions that are held by emergency coaches.
22.2.4 Emergency coaches may be employed provided the local governing body adheres to the following procedures:
22.2.4.1 The employing Board of Education must attempt to locate an acceptable, certified professional staff member by advertising the coaching vacancy in the district for as many days as are required by the district's collective bargaining agreement.
22.2.4.2 If an acceptable, certified professional staff member is not available, an individual who is acceptable to the employing Board of Education may be hired as an emergency coach.
22.2.4.3 Any individual employed as a coach under the emergency provision must comply with the following regulations:
22.2.4.3.1 He/she must be officially appointed by the local Board of Education. The superintendent or his/her designee may temporarily appoint an individual if a coaching vacancy arises and the sport season begins during the interim between meetings of the local Board of Education.
3 DE Reg. 439 (9/1/99)
22.2.4.3.2 His/her coaching salary must be paid exclusively by the local Board of Education.
22.3 Students who are practice teaching in a member school shall be permitted to assist in all professional activities during their practice teaching period.
22.4 In addition to the members of the school's regular coaching staff, who must come from 22.1 through 22.3, the local governing body may supplement a school's coaching staff with volunteer coaches. Volunteer coaches are individuals who donate their services to a school and who have been approved by that school's local governing body. A current list of approved volunteer coaches shall be on file in the school's administrative office before any coaching duties are assumed.
22.5 All varsity head coaches (junior varsity if the school does not sponsor a varsity team) shall be required to attend the DSSA DIAA rules clinic for their sport or, if applicable, pass an open book rules examination supplied by the DSSA DIAA office.
22.5.1 A school shall be assessed a $50.00 fine and the head coach shall be placed on probation if he/ she fails to attend the DSSA DIAA rules clinic or pass the open book rules examination in his/her sport. Failure to comply for a second consecutive year shall result in the school being assessed a $50.00 fine and the coach being suspended for up to five contests as determined by the Executive Director.
22.6 Beginning with the 2001-02 school year, certified and emergency head coaches at all levels of competition shall be required to hold a current certification in adult CPR.
3 DE Reg. 439 (9/1/99)
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
23.0 Sports Seasons and Practices
23.1 The regular fall sports season shall begin with the first approved day for practice and end with the start of the state championship in that sport. Any regular season contest that was postponed must be rescheduled and played before the beginning of the state tournament in that sport. Conference championships must also be completed before the start of the state tournament in that sport.
23.2 The regular winter sports season shall begin with the first approved day for practice and end with the start of the state championship in that sport. Any regular season contest that was postponed must be rescheduled and played before the beginning of the state tournament in that sport. Conference championships must also be completed before the start of the state tournament in that sport.
3 DE Reg. 439 (9/1/99)
23.3 The regular spring sports season shall begin on March 1 and end with the start of the state championship in that sport. Any regular season contest that was postponed must be rescheduled and played before the beginning of the state tournament in that sport. Conference championships must also be completed before the start of the state tournament in that sport.
23.4 Practice for any fall sport shall not begin earlier than 21 days before the first Friday after Labor Day. Practice for any winter sport shall not begin earlier than 21 days before the first Friday in December and practice for any spring sport shall not begin earlier than March 1.
3 DE Reg. 439 (9/1/99)
23.4.1 The first three (3) days of football practice shall be primarily for the purpose of physical conditioning and shall be restricted to non-contact activities. Coaches may introduce offensive formations and defensive alignments, run plays "on air," practice non-contact phases of the kicking game, and teach non-contact positional skills. Protective equipment shall be restricted to helmets, mouthguards, and shoes. The use of dummies, hand shields, and sleds in contact drills is prohibited, Blocking, tackling, and block protection drills which involve any contact between players are also prohibited.
23.5 A school which participates in a game prior to the first allowable date or after the start of the state championship shall be required to forfeit the contest and be assessed a $100.00 fine.
23.6 A school which conducts practice prior to the first allowable date shall be assessed a fine of $100.00 per illegal practice day.
23.7 [A From August 2nd through June 14th , a A] certified, emergency, or volunteer coach shall not be allowed to provide instruction out of the designated season in his/her assigned sport to returning members of the varsity or subvarsity teams of the school at which he/she coaches. He/she shall also be prohibited from coaching rising ninth graders (rising eighth graders if eighth grade is part of the same administrative unit as grades 9 through 12) who participated in his/her assigned sport at a feeder school.
23.7.1 A coach shall not be allowed to participate on a team in his/her assigned sport with the aforementioned players.
23.7.2 A coach shall also be prohibited from officiating contests in his/her assigned sport if the aforementioned players are participating except in organized league competition.
23.7.2.1 The league shall not be organized and conducted by the employing school, the employing school’s booster club, or the employing school’s coaching staff.
23.7.2.2 The league shall have written rules and regulations that govern the conduct of contests and establish the duties of contest officials.
23.7.2.3 The league shall have registration/entry procedures, forms, and fees; eligibility requirements; and fixed team rosters, team standings, and a master schedule of contests.
23.8 A certified, emergency, or volunteer coach shall not be allowed to provide instruction during the designated season in his/her assigned sport to current members of the varsity or subvarsity teams of the school at which he/she coaches outside of school sponsored practices, scrimmages, and contests.
23.9 A coach who is determined to be in violation of 23.7 or 23.8 shall be suspended from coaching in the specified sport at any DSSA DIAA member school for up to 180 school days from the date the charge is substantiated.
[23.10 From June 15th through August 1st, a certified[,] emergency or volunteer coach shall be allowed to provide instruction in his/her assigned sport to returning members of the varsity or sub-varsity teams of the school at which he/she coaches. He/she shall also be permitted to coach rising ninth graders (eighth if eighth grade is part of the same administrative unit as 9-12) who participated in his/her assigned sport at a feeder school. Instructional contact with the aforementioned students shall be subject to the following conditions:
23.10.1 A coach may provide instruction to an unlimited number of his/her returning school team members in formal league/tournament competition or in formal instructional camps/clinics provided the league/tournament or instructional camp/clinic is organized and conducted by a non-school affiliated organization.
23.10.2 A coaching staff may provide instruction to a maximum of two returning school team members per day in an informal setting.
23.10.2.1 Instructional time shall not exceed two hours per day per student.]
24.0 Maximum Game Schedules and Designated Sport Season
24.1 The maximum number of regularly scheduled interscholastic contests/competition dates for each team and individual in the recognized sports and their designated season shall be as follows:
24.2 Participation in any part of a quarter/half shall count as a quarter/half toward the weekly and daily limitations in that sport. However, in the case of football, participation on a free kick or a play from a scrimmage kick formation shall not count as a quarter. Overtime periods shall be considered as part of the fourth quarter or second half.
24.3 A week shall be designated as starting on Monday and ending on Sunday for all sports except football. A football week shall begin the day of the varsity game and end the day preceding the next varsity game or the following Friday.
24.4 The preceding game limitations, with the exception of the individual daily limitation, shall not prohibit the rescheduling of postponed games at the discretion and convenience of the member schools involved provided the game was postponed due to inclement weather, unplayable field conditions, failure of the assigned officials to appear for the game, breakdown of the bus or van carrying the visiting team, or any other circumstances beyond the control of site
management which preclude playing the game. However, a team may not participate in more than four (4) contests/ competition dates in a week.
24.5 The maximum number of regularly scheduled contests for each of the recognized sports, except football, shall be exclusive of conference championships, playoffs to determine tournament state berths, and the state tournament/meet. The maximum number of regularly scheduled football contests shall be exclusive of the state tournament.
24.5.1 Any playoffs to determine state tournament berths shall be under the control and supervision of the DSSA DIAA tournament committee.
24.6 A student shall participate in a particular sport for only one season during each academic year.
24.7 A school which participates in more than the allowable number of contests in a season shall be suspended from the state playoffs or, if a non-qualifying team, fined $200.00.
24.8 A school which exceeds the weekly contest limitation shall be required to forfeit the contest and be assessed a $100.00 fine.
24.9 A student who exceeds the weekly or daily contest limitation shall be considered an ineligible athlete and the school subject to the penalties stipulated in 14.0.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
25.0 Practice Sessions
25.1 Member schools shall conduct a minimum of three (3) weeks of practice under the supervision of the school's coaching staff prior to the first scheduled contest in all sports.
25.1.1 Practicing on holidays and weekends shall be left to the discretion of the individual schools and conferences.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
25.2 A student shall be required to practice for a period of at least seven (7) calendar days prior to participating in a contest. However, if a student has been participating in a state tournament during the preceding sports season and is unable to begin practicing at least seven (7) calendar days before his/her team's first contest, he/she shall be exempt from this requirement.
25.3 A practice session shall be defined as any instructional activity on the field, court, mat, or track or in the pool, weight room, or classroom such as team meetings, film reviews, blackboard sessions, warmup and cool down exercises, drills, mandatory strength training, etc.
25.3.1 All activities shall be under the supervision of a certified, emergency, or approved volunteer coach.
25.4 Practice sessions shall be limited to two (2) hours on official school days.
25.4.1 Split sessions may be conducted but practice time shall not exceed two hours for any individual athlete.
25.4.2 The two-hour practice limitation does not include time for non-instructional activities such as dressing, showering, transportation, or training room care.
25.5 A school which deliberately exceeds the two-hour practice limitation shall be assessed a $100.00 fine.
26.0 Awards
26.1 A member school and/or support group affiliated with a member school, such as an alumni association or booster club, shall be allowed to present recognition awards for team and/or individual accomplishments.
26.1.1 The awards, including artwork and lettering, shall require the approval of the administrative head of the school and their value shall be mostly symbolic.
26.1.2 Permissible awards include trophies, plaques, medals, letters, certificates, photographs, and similar items. Jackets, sweaters, shirts, watches, rings, charms, and similar items if properly inscribed (reference to the team or individual athletic accomplishment) are also acceptable.
26.1.3 Member schools and such support groups shall also be permitted to sponsor banquets and present post-secondary scholarships.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
26.2 A non-profit group such as a coaches association, booster club not affiliated with a member school, or community service organization shall be allowed to present recognition awards for team and/or individual accomplishments with the approval of the administrative head of the school.
26.2.1 With the exception of post-secondary scholarships, the awards shall have symbolic value only. Awards with utilitarian value are prohibited.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
26.2.2 Non-profit groups shall also be permitted to sponsor banquets.
4DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
26.3 Non-profit organizations co-sponsoring a tournament shall be allowed to give post-secondary scholarships to participating schools provided they are not awarded on the basis of team or individual performance in the tournament. Scholarship monies shall be administered in accordance with DSSA DIAA and NCAA regulations.
3 DE Reg. 440 (9/1/99)
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
26.4 Commercial organizations shall be allowed to present recognition awards for team and/or individual accomplishments with the approval of the administrative head of the school.
26.4.1 With the exception of post-secondary scholarships, the awards shall have symbolic value only. Awards with utilitarian value are prohibited. The aggregate retail value of the award shall not exceed $50.00 per team or per recipient.
3 DE Reg. 440 (9/1/99)
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
26.5 Non-symbolic competition awards (based on team’s or individual’s place finish), regardless of sponsor, shall have an aggregate retail value not to exceed $50.00 per recipient and shall require the prior approval of the Executive Director.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
27.0 Boxing
Member schools shall not participate in interscholastic boxing.
28.0 Protests and Complaints
All protests and complaints brought before DSSA DIAA shall be in writing and shall be acted on only after the administrative head of the school involved has been given an opportunity to appear before the Board of Directors.
29.0 Wrestling Weight Control Code
29.1 Each year, prior to January 15, a wrestler must establish his/her minimum weight class at a weigh-in witnessed by and attested to in writing by the athletic director or a designated staff member (excluding coaches) of the school the wrestler attends. Thereafter, a wrestler may not compete in a weight class below his/her duly established weight class. In addition, a wrestler may not compete in the individual state championship or a qualifying tournament in his/her duly established weight class unless the wrestler makes weight in at least fifty (50) percent of his/her conference and non-conference weigh-ins during the regular season.
29.1.1 A wrestler who weighs in at least once but fails to establish his/her minimum weight class prior to January 15 shall automatically be certified at the weight he/ she last weighed in before that date.
29.1.2 A wrestler who does not weigh in at least once and fails to establish his/her minimum weight class prior to January 15 shall automatically be certified at the weight he/she first weighs in after that date.
29.1.3 A wrestler who is unable, prior to January 15, to get down to the maximum allowable weight of 275 pounds in order to compete in the heavyweight class shall be permitted to certify his/her minimum weight class at a later date in the season and thereafter be eligible to participate.
29.2 By January 15, a certified team roster listing the established minimum weight class of each wrestler shall be sent to the secretary of the conference to which the school belongs or to the secretary of the independent tournament. Further, duly attested notices of additions to the certified roster shall be sent to the conference secretary without delay.
29.2.1 The conference secretary shall in turn send to each school in his/her conference copies of the certified rosters of each school. Further, he/she shall note and send copies of the notices of additions to the rosters as these additions occur.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
30.0 Use of Officials
30.1 Member schools and tournament sponsors shall be required to use officials approved by DSSA DIAA for interscholastic contests.
30.1.1 In the case of emergencies such as an act of God, refusal by an association to work games, or a shortage of qualified officials, schools which desire to use other than approved officials must obtain permission from the Executive Director.
30.2 Officials shall be required each year to attend the DSSA DIAA rules interpretation clinic and pass the rules examination provided by the DSSA DIAA office for the sport(s) they officiate.
30.2.1 Failure on the part of an official to attend the DSSA DIAA rules interpretation clinic and pass the rules examination in the same season shall cause the official to be placed on probation and to lose his/her eligibility to officiate a state tournament contest during that season.
30.2.2 Failure to satisfy both requirements in the same season for two (2) consecutive years shall cause the official to lose varsity officiating status during the second season. Failure to fulfill this obligation in subsequent years shall cause the official to continue to be restricted to subvarsity contests until both requirements have been satisfied in the same season.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
30.2.3 Attending the fall soccer rules interpretation clinic shall satisfy the clinic attendance requirement for both the boys’ and girls’ soccer seasons. Attending the spring soccer rules interpretation clinic shall satisfy the clinic attendance requirement for only the girls’ soccer season.
30.2.4 If, for a legitimate reason which is documented by the president of his/her association, an official is unable to attend the DSSA DIAA rules interpretation clinic, he/she may view a videotape of the DSSA DIAA clinic or, in the absence of a videotape, attend a clinic conducted by another NFHS member state association provided the following procedures are observed:
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
30.2.4.1 No later than the day of the DSSA DIAA rules interpretation clinic, the president of the association notifies the Executive Director, in writing, of the official's inability to attend the clinic.
30.2.4.2 The out-of-state clinic is conducted by an individual either trained by the NFHS or designated as a clinician by the state's athletic association.
30.2.4.3 The official arranges for a letter to be sent to the Executive Director from the state's athletic association office verifying his/her attendance at the clinic.
30.3 Use of non-approved officials without permission from the Executive Director shall result in the school or tournament sponsor being assessed a $50.00 fine per non-approved official.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
31.0 Out of Season Athletic Camp and Clinic Sponsorship
31.1 DSSA DIAA does not restrict a student's decision to attend an out of season athletic camp/clinic. However, schools, school organizations, coaches, or school related groups, such as booster clubs, may not sponsor an athletic camp/clinic which limits membership to their own district, locale, or teams. Coaches employed by an out of season athletic camp may [not not only] instruct their returning athletes [as per 23.7 as per 23.7 in accordance with 23.10].
31.2 School related groups, such as booster clubs, which desire to sponsor the attendance of their school's enrolled students at an out of season athletic camp/clinic, may do so with the approval of the local school board or governing body. The disbursement of funds to pay for camp/clinic related expenses (fees, travel costs, etc.) shall be administered by the principal or his/her designee and the funds shall be allocated according to the following guidelines:
31.2.1 All students and team members shall be notified of the available sponsorship by announcement, publication, etc.
31.2.2 All applicants shall share equally in the funds provided.
31.2.3 All applicants shall be academically eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics.
31.2.4 All applicants shall have one year of prior participation in the sport for which the camp/clinic is intended or, absent any prior participation, he/she shall be judged by the coach to benefit substantially from participation in the camp/clinic.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
32.0 Sanctions - School Team Competition
32.1 Member schools may participate in tournaments/meets involving four (4) or more schools only if the event has been sanctioned by DSSA DIAA and, if applicable, by the NFHS. Tournaments/meets shall be sanctioned in accordance with the following criteria:
32.1.1 The event shall not be for determining a regional or national champion.
32.1.2 The event shall be organized, promoted, and conducted by and all profits go to a nonprofit organization. Involvement by a commercial organization shall be limited to providing financial support.
32.1.3 Nonsymbolic competition awards shall have an aggregate retail value of not more than $50.00 per recipient and shall require the prior approval of the Executive Director.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
32.1.4 Non-school event organizers shall submit a full financial report to the DSSA DIAA office within ninety (90) calendar days of the completion of the event.
32.1.5 The event organizer shall submit a list of out-of-state schools which have been invited to participate and such schools shall be subject to approval by the Executive Director.
32.1.6 Out-of-state schools which are not members of their state athletic association shall verify in writing that their participating athletes are in compliance with their state athletic association's eligibility rules and regulations.
32.1.7 The event organizer shall not accept financial support or sell advertising to companies involved in the production or distribution of alcohol and tobacco products.
32.1.8 The event organizer shall comply with all applicable NFHS sanctioning requirements.
3 DE Reg. 525 (10/1/99)
32.2 Participation in a non-sanctioned event shall result in the offending school being assessed a $25.00 fine. A second offense shall result in a $50.00 fine and loss of eligibility to participate in sanctioned events for the remainder of the sport season. A third offense shall result in a $100.00 fine and loss of eligibility to participate in sanctioned events for the remainder of the school year.
33.0 Coed Teams
33.1 If a school sponsors a boys' team and a girls' team in a particular sport, boys shall participate on the boys' team and girls shall participate on the girls' team even if the teams compete during different seasons.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
33.2 If a school sponsors only a boys' team in a particular sport, girls shall be permitted to participate on the boys' team.
33.2.1 Coed teams shall participate only in the boys' state championship tournament/meet.
33.3 If a school sponsors only a girls' team in a particular sport, boys shall not be permitted to participate on the girls' team.
34.0 Non-School Instructional Camps and Clinics
34.1 A student may participate in a commercial camp or clinic, including private lessons, both during and out of the designated sport season provided the following conditions are observed:
34.1.1 The student must participate unattached and may not wear school uniforms.
34.1.2 The student may use only school equipment whose primary purpose is to protect the wearer from physical injury.
34.1.3 The school may not provide transportation or pay fees.
34.1.4 The school coach may not require his/her athletes to participate in a camp or clinic or provide instruction to his/her returning athletes in a camp or clinic.
4 DE Reg. 1951 (6/1/01)
35.0 Open Gym Programs
35.1 A member school may open its gymnasium or other facility for informal, recreational activities in accordance with the following provisions:
35.1.1 The open gym must be available to all interested students, must not be restricted to members of a particular team, and must be publicized as such.
35.1.2 Student participation must be voluntary and the open gym must not be a prerequisite for trying out for a particular team.
35.1.3 The activities must be unstructured and student-generated. Organized drills in the skills or techniques of a particular sport are prohibited. Organized competition with fixed team rosters is also prohibited.
35.1.3.1 A coach may not predetermine that the open gym will include only his/her sport and publicize the open gym as being restricted to that sport. It is the responsibility of the adult supervisor to permit as many different activities as the facility can effectively and safely accommodate.
3 DE Reg. 440 (9/1/99)
35.1.4 A coach may open the facility and distribute playing equipment but may not instruct, officiate, participate, organize the activities, or choose teams in his/ her assigned sport.
35.1.5 Playing equipment is restricted to that which is customarily used in a contest in a particular sport. Playing equipment which is only used in a practice session is prohibited.
35.1.6 The participants must provide their own workout clothing.
36.0 Conditioning Programs
36.1 A member school may conduct a conditioning program in accordance with the following provisions:
36.1.1 The conditioning program must be available to all interested students, must not be restricted to members of a particular team, and must be publicized as such.
36.1.2 Student participation must be voluntary. The conditioning program must not be a prerequisite for trying out for a particular team.
36.1.3 Permissible activities include stretching, lifting weights, jumping rope, running, calisthenics, aerobics, and similar generic conditioning activities. Organized drills in the skills or techniques of a particular sport are prohibited.
36.1.4 A coach may not provide instruction in sport specific skills or techniques.
36.1.5 Sport specific equipment is prohibited.
36.1.6 The participants must provide their own workout clothing.
37.0 Non-Payment of Fines
A school which does not pay, by July 1, all fines incurred during the school year shall be ineligible to participate in a state championship event in any sport during the following school year until such time as all fines are paid.
38.0 Additional Penalties
Additional penalties may be imposed by the Executive Director or the DSSA DIAA Board of Directors for repeat offenses or as deemed necessary to ensure the proper conduct of interscholastic competition.