JUNIOR HIGH SPORTS MANUAL

GRADES 7 & 8

The purpose of this Junior High Sports Manual is to clarify the rules and regulations for seventh and eighth grade girls’ athletics for the member schools of the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union. Information is provided regarding rules and regulations plus some answers and clarifications to some of the most frequently asked questions.

The purpose of the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union shall be: To promote, direct, protect, and regulate amateur interscholastic athletic relationship for junior high and secondary girls between member schools and to stimulate fair play, friendly rivalry, and good sportsmanship among contestants, schools, and communities throughout the state of Iowa.

Membership and Dues--All senior and junior high schools in the state desiring membership or associate membership in the IGHSAU may make application to the Board of Directors. Application for membership is subject to approval by the Board of Directors. The annual dues of the Union shall be $50 for member schools. Membership dues shall be paid in advance and shall be for the year July 1 to June 30. Membership expires at midnight of June 30 of each year.

Cooperative Sharing Agreements Between Member Junior high Schools--It is permissible for a junior high member school to enter into a cooperative sharing agreement with another junior high member school when the need exists. The schools involved in the agreement must share attendance boundaries unless schools who do share boundaries do not offer the program or refuse to enter into a sharing agreement. A school may have a cooperative sharing agreement with only one other school, unless all schools involved agree to separate sharing agreements. The procedure to be followed is that the Board of Education of each member junior high school must formally agree to the combining of teams. Each school should keep a copy of the agreement on file for reference. The schools are NOT REQUIRED to file these agreements with the Iowa Girls’ High School Athletic Union.

BY-LAWS - ARTICLE V - JUNIOR HIGH

Section 1. For each junior high attendance center within a district where interschool competition is allowed, a membership must be maintained with the IGHSAU.

Section 2. All students participating on a team from a junior high attendance center must be enrolled in the same school.

Section 3. Any time there is more than one junior high attendance center in a school district, any game between those two attendance centers must count towards the team limitation.

Section 4. All starting times are determined by the host school.

Section 5. Ninth grade students (and older) will be ineligible to compete with seventh and eighth grade students or in another manner of speaking, on junior high teams. This applies to all competition teams in the Athletic Union administered events.

Eligibility---All students shall be eligible upon entering the seventh grade The Department of Education has no eligibility rules governing seventh and eighth grade students. Local school districts shall establish their own rules and guidelines regarding academic and good conduct rules for eligibility. Students in grades below 7th grade are not eligible to participate or compete on junior high teams.

Physical/Medical Examination--Any student who desires to participate in interscholastic athletics must have a medical examination prior to participating. The certificate of medical examination is valid for one calendar year. A grace period not to exceed 30 days is allowed for an expired physical examination.

Administrative Regulations--“Males shall be excluded from female athletic teams”. This action by the IGHSAU Board of Directors, September 9, 1990. This includes practice and competition.

Officials--It is recommended that competition involving junior high students in volleyball, basketball, soccer and softball have at least two registered officials. Track, cross country and swimming competitions require one registered official. Any competition involving junior high students must have at least one registered official. High school students are permitted to officiate junior high contests if they are registered with the IGHSAU or if the other official is registered.

MEMBER JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLS AND THEIR CONTESTANTS MUST OBSERVE THE REGULATIONS AND LIMITATIONS APPLICABLE TO MEMBER HIGH SCHOOLS AND THEIR CONTESTANTS UNLESS SPECIFIC JUNIOR HIGH RULES APPLY. THOSE EXCEPTIONS ARE LISTED HEREAFTER:

School teams are only permitted to play against other school teams. A school team cannot play against an AAU, club or parks and recreation team.

Uniforms--Allowances shall be made by officials regarding uniforms which do not totally conform to all requirements of the rule book. Many schools use hand-me-down uniforms or practice jerseys in an effort to allow all players an opportunity to participate. Latitude shall be given to teams whose uniforms are of the same basic color but may vary in other aspect (ie…style, trim, minor color variance, duplicate or illegal numbers, etc). However, junior high athletes are expected to conform to the rule book in regard to t-shirts and undergarments worn under the jersey or short, jewelry, hair devices, headbands, etc)

Season--Junior High season may be any time during the school year as long as school is in session, but it may not be longer in length than that of the high school season (exception—softball and soccer may be during the summer).

Ejection Policy--Should a coach or player be ejected from a contest in any sport, the following procedure is in effect.

First offense: The school administration and game officials shall notify the State Office the following business day.  The school administration must meet with the offender and file the Ejection Report form (found online at the IGHSAU website) with the State Office. The normal penalty for a first offense is a one-date suspension. However, a lesser or more severe penalty may apply upon review of the incident.

Second offense: The school administration and game officials shall notify the State Office the following business day.  Written report is mandated, as required procedurally with a first offense. The standard penalty for a second offense within one year of the initial offense, is school membership sanction and the violator is subject to a multi-date suspension. However, more severe penalties may apply if warranted.

Third offense: The school administration and game officials shall notify the State Office the following business day. Written report is mandated, as required procedurally with a first and second offense. The penalty for a third offense will be determined after a formal hearing by the Board of Directors.

VOLLEYBALL

Playing Dates---9

Individual player limitations -- 6 matches per day

No scrimmages or jamborees are allowed.

Tournaments are legal and count as one playing date

*MUST USE RALLY SCORING---Point requirements and/or time limits shall be determined prior to the start of each match

*NO SCORING CAP ALLOWED---must win by 2 points

*Line Judges are REQUIRED

BASKETBALL

Playing Dates---12 games per team and per individual player

Individual Participation Limit---6 Quarters per day

No scrimmages or jamborees are allowed.

A school may play two games on a non-school day (Saturday). A student would be allowed to play in eight (8) quarters that day.

*3 Point Goal--If the playing floor has the 3-point line marked, the 3-point goal must be used.

*6 Minute Quarters--3 minute overtime period

*28.5 inch ball shall be used

CROSS COUNTRY

Playing Dates----7

Length of race---2 miles (maximum)

No scrimmages are allowed

May not start practice before the first day of school

May practice at the same site but not with the high school athletes from same school. Not permitted to run in races in which high school participants are competing---it is legal to start high school race and then several minutes later start the junior high race---both are running at the same time but not actually competing against each other.

*Uniform---school issued

TRACK

Playing Dates---7

No scrimmages

Invitational meets are limited in number of teams to the number of lanes on the track (unless special permission is granted by the IGHSAU).

Individual Participation---four events per meet of which not more than three may be running events

Schools must run the standardized order of events.

*4 K Shot Put shall be used

*1 K Discus shall be used

All junior high hurdle races shall use 30-inch hurdles.

Shuttle Hurdle Relay---(new in 2011). Each hurdler shall run a102.5 meters (112 yards, 2 inches). The distance from the starting line to the first hurdle and from the last hurdle to the finish line shall be 13 meters (42 feet, 7 3/4 inches) and the distance between hurdles is 8.5 meters (27 feet, 10 1/2 inches). Odd numbered lanes shall be assigned to the first and third runners and even numbered lanes to the second and fourth runners.  There shall be ten hurdles.

200 Meter Hurdles---The distance from the starting line to the first hurdle shall be 55 meters and the distance between the hurdles shall be set at 35 meters.  The distance from the last hurdle to the finish line shall be 40 meters. There shall be a total of four hurdles used in the race.

100 Meter (10 Flight) Hurdles---(new in 2011). The distance from the starting line to the first hurdle shall be 13 meters (42 feet, 7 3/4 inches) and the distance between hurdles shall be 8.5 meters (27 feet, 10 1/2 inches).  The distance from the last hurdle to the finish line shall be 10.5 meters (34 feet, 5 1/2 inches).  There shall be 10 hurdles.

SOFTBALL

Playing Dates---40 games

Individual participation limit---65 games.

No scrimmages or jamborees are allowed.

May only play in three games on one day.

A team is permitted to play no more than three games in any single day.

Metal cleats and metal toe plates are legal.

*Tournaments may include no more than 16 teams. No more than four games may be played in any tournament.

*A team may play in only one tournament at a time and may play no more than three games on a calendar day.

*A student who has completed the sixth grade is eligible to play softball on the junior high team that summer. Eighth graders are eligible to play softball with the junior high and/or high school team--has a three games per day limit (total for JH and HS) and a 65 game season limit.

Eighth grade students are eligible to practice on May 7, 2012 and compete on May 21, 2012. Eighth graders may compete on the junior high team, high school team, or both. If competing in junior high and high school, may only play in three games in one day. Their season limitation is 65 total games. If graduated 6th graders are used on junior high teams, they cannot practice or play until their school year is completed.

SOCCER

Playing Dates---13

No scrimmages or jamborees are allowed.

*Each individual player may participate in three halves per day (six if in a tournament). The season match limitation is equal to that of the team. Any participation on a day constitutes participation in a match. If double dual, limit is four halves.

*Two of the 13 dates may be tournaments. When more than one match takes place in a day, it constitutes a tournament. Double duals are legal and count as two playing dates if not used as a tournament.

*No more than five matches may be played in one tournament, and no more than three matches in one day. Regularly scheduled regular season matches may not be part of a tournament.

*Eighth grade students are not allowed to practice or compete with the high school team.

GOLF

Playing Dates---12

No scrimmages or jamboree allowed.

TENNIS

Playing Dates—12

No scrimmages or jamboree allowed.

SWIMMING

Playing Dates---12

No scrimmages or jamboree allowed.

BOWLING

Playing Dates---12

No scrimmages or jamboree allowed.

Team limitations - 2 matches per day.

Individual limitations - 6 games per day.

Note: 5 baker games = 1 game.

IMPORTANT CONCUSSION INFORMATION

The Iowa Legislature passed a new law, effective July 1, 2011, regarding students in grades 7 – 12 who participate in extracurricular interscholastic activities. Please note this important information from Iowa Code Section 280.13C, Brain Injury Policies:

1. A child must be immediately removed from participation (practice or competition) if his/her coach or a contest official observes signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion or brain injury in an extracurricular interscholastic activity.

2. A child may not participate again until a licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and other brain injuries has evaluated him/her and the student has received written clearance from that person to return to participation.

3. Key definitions:

“Licensed health care provider” means a physician, physician assistant, chiropractor, advanced registered nurse practitioner, nurse, physical therapist, or athletic trainer licensed by a board.

“Extracurricular interscholastic activity” means any extracurricular interscholastic activity, contest, or practice, including sports, dance, or cheerleading.

What is a concussion?

A concussion is a brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. Even a “ding,” “getting your bell rung,” or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious.

What are the signs and symptoms of a concussion?

You cannot see a concussion. Signs and symptoms of concussion can show up right after the injury or may not appear or be noticed until days after the injury. If your teen reports one or more symptoms of concussion listed below, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, keep your teen out of play and seek medical attention right away.

Signs Observed by Parents or Guardians:

•Appears dazed or stunned

•Is confused about assignment or position

•Forgets an instruction

•Is unsure of game, score, or opponent

•Moves clumsily

•Answers questions slowly

•Loses consciousness (even briefly)

•Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes

•Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall

•Can’t recall events after hit or fall

Signs Reported by Students:

•Headache or “pressure” in head

•Nausea or vomiting

•Balance problems or dizziness

•Double or blurry vision

•Sensitivity to light or noise

•Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy

•Concentration or memory problems

•Confusion

•Just not “feeling right” or is “feeling down”

STUDENTS:

If you think you have a concussion:

• Tell your coaches and parents – Never ignore a bump or blow to the head, even if you feel fine. Also, tell your coach if you think one of your teammates might have a concussion.

• Get a medical check-up – A physician or other licensed health care provider can tell you if you have a concussion, and when it is OK to return to play.

• Give yourself time to heal – If you have a concussion, your brain needs time to heal. While your brain is healing, you are much more likely to have another concussion. It is important to rest and not return to play until you get the OK from your health care professional.

PARENTS:

How can you help your child prevent a concussion?

Every sport is different, but there are steps your children can take to protect themselves from concussion and other injuries.

• Make sure they wear the right protective equipment for their activity. It should fit properly, be well maintained, and be worn consistently and correctly.

• Ensure that they follow their coaches' rules for safety and the rules of the sport.

• Encourage them to practice good sportsmanship at all times.

What should you do if you think your child has a concussion?

1. OBEY THE NEW LAW.

a. Keep your child out of participation until s/he is cleared to return

by a licensed healthcare provider.

b. Seek medical attention right away.

2. Teach your child that it’s not smart to play with a concussion.

3. Tell all of your child’s coaches and the student’s school nurse about

ANY concussion.

It’s better to miss one contest than the whole season.

Information on concussions provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information visit: www.cdc.gov/Concussion.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q--Can a 5th or 6th grade student play on the junior high team?

A—No. A student must be in the 7th or 8th grade in order to compete on a junior high team with the following exception-a student who has completed the 6th grade may play on the junior high soccer or softball team during competition that summer; however a 5th grade student would never be eligible to play on the junior high team. Sixth grade and younger students may never participate or compete on the junior high team in any other sport.

Q—Do junior high coaches have to be certified?

A—Yes. Anyone whether under contract or voluntary who performs coaching duties must be properly licensed or certified.

Q—Our school has a large number of athletes and not enough coaches---can a parent volunteer to help during practice?

A—No. No one except properly licensed or certified coaches may perform coaching duties in practice or in game competition.

Q—Our school has an academic rule where students have to be passing all classes or are checked academically on a weekly basis. Can they do that?

A—Yes. Each local school shall establish their own rules governing academic eligibility. They may also establish their own timelines for becoming eligible again.

Q—Can a school have “good conduct” rules and consequences in junior high?

A—Absolutely. Each local school may establish their own set of “good conduct rules and consequences”.

Q—Is it legal for a school to hold practice on a Saturday, Sunday, or during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Spring vacation?

A—Yes. Each local school is in charge of determining their own practice schedules.

Q—Our coach has stated that if an athlete misses practice that the athlete will not get to play or might even be dismissed from the team. Can they do that?

A—Yes. Each local school shall establish their own rules for their team including consequences for missing practice or other disciplinary reasons.

Q—Our coach has stated or handed out expectations in writing that if the athlete does not attend off season camps or weight room workouts, then they will not be allowed to come out for the sport or simply won’t get to play. Can they do that?

A—No. Coaching personnel shall not be allowed to require students to participate in any activities outside the season of that coach’s sport as a condition of participation in the coach’s sport during its season.

Q—Can our high school coach work with our junior high athletes outside the season on an AAU or club team?

A—Yes. Junior high students and coaches are not governed by the camp/clinic and contact rules.

Q—De we have to have licensed officials to officiate junior high games or matches?

A—Yes, at least one registered official must be used in all sports. It is obviously recommended that all officials be registered in volleyball, basketball, softball, soccer, etc. But it is permissible to conduct the game with one registered and others as non-registered. Remember, high school students may become licensed to officiate games involving seventh and eighth grade students.

Q—We witnessed a high school student officiating in a junior high game. Is that legal?

A—It is possible for a high school student to be licensed. They are only allowed to officiate games involving seventh and eighth grade students.

Q—We have a boy in our junior high who would prefer to play on the girls’ volleyball team instead of on the boys’ football team. Can he do that?

A—No. A boy is not permitted to participate (or practice) on a girls’ athletic team.

Q—Can a junior high girl participate on the junior high boys wrestling or football team?

A—Yes, subject to the policies of the Iowa High School Athletic Association and local school district. If there is a like sport program for girls within your school district, then the girl must participate on the girls’ team. If a like sport is not offered, then it is possible for the school district allow the girl to compete on the boys’ team. A meeting is recommended involving the principal, athletic director, coach, athlete, and the parents to discuss the expectations and risks involved.

Q--What happens if a junior high athlete or coach gets ejected from a game?

A—A report must be filed with the State Office from the official and from the school administration of the offender. Typically for a first offense, a one-date suspension will be issued. For a repeat offense, a multi-date suspension will be issued.

Q—Our volleyball or cross country coach wants to start practice the week before school starts. Can they legally do that?

A—No. They may not have practice until school has actually begun.

Q—A student is retained in junior high for a third year. Can she participate?

A—The Department of Education has no rules governing eligibility at the junior high level. However, it is recommended for each local school district to have a policy in place to govern the number of semesters a student may be eligible.

Q—A student is in the eighth grade but is 16 years of age? Is she still eligible to compete?

A—The Department of Education has no rules governing eligibility at the junior high level. However, it is recommended for each local school district to have a policy in place to govern the age limitations for a student to remain eligible at the junior high level.

Q—In basketball, our school plays an A, B, and C game for eighth grade basketball. Can a girl play in the A and B game on the same night?

A—Girls are allowed to play in six (6) quarters on a calendar day. It does not matter which games or levels those six (6) quarters come from. It is the coach’s responsibility to keep an accurate record of quarters played so that a player does not exceed the six (6)  quarters in one day.

Q—In track, what is the penalty if an athlete exceeds the limit of four events in one day or exceeds the limit of running in three events?

A—The team shall forfeit all points scored by that individual in all events she was in during that meet.

Q—What are the junior high hurdle heights?

A—All junior high hurdles are 30”. The 100 Meter Hurdles and Shuttle Hurdle Relay are exactly like the high school except using 30” hurdles.

Q—In volleyball, what happens if there are no line judges?

A—The officials shall simply not begin the match until line judges are selected and in place. It is the responsibility of home management to provide two line judges. It is not required for them to be adults—many times a player from each team who are playing in a different match are used. It is also permissible for parents or teachers to be used.

Q—In volleyball, can junior high teams play two of three game matches or do they play three of five matches? And do they play to 15, 21, or 25 points?

A—In junior high, the number of games and point totals used are determined by the host school but usually mutually agreed upon by both teams or by a conference rule prior to the match. They cannot have a scoring cap—must win by two points. However they can play two games, six games, two of three, three of five, or just play for a specified amount of time