Coaches:

I hope that this email finds you safe and healthy. Warmer temps and increased recreational activities have put summer in full swing. With a reduction in the governor’s restrictions a few ago, there appears to be some confusion of what is currently permitted under MHSAA rules. This email is to provide you with a quick breakdown of what activities are permitted between school coaches and district students.

Part of the issue may be that some do not understand that we are currently under two sets of rules: (1) Summer rules, from which baseball and softball are generally exempt and (2) COVID-19 rules, which apply to all MHSAA sports. Some coaches were under the impression that because baseball and softball are traditionally carved out of most summer restrictions, that they were also exempt from the COVID-19 rules. However, this is not the case.

Under current regulations, school coaches may participate in sport-specific activities with students from the same district as long as they only include practice or conditioning, adhere to the normal summer rules and comply with the governor’s guidelines for limited groups and physical distancing.Not permitted at this time are:

1. Competitions that include the combination of a school team coach and any number of students from the same district (grades 7-12); or
2. Competitions using school facilities, even if no coaches or students from the district are participating.

Permitted activities for MHSAA coaches and students may be increased if the governor:

1. Increases the number of people allowed in groups;
2. Relaxes physical distancing guidelines; or
3. Advances regions of the state into the next stages of the plan to reopen.

I understand the frustration you may have with the circumstances which we find ourselves; but I also know that as an MHSAA coach, your main concern is that of the health and safety of your student-athletes. Following MHSAA rules and guidelines ensures that proper precautions are being taken in a thought-out and consistent manner. I hope that this information helps you understand what is and is not permitted activity. Please make sure to check with your athletic director for any questions about summer athletic activities. I wish you the best this summer and in your preparation for the upcoming season.

Brent Rice

Assistant Director, MHSAA

brent@mhsaa.com

Phone: 517.332.5046

Make the Right Call…Officiate School Sports!

Please go to the "All Star Game" tab above to see this year's selections.  

The MHSBCA would like to congratulate all of the JR/SR student-athletes who earned, or continue to achieve, a 4.0 or higher in the classroom.

If you listen to the Dugout Chatter podcast, do us a favor and put together your dream lineup of speakers.  All we can say is that the 2021 convention speakers may be the best lineup in the COUNTRY!  Stay tuned for details as we work to finalize our lineup.  Pencil in January 15-16th on your calendar as DO NOT DISTURB!

If you didn't attend the MHSBCA Convention, don't forget to register.  Varsity Head Coaches must be members in order for your players to be eligible for all post-season awards.  Cost is only $30 for the school year.

Lifetime members MUST renew their information, for insurance purposes, by clicking on the MEMBERSHIP tab.  This now MUST be done annually.