YAKIMA VALLEY GOLD LEAGUE

HANDBOOK

2017-2018

Revised May 18^th, 2017

    TABLE OF CONTENTS  

GOLD LEAGUE MISSION

Our mission is to provide an opportunity for students to develop their natural skills in sports.  We believe that the emphasis should be on participation and skill development in interscholastic competition.   1.

OBJECTIVE

1. Promote and contribute to the goals of the total educational program.

2. Teach the student athlete the value of achievement as a product of hard work.

3. Teach the student athlete the value of competition in relationship to modern societal demands.

4. Promote good citizenship, sportsmanship and respect for rules and authority among players, coaches, parents and

spectators.

5. Assist the student athlete in recognizing his/her self worth and at the same time understand and appreciate the

importance of teamwork and group unity.

      CONSTITUTION YAKIMA VALLEY GOLD LEAGUE  

ARTICLE I – NAME The name of this organization is the Yakima Valley Gold League

ARTICLE II – PURPOSE The purpose of this organization is to provide appropriate extracurricular activities for the      member schools.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP AND DUES Any school which includes pupil’s grades 7 and 8 may become a member of this organization.  Dues to be paid by October 15th.  Annual dues will be assessed at Fall Meeting, as needed.

ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

Section 1. The officers are president, vice-president and secretary and/or treasurer.

Section 2. The term of the officers is for one year.

Section 3. The officers shall be elected at the last spring meeting each year.

Section 4. The officers will take office immediately following election.

Section 5. The officers have the responsibility to administrate, formulate, and guide the work of the association, and League Ejection Report.

Section 6. In case of a vacancy, the membership shall elect another member to fill the vacancy until the next annual election.

ARTICLE V – THE DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1. President:  the president shall preside at all meetings, appoint appropriate committees and shall delegate appropriate responsibilities.

Section 2. Vice-President: the vice-president will assume duties of the presidency in the absence of the president. Responsible for Sportsmanship Awards.

Section 3. Secretary: is responsible for recording all meetings and correspondence.

Section 4.Treasurer: is responsible for disbursements of all funds.

Revised 5/19/15

ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS AND QUORUM

Section 1. The association will meet at least five times a year.  

ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS   Section 1.  Any article of this constitution may be amended by two-thirds vote of the members present.

ARTICLE VIII – ATHLETICS

Section 1. All participating schools will be members of the Washington State Interscholastic Activities Association.   Section 2. All athletic rules and regulations governing this league will follow the guidelines as listed in the WIAA Handbook.

Section 3. League schedules will be made by the assigned school and approved by the Athletic Directors and/or Principals of the Gold League schools.

Section 4. A contest may be canceled by a Principal, or designee any time the transporting of students should become hazardous due to weather conditions, lack of registered officials, or any other valid reason.  Notification should be given by phone as early as possible to the affected school.

Section 5. League appeal procedure for WIAA Ejection Policy – forms are at the end of the handbook.

ARTICLE IX – ELIGIBILITY AND AGE LIMITS

Section 1. A middle school student shall not have reached his/her fifteenth birthday prior to June of the previous school year.

ARTICLE X – FOUR SEASON YEAR   The interscholastic athletic calendar will be divided into four seasons.  A sport turnout must not start until the first day of a sports season.   FALL SPORTS SEASON – FOOTBALL, VOLLEYBALL WINTER I SPORTS SEASON – BOYS BASKETBALL WINTER II SPORTS SEASON – GIRLS BASKETBALL & WRESTLING SPRING SPORTS SEASON – BASEBALL, TRACK, SOFTBALL (Fast Pitch)

Revised 5/25/16

YAKIMA VALLEY GOLD LEAGUE

OTHER ITEMS

1. Each sport has a list of specific rules/guidelines that have been agreed upon by the league members.
2. All must play rule is recommended by the league.
3. If a team does not show 30 minutes after the scheduled game time, the game is forfeited.
4. Coaches and athletic directors or principals are responsible for providing proper supervision of their students at all contests.
5. Changes in competition dates/ times after the schedule has been approved are the responsibility of the school requesting the change (by mutual agreement).  Notification must be made early enough to have bus schedules adjusted.
6. Member schools should confirm game non-participation by phone or e-mail at least one day prior to event (all schools involved).
7. Member schools shall not have cheerleaders.
8. Member schools will not charge admission to activities. Allow the host school of a jamboree or culminating tournament the ability to charge a minimal admission fee to recoup the cost of facility.
9. Registered officials of the Washington Officials Association should be provided in all cases possible.  In cases where this is not possible, competent adults shall be obtained that have met the WIAA requirements under 21.5.0.

11. Schools will place those athletes with the highest ability on the A Team.
12. Combine and stack games whenever possible.

Revised 5-19-15

FOOTBALL

1. Total season, including practices, is 12 weeks.  Minimum number of practice days per individual is 12.  Team practices minimum is 12.  Regular season game limit is 6.
2. The season start date will be in accord with WIAA Handbook 51.62.0 guidelines.
3. Jamborees are permitted as long as each participating team plays a maximum of two 10 minute quarters
4. A football participant shall be eligible to compete in up to eight (8) quarters of play during any three-day period of the football season. A team shall be allowed one (1) week during the season to play two (2) contests.
5. A and B teams play no more than 8 minute quarters.  The A game is played first.
6. Ties will be played using the Kansas Tie-breaker (WIAA, 54.68.0).
7. First three days of practice will be held without shoulder pads.
8. Game time: 4:00 PM unless otherwise noted.
9. At least one registered official for all football games.
10. A coach will be allowed on the field at all times during the B game.
11. Time outs: 3 per half.
12. WIAA and National Federation rules apply:                                                                                                         a.WIAA 57.2.3 – Following the first contest (jamboree or game) participants are limited to two (2) days per week (not counting contests) of thud or live drills.   Definition of levels of contact: Thud – Drill is run at assigned speed through the moment of contact; no pre- determined “winner”. Contact remains above the waist, players stay on their feet and a quick whistle ends the drill. Live Action – Drill is run in game-like conditions and players may be taken to the ground.
13. Intermediate ball is required.
14. PAT:  Kicking-2 points, run/pass-1 point.
15. Running clock at 30 point differential in second half.

Revised 5/25/16

VOLLEYBALL

1. Starting time will be 4:00 PM unless otherwise noted. Starting time will be 3:30 when 3 matches are played at the same site.
2. Order of competition is C, B, A with extra games labeled as C for scheduling. (as specified by rule 65.64.1).
3. Warm-up procedures: Fifteen minutes before the beginning of the first match, a coin flip will determine the first team to warm up.  The winner of the coin flip will get five minutes on the court alone, then the other team gets five minutes on the court alone.  After these two sessions, both teams will be allowed on the court for two minutes (5-5-2).
4. One registered official is required for all matches..
5. Substitution procedure:  The substitute must report to the court and then wait for the official to admit her to the game.  The coach reports the substitution to the scorekeeper.
6. Players can play only one match per night, three matches per week.  Matches will be best 2 out of 3, but all three will be played.
7. Home team is responsible for providing a good game volleyball.
8. Spike lines need to be painted or taped onto the floor.
9. Height of the net for volleyball will be the official height (7’ 4-1/8”).
10. WIAA and Federation guidelines apply. All 3 games will be played to 25 points (no cap).
11. League will use rally scoring and line up sheet.
12. Teams may use Libero, but they are responsible for tracking.
13. A 6 ft. step in line (marked with tape on the floor) for “C” level only.
14. When crossover games B vs C or A vs B, SOP’s for lowest level shall be used.

Revised 5/19/15

GIRLS AND BOYS BASKETBALL

1. Starting time: 4:00 PM.  Starting time will be 3:30 when 3 games are played at the same site. Total season includes 12 weeks.  Minimum number of practice days per player is 8.  Regular season game limit is 10 plus a jamboree.
2. Order of competition is C, B, A.
3. Player participation limits:
4. a) Each player is limited to participation in four quarters of play in any one day.  Any appearance in a quarter, regardless of length of time played, is to be considered as one quarter.  The game in which the player exceeds his/her allotted four quarters shall be automatically forfeited by the team using the player.
5. b) There shall be no more than three games per week per squad.
6. All quarters for all games on a night when there are three games will be 7 minutes. When there are less then three games the quarters will be 8 minutes.
7. Anyone at the scorer’s table shall remain neutral and refrain from fan or coaching behavior and act as a contest worker only.
8. At least one registered official for basketball games. See page 4 number 9.
9. Defenses:                                                                                                                                                                     a) Full court press is not allowed if pressing team is ahead by twenty or more points.                                                  b) There is no pressing below the B level games (C & D levels).
10. It is recommended adults keep the home scorebook. Scorekeepers should sit side by side.
11. WIAA and National Federation rules apply.
12. Pre-game warm-up will be 10 minutes in length.  Halftime will be 5 minutes
13. 4 minute overtime with addition of 1 time-out per overtime. (By National Federation Rule Book)
14. No shot clock will be used
15. Running clock starts at 30 points in the second half.
16. When crossover games B vs C or A vs B, SOP’s for lowest level shall be used.

Revised 5/25/16    

WRESTLING

1. Minimum number of practices: 8
2. Maximum number of wrestling dates: 10 plus a jamboree
3. Maximum number of individual matches: 22
4. No more than two matches per week per team and/no more than 4 matches per individual wrestler per week. (66.64.0)
5. Our weight classifications will follow WIAA recommendations.  The weights are: 78, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110, 115, 120, 125, 130, 137, 145, 154, 164, 175, 190, 215 and unlimited (over 215).  To wrestle in the unlimited classification a wrestler must weigh at least 212 lb., and unlimited wrestlers must be within 30 lb.  Minimum weight for 78 lb. is 64 lb. and 85 lb. at 70 lb.
6. Starting time for all matches unless noted: 4:00 P.M.
7. A registered official will be used for all matches.
8. A wrestler must wait for 45 minutes between matches.
9. A participant can wrestle only one weight division higher than his actual weight.
10. There shall be a maximum of three one and one-half (1 1/2) minute rounds (90 seconds).
11. WIAA and National Federation rules apply
12. End of the year tournament will have ribbons awarded if applicable. (provided by the league)
13. Weigh-in will take place after practice. Submit name, weight and skill level to host school by 9:00 P.M., 2 days prior to the match (ex. Tues. for a Thurs. match). Preferably on an Excel Spreadsheet.
14. Ties are determined by first points scored starting in the neutral position.

Revised 5/25/16    

TRACK  

1. Each school will have a Boy’s and Girl’s Track Team. No division by grade. Each school will be allowed 8 entries and 2 relay teams in each running event. High jump also has an 8 person limit for boys and girls.
2. Track meets begin at 4:00 PM unless otherwise noted. Coaches meeting will commence thirty minutes prior to start of meet. Contestants will be entered on Athletic.net by 6:00 P.M. on Tues. for a Thurs. meet. Only scratches will be allowed for runners after official entries have been submitted.

The order of Running events

1. 100 m Hurdles = first event of all meets. Boys’ hurdles will be run first at all meets.       10 hurdles. ‘Start’ to first hurdles is 13m or 42’8” – between hurdles = 8.5 m or 27’10” – last hurdles to finish line is 10.5 m or 34’5-1/2”.       Boys hurdles will be 33”and Girls hurdles will be 30”.

.     100 m Dash 1600 m Run 400 m Relay    4 X 1 400 m Run 200 m Dash 800 m Run 800 m Medley Relay (100,100, 200, 400)   In the Field Events all contestants will be allowed 3 attempts   High jump- Boys = 4’ and Girls 3’8”, and the bar will be raised at 2” increments. (If the bar falls it is a missed jump.  It does not matter if the jumper is off the pit or not.) Long jump       Triple Jump     Discus – we use the girl’s high school discus. Shot put (boys = 8 lb., girls = 6 lb.)    Javelin = 800 gram, 72”.

Ribbon Meet

1. Ribbons will be awarded for 1^st to 8^th place.
2. Only league schools are allowed to compete at the Ribbon Meet.
3. 3 attempts will be allowed in all the field events.
4. Each school will be allowed only (8) contestants per event, track as well as field, with a limit of two relay teams per event.
5. Each school will be responsible for providing two adults to help with the competition, upon request by the host school.
6. To be entered in an event in the Ribbon Meet, a contestant must have competed in that event in at least one meet prior. The exception would be for a relay team.

Revised 5/19/15

Rules

1. WIAA and National Federation rules apply.
2. No team score will be kept.
3. False starts: first one charged to the field, second charged to the contestant and disqualified.
4. Athletes can participate in four events, but not more than three track events or  three field events. (64.64.1, Page 85 WIAA). Track participants are allowed to run only two races 400 meters & over.
5. Every school that participates in track pay $125 to participate in the league. Have the league redistribute the money collected to the schools that hosted a track meet at their facility

Field

1. Schools should have a top cover mat for their high jump pits for safety issues.
2. The high jump bar should be reset and centered on each standard for each jumper. If the bar has been hit during a jump, it may be closer to falling for the next jumper.
3. The Boy’s and Girl’s High Jump bar should not be raised from opening height until all contestants have had an opportunity. Field events should stay open until one of the following conditions are met:                                           a. All signed in athletes have completed all attempts.                                                                                                   b. There are no boys at a specific field event area and the boys running events have started.                                   c. There are no girls at a specific field event area and the boys running events have completed.
4. A High Jump attempt ends when one of the following conditions are met.                                                              a.The person(s) in charge of the event touches the bar to center it for the next jumper.                                                                                                                                                                          b.The next jumper is called to be up.
5. A crossbar displaced by a force disassociated with the competitor after he/she is legally and clearly over the crossbar shall not be a fault and is considered a successful attempt (Rule 7-2-11).
6. Shot Put: A legal put shall be made from the shoulder, with one hand only – (Rule 6-5-8).
7. In jumping events all marks and run throughs are completed prior to the start of competition. Event manager may  allow later run throughs as special circumstances arise. 15 minute warning will be announced prior to starting competition.Running
8. The Boy’s running events will not begin until all boys field events have been completed.

      Revised 5/19/15

BASEBALL

     1. Single games start at 4:00, double headers start at 3:30.

     2. At least one (1) association umpire is to be used

     3. Each team will be allowed 10 minutes of infield practice, with the visiting team taking infield first.If the visiting

        team has not arrived by 20 min. prior to game time, the home team must take infield first.

     4.  If a team is ahead by 10 runs at the end of the fifth inning, or any subsequent innings, the team leading will be

          declared the winner.

      5.All players shall be in the lineup and will bat prior to any player batting a second time. Single game format only

      6. Substitution rule: Unlimited substitution is allowed for every position (a player may re-enter a game more than once)

      7. Pitchers can only pitch a total of seven innings in a five-day period.

      8. Game Length:

          a) Each game will be scheduled for 7 innings.  No inning shall start 2 hours after beginning time. Ties are

              allowed. Extra innings will be played if begun prior to the 2 hour time limit.

           b) Double Header Games: A team will play first and no inning will start after 1 1/2 hours from beginning of game.

                B team will play second with no inning starting after 1 1/2 hours of beginning of game.

      9. Field dimensions: Pitcher rubber to plate – 54’6”   Bases – 80’. High school dimensions are also acceptable.

     10.Metal cleats on baseball shoes are allowed.

     11. WIAA and National Federation rules apply.

     12. There will be no hitting practice allowed on the infield prior to the game by either Team. No hitting in the cage

            prior to or during the game.

     13. Any half-inning ends after 5 runs or 3 outs. Only 5 runs shall be scored in the official

            score book per inning.

      14. If a team is ahead by 10 or more runs they are not allowed to steal to advance to the

              next base. If at any time the teams score is below 10 runs, they are allowed to steal.

Revised 5/25/16

FASTPITCH SOFTBALL

1.  Single games start at 4:00, double headers start at 3:30.

2. There will be no hitting practice allowed on the infield prior to the game by either team. No hitting in the cage prior to or during the game.

3. .At least one (1) association umpire is to be used.

4.Each team will be allowed ten (10) minutes of infield practice, with the visiting team taking infield first. If the visiting team has not arrived by 20 min. prior to game time, the home team must take infield first.

5. All players shall be in the lineup and will bat prior to any player batting a second time. Single game format only.

6. If one team is ahead by ten (10) runs at the end of the fifth inning or any subsequent inning, the team leading will be declared the winner.

7. Game Length:

a) Each game will be scheduled for 7 innings.  No inning shall start 2 hours after beginning time. Ties are allowed.  Extra innings will be played if begun prior to the 2 hour time limit.

b) Double Header Games: A team will play first and no inning will start after 1 1/2 hours from beginning of game.  B team will play second with no inning starting after 1 1/2 hours of beginning of game.

8. Catchers are required to use a mask and catcher’s helmet, as well as a chest protector and shin guards. Batters are required to wear a helmet with a mask attached.

9. Metal cleats are allowed.

10. The league softball shall be a 12”  Federation-approved fastpitch ball.  One new ball will be furnished by the home team for each game.

11. Unlimited substitution is allowed for every position (a player may re-enter a game more than once).

12. The Federation rule governing foul balls is waived for Gold League softball games.  Unlimited foul balls are allowed on the third strike.

13. The pitching rubber will be 40’ from home plate.  Bases will be 60’ for fastpitch.

14. Any half-inning ends after 5 runs or 3 outs. Only 5 runs shall be scored in the official score book per inning.

15. WIAA and National Federation rules apply.

16. If a team is ahead by 10 or more runs they are not allowed to steal to advance to the next base. If at any time the teams score is below 10 runs, they are allowed to steal.

Revised 5/25/16    

GOLD LEAGUE APPEAL PROCEDURE FOR WIAA EJECTION POLICY

1. The principal/designee must contact the WIAA office to verify the misapplication or misinterpretation of the rule prior to contacting the league. The school principal or designee who is appealing the ejection will contact the Gold League Chairman of the Appeals Committee within the designated time frame (one school business day after the conclusion of the contest; 18.24.0).  If the chairman cannot be reached, the school should then contact the president of the Gold League.

2. The information concerning the appeal will be faxed to the league official.  The information should include:
3. The rule that was misinterpreted or misapplied.
4. A description of the incident that caused the ejection including the rationale for staying the appeal.
5. The names of the officials.

3. The league official will then contact and FAX the information to the Gold League Committee.*

4. By WIAA rule, the appeals board must hear and reach a decision on the appeal within seven days after having received the report.

5. The appealing school and the appeals board will follow all procedure as outlined in WIAA guidelines.

6. The decision of the Gold League Appeals Committee will be the decision of the league.

7. The Gold League Appeals Committee will report all rulings on appeals to the league.

*          The committee will include three standing committee members, of which one will be chairman and one vice chairman, and two alternates, appointed annually by the league President and approved by the league.

GOLD LEAGUE APPEAL FORM FOR WIAA EJECTION POLICY

YAKIMA VALLEY GOLD LEAGUE STUDENT ATHLETE EJECTION REPORT FORM

YAKIMA VALLEY GOLD LEAGUE COACHES EJECTION REPORT FORM

Gold League Sportsmanship Ballot   This form will need to be turned into the Athletic Director at the conclusion of the season. The Athletic Director will turn the form in at the next league meeting.   In order to be eligible for a Sportsmanship Award, the school must turn a ballot in at the league meeting.   Criteria for the Award: Conduct of athletes and coaches. This award will be based on input from both coaches and athletes. Each school will address how it will monitor the procedure. Examples of conduct: conduct toward officials, opponents, coaches, game officials, fans and treatment of facilities.     Team Sport: