2020 Legislative Council Bylaw Proposals

DRAFT (MAY BE REVISED PRIOR TO APRIL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING)
CONSTITUTIONAL PROPOSALS
(Requires majority vote for approval)

CON 1 - DEFINITION OF SCHOOL ELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)

Amend Bylaw 600.1 by adding:

_____ _____
Yes No

600.1 MEMBER SCHOOLS

600.1 DEFINITION OF A SCHOOL ELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP – A high school eligible for
CHSAA membership, shall be defined as an educational institution, public or private,
which provides instruction for its students in a defined physical building or space
dedicated to a multi-student instructional setting. The building generally will contain
physical space necessary to hold athletic competitions, non-athletic activities and may
have surrounding areas designated for outside athletic activities and non-athletic activities.

NOTE: A high school is defined as a school which houses grades 9-12 or 10-12, or
is a new school which will eventually house grades 9-12

RATIONALE: Clarifies our Association is composed of member high schools.

PROS: Puts into writing what has been implied since the creation of our Association

CONS: None.
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ADMINISTRATIVE PROPOSALS

ADM 1 – CLOC COMMITTEE (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)

Amend Bylaw 1510 by adding:

_____ _____
Yes No

1510 CLASSIFICATION, APPEALS AND LEAGUE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

The Classification, Appeals and League Organizing Committee (CLOC) is a standing committee of the
Association which reports to the Legislative Council. The Classification, Appeals and
League Organizing Committee’s responsibilities are:

(e) Processes requests based on the following timelines:
1. In odd numbered years, the CHSAA collects school enrollments, establishes the
enrollment ranges for all sport/activity classifications of the next two-year cycle, and
establishes placement of schools in classifications.

2. February (odd years): Receives appeals related to changes in the league or
classification status of individual schools.

3. April (odd years): CLOC committee report is presented to the Legislative Council for
final approval. Requests not processed by the CLOC shall require a favorable vote of
two-thirds of the Legislative Council members voting, even if the 30-day Legislative
Council deadline is met.

4. February (even years): The CHSAA staff may present sport and activity
adjustments to the CLOC committee for consideration of approval based upon
bylaw 1500.21 in extraordinary circumstances. The CHSAA staff may consult the
activity committee in making this adjustment prior to presenting to CLOC.
Information not available at the CLOC meeting in the previous year must be
provided in order to make this adjustment.

The CHSAA staff will not consider requests which have already been denied by the
CLOC appeals committee, unless new information is brought forward.

NOTE: Examples of extraordinary circumstances include: a school which has a
drastic change in enrollment (increase or decrease) from the initial reporting of
their enrollment in an odd year to the even year; or geographic availability of
opponents due to programs that have dropped, or schools that have closed.

RATIONALE: Clarifies how and when appeals can be heard at the CLOC committee. Schools may
appeal in February of odd years, and CHSAA staff can appeal in February of even years.

PROS: Adds clarity and transparency to the CLOC committee and enrollment/classification
process.

CONS: None.
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ADM 2 – TRANSFER CLARIFICATION (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)

Amend Bylaw 1800.1 by deleting and adding:

_____ _____
Yes No

1800.1 TRANSFER

1800.1 A student who establishes his/her high school eligibility at any high a member school and
subsequently transfers, will be ineligible for varsity competition for 365 days from the date
of their transfer, in the sports they participated in a practice, contest, scrimmage or
foundation game during the last 365 days.

RATIONALE: Clarifies that you don’t have to transfer from a member school – in or out of the state.
Also aligns the definition of participation as defined in Bylaw 1800.42 and 1800.43.

PROS: Puts into writing the intent of getting rid of bylaw 1800.44 (transfer from a non-member
school) which was deleted in April 2019.

CONS: None.
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ADM 3 – RETURN TO ORIGINAL SCHOOL (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)


_____ _____
Yes No

A-B-A TRANSFER

1800.43 RETURN TO ORIGINAL SCHOOL – A student who participates in a sport (practice,
scrimmage, contest, foundation game) at School A and subsequently transfers to
School B and participates in any sport at School B, will be sub-varsity eligible only
upon their return to School A in any sports they have participated in during the last
365 days at either School A or School B.

NOTE: Participation is defined as an interscholastic practice, contest,
scrimmage, or foundation game.

Q1: A student plays boys soccer as a freshman at School A. After the first
semester, he transfers to School B and plays baseball. Over the summer,
he returns to School A. (1) What is his eligibility for boys soccer at School
A?; (2) What is his eligibility for cross country at School A?; (3) What is his
eligibility for baseball at School A?

A1: (1) Sub-varsity eligibility only for boys soccer for 365 days from his date
of transfer; (2) Varsity eligibility for cross country at School A since he
hasn’t participated in the sport in the last 365 days; (3) Sub-varsity
eligibility only for baseball for 365 days from his date of transfer.

RATIONALE: Clarifies that you don’t have to transfer from a member school – in or out of the state.
Also aligns the definition of participation as defined in Bylaw 1800.42 and 1800.43.

PROS: Puts into writing the intent of getting rid of bylaw 1800.44 (transfer from a non-member
school) which was deleted in April 2019.

CONS: None.

Note: This Q and A has been added to the current Handbook for clarification. It is used here for
clarification.
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ADM 4 – IEP PLANS (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)


_____ _____
Yes No

1800.46 TRANSFER PURSUANT TO IEP - A student who has been identified as a student with a
disability who transfers to a member school to comply with a specific requirement in
his/her Individualized Education Plan (IEP) has varsity eligibility at the receiving school. A
waiver must be filed and approved prior to competition. IEP PLANS – A student with a
disability and an IEP who transfers from a member school that does not have the
resources to provide support and/or other services for the student must submit a
Form 9 waiver with documentation to be considered for varsity eligibility.

NOTE: The burden of proof for the previous school’s failure to meet the student’s IEP
per Federal and State standards, is the responsibility of the parents of the
transferring student (i.e., transcripts, medical/mental health documentation, staffing
meeting notes, dates and other documentation will be required).

RATIONALE: As we encounter more waivers regarding student disabilities and available resources, this
bylaw clarifies the expectations for schools and parents as to what is needed when a
waiver is submitted based on IEP.

PROS: Stronger definition of IEP.
Delineates the process necessary for submitting an IEP Plan waiver.

CONS: Students do not receive automatic transfer eligibility.
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ADM 5 – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)

Amend Bylaw 1880 by deleting and adding:

_____ _____
Yes No

1880. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

1880.1 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT DEFINED – An international student is defined as any student
who is not a citizen of the United States. For purposes of clarification, only an international
student who holds a F-1 or J-1 visa shall be considered for varsity athletic eligibility.

A student who has been classified by the Department of Homeland Security and holds
documentation identifying the student as a “Refugee,” shall be considered for varsity
eligibility, providing all other eligibility standards are met, starting on initial
enrollment into a member school.

Note: temporary status of any kind shall not be acceptable as replacement for the three
categories noted.

A student with a F-1 or J-1 visa is subject to the limitations of the exchange program by-law
outlined below; a student who has been identified by the Department of Homeland Security as
a “Refugee” shall be treated as a regular non-international student and the International
Student Waiver shall not apply.

1880.2 CONDITIONS OF VARSITY AND SUB-VARSITY ELIGIBILITY – He/She shall be eligible
provided an International Student Waiver has been approved and filed in the CHSAA office
when the following conditions have been met:

▪ Has not enrolled in a Colorado high school in order to participate in any scholastic
athletic program.
▪ Has not been recruited to play interscholastic athletics in violation of Article 1900.2 by
any high school or college representative.
▪ Is not a graduate in his/her own country, nor has attended the time equivalent of an
American K-12 program.
▪ Has not attended high school in another state.
▪ Is in compliance with all other CHSAA eligibility rules.
▪ Has on file a completed physical examination in compliance with Bylaw 1780.1.
▪ Has not participated at your school or any other Colorado school or U.S. school.

a. For international students on a Council on Standards for International Educational Travel
Program or other foreign exchange program: CHSAA approval.

b. For international students in NO program: league and CHSAA approval.

1880.3 LIMITED PERIOD OF VARSITY ELIGIBILITY – Students on a J-1 visa shall have varsity
eligibility for no more than three consecutive sports seasons, beginning with his or her first
varsity season. Students on an F-1 visa shall have varsity eligibility for the duration of their
visa. If the F-1 visa has to be renewed, the school must submit a new request for eligibility
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to the CHSAA for reconsideration of varsity eligibility, based on any change in status and
compliance with all other CHSAA eligibility bylaws.

However, no foreign student is eligible if he/she is a HIGH SCHOOL graduate in his/her own
country OR has attended the time equivalent of an American K-12 program OR has attended
high school in another state. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ALL
OTHER RULES OF ELIGIBILITY.

1880.4 PRESUMPTION OF RECRUITING – An international student who moves to Colorado and
enrolls in a member school with the prior knowledge and assistance of a “school
representative,” as defined in Article 1900.2, shall be presumed to have been recruited in the
absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.

a. An international student who moves to Colorado and enrolls in a member school with the
prior knowledge and assistance of a club sport or other outside sport coach, group or
organization shall not have high school athletic eligibility in that sport.

1880.5 EXCEPTION FOR STUDENTS RESIDING WITH PARENT(S) – This rule does not apply to an
INTERNATIONAL student who is residing in Colorado with his/her parent(s).

1880.6 Colorado resident students who are returning to the United States from an approved
international exchange program to the school they attended prior to participating in the
exchange program, shall have full varsity eligibility provided they meet all other eligibility
requirements.

Q1: An international student enrolls in January and competes in varsity track that
spring. May she play (a) varsity volleyball and basketball the following year, and (b)
varsity track or tennis during the next school year?

A1: (a) Yes; (b) No.

Q2: An international student enrolls in January and competes in JV tennis that spring.
May she compete in varsity volleyball, basketball and tennis during the next school
year?

A2: Yes.

Q3: An international student enrolls in January and competes in 10 varsity basketball
games that winter and JV tennis that spring. May she compete in (a) varsity
volleyball, (b) varsity basketball or swimming and diving, and (c) varsity track or
tennis during the next school year?

A3: (a) Yes; (b) No; (c) No.

1880.1 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – International students on an educationally-based
exchange program recognized by the Council on Standards for International
Educational Travel (CSIET) shall have no more than three consecutive semesters of
varsity eligibility beginning with his/her first varsity season. CSIET students who
have played in other states, prior to coming to Colorado, shall be limited to
sub-varsity participation only during their enrollment as a student.

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All other international students are considered transfer students. To gain varsity
eligibility in the student’s first year of enrollment in a Colorado school, the
international student must meet all requirements of the transfer bylaws like an
in-state or out-of-state transfer.

Exception: Students who have been classified as “Refugee” by the Department of
Homeland Security shall be considered for varsity eligibility, providing all other
eligibility standards are met, starting with initial enrollment in a member school. A
hardship waiver must be filed for these students.

Note: All international students must file Form 9 through the CHSAA Digital Platform.
Only CSIET program students may have immediate varsity eligibility. All others will
have their eligibility determined by the documentation contained in the Form 9
waiver and evaluated as all other out-of-state/out of country students transferring to
a CHSAA-member school.

RATIONALE: The deletion of visa requirement has become imperative to protecting immigration and
student privacy. Also, the increase in F-1 visas that are not a part of an
educationally-based program has increased by 200 percent. More students are choosing
to bypass education-based programs. The clarification in the bylaw upholds the integrity
of transfers whether in-state, out of state or international.

PROS: Treats all transfer students equably.
Protects the Association from discriminatory requests.
One form for transforms simplifies the school’s process.
Establishes a pathway for all international students to participate.

CONS: Holds students with F-1 visas to a standard not previously established.
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ADM 6 – TRANSFER CLARIFICATION (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)


_____ _____
Yes No

HARDSHIP

1800.1 When the definition of a hardship has been met, the Commissioner may grant varsity
eligibility pursuant to the provisions of Article 25 of these Bylaws.

1800.51 "Hardship" means a situation, condition or event which is beyond the control of the
student or his/her family must impose and that imposes a severe non-athletic burden
upon the student or his/her family and require a transfer of schools. This does not
include the personal or initial choice of enrollment and/or participation. The
Commissioner shall have broad discretion in applying this standard to specific cases.
He/She may take into consideration not only the needs of the student and family directly
involved, but also the best interest of member schools and interscholastic
athletics/activities generally as he/she understands those interests.

1800.52 All transfer waiver applications shall be processed on forms approved by the CHSAA and
in accordance with the following procedures:

1. A transfer waiver shall first be submitted to the principals/or designee at the
student's sending and receiving schools. If either principal/or designee disapproves
of the waiver, he/she shall state his/her reasons in writing.
2. The transfer waiver, with the recommendations of the principals/or designees, shall
then be submitted to the receiving school's league for a vote.
3. The recommendation of the principals/or designees and the league and all other
information that the applicant wished to be considered in support of the waiver
application shall be submitted in writing to the Commissioner. The burden of proof to
establish a hardship shall be upon the applicant.
4. The Commissioner or his/her designee may conduct additional investigations as
he/she deems necessary. The application and any additional information gathered by
the Commissioner or his/her designee shall constitute the record of the proceeding.
The Commissioner will make a timely written decision based on the information in the
record.
5. The Commissioner's decision may be appealed pursuant to Article 25 of these
Bylaws.
6. The decision of the Commissioner shall be upheld unless it is shown by clear and
convincing evidence in the record to be arbitrary or capricious.
7. Transfer waivers cannot be approved for a school transfer found to be substantially
motivated by athletic considerations.
8. The following situations are not considered under the definition of hardship: reduction
or loss of personal income, transportation, undocumented statements of bullying
and academic program comparisons.

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RATIONALE: Updates the hardship definition and aligns our bylaws with current practice – principals
are not typically signing off on hardship waivers.

PROS: Puts into writing our current hardship practices and this definition better aligns with (h) of
the bylaw.

CONS: None.
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ADM 7 – 504/SPECIALIZED EDUCATION PROGRAMS (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)


_____ _____
Yes No

1800.52 All transfer waiver applications shall be processed on forms approved by the CHSAA and
in accordance with the following procedures:

1. A transfer waiver shall first be submitted to the principals at the
student's sending and receiving schools. If either principal/or
designees disapproves of the waiver, he/she shall state his/her reasons
in writing.
2. The transfer waiver, with the recommendations of the principals/or
designees, shall then be submitted to the receiving school's league for
a vote.
3. The recommendation of the principals and the league and all other
information that the applicant wished to be considered in support of the
waiver application shall be submitted in writing to the Commissioner.
The burden of proof to establish a hardship shall be upon the applicant.
4. The Commissioner or his/her designee may conduct additional
investigations as he/she deems necessary. The application and any
additional information gathered by the Commissioner or his/her
designee shall constitute the record of the proceeding. The
Commissioner will make a timely written decision based on the
information in the record.
5. The Commissioner's decision may be appealed pursuant to Article 25 of
these Bylaws.
6. The decision of the Commissioner shall be upheld unless it is shown by
clear and convincing evidence in the record to be arbitrary or capricious.
7. Transfer waivers cannot be approved for a school transfer found to be
substantially motivated by athletic considerations.
8. The following situations are not considered under the definition of
hardship: reduction of personal income, transportation, undocumented
statements of bullying and academic program comparisons.
9. All hardships submitted on the basis of a 504 Plan must be
supported by official school and/or medical documentation to
confirm that parent/student concerns regarding the plan and failure
for the school to meet those requirements were
discussed/documented prior to the student’s transfer.

RATIONALE: Any waiver that has been submitted based on 504 concerns is already vetted by the
Commissioner like any other hardship. No hardship waiver is considered an automatic
passage unless it has the appropriate documentation from all parties. This amendment
clarifies for all parties what is required in the waiver and how it is addressed.

PROS: Provides clarity on how 504 Plan waivers are handled.

CONS: None.
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ADM 8 – HOMELESS STUDENTS – ELIGIBILITY (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)


_____ _____
Yes No

1870. HOMELESS STUDENTS

1800.1 Any student determined by state and/or federal law (McKinney/Vento Act) to be homeless
shall have full eligibility upon the filing of the appropriate transfer paperwork with the
CHSAA Office immediate sub-varsity eligibility upon submission of the Association’s
McKinney-Vento approved form.

Students applying for full varsity eligibility must complete Form 9 as a hardship and
provide all documentation to support the transfer hardship definition.

RATIONALE: Each school district has a McKinney-Vento coordinator who will sign off on the waiver
confirming the student has met all federal and state homeless student standards. This
process allows for those homeless students as identified by the school district the ability
to participate in activities pending a full review of a hardship waiver.

PROS: Allows students immediate participation at the sub-varsity level.
A completed Form 9 for full varsity eligibility upholds the membership’s transfer bylaws
and these students are reviewed in an equitable manner as are all hardship waivers.

CONS: None.
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ADM 9 – AMATEUR STATUS UPDATE (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)


_____ _____
Yes No

2000. AMATEUR STATUS

2000.12 An essential condition of CHSAA athletic eligibility is that a student-athlete must
maintain his/her be an amateur status. He or she may not compete for or accept cash
for playing some part or all aspects of a sport. An amateur may not sign a professional
athletic contract or play with/against professionals.

NOTE: A professional is defined as being paid in any form for playing in an athletic
contest, or if you sign a contract or verbally commit with an agent or professional
sports organization.

RATIONALE: There are situations where an amateur could play against professionals in a sporting
event. A prime example would be a golfer trying to qualify as an amateur for the US
Open. The athlete would be competing as an amateur for no prize money, but would be
competing against professionals. This should not impact their status as an amateur.

PROS: Allows our top athletes to participate as amateur’s, but still compete at the highest level.
Ex: Missy Franklin participating in the Olympics while a high school student.

CONS: None.
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ADM 10 – COACH EJECTION (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)

Amend Bylaw 2210 by deleting and adding:

_____ _____
Yes No

2000. COACH EJECTION

2210.1 A coach ejected from a contest for committing an unsportsmanlike act shall be suspended
from coaching for 10 percent of the season’s next regularly scheduled matches or contest
of the same level. Standing mathematical rounding rules apply. He/she may not coach in
any other contest at any level during this time.

2210.2 A coach ejected from a game is automatically placed on probation according to policies
established by the Board of Directors (For necessary action by the school administration,
see Bylaw 2420.11).

2210.22 A coach ejected from a game is required to complete the following courses
offered on-line by the National Federation of State High School Associations
(NFHS): Sportsmanship; and, Teaching and Modeling Behavior. These courses
shall be completed before he/she will be removed from probation and must be
finished in a reasonable amount of time during the season to be determined by
the school’s athletic director.

2210.3 A coach ejected from a second contest during the same season shall be suspended from
coaching for 20 percent of the season’s the next two contests of the same level. Standard
mathematical rounding rules apply.

2210.4 A coach ejected from two contests during a five-year period shall be required to appear at a
hearing before the Commissioner or his/her designee and shall be subject to a penalty to be
determined by the Commissioner.

2210.5 A coach ejected from three contests in a five-year period shall be placed on restriction.

Sport Classes 10% 20%
Cross Country All 1 2
Field Hockey All 2 3
Football A6, A8 1A, 2A 1 2

3A, 4A, 5A 1 2
Boys Golf All 1 2
Gymnastics All 1 2
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Boys’ Soccer All 2 3
Girls’ Softball All 2 5
Spirit All 1 2
Boys’ Tennis All 1 2
Volleyball All 2 4
Basketball 1A, 2A, 3A 2 5

4A, 5A 2 4
Ice Hockey All 1 2
Skiing All 1 2
Girls’ Swimming All 1 2
Wrestling All 1 2
Baseball 1A, 2A 2 4

3A, 4A, 5A 2 5
Girls’ Golf All 1 2
Lacrosse All 2 3
Girls’ Soccer All 1 2
Girls’ Tennis All 1 2
Track & Field All 1 2

RATIONALE: In recognition of the varying lengths of seasons, this creates consistency across all sports.
For example, a one-game suspension is basketball is not equivalent to a one-game
suspension in football.

PROS: Could give measurable impact to someone who violates the rule. Could limit ejections.

CONS: The new system does come with a stricter penalty in some sports.
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ADM 11 – ALL-STAR GAMES (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)


_____ _____
Yes No

COMPETITIVE SEASON/PARTICIPATION

2300.3 All-Star Game – Contact is allowed for up to two All-Star Games after the completion
of the State Championship of that sport. All-Star Games must happen within two
weeks of the State Championship, unless permission is received from the CHSAA
office for a later date. There are no All-Star Games permitted in the sport of
Football.

Q1: A league wants to hold an All-Star Game in the sport of Girls Soccer for
all players that were selected to the All-League Team.

(1) Would Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors be allowed to
participate?
(2) Would participants be allowed to wear their school-issued uniforms?
(3) Would High School coaches from the League be allowed to coach?

A1: Yes to all three.

RATIONALE: Leagues have increasingly contacted the CHSAA Office regarding All-Star Games. This
Bylaw clarifies what Leagues can do in hosting these games.

PROS: Allows Leagues the freedom and the flexibility to host All-Star Games that include all
student athletes.

CONS: None.
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ADM 12 – REPORTING OF SCORES (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)


_____ _____
Yes No

2280. REPORTING OF SCORES

2280. The head coach or a school designee shall report all game scores/results in the
official stats platform. If scores/results are missing at the completion of the regular
season, schools will be fined $100 per missing score/result. If a scheduled contest is
missing from your schedule in the official stats platform at the end of the season,
schools may be fined up to $500 per missing contest and may be subject to
restriction.

NOTE: Fines may only be waived upon approval of the administrator in charge of
the sport. Spirit is exempt from this rule as it does not have an official stats
platform.

RATIONALE: We are seeing a rise in the number of game/match scores which go unreported, and this
results in the CHSAA office having to track down dozens of scores prior to the state
seeding meetings. All sports have official platforms to report scores/results and
schedules, and these are all equally important - even if it’s not an RPI sport.

PROS: Transparency in scores across the state;
Ensures accuracy of computer-generated ranking systems.

CONS: Could theoretically add more work to a coach’s plate.
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ADM 13 – HIGH SCHOOL/MIDDLE SCHOOL PRACTICE ALLOWED (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)


_____ _____
Yes No

2310.1 EXCEPTION – In the sports of volleyball, basketball, soccer, and football high school
teams may use eighth grade students from their “feeder” middle schools when they
cannot field enough high school athletes to hold an intra-squad practice in
game-type conditions, under the following limitations:

● Permission for such participation must be requested by the school and approved
by the CHSAA Commissioner or his/her designee on the CHSAA Digital Platform;
● Electronic verification of high school numbers is required, and the total program
number shall be used;
● Electronic verification that school accepts the risks of using eighth graders for
practice;
● Such participation can occur only two days in a single week;
● The middle school participants must have a current physical on file with the high
school athletic director;
● The middle school participant is limited to practice at one high school even if
his/her middle school feeds multiple high schools;
● Maximum number of middle school students allowed to participate in the
practice is that number which is equal to or less than the number that would
equate to a simulated game;
● Football practice tempo shall be limited to USA Football thud tempo (wrap up but
cannot take to the ground) when eighth graders are participating in a practice.

Note: Participation in these practices does not affect the eighth-grade participant’s
future high school eligibility. Eighth graders participating in these practices retain
their open enrollment decisions when selecting a high school for ninth grade.

RATIONALE: Member schools across the state in diverse classifications, challenging geographic
locations and challenging enrollment issues, occasionally do not have enough athletes to
hold practices under game-type practices for safety and competitive readiness. This
allows schools to use eighth grade athletes to fill the void under specific limitations.

PROS: Allows team/programs that have limited participants (rural and metro) to utilize eighth
graders for scrimmage sessions only with limits;
Assists with competition preparedness and address risk minimization;
Specific limitations have been put in place to limit potential violations;
Requests will be made by a waiver through the Eligibility platform (CHSAA will create a
form);
Rosters will be verified through the CHSAA Digital Platform;
The eighth graders are limited for a specified number of days each week;
Sports are designated as volleyball, basketball, soccer and football.

CONS: However minimal, it still allows for middle school and high school athletes to practice
together.
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ADM 14 – ELIMINATE FIVE DAY PRACTICE REQUIREMENT (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)

Amend Bylaw 2310.3 by deleting:

_____ _____
Yes No

2310. PRACTICE

2310.3 STUDENT/TEAM PRACTICE REQUIREMENT -- Each student competing in an
interscholastic sports program must have had a minimum practice period of five days in
his/her sport(s) (exclusive of Sundays) before representing his/her school in an
interscholastic contest or scrimmage. A student must have a minimum of nine days
practice in football. (Receiving school must have written verification on file if a
transfer of schools is involved.) All other sports are exempt from a minimum
practice period.

2310.31 EXCEPTION 1: If a student competes in a second sport during the same
season, one of which is a non-contact sport (tennis, golf, swimming and
diving, gymnastics, baseball, softball, skiing, spirit, volleyball, cross country,
track and field and soccer), then the student is exempt from the practice
requirement in the non-contact sport. A student must have five days’ practice in
all contact sports, except football, which requires nine days of practice prior to
participation in an interscholastic scrimmage or contest.

RATIONALE: Students are practicing year-round, or playing multiple sports, which makes the five-day
practice requirement unnecessary. Football still needs the minimum practice days due to
the safety issue unique to it.

PROS: Scrimmage and start dates do not change.
Flexibility for non-school activities to not interfere with a student’s opportunity to
scrimmage or play.
Consistent with other sports that do not require a five-day practice limit.

CONS: None.
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ADM 15 – EXCEEDING GAME LIMITS CAN BE APPEALED (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)

Amend Bylaw 2330.1, 2550.12, and 2530.1 by adding and deleting:

_____ _____
Yes No

2330. PENALTY FOR PRACTICE, SCRIMMAGE, COMPETITION VIOLATIONS

2330.1 The Commissioner of the CHSAA is directed to place on probation or restriction for a
minimum of one season from state qualifying competition any member school program
and/or coach which violates the following rules and other violations as deemed
appropriate by the Commissioner:

● Sunday practice/contact;
● Intentional playing of ineligible player or player suspended from competition in an
interscholastic scrimmage or contest;
● Falsifying records for eligibility;
● Removing team prior to completion of contest;
● Violation of winter vacation practice prohibition;
● Exceeding team participation limits (penalty not appealable);
● Exceeding individual participation limits;
● Football contact violations;
● Conduct violations;
● Scrimmaging, practicing or competing against middle school/junior high or
non-school teams or individuals;
● Intentional violation of any CHSAA Bylaw.
● Team or individual participating in a school-sanctioned interscholastic competition
outside the designated sports season.
● Any action or conduct that the Commissioner deems detrimental to the mission of the
Colorado High School Activities Association.
● Failure to enter a VEAP (Venue-Specific Emergency Action Plan) in the CHSAA
electronic platform and communicate with designated school personnel prior to the
beginning of each season.

2550.12 A school or individual may appeal the decision of the Commission regarding restriction to
the Board of Directors, except in the case of a restriction placed on a team for exceeding
allowable game limits.

2530.1 EXCEPTION 1: The Legislative Council has determined that because of the nature of the
following rules and for the collective benefit of all schools and students, the following may
not be appealed:

a. Penalty for player unsportsmanlike conduct/ejection (Rule 2200).
b. Coach ejection (Rule 2210)
c. Outcome of a contest, judgement or misapplication of a playing rule by a contest
official (Rule 2410).
d. Teams exceeding game limits (Rule 2330.1).

20
RATIONALE: CHSAA bylaws exist to create a competitive balance and to give students opportunities to

participate in many different levels of competition. To not allow a team of player to move
forward because their coach or AD schedules too many games is too harsh a penalty.

PROS: Allows the sport commissioner the opportunity to address the situation with a more
appropriate penalty on the appropriate parties.

CONS: Rulings on an individual basis could create the perception of a competitive advantage.
21

ADM 16 – BOARD OF DIRECTOR APPEALS TIMELINE (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)

Amend Bylaw 2540.21, 2550.1, 2550.11 by deleting and adding:

_____ _____
Yes No

2540.21 The Commissioner's decision may be appealed by a formal request in writing to the
Commissioner, at the request of the school or individual, to the Appeals Committee
within 30 days. Any appeal of the Commissioner’s decision must show new or different
information than what was originally presented with the hardship waiver if any, of the
appeal to the Appeals Committee will be paid by the appealing individual's school or by
the appealing individual if the Appeals Committee upholds the decision of the
Commissioner.

2550.11 All parties may be represented by counsel, provided they notify all other parties involved of
the name, address, and telephone number of such counsel at least 7 days three days in
advance of such hearing. Appeal notices and requests must be filed with the CHSAA
Office at least 24 hours 14 days prior to the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of
Directors. The decision of the Board of Directors shall be final, except in those cases with
a question of membership and/or suspension of membership.

2550.1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPEALS PROCEDURE -- The Board of Directors shall hear and
decide appeals or protests, provided that first an attempt shall have been made by the
school or league to arrive at a satisfactory settlement of appeal or protest, through the
league organization, the Commissioner, and/or the Appeals Committee. It shall be a
further requirement that appeals or protests, before they may be considered by the Board
of Directors, shall be submitted to the Commissioner in writing; the written statement shall
contain the full and complete case upon which the appeal or protest is made. The Board
of Directors may amend or set aside actions or decisions of the Commissioner or Appeals
Committee.

Appealing parties that do not follow the appeals process as outlined in the CHSAA
bylaws, either by failure to meet deadlines or through legal action prior to
completion of the entire process, forfeit the right to any remaining steps in the
process.

2550.12 The Appeals Committee decision may be appealed, by a formal request
in writing to the Commissioner, within 30 days. Any appeal of the
Appeals Committee’s decision must show new or different information
than what was originally presented at any previous appeal.

2550.123 A school or individual may appeal the decision of the Commissioner
regarding restriction to the Board of Directors, except in the case of a
restriction placed on a team for exceeding allowable game limits.

RATIONALE: Convening and compensating an independent appeals’ committee (travel, meals,
etc.), as well as the consultation and legal support to uphold the Association’s
bylaws should be at the expense of the appealing party.

22
PROS: Allows a reasonable planning time for the Association to recoup its preparation costs, but

only when the Commissioner or Appeals Committee decision is upheld.

CONS: None.
23
ATHLETIC PROPOSALS

ATH 1 - TEAM COMPOSITION (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)

Amend Bylaw 2850.1 by deleting:

_____ _____
Yes No

2850. MEMBER SCHOOLS

2850.1 Requirements for a team which competes in CHSAA sanctioned interscholastic events:

● Composed of at least two undergraduates of that school or other students as
provided for by state statutes.

● Authorized and recognized by local school board or governing body.

● Team members are under the direct supervision of a coach hired by the local school
board or private school governing body. The head coach shall have a current Colorado
teaching certificate or shall be registered with the CHSAA.

● Team members and coaches are under the direct supervision of the principal or athletic
director.

RATIONALE: Allows schools to sanction a team with only one participant – if they so desire.

PROS: May allow smaller schools to keep/create programs. May also allow emerging sports to
develop.

CONS: Could put pressure on schools to offer a team when they don’t want to sanction them.
24
ATHLETIC PROPOSALS

ATH 2 - COED TEAMS (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)


_____ _____
Yes No

2850. STUDENT AND TEAM COMPOSITION

2850.3 Interscholastic sports teams composed of boys, girls, and/or boys and girls shall be
conducted in accordance with the following Bylaws as noted and modified. Schools shall
designate the type of team for each sport according to the following:

(a) STUDENT BOYS’ TEAMS — Whenever the school provides only a team or teams for
boys in a particular sport, girls are permitted to qualify for the student boys’ team(s).

(b) SEPARATE TEAMS — Whenever the school provides a team or teams for boys and a
team or teams for girls in the same sport, girls shall not be permitted to qualify for the
boys' team(s) in that sport, nor shall boys be permitted to qualify for the girls' team(s) in
that sport.

(c) GIRLS' TEAMS — Whenever the school provides only a team or teams for girls in a
particular sport, boys shall not be permitted to qualify for the girls' team in that sport.

(d) COED TEAMS – Whenever the Association designates a coed team, that team
must be comprised of both boys and girls.

RATIONALE: With the addition of Unified Bowling, we have our first official coed sport. This bylaw
keeps us in line.

PROS: Allows coed participation.

CONS: None.
25
ATHLETIC PROPOSALS

ATH 3 - UNIFIED SPORTS (BOARD OF DIRECTORS)

Add Bylaw 4510 by adding:

_____ _____
Yes No

4500. CHSAA UNIFIED SPORTS TEAM ROLES

4500.1 The coed unified bowling sports season shall begin on the Monday of Week 6 (NFHS
calendar). The first scrimmage date shall be on the Saturday of Week 6, and the first
competition shall be on the Thursday of Week 7. The season shall run until the final state
championships.


4510.1 Unified Athlete – A student with an intellectual/developmental disability. This person
has been identified by an agency or professional as having an
intellectual/developmental disabilities as determined by their localities or other
measures which are generally accepted within the professional community in that
accredited programs state as being a reliable measurement of the existence of a
cognitive delay.

Unified Partner – A student without an intellectual/developmental disability.

4520. UNIFIED SPORTS GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

4520.1 Any bona fide student of a CHSAA-member high school that meets all requirements of
the CHSAA and school district athletic clearance is eligible to participate in Unified
sports. Any special needs student who exceeds the age limit per bylaw 1770.1, would
require an approved waiver prior to participation.

4520.2 Eligibility for the Unified athlete and the Unified partner will be determined at the local
level.

4520.3 Unified athletes participating in CHSAA-sanctioned sports are allowed to
concurrently participate with Special Olympics Colorado Unified Sports
during the sports year.


4530.1 Rules – Official rules and regulations for all Unified sports and activities shall be
those published in the CHSAA Bulletin in collaboration with Special Olympics –
Colorado.

RATIONALE: As we progress with Unified sports, these bylaws will provide the foundations for Unified
sports under the CHSAA umbrella.

26
PROS: Consistent Inclusive language will be applicable to all sanctioned Unified Sports under the

CHSAA Unified umbrella.

CONS: None.

27

Migrant Student / Boarding School (BLACK FOREST LEAGUE)


_____ _____
Yes No

1800.45 PROPOSED AMENDMENT

1800.45 A “migrant student” is a student who transfers into a CHSAA school without a bona fide
move or without one of the exceptions listed in by-law 1800.3 (bona fide move). The
student may practice or compete at the sub-varsity level but may not compete at the
varsity level for one calendar year from the date of his / her entry into the new school.
In the event that, after transfer, a student becomes or is later determined to be a
migrant student, then the student shall be ineligible to compete at the varsity level for a
period of one calendar year from that date.

The migratory rule will be waived one time for boarding students only who enroll in any
of the Colorado boarding schools who are CHSAA member schools.

RATIONALE: The purpose of this proposed amendment is to afford in-state students the same
opportunity to attend boarding school and participate in varsity level athletics just as
out-of-state students are allowed.

PROS: Supports the mission and business model of all Colorado boarding schools.

Eliminates the discrimination between in-state vs. out of state boarding students
regardless of where their last school of attendance is located.

CONS: Gives two boarding schools an exception in the bylaws due to residency status of
students.

28

Legislative Council Authority (Tri-Valley, Southwestern, Intermountain, Northern, EMAC, Front
Range)


_____ _____
Yes No

800.66 PROPOSED AMENDMENT

800.66 The Legislative Council shall have complete legislative authority, except as herein limited,
including the right to establish Bylaws and rules for the Association.

A. The Commissioner shall not create, and the Board of Directors shall not approve, any
program or policy that results in additional fiscal responsibility for member schools
without the approval of the Legislative Council.

RATIONALE: The membership should have the authority to approve or deny any policy that would result
in additional fiscal responsibility. Today's school environment is one where prudent fiscal
management is crucial to the continued success of educationally-based athletics and
activities. Budget policies vary greatly from school district to school district, and are
affected differently by new policy or program decisions. The additional budgetary
responsibilities for schools with tight budgets may result in schools dropping some
programs. This bylaw would also allow for dialogue amongst the membership to debate
the pros and cons of any new policy or program proposals, and give membership a say in
the direction of the Association.

PROS: Encourages transparency in the creation of any new policy or program.

Allows for dialog and discussion about the future of the association.

Follows the democratic rules of governance for implementing of proposed policies and
programs

CONS: Lengthens the amount of time it takes to implement good programs or policies

Limits the ability of the Commissioner and/or the Board of Directors to swiftly make
changes to the direction of the Association.

29

2020 Legislative Council Bylaw Proposals

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DRAFT (MAY BE REVISED PRIOR TO APRIL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING)

Cross Country All 1 2

Field Hockey All 2 3

Football A6, A8 1A, 2A 1 2

Boys Golf All 1 2

Boys’ Soccer All 2 3

Girls’ Softball All 2 5

Boys’ Tennis All 1 2

Basketball 1A, 2A, 3A 2 5

Ice Hockey All 1 2

Girls’ Swimming All 1 2

Baseball 1A, 2A 2 4

Girls’ Golf All 1 2

Girls’ Soccer All 1 2

Girls’ Tennis All 1 2

Track & Field All 1 2

RATIONALE: CHSAA bylaws exist to create a competitive balance and to give students opportunities to

PROS: Allows a reasonable planning time for the Association to recoup its preparation costs, but

PROS: Consistent Inclusive language will be applicable to all sanctioned Unified Sports under the

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