One of the least understood regulations of the MPSSAA requires member schools to participate only in sanctioned athletic events. Many are unaware or confused about just what the term sanctioned means. Here is an attempt to explain.

 

Regular season single contests conducted by local school systems and made within the bylaws of the State Board of Education are considered to be sanctioned. The same is true about post season tournaments conducted by the MPSSAA for the purpose of awarding a region and state championship. In the case of multi-team tournaments held during the school season, the MPSSAA is authorized to review the particulars to determine if member schools may participate. That determination is made upon review of how the tournament format relates to the state board guidelines for athletics. Contests that fall within the regulations are approved for participation by MPSSAA schools. In the case of teams that are invited from several states, it then becomes incumbent on each state to rule on the eligibility of schools from their particular state.

 

One of the most commonly asked questions about sanctioning is:   ""Why?"" Sanctioning provides an assurance to schools that the students will not be exploited. While the vast majority of tournaments provide wholesome competition in an educational setting, there have been abuses, especially in some of the high profile tournaments. In some of those tournaments, large amounts of money are made on the backs of high school athletes. Many times, these events are wrapped in the cloth of sweet charity, yet promoters pocket large administrative fees. The recent arrest of the CEO of the ""Slam Dunk to the Beach"" basketball tournament provides a vivid illustration of the need for oversight.   There have also been cases where schools are promised accommodations and meals, only to have them disappear once they arrive on site. This has happened to some teams, while other schools received preferential treatment at the same event.

 

Finally, the guidelines used to evaluate tournaments are as follows:

 

(1)    The competition complies with all participatory limitations of the State Board of

       Education;

 

(2)    The competition shall not determine a regional or national championship;

  

(3) The competition is not preliminary to a college or professional game;

 

(4) The competition is sponsored by an educational institution or similar non-profit

      organization;

 

(5) Participation in the event is within the United States of America, does not involve

      loss of instructional time, and complies with the local school system policies and

      procedures for school-sponsored travel;

 

(6) All awards shall comply with Regulation .08 Awards and Recognition.

 

Sanction applications can be found on the sanction page of this website.