The sanctioning regulations of the MPSSAA are frequently misunderstood. Our bylaws require member schools to participate only in athletic events sanctioned by MPSSAA. Many are unaware or confused about just what the term sanctioned means. Let us explain.

 

     Regular season single contests scheduled and conducted by local school systems and made within the bylaws of the State Board of Education are already considered to be sanctioned. The same is true about post-season events conducted by local school systems or the MPSSAA for the purpose of awarding a league, county, city, district, region, or state championship. In the case of multi-team invitational tournaments/events held during each particular sports season, sanctioning requests MUST be submitted 45 days or more in advance to the MPSSAA for review and approval. That determination is made upon review of how the event format relates to the State Board guidelines for athletics. Events 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 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 disguised as fundraisers for worthy causes, yet promoters pocket large administrative fees. There have also been cases where schools are promised housing and meals as part of their participation, only to be told differently 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 in the Info Center on the Sanctioning section of this website.