Source: https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title14/1000/1008.shtml
Timestamp: 2020-07-02 13:30:50
Document Index: 113502417

Matched Legal Cases: ['§104', '§407', '§407', '§407', '§506', '§506', '§11434', '§202', '§202']

Delaware General Assembly : Delaware Regulations : Administrative Code : Title 14 : 1000
1000 Student Activities
"Qualified Healthcare Professional" means a Doctor of Medicine (MD); a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO); or a school nurse, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or athletic trainer. Qualified Healthcare Professionals shall be licensed by their state and in good standing with the State of Delaware.
"Qualified Physician" means a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) who is licensed by their state and in good standing with the State of Delaware.
"Receiving School" means the school a student transfers to after leaving his or her previous school.
"Sending School" means the school a student transfers from to go to a different school.
“State Board” means the State Board of Education pursuant to 14 Del.C. §104.
"Transfer" means the student has officially withdrawn from the sending school and has officially enrolled in the receiving school in accordance with the receiving school's established registration process.
22 DE Reg. 395 (11/01/18)
2.2.1.3	A student may be residing outside of the Attendance Zone of the school which they attend if the student is participating in the Delaware School Choice Program as authorized by 14 Del.C. Ch.4.
2.3.3	Enrollment Requirements for the School District Enrollment Choice Program:
2.3.3.1	Pursuant to 14 Del.C. §407(a)(2), a student who is enrolled in a traditional public, vocational, or charter school outside of the student's feeder pattern through the School District Enrollment Choice Program shall remain enrolled in the school for a minimum of two years. A waiver request is not required and the student is not ineligible under this subsection if one of the exceptions as provided in 14 Del.C. §407(a)(2) applies or the student's enrollment in the school is terminated as provided in 14 Del.C. §407. Even if a waiver request is not required and the student is not ineligible under this subsection, a waiver request may be required and the student may be ineligible under subsection 2.4 of this regulation.
2.3.3.2	Pursuant to 14 Del.C. §506(d), a student who is in his or her first year of attendance at a charter school shall remain enrolled in the charter school for a minimum of one year. A waiver request is not required and the student is not ineligible under this subsection if good cause exists as provided in 14 Del.C. §506(d).
2.4.1	Purpose
2.4.1.1	The intent of the Junior High and Middle School Transfer Rule is to deter students from transferring schools for athletic purposes, to help discourage recruitment, and to reduce the opportunity for undue influence to be exerted by persons who seek to benefit from a student's athletic talent. DIAA recognizes that, because of the number of transfers that occur each year, it is difficult to carry out that intent if an individualized determination is required for all students who transfer schools. The exceptions in subsection 2.4.3 of this regulation involve circumstances in which establishing a hardship for eligibility purposes is not required; strict enforcement of the rule will not serve to accomplish the purpose of the rule; the spirit of the rule will not be offended or compromised; the principle of educational balance over athletics will not be offended or compromised; and there is no safety risk to teammates or competitors.
2.4.2	Junior High and Middle School Transfer Rule
2.4.2.1	Unless one of the exceptions found in subsection 2.4.3 of this regulation applies, a student who has previously participated in interscholastic athletics that transfers to a DIAA member school shall be ineligible in all sports for a period of 90 school days commencing with the first day of official attendance in the Receiving School.
2.4.3	Exceptions to the Junior High and Middle School Transfer Rule
2.4.3.1	A student, the student's family, and the student's Receiving School are not required to submit a waiver request and establish the conditions for granting a waiver set forth in subsection 9.1.1 of 14 DE Admin. Code 1006, including hardship, and the period of ineligibility shall not apply if the student meets one of the following exceptions and the student's Transfer was not for athletic advantage as provided in subsection 2.4.5 of this regulation:
2.4.3.1.1	McKinney-Vento Act (Homeless Students) - The period of ineligibility shall not apply if the Transfer is the result of the student becoming homeless as defined in the McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youths Act, 42 U.S.C. §11434a(2).
2.4.3.1.2	Transfer Because of Administrative Assignment - The period of ineligibility shall not apply if the Transfer is within a school district and is approved by the district's Superintendent pursuant to established school board policy or administrative procedure. This subsection shall not apply if the student is enrolled in a traditional public, vocational, or charter school through the School District Enrollment Choice Program and transfers to the student's feeder pattern school within the district unless the student satisfies the conditions stipulated in subsections 2.4.3.1.9.1 through 2.4.3.1.9.4. For the purpose of this subsection, a student's feeder pattern consists of the public schools in which the student would normally be enrolled based on the student's place of residence. This subsection shall also not apply if the student is enrolled in a traditional public, vocational, or charter school through the School District Enrollment Choice Program and transfers to a different traditional public, vocational, or charter school within the district through the program.
2.4.3.1.3	No previous interscholastic athletic participation - A student who has not previously participated in interscholastic athletics, is released by a proper school authority from a Sending School, has completed the registration process at the Receiving School, and is pursuing an approved course of study shall be eligible immediately upon registration provided the student meets all other DIAA eligibility requirements.
2.4.3.1.4	Transfer Due to Court Action - A student may transfer without loss of athletic eligibility if the Transfer is caused by court action, court action being an order from a court of law affecting legally committed students. In the case of a transfer of guardianship or custody, the Transfer shall be the result of a court order signed by a judge, commissioner, or master of a court of competent jurisdiction. A petition for the transfer of guardianship or custody, an affidavit (except as permitted by subsection 2.4.3.1.5 of this regulation), or a notarized statement signed by the affected parties shall not be sufficient to render the student eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics.
2.4.3.1.4.1	Sole, Joint, or Shared Custody - In cases of sole, joint, or shared custody once a primary residence is established, a change in the student's primary residence without court action renders the student ineligible unless one of the other exceptions in subsection 2.4.3 of this regulation applies.
2.4.3.1.4.2	DSCYF Custody - For the purposes of eligibility, a student placed within DSCYF custody is eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics immediately at the school he or she attends.
2.4.3.1.5	Transfer Based Upon Relative Caregivers School Authorization - A student may Transfer without loss of athletic eligibility if the transfer is based upon the submission of a Caregivers School Authorization in accordance with 14 Del.C. §202(f).
2.4.3.1.5.1	An exception would be a student whose caregiver does not provide the documentation required by the Relative Caregivers School Authorization (including proof of relationship and proof of full time care) but is permitted to register on the basis of a petition for the transfer of guardianship. A student who registers on the basis of a petition for the transfer of guardianship is not eligible to scrimmage or compete until the caregiver has provided a custody or guardianship petition to the receiving school in accordance with 14 Del.C. §202(f)(1).
2.4.3.1.6	Transfer Due to Change of Residence - The Transfer is the result of a change in residence by the custodial parent(s), Legal Guardian(s), or Relative Caregiver to the Attendance Zone of a public school that student was not attending. If, as a result of the change of residence, the student could now enroll in a different public school, the student may make a one-time election and select any school including a private school. A change in residence has occurred when all occupancy of the previous residence has ended and a new legal residence has been established. Maintaining dual residency for purposes of athletic eligibility shall render the student ineligible.
2.4.3.1.7	Transfer under Unsafe School Choice Policy - A student may transfer without loss of athletic eligibility if the student attends a persistently dangerous school or is the victim of a violent felony while in or on the grounds of a school in which he or she is enrolled and the student opts to transfer to a safe school in the same school district in accordance with 14 DE Admin. Code 608 Unsafe School Choice Option Policy.
2.4.3.1.8	Transfers with Fewer Than 90 Days Left in Academic Year - If a student transfers with fewer than ninety (90) school days left in the academic year, the student shall be ineligible for the remainder of the school year but shall be eligible beginning with the subsequent fall sports season provided the student is in compliance with all other eligibility requirements.
2.4.3.1.9	Transfers after the Close of an Academic Year and Prior to the Start of a New Academic Year - The period of ineligibility shall not apply if the Transfer is after the close of the Sending School's academic year and prior to the first official student day of the Receiving School's academic year provided:
2.4.3.1.9.1	The student has completed the registration process at the Receiving School prior to the first official student day of the academic year. The first official student day shall be defined as the first day on which students in any grade in that school are required to be in attendance.
2.4.3.1.9.2	The student has not attended class, excluding summer school, or participated in a scrimmage or contest at the Sending School since the close of the previous academic year.
2.4.3.1.9.3	The student's legal residence is located in the Attendance Zone of the Receiving School.
2.4.3.1.9.4	All other DIAA eligibility requirements have been met.
2.4.4	Transfer Because of a Financial Hardship. If a waiver of the Junior High and Middle School Transfer Rule is requested due to a financial hardship, the parent(s), Legal Guardian(s) or Relative Caregiver is responsible for providing documentation to the Board to support the request.
2.4.4.1	Documentation for Financial Hardship: Documentation for financial hardship shall include:
2.4.4.1.1	Proof of extreme financial hardship caused by significant and unexpected reduction in income or increase in expenses; and
2.4.4.1.2	A statement from the Principals or Headmasters of both the Sending and Receiving Schools that the student is not transferring for athletic advantage as that term is used in subsection 2.4.5 of this regulation.
2.4.5	Transfers for Athletic Advantage - The exceptions listed in subsection 2.4.3 of this regulation shall not apply if the Transfer was for athletic advantage. If the student transfers for athletic advantage, the student may still request a waiver of the transfer rule. A transfer for athletic advantage includes but is not limited to any transfer where the primary reason for the student's transfer was for any of the following:
2.4.5.1	To seek a superior team;
2.4.5.2	To seek a team more compatible with the student's abilities;
2.4.5.3	Dissatisfaction with the student's position or playing time;
2.4.5.4	The student follows the coach to another school to which the coach has transferred;
2.4.5.5	Dissatisfaction with the philosophy, policies, methods, or actions of a coach or administrator pertaining to interscholastic athletics;
2.4.5.6	To avoid disciplinary action imposed by another state athletic association; or
2.4.6	Transfers under the School District Enrollment Choice Program (14 Del.C. Ch. 4)
2.4.6.1	If a student is enrolled in a public or private school and transfers to a traditional public, vocational, or charter school outside of the student's feeder pattern through the School District Enrollment Choice Program, the student shall be eligible immediately provided the Transfer occurs after the close of the Sending School's academic year and prior to the first official student day of the Receiving School's academic year and the student meets all other eligibility requirements.
2.4.6.2	If a student is enrolled in a traditional public, vocational, or charter school outside of the student's feeder pattern through the School District Enrollment Choice Program and transfers to a different traditional public, vocational, or charter school outside of the student's feeder pattern through the program, the student shall be ineligible to participate in interscholastic athletics during the student's first year of attendance at the Receiving School.
2.4.6.2.1	A waiver request is not required and the period of ineligibility under subsection 2.4.2 shall not apply if the student meets all other eligibility requirements and:
2.4.6.2.1.1	One of the exceptions to the Junior High and Middle School Transfer Rule as provided in subsection 2.4.3 applies; or
2.4.6.2.1.2	The student wishes to participate in an interscholastic sport that was not offered at the Sending School.
2.4.6.3	If a student is enrolled in a traditional public, vocational, or charter school outside of the student's feeder pattern through the School District Enrollment Choice Program and transfers to a private or public school, he or she shall be immediately eligible provided the Transfer occurs after the close of the Sending School's academic year and the student meets all other eligibility requirements.
2.4.6.4	For the purpose of this subsection, a student's feeder pattern consists of the public schools in which the student would normally be enrolled based on the student's place of residence.
2.6.1	The intent of the Passing Work Rule is to promote educational standards, underscore the educational values of participating in interscholastic athletics, encourage appropriate academic performance, and allow the use of interscholastic participation as a motivator for improved classroom performance.
2.6.2	In order to be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletic contests and scrimmages, a student must pursue a regular course of study or its equivalent as approved by the local governing body, and must be passing at least four full-year courses. Two of those courses must be in the areas of English, Mathematics, Science, World Language or Social Studies.
2.6.2.1	A student who is receiving special education services and is precluded from meeting the aforementioned academic requirements due to modifications in the grading procedure or course of study, shall be adjudged eligible by the Principal or Headmaster if the student is making satisfactory progress in accordance with the requirements of his or her Individualized Education Program (IEP).
2.6.3	A student whose work in any regular marking period does not meet the above standards shall be ineligible to participate in an interscholastic athletic contest or scrimmage for the next marking period.
2.6.3.2	The final accumulation of passed coursework shall determine eligibility for the first marking period of the following school year. When a student makes up a failure or earns the required passing grade(s) during the summer, the student shall become eligible provided he or she successfully completed the course work prior to the first official student day of the school year.
2.6.3.3	Written verification of the successful completion of a correspondence course must be received before a student shall regain eligibility.
2.6.4	A student forfeits or regains eligibility, in accordance with the provisions of this rule, on the day when marking period grades are issued or published. The calendar used to establish when marking period grades are issued or published must be established by the governing body of the school prior to the start of the school year.
2.7.1	The intent of the Years of Participation Rule is to promote timely progress toward graduation by discouraging students from delaying or interrupting their junior high or middle school education; to disallow students to enroll for one semester each school year to increase athletic ability and skill; to promote equality of competition; to diminish risks stemming from unequal competition; and to place emphasis on the academic mission of the school. In addition, the intent of the rule is to help prevent redshirting; to avoid exploitation by coaches who might otherwise seek to obtain transfers or to delay a student's normal progress through school; and to prevent displacement of younger student-athletes by older student-athletes who wish to unfairly prolong their junior high or middle school careers.
2.7.2	Years of Participation Rule
2.7.2.1	Students enrolled in a grade below the sixth grade shall not be permitted to practice, scrimmage, or compete on junior high or middle school interscholastic teams.
2.7.2.2	Schools Which Allow Students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 to Participate
2.7.2.2.1	Participation in interscholastic athletics on the part of a sixth grade student shall be at the discretion of the student's school.
2.7.2.2.1.1	Sixth grade students shall not be permitted to participate in football unless the conference develops a classification system that is approved by the Board.
2.7.2.2.1.2	If a student attends a school that competes in football but has not developed a Board-approved classification system, the student shall have four (4) consecutive semesters of eligibility (two (2) consecutive opportunities) to play football from the first time the student enters the seventh grade.
2.7.2.2.2	No student shall represent a school in an interscholastic athletic contest or scrimmage after six (6) consecutive semesters from the date of the student's first entrance into the sixth grade in schools which permit students in grades 6, 7 and 8 to participate in interscholastic athletics unless a waiver is granted.
2.7.2.2.3	No student shall have more than three (3) opportunities to participate in a fall sport or combination of fall sports, in a winter sport or combination of winter sports, or in a spring sport or combination of spring sports.
2.7.2.3	Schools Which Allow Students in Grades 7 and 8 to Participate
2.7.2.3.1	No student shall represent a school in an interscholastic athletic contest or scrimmage after two (2) consecutive school years from the date of the student's first entrance into the seventh grade in schools which restrict participation in interscholastic athletics to students in grades 7 and 8 unless a waiver is granted.
2.7.2.3.2	No student shall have more than two (2) opportunities to participate in a fall sport or combination of fall sports, in a winter sport or combination of winter sports, or in a spring sport or combination of spring sports.
2.7.2.4	Participation shall be defined as taking part in a school sponsored practice, scrimmage, or contest on or after the first allowable date for practice in that sport.
2.7.2.5	In the event that a student transfers between the types of schools described in subsections 2.7.2.2 and 2.7.2.3, the student shall not represent a school in interscholastic contests or scrimmages after six (6) consecutive semesters from the date of student's first entrance into sixth grade unless a waiver is granted.
2.7.3	Waiver of the Years of Participation Rule
2.7.3.1	"Hardship" shall be defined as extenuating circumstances peculiar to the student athlete caused by unforeseen events beyond the election, control, or creation of the student athlete, the student's family, and the student’s school which (1) deprive the student of all or part of one of the student's opportunities to participate in a particular sports season; (2) preclude the student from completing the academic requirements for graduation within the normal period of eligibility; and (3) deprive the student of all or part of one of the student's opportunities to participate in a particular sport. The waiver provision is intended to restore eligibility that has been lost as a result of a hardship situation. Injury, illness, or accidents, which cause a student to fail to meet the basic requirements, are possible causes for a hardship consideration.
2.7.3.1.1	A waiver shall not be granted under this subsection where DIAA finds that the student was academically eligible pursuant to DIAA's minimum passing work standards but was ineligible to participate under more stringent locally adopted academic standards and where the local school board has adopted its own waiver or exemption policy.
2.7.3.1.2	A clear and direct causal relationship must exist between the alleged hardship condition and the failure of the student to complete the academic requirements for promotion within the normal period of eligibility and the loss of all or part of one of the student's opportunities to participate in a particular sports season.
2.7.3.1.3	The burden of proof rests with the student in conjunction with the waiver process as described in Section 9.0 of 14 DE Admin. Code 1006. Claims of extended illness, debilitating injury, emotional stress, etc. must be accompanied by appropriate documentation. Evidence must be submitted to verify that the student or his or her parent(s), Legal Guardian(s), or Relative Caregiver sought assistance to ameliorate the effects of the hardship condition.
22 DE Reg. 60 (07/01/18)
22 DE Reg. 765 (03/01/19)
3.0	Physical Examinations, Concussion Protocol, Weight Control Programs for Wrestling and Required Medical Personnel in Attendance at All Football Games
3.1.1	A student shall not be eligible to try out, practice, scrimmage, or compete in an interscholastic contest unless a licensed physician (MD or DO), a licensed nurse practitioner, or a licensed physician assistant verifies in writing on or after April 1 and before beginning such athletic activity for the current school year that the student has been adequately examined within the last 12 months and is cleared medically to participate. However, should any conditions found in subsection 3.1.3 of this regulation occur since the last examination, a reexamination is required before the student can be medically cleared. A student who participates in a contest without a preparticipation physical evaluation shall be considered an ineligible athlete and the athlete and the school shall be subject to the penalties stipulated in subsection 2.9.
3.1.4	The medical history of the student shall be available at the time of each examination.
3.1.5	A player is temporarily ineligible to participate if the player who is otherwise properly certified to participate in interscholastic athletics but is physically unable to participate due to illness or injury for five (5) consecutive days on which a practice, scrimmage, or contest is held. Prior to resuming participation, the player must present to the Administrative Head of School or his or her designee, a statement from a licensed physician (MD or DO), a nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant that the player is again physically able to participate. If a player is physically unable to participate due to a head injury, the concussion protocol in subsection 3.2 shall be followed.
3.2	Concussion Protocol
3.2.1	If an athlete is suspected of sustaining a concussion or exhibits signs or symptoms of a concussion, he or she shall be removed from the practice or game immediately.
3.2.2	A Qualified Healthcare Professional shall determine whether an apparent concussion has occurred. The Qualified Healthcare Professional shall be approved by the host to provide on-site evaluations of athletes who are suspected of sustaining a concussion or exhibit signs or symptoms of a concussion. If a Qualified Healthcare Professional is not present or is not appointed or approved by the host, the injury shall be treated as a concussion and the athlete shall not return to play until he or she is evaluated by a Qualified Healthcare Professional in an appropriate medical setting.
3.2.3	If a Qualified Healthcare Professional determines that an athlete did not sustain a concussion, the athlete may return to play.
3.2.4	If a Qualified Healthcare Professional determines that the athlete sustained a concussion or is unable to rule out a concussion, the athlete shall be referred for further evaluation by a Qualified Physician. The athlete shall be ineligible to participate in practices, scrimmages, or contests until he or she receives written clearance from a Qualified Physician on the DIAA Acute Concussion Evaluation (ACE) and Return to Play Form.
3.2.5	Failure to comply with the requirements of this regulation shall result in the athlete being considered ineligible. The athlete and member school shall be penalized according to subsection 2.10 of this regulation.
3.2.6	If an official observes an apparent injury, the official shall report the injury to the athlete's coach.
3.2.7	The Sports Medicine Advisory Committee may recommend amendments to the Concussion Protocol to the Rules and Regulations Committee and the Board.
3.3	Middle School Wrestling
3.3.1	Weight Control Program - Each year, four weeks from the first day the student appears at practice, a wrestler must establish his/ her minimum weight class at a weigh in witnessed by and attested to in writing by the athletic director or a designated staff member (excluding coaches) of the school the wrestler attends. A wrestler may recertify at a lower weight during the 4 weeks from the first day they appear at practice. However, once certified at a weight, a wrestler may not weigh in more than one class above the weight of the certification without automatically recertifying at a higher weight. Once recertified to a higher weight class the wrestler can no longer recertify lower. After 4 weeks from the first practice day a wrestler may not compete in a weight class below his duly established weight class.
3.3.1.1	By the end of four weeks of practice, a certified team roster listing the established minimum weight class of each wrestler shall be sent to the Executive Director of DIAA. Further, duly attested notices of additions to the certified roster shall be sent to the Executive Director without delay.
3.3.2	Weight classifications and length of match shall be designated by the DIAA Board of Directors.
3.3.3	A team which begins its season in October shall receive a one pound growth allowance in November and an additional pound in December. A team which begins its season in November shall receive a one pound growth allowance in December, an additional pound in January, and a third pound in February.
3.3.4	Schools which desire to conduct their wrestling program at a time other than the specified season must request permission from the Executive Director.
3.3.5	Except as modified by this section, the current edition of the NFHS Wrestling Rules Book shall apply.
3.4	Required Medical Personnel In Attendance at All Football Games
3.4.1	Provision shall be made for a Qualified Healthcare Professional to be present at all interscholastic football games in which a Member School participates. The Qualified Healthcare Professional must be approved or appointed by the Administrative Head of School or his or her designee. The host school shall provide this service. Failure by the host school to provide this service shall result in a $250.00 fine.
4.1.1	The fall sports season shall begin on the Monday 1 week before Labor Day and end not later than December 1. Practice for any fall sport shall not begin earlier than the Monday 1 week before Labor Day. The first allowable competition date in the fall sports season shall be on the first Monday 2 weeks after Labor Day.
4.1.2	The winter sports season shall begin on the Monday of the 19th week of the NFHS standardized calendar and end not later than March 1. Practice for any winter sport shall not begin earlier than on the Monday of the 19th week of the NFHS standardized calendar. The first allowable competition date in the winter sports season shall be on the Wednesday on the 22nd week of the NFHS standardized calendar.
4.1.3	The spring sports season shall begin on the Monday of the 35th week on the NFHS standardized calendar and end not later than the last school day. Practice for any spring sport shall not begin earlier than the Monday of the 35th week on the NFHS standardized calendar. The first allowable competition date in the spring sports season shall be on the Monday on the 38th week of the NFHS standardized calendar.
23 DE Reg. 122 (08/01/19)
7.0	Certified, Emergency, and Volunteer Coaches, Student Teaching, and Coaching Out of Season
7.1.1	Only those professional employees certified by the Department and whose salary is paid by the State or local Board of Education, or in the case of charter and nonpublic schools by a similar governing body, if acceptable as a coach by the governing body, shall coach, assist in coaching, or direct Member school teams in any district. The terms of employment must be for the regular school year and the professional assignment shall be no less than half of the school day, exclusive of coaching duties.
7.1.2.2	Certified coaches at all levels of competition shall complete the NFHS' "Concussion in Sports" course online through NFHSlearn.com every two years.
7.2.1	An emergency coach shall be defined as an individual who is either not certified by the Department, or is certified by the Department but is not employed for the school year or whose professional assignment is less than half of the school day. An individual who meets the requirements of a certified coach as specified in subsection 7.1.1, but whose professional assignment is located in a different school or district than his/her coaching assignment shall not be considered an emergency coach by DIAA.
7.2.1.2	Emergency coaches at all levels of competition shall complete the NFHS' "Concussion in Sports" course online through NFHSlearn.com every two years.
7.3	Volunteer Coaches
7.3.1	In addition to the members of the school's regular coaching staff, the local governing body may supplement a school's coaching staff with volunteer coaches. Volunteer coaches are individuals who donate their services to a school, who have been approved by that school's local governing body, and who are supervised by a certified or emergency coach. A current list of approved volunteer coaches shall be on file in the school's administrative office before any coaching duties are assumed. Volunteer coaches at all levels of competition shall complete the NFHS' "Concussion in Sports" course online through NFHSlearn.com every two years.
7.4	Football Coaches
7.4.1	All football coaches (including certified, emergency, and volunteer coaches) at all levels of competition shall annually complete Heads Up Football training.
7.5	Student Teaching and Coaching
7.5.1	Students who are practice teaching in a Member school shall be permitted to assist in all professional activities during their practice teaching period.
7.6	Coaching Out of Season
7.6.1	From August 2nd through the first day after the last spring sport DIAA state tournament event, a certified, emergency, or volunteer coach shall not be allowed to provide instruction out of the designated season in his or her assigned sport to any student registered in the school at which he or she coaches.
7.6.1.1	A coach shall not be allowed to participate on a team in his or her assigned sport with the aforementioned players.
7.6.1.2	A coach shall also be prohibited from officiating contests in his or her assigned sport if the aforementioned players are participating except in organized league competition.
7.6.1.2.1	The league shall not be organized, conducted, and funded by the employing school, the employing school’s booster club, or the employing school’s coaching staff.
7.6.1.2.2	The league shall have written rules and regulations that govern the conduct of contests and establish the duties of contest officials.
7.6.1.2.3	The league shall have registration and entry procedures, forms, and fees; eligibility requirements; and fixed team rosters, team standings, and a master schedule of contests.
7.6.1.3	A certified, emergency, or volunteer coach shall not be allowed to provide instruction or coach during the designated season in his or her assigned sport to current members of the varsity or subvarsity teams of the school at which he or she coaches outside of school sponsored practices, scrimmages, and contests.
7.6.1.4	A coach who is in violation of this section shall be suspended from coaching in the specified sport at any DIAA member school for up to the total number of days in the school year from the date the charge is substantiated.
7.6.2	From the first day after the last spring sport DIAA state tournament event through August 1st, a certified, emergency or volunteer coach shall be allowed to provide instruction in his or her assigned sport to all accepted and registered students of the school at which he or she coaches. Instructional contact with all accepted and registered students must be approved by the member school and shall be subject to the following conditions:
7.6.2.1	Participation in a formal league and tournament or instructional camp or clinic, or informal instruction, shall be open, voluntary, and equally available to all accepted and registered students of the member school.
7.6.2.2	Coaches are permitted to hold an organizational practice for formal league/tournament competition only as permitted by the written, pre-established rules of the formal league/tournament. In no event shall more than one organizational practice be permitted and the number of games and practice shall not exceed three in one week. If the formal league/tournament does not have written, pre-established rules regarding practice, then no practice is permitted.
7.6.2.3	A coach shall not receive any compensation, from any source, for the instruction of their returning school team members. Reimbursement for out of pocket expenses (e.g. gas, food, lodging) incurred by returning school team members and coaches to attend leagues or tournaments or instructional camps or clinics are not prohibited provided that no local school or state educational funds are used.
7.6.2.4	A coach may provide instruction to an unlimited number of accepted and registered students in formal league or tournament competition or in formal instructional camps or clinics provided the league or tournament or instructional camp or clinic is insured, organized and conducted by a non school affiliated organization. A coach may provide instruction to returning accepted and registered students with the member school's permission.
7.6.2.5	Use of school equipment shall be approved by the Principal or Headmaster and shall be subject to the following conditions:
7.6.2.5.1	Helmets and shoulder pads shall not be used in lacrosse and football.
7.6.2.5.2	Protective equipment, the primary purpose of which is to protect the wearer from physical injury, may be used in the following sports: baseball, field hockey, and softball.
7.6.2.6	A coach in violation of this section shall be suspended from coaching in the specific sport at any DIAA member school for up to the total number of days in the school year from the date the charge is substantiated.
7.6.3	Effective Date
7.6.3.1	Subsection 7.6 shall be effective on June 2, 2019.
21 DE Reg. 717 (03/01/18)
8.0	Required Use of Officials, Recognition of Officials' Associations, Attendance at Rules Clinics, and Fees for Officiating Contests and Competitions
8.2	Recognition of Officials’ Associations
8.2.1	The officiating of interscholastic contests in the state of Delaware which involve one or more Member Schools shall be under the control of the DIAA and such control may include, but not be restricted to, giving examinations, evaluating officials, setting game fees, determining the number of officials per game, and assigning officials.
8.2.2	An officials’ association which desires to officiate middle school and high school contests and competitions shall request recognition and approval from DIAA by submitting the following documents to the DIAA Officials' Committee:
8.2.2.1	A letter of request to be recognized by DIAA and indicating the association's willingness to abide by the Department’s rules and regulations. The president of the requesting officials’ association or his or her designee shall petition the Board to render a decision.
8.2.2.2	A brief history of the association including but not limited to the officiating experience (if any) of the members and if a new association is being formed, the purpose for which the association is being formed.
8.2.2.3	A copy of the association's constitution and bylaws including a statement that it does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, etc.
8.2.2.4	A description of the association's evaluation and rating system.
8.2.2.5	A description of the association's recruiting and training programs for new members.
8.2.2.6	A membership roster indicating the number of years of experience at the subvarsity, varsity, and state tournament levels for each member and also their most recent rating in a previous association. This information must be documented and is subject to verification.
8.2.2.7	Letters of recommendation or names of references from leagues which the association has serviced during its existence.
8.2.3	The Officials' Committee shall review the aforementioned documents and meet with the officers of the association to discuss their petition.
8.2.4	The Officials' Committee may consult with any other interested parties during the evaluation process.
8.2.5	The Officials' Committee shall report its findings to the Board and recommend that the officials' association be granted recognition, granted recognition with conditions, or denied recognition.
8.2.6	The Board shall consider the petition for recognition and the Officials’ Committee’s recommendation and make a decision to approve or deny the request. The petitioner may request an evidentiary hearing before the Board pursuant to the procedures in subsection 10.1.3.2 of 14 DE Admin. Code 1006. The Board shall decide if the petitioning officials association shall be granted recognition, granted recognition with conditions, or denied recognition.
8.2.7	An approved association shall serve a minimum two year probationary period during which time the association shall be evaluated. An association designated as probationary is ineligible to provide officials to work the applicable DIAA State Tournament.
8.2.7.1	Members of the Officials’ Committee and the applicable Sport Committee shall comprise the Officials Association Evaluation Committee (Evaluation Committee). The new officials association shall be evaluated according to the following criteria:
8.2.7.1.1	Total number of games worked at the varsity level.
8.2.7.1.2	Total number of officials who worked games at the varsity level.
8.2.7.1.3	Total number of Member Schools who contracted the services of the association.
8.2.7.1.4	A comparison of the percentage of games the association worked against the percentage of games worked by other DIAA recognized officials associations in that sport.
8.2.7.1.5	A comparison of the percentage of the association’s registered officials against the number who worked varsity level games.
8.2.7.1.6	A comparison of the ratio from subsection 8.2.7.1.5 against any existing association(s)’ same ratio.
8.2.7.1.7	In addition, the evaluation may be based on any other available information which may include but is not limited to: the associations ability to work a minimum of 25 percent of all varsity contests played by DIAA Member Schools in that sport; written complaints by contracted schools; evaluations by Member Schools; input from Member Schools; or any other relevant information.
8.2.7.2	The results of all evaluations shall be shared with the probationary association at the end of each season. The association shall have the opportunity to add comments to the final evaluation.
8.2.8	At the end of the minimum two-year probationary period the Evaluation Committee shall recommend to the Board one of the following options based on the evaluations and the probationary association’s ability to work varsity contests equal to or greater than twenty-five (25) percent of all varsity contests played by Member Schools:
8.2.8.1	Re-approve conditionally for another year on probationary status.
8.2.8.2	Disapprove so as to no longer remain as an approved association.
8.2.8.3	Re-approve conditionally with state tournament consideration based upon the sport worked.
8.2.8.4	Completely approve the association with full state tournament consideration equal to any existing association(s).
8.2.9	The Board shall consider the petition for recognition and the Evaluation Committee’s recommendation and make a decision. The probationary officials association may request an evidentiary hearing before the Board pursuant to the procedures in subsection 10.1.3.2 of 14 DE Admin. Code 1006. The Board shall decide if the petitioning officials association shall be:
8.2.9.1	Re-approved conditionally for another year on probationary status.
8.2.9.2	Disapproved so as to no longer remain as an approved association.
8.2.9.3	Re-approved conditionally with state tournament consideration based upon the sport worked.
8.2.9.4	Completely approved with full state tournament consideration equal to any existing association(s).
8.3.2	Failure on the part of an official to attend the DIAA rules interpretation clinic and pass the rules examination in the same season shall cause the official to be placed on probation and to lose his or her eligibility to officiate a state tournament contest during that season.
8.3.5	If, for a legitimate reason which is documented by the president of their association, an official is unable to attend the DIAA rules interpretation clinic, the official may complete an online course or, in the absence of an online course, attend a clinic conducted by another NFHS member state association provided the following procedures are observed:
8.3.5.1	No later than the day of the DIAA rules interpretation clinic, the president of the association shall notify the DIAA office, in writing, of any officials who are unable to attend the clinic.
8.3.5.2	The out of state clinic shall be conducted by an individual either trained by the NFHS or designated as a clinician by the state's athletic association.
8.3.5.3	The official shall arrange for a letter to be sent to the Executive Director from the state's athletic association office verifying the official’s attendance at the clinic.
8.4	Fees for Officiating Contests and Competitions
8.4.1	The Board has established the following fees for officiating regular season contests and competitions:
Number of Officials per Contest
Rate per Official (Regular Season Contests)
3, or 2 if mutually agreed
2, or 3 upon request
Timer/Judge
25 minute or less halves at the Member School’s discretion
8 or 10 minute quarters
Lacrosse (Boys’ and Girls’)
2, or 3 if requested
Soccer (Boys’ and Girls’)
30 minute or less halves
2 by request
Varsity+
$75, then $5 per match, up to 7 matches; not to exceed $35
$54, then $4 per match, up to 7 matches; not to exceed $28
8.4.2	The fee for state tournament contests and competitions shall be the rate at the varsity level as provided in subsection 8.4.1 and an additional:
8.4.2.1	$5 for first, second, and quarterfinal rounds of competition.
8.4.2.2	$10 for the semi-final round of competition.
8.4.2.3	$15 for the final or championship contest.
8.4.3	The Officials' Committee shall work with the Executive Director to help determine the fee amount for officiating a state tournament contest.