Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the Blossom Valley Athletic League. The Blossom Valley Athletic League shall be divided into three divisions: A - Mt. Hamilton Division; B - Santa Teresa Division; C - West Valley Division. Divisions of sport shall have a maximum of no more than 8 1/2 teams and no fewer than 6 teams.

ARTICLE 2: AUTHORITY

Section 1. The Blossom Valley Athletic League is a member of the Central Coast Section of the California Interscholastic Federation and is bound by the constitution and by-laws of both bodies. The rules of the Blossom Valley Athletic League may be more restrictive than either of the aforementioned if desired by the Board of Managers. Schools or school districts within the Blossom Valley Athletic League may be more restrictive.

ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP AND DUES

Section 1: The public schools located in the East Side Union High School District, Campbell Union High School District, Morgan Hill Unified School District and San Jose Unified School District shall be eligible for membership.

Section 2: Dues shall be established annually at the last regular meeting of the Board of Managers and are due October 1st.(11-17-94)

Section 3: Delinquent Fee/Dues Policy (4-17-97)

1. Set a deadline and after the deadline assess a 20% late fee.
2. Notify in writing schools delinquent in payment ( 1 month CCS)
3. After fifteen (15) days, schools who are delinquent will be ineligible to participate in league play.
4. After 15 more days (1 month after sending written notice) any schools still delinquent will be suspended until payment is received.

ARTICLE 4: BOARD OF MANAGERS

Section 1: Government - The government of this League shall be vested in a Board of Managers, which shall consist of the Principal of each member school, or his/her proxy. Each school shall have one vote. All members of the Executive Committee shall attend Board of Managers’ Meetings. Athletic Directors and Commissioners will be non-voting members at the BVAL Board of Managers. Members of the Executive Board shall represent the BVAL at all CCS  Board of Managers meetings and will carry the voting instructions of the BVAL Board of Managers. (4-99)

Section 2: Officers - The officers of the Executive Board shall be: Past President, President, and Vice President/President Elect. The League Commissioner shall serve as Secretary-Treasurer and advisor. (10-6-94) The officers of the Executive Board will be selected annually and voted upon at the Spring Board of Managers meeting. Those officers will chair the BVAL Board of Managers. (4-99)

2.1 Duties of Officers -

2.1.1 President: The president shall perform all the duties of a president as defined in Robert’s Rules of Order, unless  otherwise designated herein.

2.1.2 Vice President/President Elect: The Vice President/President Elect shall perform all the duties of the President in his/her absence, and shall complete the term upon the President’s resignation or vacation of office. (10-6-94)

2.1.3 Past President: The Past President shall regulate new officers and all elections and shall chair the Appeals Committee. (12-05-96)

2.2 Election of Officers -

2.2.1 The officers of the Board of Managers will be selected annually at the final regularly scheduled meeting of the school year.

Section 3: Meetings - The Blossom Valley Athletic League Board of Managers shall meet three (3) times a year, and the Executive Committee will meet monthly.

Section 4: The Executive Committee shall be composed of the Past President, President, Vice President/President Elect, 2 Principals-at-Large, 1 Boys Athletic Director, 1 Girls Athletic Director, President of the League’s Athletic Directors’ Council, and the Commissioner (non-voting). (10-17- 96) These eight members (not including the Commissioner) shall serve as voting members to the CCS Board of Managers.

Section 5: The BVAL Athletic Directors will meet five (5) times yearly. (4-99)

ARTICLE 5: AMENDMENTS

Section 1: These by-laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Managers.

Section 2:: Each motion to amend the by-laws shall include the date on which law becomes effective.

ARTICLE 6: CERTIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY

Section 1: Registration and Current Scholarship Form: This form is for the purpose of certifying the eligibility of athletes and registers them as official members of a specific team.

Section 2: Prior to the first scheduled League contest, the principal of each member school shall send to the Commissioner’s office an official Registration and Current Scholarship Form for each team.

Section 3: An athlete shall not compete until his/her name has been registered with the commissioner on an official Registration and Current Scholarship Form. Names may be added to or deleted from the registration form via a signed statement from the principal.

Section 4: Any athlete whose name appears on the Registration and Current Scholarship Form for a particular team is a member of that team as of the first scheduled League contest of that team. In addition, any athlete who competes on a team shall be considered a member of that team whether or not his/her name appears on the registration form.

ARTICLE 7: ELIGIBILITY

Section 1: The league shall pass no rule less stringent than those provided in the constitution and By-Laws of the Central Coast Section and the State CIF Constitution but may adopt more restrictive eligibility requirements.

Section 2: An athlete shall participate in only one sport per sport season. If sports seasons overlap, a student athlete may not begin play until his/her previous season is completed including playoffs.
(4-17-97)

Section 3: After an athlete has participated in a League contest, he/she may not compete on a team of lower classification in the same sport during the remainder of that season, except as specifically provided in the sport’s by-laws.

Section 4: Questions that arise regarding player eligibility shall be reported in writing to the commissioner via the school principal.

Section 5: Students who attend CCOC become eligible or ineligible five school days after the CCOC grading period ends if that grading period ends after the grading period of the student’s home school. When the CCOC grading period ends prior to or at the same time as the grading period of the home school, the student becomes eligible or ineligible on the same day as students who do not attend CCOC. (4-99)

Section 6: Probation - The Blossom Valley Athletic League will follow C.I.F. rule 204 on scholastic eligibility, which states:

    A student is scholastically eligible if:

a) The student is currently enrolled in a least twenty (20) semester periods of work.

b) The student passed at least twenty semester periods of work at the completion of the previous grading period.

c) The student is maintaining satisfactory progress toward meeting the high school graduation requirements as prescribed by the governing board.

d) The student has maintained during the previous grading period a minimum 2.0 grade point average in all courses (on a 4.0 scale).

The Blossom Valley Athletic League will allow under C.I.F. rule 204, a student under a 2.0 Grade Point Average a probationary period not to exceed one grading period. There will be a maximum of three (3) probationary periods: one (1) upon entry from the 8th grade; one (1) additional probation during the 9th/10th grades; and one (1) during the 11th/12th grades. CLARIFICATION: If a school chooses not to check the final 8th grade grades for all incoming 9th grade athletes, then all 9th grade athletes will automatically be placed on probation and will not be eligible for probation at the end of the first grading period of their freshman year. Conversely, if a school chooses to check the final 8th grade grades for all incoming 9th grade athletes, these athletes will be eligible for probation at the end of the first grading period providing he/she was not placed on probation at the beginning of the fall semester. CIF by-laws prohibit a student from having two consecutive probationary periods.

The principal or his/her designee will oversee probation at each school site. Athletes on probation must meet the required standards by the end of the probationary period in order to remain eligible for participation. A copy of the Probation Form will be sent to the Commissioner’s office.

Each school in the Blossom Valley Athletic League must post a list of eligible and ineligible players on the fifth (5th) school/ work day following the end of the grading period. At that point students gain or lose eligibility for the next grading period.
(10/14/04)

ARTICLE 8: COACHES COMMITTEE

Section 1: There shall be a Coaches Committee representing each league sport. There will be a chairperson from each division. Whenever there is a meeting of all divisions, the Mt. Hamilton chair will preside over all three leagues.

Section 2: The purpose of each committee chairperson shall be to advise the Athletic Directors on matters pertaining to the sport he/she represents.

Section 3: It is the responsibility of the committee chairperson to chair the pre & post season meetings called by the BVAL Commissioner. Additional meetings may be scheduled with the knowledge of the Commissioner. It is the responsibility of the chairperson to review his/her sport’s by-laws with their coaches at the preseason meeting, and again at the post-season meeting. At that time any suggestions for changes must be submitted to the entire Blossom Valley Athletic League to recommend division changes, select All League, and assist the Commissioner in matches pertaining to that sport. (4-99)

ARTICLE 9: THE COMMISSIONER

Section 1: Duties of the Commissioner

1.1 The Commissioner or his/her proxy shall serve as Secretary to the Board of Managers, shall act as advisor to the Board, and shall perform other duties as assigned by the Board.

1.2 He/she shall be responsible for coordinating, developing and publishing all League athletic schedules.

1.3 He/she shall be responsible for all administrative tasks related to the high school sports program, such as eligibility, awards, protests, etc.

1.4 Commissioner will be responsible for coordinating officials for League contests.

1.5 The Commissioner will be evaluated yearly. The process will contain information from all member schools. An evaluation form will be distributed to all schools. The evaluation will be conducted by the Executive Board and the results along with a recommendation will be presented to the Board of Managers at their Spring meeting in a closed session. (4-99)

1.6  The BVAL Commissioner is responsible for the daily operation of the business of the league as outlined by the BVAL Constitution, By-laws, policies, and other official documents established by the Board of Managers of the BVAL.  (4/29/03)

1.7  The BVAL Commissioner shall have authority to interpret, administer and apply all issues addressed in the BVAL constitution, by-laws, policies and other official documents established by the Board of Managers of the BVAL. All such interpretations, administration and applications  are subject to review by the BVAL Executive Board and the Board of Managers at any time. (4/29/03)

1.8  In such matters involving BVAL league contests, the BVAL Commissioner shall interpret, administer and apply all issues addressed in the BVAL constitution, by-laws, policies and other official documents as established by the BVAL Board of Managers.  The BVAL Commissioner has the authority to make determinations about issues that are not specifically addressed by any Board of Managers action. Unless specifically addressed elsewhere, there is no appeal of any decision made by the BVAL Commissioner, when time is of the essence for the reasonable conduct of league play.  The BVAL Executive board or Board of Managers may subsequently review any determinations made by the BVAL Commissioner if necessary. (4/29/03)

ARTICLE 10: BY-LAWS

Section 1: All rules and regulations not herein stated and adopted by the Board of Managers shall be classified as By-Laws of this constitution and are binding upon all member schools.

ARTICLE 11: STATEMENT OF ATHLETIC PHILOSOPHY

Section 1: The athletic program is an integral part of the high school educational program, unique in its potential for the moral and physical development of those students involved.

Section 2: A sound and well-balanced instructional program of physical education is of primary importance and is basic to any sports program. The interscholastic sports program should not be conducted to the detriment of the instructional program.

Section 3: The interscholastic program based on the needs and interest of the highly skilled or interested student, should include only those individual, dual, and team activities for which qualified leadership, financial support, and adequate facilities are available.

Section 4: It shall be the purpose of all educators responsible for the Blossom Valley Athletic League:

4.1 To encourage every athlete to participate to the extent of his/her abilities.

4.2 To emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, and fair play.

4.3 To encourage leadership, use of initiative, and good judgment by the participant.

4.4 To remember that the welfare of the individual is far more important than the result of any contest.

Section 5: The attitude and conduct of coaches shall demonstrate good judgment, ethical standards, and good sportsmanship.

ARTICLE 12: TEAM CLASSIFICATION

Section 1:

Section 2: If any League school is not able to field a team, the school shall notify the League Commissioner three weeks prior to the first League match. After that time, a team cannot be fielded for that season.

Section 3: It is not permissible to field a F/S or JV team without first fielding a Varsity team.

A.  In individual sports: badminton, cross country, golf, tennis, wrestling and swimming, a varsity team shall consist of the minimum number of players necessary to win a match.  These minimums are: 

    Badminton  10 (all singles matches and 2 doubles
    Cross Country  5
    Golf  5
    Tennis  4 (all singles 1-4)
    Wrestling 5
    Swimming  8                                                            (6/25/07)

Section 4: Supplemental Leagues may be formed with the permission of the Board of Managers. If Blossom Valley Athletic League has a majority of members, Constitution and By-Laws of Blossom Valley Athletic League will be followed.(11-17-94) Schools will only be considered for supplemental sports programs if their basic league does not provide that sport. (1-11-96)

ARTICLE 13: LEAGUE STANDING AND CHAMPIONSHIP

Section 1: Official League Championships may be earned where there are at least four (4) teams participating in that sport.

Section 2: Championships and final League standings in all sports shall be determined on the basis of the win-loss record in round-robin competition unless otherwise stipulated in the specific sport’s by-laws. Note. A team is awarded two points for a win and one point for a tie.

Section 3: If two or more teams tie for first place in final League standings, they shall be declared co- or tri- champions. For resolutions of ties for C.C.S. post-season competition, refer to each sport’s by- laws.

Section 4: Tie Breaking Procedures - These would be used in event of a tie in any sport that does not have a tie-breaking rule outlined in the by-laws.

A. Hold a play-off if there are two full schools days before C.C.S. playoffs begin.
If time does not permit a play-off, then place will be determined by:

1. The record between the two teams.
2. The number of victories that the two tying teams have against the opponents who finished above them in the league standings.
3. If a tie still exists, a flip of the coin will determine place.

ARTICLE 14: LEAGUE SCHEDULES

Section 1: Schedules become official when approved by the Board of Managers.

Section 2: Member schools are obligated to compete at the time, place and on the date published in the official schedule.

    2.1  Any school that is going to forfeit a competition in league play must do so with the consent of the BVAL Commissioner.  Forfeiture or non attendance at a league competition will result in the school not being able to attend any post season competition. (league finals, CCS)   5/26/05

Section 3: The time and/or date of an officially scheduled contest may be changed by mutual agreement of the two principals involved, provided the League Commissioner is notified on a Change of Schedule Form, and time exists to make changes in the officials’ assignments ( minimum of one week)

Section 4: Dates for rescheduling of postponed games are to be mutually arranged by the schools involved according to provisions in the by-laws of the sport and subject to the availability of officials.

Section 5: Procedure for Rained-Out Contests - 

5.1  All games need to be canceled by 12:00

5.2  In consultation with the Principal, the Athletic Director is responsible for making the final decision.  Prior to noon the AD should determine if their field is a safe facility for the game. In the absence of the AD, the Principal or the designee will follow the procedure.

5.3  If a team bus has already left the school site due to notification of a cancellation after 12 noon the make up game will be played at the visitors site.

5.4  If the AD determines that the field is not playable they need to contact the following people prior to noon.

    a.  PSM(When you call PSM  have your make up dates available and ask if they will be able to provide officials on any of those dates.) Remember play is allowed on Saturdays.  Make up games are to be re-scheduled on the next available date.

    b.  Notify your coach and agree on the make up date.

    c.  Notify the AD of the visiting school and  tell them to notify their coaches and teams.  Tell the AD the make up date and ask them to confirm it with their coach.

    d.  Notify your teams of the game status.

    e.  The AD should call PSM with the requested date of the make up game and secure the officials.

Section 6: Sanctions Against Forfeiting School: (1-21-98)
If the forfeiting team ( School A) is the visiting team, the home team (School B) will have the next game scheduled at School A between the two teams moved to School B. Note: This will not alter the regular schedule rotation for future years. Because all games have economic impacts (i.e. gates, transportation, etc.), this sanction will be imposed automatically without appeal. If the forfeiting school is the home team, and the Commissioner determines the request to be timely and valid, there will be no sanction.

ARTICLE 15: OFFICIAL PROTEST PROCEDURE

Section 1: Formal protests may be filed with the BVAL Commissioner for:(5/01)

1.1 Dangerous or sub-standard playing facilities.
1.2 Participation by an ineligible player.
1.3 An official’s decision in which a rule has been misinterpreted or violated, which caused a direct bearing on the outcome of this contest. (Note: The protesting coach shall demonstrate how the a alleged violation directly affected the outcome of the contest.)
1.4 Violation of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Blossom Valley Athletic League, the Central Coast Section, or the California Interscholastic Federation.

Section 2: Protest Procedure - To be valid, an official protest must follow these steps:

2.1 At the time of the alleged misinterpretation, (4-99) the coach must notify the official that the contest is being played under protest. The protest may be done at the end of the game. Other procedures need to be followed as per BVAL Constitution. (1-16-97)

2.2 No later than the following school day,(4-99) the coach shall submit to his/her principal a complete written report of the circumstances supporting the protest. The report shall include a statement as to how the incident directly affected the outcome of the contest. The coach shall not contact the League Commissioner. The final decision as to proceeding with the protest shall be left to the principal.

2.3 No later than the school day following the date of the protested contest,(4-99) the principal shall notify the League Commissioner and the principal of the opposing school as to the protest.

2.4 The principal, or his/her delegate, of the protesting school shall then submit to the Commissioner an official written protest concerning all of the particulars.

2.5 The Commissioner shall secure from the official(s) assigned to the contest a written statement regarding the protested incident.

2.6 Protests involving playing facilities must be registered before the beginning of the contest unless the condition becomes sub-standard or unsafe during the contest.

Section 3: Reporting of Ineligible Player - When information of a possible ineligible player becomes known, such information should be reported immediately by the principal or athletic director to the principal of the opposing school and the Commissioner. The Commissioner will follow up. (11-17-94)

Section 4: Decision and Appeal Process -

4.1 As determined by the League Commissioner and/or the League President, all ordinary and routine protests and questions of eligibility shall be decided by the League Commissioner.

4.2 The more serious protests and questions of eligibility may be presented by the Commissioner to the Executive Board.(4-99)

4.3 The final decision in any protest or eligibility case shall be sent in writing by the Commissioner to the principals of the schools involved.

4.4 A written appeal of the Commissioner’s decision may be made by the principal of either school involved and shall be accompanied by a $50.00 fee to be forfeited to the League if the appeal is denied. Said appeal shall be sent to the Commissioner, who will refer it to the League Protest Appeal Board.(4-99)

4.5 Athletes or coaches who are removed from a game for misconduct may not appeal that official's decision unless the official issues a letter stating that a misinterpretation of the rule was made. The proper process of appeals must be followed. (4-99 

4.6 Schools wanting to appeal their division placement as set by the BVAL Executive Board shall request an appeals hearing and must inform the commissioner if they are requesting a change with another school. (5/24/01)

4.7 The appeal board is chaired by the BVAL Past President, two appointed principals and 2 athletic directors selected by the BVAL Athletic Directors. (5/24/01)

Section 5: Appeal of Division Placement -
All members schools are required to submit to the League commissioner, by the date requested, the Team Summary and Profile Report. The complete report is to be signed by the principal, the athletic director and the coach. Schools not submitting the required completed forms on time will be fined $25 for the first infraction, $50 for the second infraction and $100 for the third infraction per school year. Schools that do not submit the form will not be allowed to appeal any league movement. (4-17-97)

ARTICLE 16: BVAL/CCS ASSAULT POLICY (6/25/06)
CIF ARTICLE 5, BY-LAW 522

Any student who physically assaults the person of a game or event official shall be banned from interscholastic athletics for the remainder of the student's eligibility.  A game or event official is defined as a referee, umpire or any other official assigned to interpret or enforce rules of competition at an event or contest, a student may, after a lapse of 18 calendar months from the date of the incident, apply for reinstatement of eligibility to the State Commissioner.  (This includes timers, scorers, lines persons etc.)

CCS BYLAWS, ARTICLE VII, SPORTSMANSHIP, SECTION 6 PHYSICAL ASSAULT

Any student-athletic who physically assaults a spectator, another student-athlete, or school official( includes administrator, athletic director, teacher, etc.) a shall be banned from interscholastic athletics for the remainder of that student's eligibility.  After a lapse of 18 calendar months from the date of teh incident, the student may apply for a reinstatement of eligibility to the CCS commissioner.

LEGAL DEFINITION OF ASSAULT AS PROVIDED BY CIF LEGAL COUNSEL
A physical assault is the intentional infliction of, or an attempt to inflict, a harmful or offensive touching or contact upon the person of an official or spectator, student-athlete, or school official.  Note that the rule is violated even if no contact is made with the person.  All that is required is the "attempt."  However, the act constituting the attempt must be accompanied by a specific intent, which may be inferred from the circumstances and nature of the act, to inflict a harmful or offensive touching contact with the person.

When a game official (includes referee, timer, scorer, etc.), spectator, student-athlete or school official (principal, vice principal, athletic director, teacher, League or CCS Staff etc.)  believes that the above-referenced by-law has been violated by a student participating in a contest in which he/she is officiating, contesting, attending, or working, the following steps shall be followed:

1. If a Game Official (referee, umpire, lines person) is involved, he/she shall file a report directly with the Coast Section INCIDENT REPORT and file it with his/her Commissioner of Officials by the end of the next school day.
   1.a.  If a timer, scorer or other game official is involved, he/she shall file a report directly with the Principal and League Commissioner as outlined in step 2 below, by the end of the next school day.
   1.b.  If a spectator,  student-athlete or school official is involved, he/she shall file a written description of the incident directly with the Principal and League Commissioner as outlined in step 2 below, by the end of the next school day.

2. If after reviewing the report of the Official, spectator, student-athlete or school person, the Commissioner of Officials or the Principal or League Commissioner believes an infraction of CIP By-Law 522 or CCS Article VII, Section 6 has occurred, he/she shall notify and make contact with, the League Commissioner (for officials) and/or the Principal of the school involved by the end of the next school day.  The student will immediately become ineligible for further participation until the conclusion of this process (see #4 below-process must be concluded within 5 school days)

3. However, if no report is filed, the League Commissioner or School Principal may begin action based on firsthand eyewitness reporting of any such incident either verbally or in writing by any persons at any time following the incident.  After reviewing such report if the League Commissioner or School Principals believes an infraction of CIF bylaw 522 or CCS Article VII, Section 6 has occurred, he/she shall notify and make contact with the League Commissioner and/or the Principal of the school involved by the end of the next school day following such report.  The student will become immediately ineligible for further participation until the conclusion of the process (See #4 below-process must be concluded within 5 school days).

4. The determination that there has been or has not been a violation of Rule 522 or CCS Article VII, Section 6, will be made within 5 school days from receipt of notification.  This determination will be made by the League Commissioner (or designee), School Principal (or designee) and  Commissioner of Officials (when his/her official is involved) or if during CCS playoffs by the CCS Commissioner, League Commissioner, School Principal and Commissioner of Officials (when his/her Officials is involved). and

5. The student shall be notified through their school administration within 24 hours of this determination.

SHOULD ANY PARTY WISH TO APPEAL THIS DETERMINATION:

1. The request and basis for the appeal shall be filed in writing with the League Commissioner within 5 school days from date of notification of determination in 3 and 4 above.

   a.    The League Commissioner shall convene a panel of three individuals (administrators and/or athletic directors) within the league who were not involved in the initial decision.  All interested parties will be invited to attend the hearing which will be held within 5 school days of receipt of the request for appeal.

   b.  The student shall be notified through their school administration within 24 hours of the determination of this hearing panel.

    

2. During CCS Playoffs, due to the time constraints of tournament play, there is no appeal to the determination made by the CCS Commissioner in conduction with the League Commissioner. Principal and Commissioner of Officials (if his/her official is involved).  That determination is final.

SHOULD ANY PARTY WISH TO APPEAL THE LEAGUE'S DETERMINATION:

Any party wishing to appeal the decision of the neutral hearing panel at the league level, shall present the request and basis for appeal in writing to the CCS Commissioner within five working days of the notification of the first appealing panels determination.  (1-3 immediately above)

1. The CCS Commission shall, upon receipt of the request, convene a three person panel (2 members of the CCS Board of Managers not from the league involve and 1 League Commissioner not from the league involved).  The CCS Commissioner of designee, shall act as an ex-officio member of the panel.  This Panel shall review the documents of the case, convene a hearing if necessary, and make a ruling within 10 school days whenever possible.

2. The student shall be notified through their school administration within 24 hours of the determination of this hearing panel.

ANY PARTY WISHING TO APPEAL THE SECTION PANEL'S DECISION SHALL FOLLOW THE APPEALS PROCESS OF THE CIF AS OUTLINED IN CIF BYLAWS, ARTICLE 11

NOTE: A student becomes IMMEDIATELY ineligible at whatever point in the process, she/he is determined to have violated Rule 522 and/or CCS Article VI, Section 6.  That student remains ineligible until such time as determination is reversed by a subsequent appeals body.

• A student remains eligible throughout the process as long as he/she is found innocent of any violation of Rule 522 and/or CCS Article VII, Section 6, unless he/she is ineligible under a league or school rule.

• League and school rules and punitive actions can be MORE RESTRICTIVE than those included in this rule or this process (Adopted BVAL EXC 5/25/06)

ARTICLE 17: PRACTICE AND GAME LIMITATIONS

Section 1: Fall sports practice starting dates must be set by the Board of Managers by their last scheduled meeting. After starting date, in football only, each school may have 1 week of 2X day practice. (10-17-96) Teams that are advancing to post season play may have scrimmage games, after regular league play ends, only against other teams advancing. (10-17-96) Practice games may be scheduled after completion of the last League contest of the previous sports season.

Section 2: Definition of Contest or Game - A contest or game is defined as any participation where two (2) or more teams from different schools are competing. Each school may have one alumni or faculty game per sport which will not count in the total contests allowed. Any other contest with a non-CIF member must be counted as part of the total number of contests. (10-6-94)

Section 3: Definition of Scrimmage - A scrimmage is defined as a practice session between two schools here coaches are on the field, court, etc., directing their teams, and where time and scores are not kept.

Section 4: Open Gym - There are to be no Saturday practices once league has started. A practice is to be defined as any member of the coaching staff working with individual team members or in any team group. Violation will result in one (1) game suspension of the head coach from the next game. Supervision permitted, instruction not permitted. (4-99)

Section 5: Holiday limitations - Saturday practices are allowed until the first League contest. No practices are allowed on Sundays or the following legal holidays: Christmas, and New Year’s Day . Exceptions must be specifically authorized by the Board of Managers. (10-6-94)

Section 6: Post-Season - Refer to C.C.S./C.I.F. By-laws.

ARTICLE 18: CONTEST LIMITATIONS

Section 1: Game and Player Limitations

1.1 The rules that govern a Varsity-level sport also apply to any ?unofficial? team within that sport.

1.2 Once League competition begins, an athlete who moves up to a higher level team may not drop down again unless the sport by-laws contain a statement regarding tournament play.
(4-99)
1.3 Junior Varsity is defined as Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors. (4-17-97)

Section 2: Contest Limitations (complies with current CCS listings)

2.1 Badminton is limited to 20 matches
2.2 Baseball is limited to 30 contests total plus one scrimmage and 1 non-CIF contest
2.3 Basketball is limited to 24 contests plus one scrimmage and 1 non-CIF contest
2.4 Cross Country is limited to 13 games plus 1 scrimmage and 1 non-CIF contest
2.5 Field Hockey is limited to 20 games plus 1 scrimmage and 1 non-CIF contest
2.6 Football is limited to 10 games plus 1 scrimmage
2.7 Golf is limited to 18 matches plus 1 inter league scrimmage.
2.8 Soccer is limited to 20 contests plus 1 scrimmage and 1 non-CIF contest
2.9 Softball is limited to 24 contests plus 1 scrimmage and 1 non-CIF contest
2.10 Swimming is limited to 13 meets
2.11 Tennis is limited to 22 matches
2.12 Track is limits to 15 contests
2.13 Volleyball is limited to 24 contests plus 1 scrimmage and 1 non-CIF contest
2.14 Water Polo is limited to 24 contests plus 3 scrimmage and 1 non-CIF contest
2.15 Wrestling is limited to 40 contacts including forfeits. (5-25-07)

Section 3: Tournament & Contest Limitations (10-17-96)

A. A ?Tournament? shall be defined as involving athletes from four (4) or more teams.

B. A ?Tournament? shall be further defined as counting as the minimum number of contests the tournament guarantees to each team, or athlete.

C. For purposes of definition (B) above, ?contest: is defined as a competitive encounter with another school, or athlete, in which a score is kept.

D. The following sports are excepted from definition (b), as noted below:

(1) Field Hockey
In tournaments where other than regularly-timed contests are played, each day of that tournament shall count as one (1) contest.

(2)  Badminton
In tournaments where other than regularly-timed or regularly scored contests are played, each day of that tournament shall count as two (2) contests.

(3) Volleyball
Any tournament that does not guarantee a minimum number of 3/5 matches, shall count as two (2) contests for each day of that tournament.

(4) Wrestling--CIF By-laws Article 30,3000
A wrestler becomes ineligible for further competition during the season if, prior to the league championship tournament (if any), he/she accumulates more than 40 contacts.

(5) Golf
Any tournament lasting up to two consecutive days will be counted as one (1) contest, regardless of how many holes are played. Additional days or competition in that same tournament, whether or not they are consecutive, will count at the rate of one (1) contest per day, regardless of the number of holes played. (6/18/01 CCS)

(6) Water Polo
All contests played as dual matches or tournaments matches count as one game per each game played. League Championships do not count. (6/18/01 CCS)

ARTICLE 19: SCOUTING

Section 1: Using films taken of another team’s practice is prohibited.

Section 2: Coaches and players shall not visit practice sessions of another school.

ARTICLE 20: VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES

Section 1: Ineligible Players - When it is determined by the BVAL Commissioner that an ineligible player has participated in a League contest, all contests in which he/she has participated shall be forfeited. This will be applied to all sports.  (5/01)

Section 2: Illegal Number of Contests - A school not on probation for any previous violation of the maximum number of contests shall:

    A.  Forfeit their most recently played non-league win(s) equal to the number of contests in excess of the maximum number allowed in that sport: AND

    B.  Be placed on probation for the following three seasons for all levels of that sport, for that gender, offered at their school (e.g Girls JV and Varsity Volleyball: Boys F/S and Varsity Basketball, etc.): AND

    C.  Reduce the number of contests the following season in that sport for all teams offered at that school by twice (2x) as many contests as they exceeded the maximum, without infringing on the regular league schedule. (Reductions shall not be made in the league schedule, only pre-season and tournament contests.) 5/29/03

Section 3:  No Additional Games- No additional games may be added to the scheduled the last two weeks of the league season. This does not pertain to previously scheduled games that are being made up.  School teams who violate this rule will schedule that number of games less for the coming year. (5/01)

Section 4: Coaches Conduct - In the event a coach is removed from a game by an official, the game will continue with an alternate person (certified/certificated) replacing the coach. It is the responsibility of the principal to deal with the removed coach.

Section 5: Players/Coaches Ejected from Contest -

(a) In all contests, any player/coach ejected from a contest for unsportsmanlike behavior will be disqualified from participation for a minimum of one contest. The disqualification will take effect at the teams next contest. If the player/coach was ejected from the last contest of the year for that team, disqualification would carry over to that team’s first regularly scheduled league contest the following year. A disqualified coach may not attend the next game. (3-12-98)

(b) Any player/coach who participates in the next contest following his/her ejection will be treated as an ineligible participant for that contest. (3-12-98)

(c)  1.  A coach ejected from a contest may only be replaced by a certified member of the school.

       2.  Coaching is defined as a contact with a student athlete during pre-game warm-up and during the game.

Non school personnel who are going to assist in the coaching of the team need to remain off the playing field until the conclusion of the contest.   (4/21/05)

Section 6: Violation of playing prior to approved date-
The following penalty will be applied to any school in violation of playing a scrimmage or contest prior to the approved date. The penalty outlined will be applied to all teams at all levels of the sport offered at that school for a specific gender regardless of the level at which the violation occurred.

1. Reduce the number of contests the following season in that sport by 2 times as many contests played prior to the established date, without infringing on the regular league schedule. (5-25-00)

       

ARTICLE 21: ADMINISTRATION FINANCES

Section 1: Admission prices for League contests which have an admission charge:
(Not applicable for special tournaments or C.C.S. playoffs) (10-6-94)

Section 2: Any school charging admission is required to use the established fees. Schools may not establish any other prices. (5/24/07)

Section 3: Special Games - May have increased admission if approved by Board of Managers

Section 4: The home team shall make all arrangements for contests (officials, police, etc.)

Section 5: Schools responsible for League Tournaments shall:

5.1 Submit a budget prior to the activity to the BVAL Commissioner for approval. Without an approved budget, the League will not pay the bills.(4-99)

52 Make the financial arrangements for the meet or tournament. Expenses for tournament officials and awards shall be paid from the tournament income. All League finals will be supported by an entry fee and/or an admission fee. That amount will be used to prepare the budget for the tournament. The host school will keep all monies from concessions and tournament shirt sales. (4-99)

Section 6: When two Blossom Valley Athletic League schools compete and admission is charged, the home school will keep all the gate receipts.

Section 7: Passes -

7.1 School staff passes - will be honored at all contests of issuing school.

7.2 Universal scouting pass ( 6 per school) - will be honored at all Blossom Valley Athletic League  dual meet contests.

7.3 Universal Pass - will be honored at all Blossom Valley Athletic League Contests.

7.4 Nominations for Lifetime Pass recipients must be made on the appropriate form and through the high school principals. (4-20-99)

7.5 Presentation of the Lifetime Pass will be made by the League President.

7.6  BVAL passes are valid only to the pass holder and guest. Misuse of a BVAL pass will result in forfeiture of the pass.

    a.  Superintendents will receive 3 passes for district personnel. (10/16/03)

ARTICLE 22: PUBLIC  SCHOOL AND DISTRICT RESIDENTIAL
AND SCHOLASTIC ELIGIBILITY

Section 1: Each private school, district, or individual school within the Blossom Valley Athletic League may be more restrictive than Blossom Valley Athletic League, CCS, or CIF, but not less restrictive.

        ARTICLE 23:  STARTING DATES

Section 1:    Fall Sports:        Third (3rd) Monday in August

                    Winter Sports:    Third (3rd) Monday of October

                    Spring Sports:       First (1st)  Monday after December break

ARTICLE 24: DATE OF ACCEPTANCE

PASSED: OCTOBER 7, 1993 @ ARCHBISHOP MITTY HIGH SCHOOL

REVISED: OCTOBER 17, 1996

REVISED: APRIL 20, 1999

REVISED: APRIL 25, 2000

REVISED APRIL 30, 2001

REVISED    APRIL 23, 2002

REVISED APRIL 29, 2003

REVISED APRIL 29, 2004

REVISED APRIL 21, 2005

REVISED APRIL 25, 2006

REVISED APRIL 24, 2007