2011-12 IAAM Middle School Rules and Regulations

Statement of Purpose

IAAM Middle Schools are an extension of our Upper Schools and embrace the same philosophy in spirit and in actuality.  Additionally, IAAM Middle Schools are dedicated to providing balance, skill development, and equitable competition within the framework of the league.  

Schedules will be provided for cross country, tennis and track.  Structure will be provided for field hockey, lacrosse, basketball, winter soccer, and fall soccer.

Rules modifications for middle schools sports will be formulated and updated with the highest consideration given to promoting fair play, appropriate competition and sportsmanship.

Sport Chairpersons

PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

Basketball

1. Duration of play will be 10-minute running time for A, B, and C teams, with stop clock on shooting fouls, and stop clock on every whistle in last one minute of each quarter;
2. If there is a 15-point difference in the score, there will be a "no press" rule in effect. (Within the spirit of the rule, this ruling relates to "any type of press", at any point in the game;
3. Backcourt is called but there is no "time restriction" in the back court;
4. There is no 30-second shot clock;
5. Three seconds in lane is called;
6. There will be a "Stop Clock" on all foul shots;
7. Teams will be allowed four (4) Full Timeouts; there are no "short" time outs;
8. The "Home School" will provide basketballs and water for visiting teams;
9. The "Home Team" will provide an "Official Timer" and scorer at the table, but visiting team may also provide a scorer to sit at the table;
10. The "Home Team" will  provide scrimmage vests and ice;
11. No jewelry, barrettes, plastic headbands etc.
12. There will be a "Restricted Movement" of players along the lane which will be in effect until the ball touches rim or backboard, or until free-throw ends. All players will stay out of the lane until ball touches rim;
13. Overtime:  Two minutes, stop clock on shooting fouls.  One timeout allowed.
14. The game will remain a "tie", if not decided at the end of one (1) overtime period.

Cross Country

1. Race Distance – 2 miles
2. Walk through – 3:30 p.m.; Race Start Time – 4:00 p.m.

Field Hockey

1. Length of play is 2 twenty-five minute halves

Lacrosse

A, B, C teams will play:

1. Modified checking (below the shoulder).  A stick must be presentable;
2. The length of play is two (2) 20-Minute halves with running time except in the last Two-Minutes when the clock is stopped on goals or violations;
3. Teams will not play the "Pass Rule";
4. The Three (3) second rule is in effect;
5. All protective equipment on is listed on page 82 of the NFHS Rule Book (this includes padding on shins and thighs);
6. When there is a four (4) - goal differential, the team with fewer goals will start with a "free position" at the center circle.  The center with the ball may not shoot until the ball has been played by another player.

Soccer

1. Games will consist of two (2) - 25 minute halves;
2. If the game ends in a tie, there will be no overtime;
3. Teams will play straight soccer rules;
4. Substitutions will be allowed on either team's throw in;

Softball
(Keep sheet in your scorebook to share with other coaches and umpires)
*Indicates new rules and or modification

1. MS will play 7 innings or a *1½ hour limit for play. If a team has a 15 run lead after 5 innings the "mercy" run is in effect.  Keep in mind that the HOME team does get their last bat if behind in the score.
2. During each half of an inning there will be a 5 run limit rule with continuation of play. *You may walk in a run as long as it does not exceed 5 runs.
3. Stealing Rule- If second base is unoccupied a runner may steal first to second base only after the pitcher releases the ball. *A runner may also steal 3rd base but not home.
4. There is no "dropped third strike". If the MS catcher drops the third strike, the batter is still out.
5. MS softball coaches have the option to bat nine (9) players or their entire team. All batting orders must be completed in a "consecutive" order. 1 -9 or 1-20.
6. MS pitchers have to start with both feet on the rubber before presenting the ball. *MS pitchers will still pitch from 40 feet not 43 feet as mandated for high school teams.
7. MS can also adopt having 10 fielders as opposed to 9 because of numbers. Both coaches should meet prior to play with the umpire for al changes.

Tennis

1. 4 doubles' and 3 singles' matches;
2. 8 game pro set, regular scoring;
3. 12 point tie breaker at 8, all in the pro set;
4. Minimum warm-up time is 20 minutes;

Volleyball

1. A Match is best two out of three games;
2. Games are played to 25, rally scoring, win by two (2);
3. Game 3 is played to 15, rally scoring win by two (2);
4. Teams may use the Libero rule
5. Warm-up will consist of five (5) minute joint warm up, then five (5) minutes of hitting for each team, and two minutes for serving.