Middle School Athletics Manual

The governing body for the Stafford County Middle School Athletic Program shall be called the Athletic Council.

Purpose

The purpose of the Athletic Council is to see that the athletic programs of the middle school are given the proper guidance to operate with the highest possible standards.  In order to provide this guidance, the Athletic Council shall:

1. Develop rules that shall be used by the middle schools in all of their athletic programs.

2. Decide if these rules have been followed, and
3. Review the program each year and to make any changes which will help the program operate better.

Membership

The Athletic Council shall be composed of each middle school principal, athletic director, and the Coordinator for Athletics.  It is suggested that this body meet twice a year.

Quorum

A quorum shall consist of 75% of the members for a called meeting.

Voting

Voting shall be by a simple majority vote of all members present.  Each school must be represented. 

Meetings

The Middle School Athletic Directors and the Coordinator for Athletics shall set the agenda and capture the minutes for each meeting.

Responsibilities

The Athletic Council is responsible for the overall organization and operation of the middle school athletic program.  The council will be specifically responsible for:

1. Reviewing the Stafford County Middle School Athletic Handbook annually and making changes as deemed necessary.
2. Ruling on any protest brought before the Council of ADs/Principals in the third step of the protest procedure.

Rule 1

Section 1.     A participant cannot be 15 years of age as of August 1^st of that school calendar year.  Each student has only three years of eligibility if they meet the above age requirement.

Section 2.     Consideration of 6th grader’s participation on the designated middle school athletic teams is limited to the following sports:

• Girls Volleyball
• Girls Field Hockey
• Boys and Girls Basketball
• Wrestling
• Track and Field
• Girls Softball

Football is not an option for participation for 6th grade students due to the physical nature of the sport. Sixth-grade students may, however, serve as managers or assist on game days.

Section 3.     Scholastic Eligibility: The nine-week rule is in effect. To be eligible for participation in any sport, a student must meet the criteria established by the individual school and/or coach, including passing a minimum of five subjects per nine-week grading period.

Section 4.     Stafford County Athletics & Activities Code of Conduct (AACC): Student participation is contingent upon submitting a completed AACC signature packet, signed by both the student and a parent/guardian, either digitally or on paper, prior to the student's first game or match.

Section 5.     Physical Examination: All team members must have a physical examination on file at the school prior to tryouts. The VHSL physical form must be used. Physicals dated after May 1st, 2025, are valid for 14 months.

Section 6.     Absence from School: Students absent from school are ineligible to practice or play in a game unless granted written permission from the principal for an absence unrelated to sickness.

Rule 2

Section 1.      Employment:    All coaches and assistant coaches must be employed in accordance with the criteria established by the local school board.  Any volunteer must be twenty-one (21) years of age and meet proper Human Resources requirements.

Section 2.      Supervision:  The head coach, an assistant coach or a faculty representative must accompany each team to, during, and from each practice session or contest.  At least one coach must stay until the last student leaves the practice or the game.

Section 3.      Rules and Conduct: The coaches are responsible for seeing that the letter and the spirit of the rules are carried out both by their teams and themselves.  Failure to do so may result in dismissal from their coaching duties.

Rule 3

Section 1.      Fall Sports: Football, girls’ field hockey, girls’ volleyball, and girls’ basketball

Section 2.      Winter Sports: Boys’ basketball, and wrestling

Section 3.      Spring Sports: Girls’ track, boys’ track, and girls’ softball

Rule 4

Section 1.      There shall be a minimum of 2 days of try-outs for sports where cuts are made.

Section 2.      Each coach needs to use a written performance evaluation during try-outs and kept on file.

Rule 5 - Practice

Section 1.      Starting date: The earliest date for starting try-outs in all sports will be 20 school days before the first scheduled contest. 

Under no circumstances may any team start practice before the first day of school for students.  The starting dates for each sport will be established by the Athletic Council.

Section 2.      No Play/Practice Dates and Sunday practice: 

September 11	September 21
November 3	November 11
November 26	December 25
January 1	March 10
March 26

There will be no practice sessions or meetings on Sunday.

Section 3.      Out-of-Season practice: There will be no out-of–season practices.

Section 4.      Length of practice sessions:  All practices must be completed by 6:30 p.m. This limit applies to actual practice time and does not include dressing or transportation. Coaches should consider factors such as weather, transportation issues, and the students’ physical condition when determining the days and lengths of practices.

Section 5.        Intramural sports for a similar sport in the athletic program can not be held prior to tryouts for that sport or during the season of that sport.

First semester sports:  Girls’ volleyball, girls’ field hockey, football, girls’ basketball

Second semester sports:  Wrestling, boys’ basketball, boys’ track, girls’ track, girls’ softball

Rule 6 - Participation Limitation

A student cannot participate on two different sports teams at the same school during the same season.

Rule 7 - High School Participation

Stafford County Public Schools does not permit middle school student-athletes to compete, practice, or participate in any high school sport or conditioning program during the school year.  Exemption is made for Cheerleading and Dance due to the tryout process in May.  Middle School students may participate in 10 conditioning days in April/May to prepare for the tryout.

Rule 8 - Insurance

All students trying out for or participating on an athletic team must be covered by accident insurance. If a family does not have insurance and cannot afford to pay for coverage, the school will provide the student accident insurance policy available through the school system. A record must be kept on file confirming that each student has coverage.

Rule 9 - Safety Precautions

Section 1.      Supervision:  A coach or faculty representative must be present at every practice session and contest.

Section 2.      Equipment:    A first aid kit and AED should be present at every practice or contest.  All athletes must have properly fitting, required equipment for all practices or contests.  All equipment must meet ASTM Standards.

Section 3.      Weather:  Extreme heat, extreme cold, rain, or other adverse weather conditions should be carefully considered in deciding whether to practice or hold a contest.  Please see attached Heat & Lightning policy.

Section 4.      Emergencies:  Coaches must not attempt to diagnose injuries.  They should use simple first aid only.  Each student should have an emergency information form/sheet on file.  The phone number for rescue squads should be kept in a readily available place.  All coaches shall have training/certification in the following (prior to the start date of their season):

• First Aid/CPR/AED certified
• Medication and Diabetes training
• Concussion in Sports (for Coaches) from NFHS Learn

Section 5.      Eligibility lists: The standard Stafford Schools Middle Schools Eligibility List must be used.  Each school must save the Eligibility Lists to the Shared Drive. This list must arrive at least one day before the first scheduled contest of the sport.  If a student’s name does not appear on the eligibility list, then they are not eligible to participate.  Changes and additions may be made to the list, as long as the athletes do not participate in a contest until they have been listed on the eligibility list.  All information on the list must be checked for accuracy and the principal must sign the list. 

Rule 10 - Contest Days and Times

Section 1.      Contest days: All contests will be scheduled to accommodate official/umpire requests.

Section 2.      Contest time:   Each contest shall start by 5:00 p.m. or sooner when possible.  Track meets shall start by 4:45 p.m. or sooner when possible.  For all sports, each team shall get at least 10 minutes to warm-up, regardless of arrival time.

Section 3.      Night contest:  No contests will be scheduled at night unless special permission is granted.

Section 4.      Exceptions:   Make-up contests, county championships, use of high school facilities or other problems could cause changes in the normal contest days and times.

Rule 11 - Postponements and Cancellations

Section 1.      Closing of schools:  If schools are closed early, 2-hour delay, or not opened at all because of inclement weather or other emergencies, then all practices and contests will automatically be called for that day.

Section 2.      Mutual consent: The principals or designee of all involved schools may, by mutual consent, postpone or cancel athletics contests.

Section 3.      Responsibility for rescheduling: The home team Athletic Director is responsible for rescheduling any postponed contest and arranging for officials.  This is to be done with the agreement of all other involved schools.

Section 4.      Make-up dates:  Games are to be made up as soon as it is convenient for all involved schools.  All efforts should be made not to extend a season into another season.

Section 5.  No game or contest should be canceled until all other make-up possibilities have been exhausted.

Rule 12 - Admissions

Section 1.      Sports:  Admission will be charged for football, basketball, volleyball, field hockey, and wrestling.  There will be no admission charge for softball or track with the exception of the county track meet.

Section 2.      Prices:  Admission prices for all contests, including tournaments, will be as listed below:

Group	Cost
Adults	$3.00
Students/K-12	$3.00
Wrestling Tournament & County Track Meet	$5.00
Pre-School	No Charge
Senior Citizens	No Charge
Employees + One	No Charge
VHSL Pass	No Charge

Rule 13 - Transportation

All teams must be transported to and from all contests via county transportation unless the Superintendent of Schools gives special permission.  Each individual school is responsible for requesting or canceling their own transportation.

Rule 14 - Early Dismissal

Early dismissal for athletic competition from class time should be held to a minimum.  Early dismissal will be at the discretion of the Principal at each school.

Rule 15 - Trophies and Awards

Team trophies will be awarded to each county champion.  Trophies will be ordered at the beginning of each school year by the athletic director of the school where the County Tournament Fund is based.

Other awards to be ordered by the athletic director of the school where the County Tournament Fund is based are:

            Wrestling:      Medals           -           1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th places

            Track:             Medals           -           1^st - 4th Place

                                    Ribbons         -           5^th, 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th places

Section 1.      County Athletic Fund:  The treasurer (Dixon-Smith) shall be responsible for setting up a County Middle School Athletic Fund at his/her school.  All tournament gate funds should be sent to the treasurer at the end of tournament play.  All trophies and awards shall be paid for from this fund.

Section 2.      Deficits:  If the county events do not provide enough money to pay for all trophies and awards, then the treasurer is to determine the total deficit and bill each school equally.

Rule 16 - Equipment

Each school is responsible for the purchase and care of its own equipment.  Revenue for equipment may be from gate receipts, school board supplements, or fundraising projects.  Equipment should be purchased with the safety of the students as the highest priority. 

Rule 17 - Organization Meetings

Organizational meetings with students can be held before the first day of official practice.  These meetings can include the distribution of information and equipment, but under no circumstances shall there be any practice session until the first possible practice date.

Rule 18 - Coaches Meetings

The Middle School Athletic Director is to meet with all prospective coaches for an orientation of the athletic handbook, AACC document and official manuals. A pre-season coach’s meeting is mandatory for all coaches prior to their season starting.

Rule 19 - Sportsmanship and Disciplinary Action

1. Sportsmanship Violations: Any team member exhibiting poor sportsmanship is subject to disciplinary action by the coach and/or principal, which may include removal from the team.
2. Ejection and Suspension: Any player or coach ejected from a contest will be suspended for the next three scheduled contests.
3. Ejection Reporting and Communication: All ejections must be reported immediately to the respective school's Athletic Director and Principal for appropriate action. The principals of the involved schools will confer and alert the principal of the next contest regarding the suspension.
4. Return to Participation Requirements:
   • Player Return: Before a suspended player can return to competition, they must meet with the school's Athletic Director and the Coordinator of Athletics.
   • Coach Return: Prior to returning to coaching after serving the three-contest suspension, the coach must meet with the Executive Director for Middle Schools, the Coordinator for Athletics, and the Principal or Athletic Director.

Rule 20 - Tiebreakers, ½ Win & ½ Loss

Tie-Breaker Procedure will be as followed:

1.    Season record used when all games played (head to head).  In the event of a three way tie, three way tie numbers will be used to determine seeding.

Rule 21 - Job Responsibilities Of Middle School Athletic Director:

1. Manage the scheduling and rescheduling of all athletic events, including officials/referees.

2. Coordinate and process all transportation logistics, including bus scheduling and trip forms.

3. Ensure student-athlete eligibility by reviewing all required forms, including VHSL physicals and academic grades each nine-week period.
4. Oversee the preparation of fields/facilities in collaboration with coaches.
5. Manage the ordering and inventory of all athletic equipment.
6. Serve as the primary liaison between coaches and school principals.
7. Lead the review of the Athletic Manual and the Athletics & Activities Code of Conduct (AACC) with all coaches.
8. Attend all required professional development, including coaches education meetings and meetings with the Coordinator of Athletics and pre-season coaches meetings.
9. Attend and manage all home athletic events, including scheduling necessary event staff/workers. Administrators are responsible for crowd management and collection of gate fees to be secured after the event.

Rule 22 - Tournaments

During tournament play, there will be no “B Team” quarter. There will be no time limit for tournament games or events.  Example, there is no 2-hour time limit for softball.  However, the slaughter rule is still in effect.

Single Elimination Tournament Format:              1 – 8

(Highest Seed will Host)                                         4 – 5

                                                                                    3 – 6

                                                                                    2 – 7

Rule 23 - Coaching Ethics

As coaches in middle school athletics, we strive to exemplify the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play. Our commitment extends beyond the scoreboard to nurturing a positive environment where respect, integrity, and teamwork are paramount. We lead by example, instilling in our young athletes the values of good sportsmanship both on and off the field. Together, we celebrate victories with humility and learn from defeats with grace, fostering an atmosphere where every participant feels valued and supported. Our dedication to sportsmanship not only shapes our athletes' character but also enriches the broader community of sports. Let us continue to uphold these principles as we guide our students through their athletic journey.

BASKETBALL

Rule 1 - Sport Season

Girls Basketball will be played during the fall season

Boys’ Basketball will be played during the winter sports season.

Rule 2 - Schedule

All teams will play a regular game schedule followed by a tournament to be determined by regular season standings.

Rule 3 - Playing time

All teams will play 6-minute quarters in every game with a 6-minute halftime.

Rule 4 - Team Size

The number of players will be left up to each individual coach.

Rule 5 - Officials

Each game will have two officials. “B” Game should be officiated by officials.

Rule 6 - Rules

All games will be governed by the rules of the Middle School Athletic Council and VHSL.

Rule 7 - Full Team Participation (Fifth Quarter/B Game) To maximize player participation, a "Fifth Quarter" (B Game) will be played prior to the regularly scheduled contest. This quarter will be played under standard game conditions, but the score will not contribute to the official contest results. All team members must participate in either the Fifth Quarter, the regular game, or both. The only exceptions to this mandatory participation rule are a player's physical inability or disciplinary action by the coach or principal.

Rule 8 - Ethics & Sportsmanship

Any team leading by 20 points or more will begin substituting with only two starters on the floor at a time.  Teams may not continue to use a full or half-court press. 

FOOTBALL

Rule 1 - Sport Season

Football will be played during the fall sports season.

Rule 2 - Schedule

All teams will play a county game schedule.

Rule 3 - Playing Time

All teams will play eight-minute quarters in every game.

Rule 4 - Team Size

The size of the football team will be limited to a maximum of 45 athletes.

Rule 5 - Officials

Each game played shall have three or four officials. The B quarter will be called by the officials.  Championship game will have five officials (four on the field and the fifth in the booth).

Rule 6 - Rules

All games will be governed by the rules of the Middle School Athletic Council and VHSL.

Rule 7

Dark jersey - Home; Light jersey – Away

Rule 8 - Full Team Participation

In order to allow each member of the team to participate, a fifth quarter (“B” game) will be played prior to the start of the regular game.  This quarter will be played under actual game conditions, but the score will not be counted in the regularly scheduled contest.  Every member of the team must play in either the fifth quarter or the regular game or both.  The only exception to this rule would be physical inability of the athlete or disciplinary action by the coach or principal.

Rule 9 - Game Balls

All schools will use a TDY football. 

Rule 10 - Sportsmanship

Any team leading by 30 points or more may not have more than five (5) starters on the field.

Rule 11 - Ties

One set of downs from the opponent’s 10 yard line to score for each team.  If the game remains tied after one overtime round, a second overtime round will begin. If the game still remains tied, the game ends after this process.

WRESTLING 

Rule 1 - Sport Season

Wrestling season will take place during the winter sports season.

Rule 2 - Schedule

All teams will be scheduled to participate in dual meets and the county tournament.

Rule 3 - County Champion

There will be a county champion. The county tournament will be held at a county high school.  The wrestling tournament rotation starting with the 2009 - 2010 school year will be:  H.H. Poole, Gayle, Stafford, A.G. Wright, Drew, Thompson, and Heim Middle Schools.

Rule 5 - Full Team Participation

Section 1.     Exhibition Matches: Preliminary exhibition matches shall be arranged whenever possible.  There shall be a limit of 8 to the number of exhibition matches.  In these exhibitions, the coaches shall attempt to pair as many wrestlers together as their weight classes and safety restrictions allow.

Rule 6 - Length of Matches

Section 1.     Regular Matches: Each regular match of a meet shall consist of three two-minute periods.

Section 2.     Exhibition Matches: Exhibition matches shall consist of three one-minute periods.

Section 3. For the county tournament championship, matches will be 2-2-2 and consolation matches will be 1-2-2 periods.

Rule 7 - Weigh-In

Weigh-ins shall take place at least thirty minutes before the start of the first match. A wrestler will be allowed to weigh in wearing a uniform (singlet, shorts, compression shirt) and acceptable undergarments. If a wrestler does not make weight, they are not allowed to step off the scale to remove their uniform; however they are allowed to step off the scale, and then immediately step back on the scale in the event there is an error with the scale. Coaches will conduct the official weigh-ins. Wrestlers will need to wear suitable undergarments during competition.

Rule 8 - Weight Classes

The sixteen weight classes shall be 70 pounds, 78 pounds, 86 pounds, 94 pounds, 103 pounds, 110 pounds, 118 pounds, 126 pounds, 134 pounds, 142 pounds, 150 pounds, 160 pounds, 175 pounds, 189 pounds, 215 pounds and heavyweight up to 285 pounds. 

Rule 9 - Certification

Section 1.     Original Certification: Wrestlers can be weighed in for certification anytime starting with the first match and ending at the fourth scheduled meet. This shall be their certified weight.  The wrestler must wrestle at this certified weight class or the next higher weight class.

Section 2.     Recertification: In the event a wrestler certifies at one weight then weighs in at the next higher weight class the next week, they must recertify at the lower weight. In the event this weigh-in occurs on or after the 4^th match, the wrestler is locked into that higher weight for future matches to include the county tournament.

Section 3.     Certification List: After the original certification, each coach must present a complete roster of his team and each wrestler’s certified weight to every team that they compete against.  Coaches may use the same eligibility form with the certified weight written on it. The list will be maintained via a Google Document with the weights being inputted after each match.

Rule 10 - Weight Allowance

There shall be a weight growth allowance of one additional pound. For three matches in a week, the wrestler will be allowed an extra pound.

Rule 11 - County Tournament Seeding

During the season, each wrestler will receive 3 points for a win and 1 point for a loss for “A” team matches. These points will be tallied at the end of the season where they will be used to seed the wrestlers in each weight class. The wrestler with the highest point total will be seeded number 1 and the process will continue from there. In the event two wrestlers have the same points, the tie breaker criteria will be as follows:

• Who won the head to head match
• If tie still exists, who has the most number of wins in weight class
• If tie still exists, who has the most number of matches wrestled in weight class
• If tie still exists, a final coin flip

In the event three or more are tied, the same criteria will be used with the coin flip being substituted by a blind draw. Once there are two wrestlers left, it will revert back to the original criteria. Note: forfeits will count as a win and the wrestler will receive 3 points.

TRACK AND FIELD

Rule 1 - Sport Season

Track and Field will take place during the spring sport season.

Rule 2 - Schedule

All teams will be scheduled to participate in regular season dual meets and the county championship track meet.

Rule 3 - County Champion

There will be a county champion.  The county meet will be held at a county high school.

Rule 4 - Full Team Participation

Every member of the team is to participate in at least one event at every meet, unless he is physically unable or is being withheld because of disciplinary action of the coaches or principals.

Rule 5 - Rules

All meets will be governed by the Middle School Athletic Council and VHSL.

Rule 6 - Order of Events (County Meet)

Note: Due to the revised middle school schedule, a different track meet order of events may occur for the Dual Meets. 

Section 1.      Field Events: The field events will be shot put, discus, long jump, triple jump, and high jump.  The shot put will usually precede the discus and the long jump will usually precede the triple jump.  Special circumstances, such as combined boys’ and girls’ meets, may cause the order of field events to be changed.  Normally all field events will be completed before the running events will be started.

Section 2.      Running Events: The running events will be:  2400-meter run, 110-meter low hurdles, 100-meter dash, 1600-meter run, 400-meter relay, 400-meter dash, 800-meter run, 200-meter dash, 800-meter relay, and the 1600 meter relay. The 2400-meter will run during field events.

Rule 7 - Individual Limitations

Section 1.      Field Events: An athlete may participate in 4 field events.

Section 2.     Running Events: An athlete may participate in a maximum of three running events, provided that none of these three events is longer than a 400.  If an athlete runs in an event, which is longer than a 400, then he may run in a maximum of only two events. 

Rule 8 - Team Limitations 

Section 1.      Dual Meets shall have a maximum of 6 entrants in field events and sprint events.  All other running events will be unlimited (400 and up) with the exception of high jump, which will have 4 entrants.

Tri-Meets shall have a maximum of 4 entrants in field events and sprint events.  All other running events will be unlimited (400 and up).

Section 2.     County Meet: The following restrictions will apply in the County Meet:

a.    All field events - three entries per school.

b.    100, 200, 110m low hurdles – three entries per school.

c.     400, 800, 1600, 2400 – four (4) entries per school.

d.    Relays – no extra relay teams may be entered.

e.    Four (4) substitutes may be brought with the team for relays only.

f.      Non-participants will not travel with the team.

Rule 9 - Field Events

Section 1.     Attempts: Each competitor shall have three (3) attempts in the shot put, discus, high jump, long jump, and triple jump.

Section 2.     Shot Put: Shots shall weigh eight (8) pounds and shall be furnished by the individual teams.

Section 3.     Discus: The discus shall weigh one kilogram or two pounds 3.274 ounces and shall be furnished by the individual teams.

Section 4.     High Jump: High jump competition shall start at a height determined by the coaches prior to each meet, starting at 4’10” for Boys and 3’10’’ for Girls.   The bar raises two inches for the first two heights, one inch after that height is reached.   To qualify for the county meet, boys must have a recorded height of 5’3’’ and girls must have a recorded height of 4’3’’ during the regular season. 

Rule 10 - Hurdles

Section 1.     Low Hurdles: The low hurdles shall be set at a height of 30 inches.  There will be five hurdles with a 13.72 m (45 ft.) start and a 23.16 m (75 ft. 10.5 in.) finish.  The hurdles shall be spaced 18.288m or 60 feet apart.

Rule 11 - Team Size

The size of each team will be determined at the Coaches Meeting.

Rule 12 - Spikes

Spikes are not allowed at any meet.

Rule 13 - Concession Rotation for the County Meet ( work with the hosting HS)

Will be as follows: HH Poole, Gayle, Stafford, AG Wright, Drew, Thompson, and Heim.

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL

Pregame Schedule

Officials will arrive at 4:35 pm. At 4:45pm, a Captains/Coaches meeting will be held.  The Home Team has already secured their bench. At the conclusion of the meeting, a coin toss is conducted.  Winner gets to choose to serve or receive.  The result of the coin toss carries forward to the match.

Warm Ups

A 15 minute warm-up clock is set, and the countdown begins after the coin toss.  Both teams share the court to warm up for 5 minutes.  Then, the winner of the coin toss has the court alone for 5 minutes (which includes serving practice), and then the opponent has the final 5 minutes (again to include serving practice).

A “fifth quarter” set will begin at 5:00 pm, played to 25. 

Match
All matches will be best 2 of 3 to 25.  If there is a need for a 3rd set, that set will go to 15.  Prior to the deciding set, Captains will be called over, and the Official will conduct a coin toss with the Home team calling the toss.

The Libero position is up to the coach’s discretion. It is not mandatory for teams to use the Libero position.  If you do, the uniform must be "clearly contrasting" to the other uniform tops (e.g. navy blue tops; white libero top - shorts are the same).

GIRLS’ FIELD HOCKEY

Rule 1 - Sport Season

Girls’ field hockey will be played during the fall sports season.

Rule 2 - Schedule

All teams will play a regular game schedule followed by a tournament.  Seedings will be determined by regular season standings.

Rule 3 - Playing Time

All teams will play four, ten-minute quarters with a seven-minute max halftime.  There will be one timeout per game. A ten-minute (running clock) B game will precede each regulation game.  If there is a tie, a 10-minute overtime will be played – 7 vs. 7 with a sudden victory.  If necessary, a second 10-minute overtime will be played.  If there is not a winner, the game ends in a tie.  In the tournament, strokes will be used to determine a winner in the case of a tie after two overtime periods.

Rule 4 - Team Size

The number of players will be decided by the coach.

Rule 5 - Officials

It is recommended that each game will have two officials when available.

Rule 6 - Rules

The games will be governed by the rules of the Middle School Athletic Council and VHSL.

Rule 7 - Full Team Participation

In order to allow each member of the team to participate, a B game will be played prior to the start of the regular game.  This game will be played under actual game conditions, but the score will not be counted in the regularly scheduled contest.  Every member of the team must play in either the B game or the regular game or both.  The only exceptions to the rule would be physical inability of the athlete or disciplinary action by the coach or principal.

Rule 8 - Safety Equipment

Athletes may choose to wear protective eye goggles that are ASTM Field Hockey certified while on the field of play.

GIRLS’ SOFTBALL

Rule 1 - Sport Season

Girls’ fast pitch softball will be played during the spring sport season.

Rule 2 - Schedule

All teams will play a regular game schedule followed by a tournament.  Seedings will be determined by regular season standings.

Rule 3 - Length of Game

The length of the softball game shall be 7 full innings unless shortened by mutual consent or ruling of officials.  If one team is ahead by 10 runs after the opposing team has been at bat 5 times, or 12 runs after 4 at-bats, or 15 runs after 3 at-bats, the game will be called and the victory awarded to the leading team.  There will be a 2-hour time limit. No new inning will begin after 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Rule 4 - Pitching

The pitcher should be limited to five (5) or less warm-up pitches between innings if they pitched the previous inning.  If there is a pitching change, the new pitcher is limited to eight (8) or less warm-up pitches.

Rule 5 - Team Size

The number of players will be left up to the coach.

Rule 6 - Officials

Each game shall have one umpire.  The B game will be called by the coaches. Two officials should be used for tournament games if possible.

Rule 7 - Rules

All games will be governed by the rules of the Middle School Athletic Council and VHSL.

Rule 8 - Full Team Participation

In order to allow each member of the team to participate, an extra inning (“B” game) will be played prior to the start of the regular game.  This inning will be played under actual game conditions, but the score will not be counted in the regularly scheduled contest.  Every member of the team must play in either the extra inning or the regular game or both.  The only exceptions to the rule would be physical inability of the athlete or disciplinary action by the coach or principal.  Other B game particulars:  the B players will bat first in their team’s batting order, any player other than the starting A team pitcher can pitch, and there will be a 15 minute time limit at bat to ensure each team will bat and play the field.

Rule 9 - Equipment

Section 1.     Hitters and Runners: Each team member will wear a batting helmet when batting, running bases, or standing in the “on deck” circle.

Section 2.     Catchers: Each catcher will be equipped with a catcher’s mask, helmet, shin guards, and chest protector. This shall be worn while warming up a pitcher and during the games.

Section 3.     No metal cleats will be allowed.

	Stafford County Public Schools Greg Margheim, Coordinator of Athletics margheimga@staffordschools.net, (540) 658-6000 Katie Hodgkins, Middle School Athletic Trainer hodgkinscw@staffordschools.net
	A.G. Wright Middle School Jeff Wagnon, Athletic Director wagnonja@staffordschools.net; (540) 658-6240
	Dixon-Smith Middle School Shawn Thurston, Athletic Director thurstonse@staffordschools.net; (540) 899-0860
	Edward E. Drew Middle School Kristi Proudfoot and Corey Brooks, Athletic Directors proudfootkm@staffordschools.net; brooksca@staffordschools.net; (540) 371-1415
	H.H. Poole Middle School Sarah Dovel, Athletic Director dovelse@staffordschools.net; (540) 658-6190
	Rodney Thompson Middle School Angie Harding, Athletic Director hardingab@staffordschools.net; (540) 658-6420
	Shirley C. Heim Middle School Kim Lewis, Athletic Director lewiskj@staffordschools.net; (540) 658-5910
	Stafford Middle School Paul McFarland, Athletic Director mcfarlandps@staffordschools.net; (540) 658-6210
	T. Benton Gayle Middle School Shelly Jones, Athletic Director jonessl@staffordschools.net; (540) 373-0383