Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association Manual
GICAA, LLC Manual for Athletic Competition
General Information
The GICAA, LLC will begin its inaugural season in 2013. The purpose for starting the GICAA, LLC is to
promote high school and middle school athletics for students in Christian Schools, Independent Schools,
as well as giving opportunities for athletic competition to those athletes who may receive a non-traditional
education. Although the GICAA, LLC will promote and encourage Christian values, the league will not have
any direct affiliation with a particular school, church or any other organization. This will eliminate any conflict
of interest problems. All divisions will have the schools and organizations within the division following the
same rules. This will level the playing field to ensure that each school or organization will have the same
opportunities to reach their highest potential. Nothing will be left vague or subject to interpretation by a
third party.
The Goal of the GICAA, LLC
The goal of the GICAA, LLC is to create an environment where high school and middle school students can
compete at their levels yet still be encouraged to grow in their faith. The GICAA, LLC understands that its
member schools, although they will be competing against each other, are all part of the same team (God’s
team). The GICAA, LLC desires to unite Christ-Centered schools, Independent Schools and Learning
Centers who wish to impact and influence their students through athletics. The GICAA, LLC member
schools will work together to create a competitive athletic environment that honors God at all levels. The
GICAA, LLC and its members schools should strive to set a Godly example of excellence.
GICAA, LLC Core Faith Statements
The primary goal of school athletics should be to teach life lessons and life skills that will equip and prepare
our young men and women for the world beyond school athletics. Also our desire is to provide the very
best opportunity for those who wish to play at the next level. Winning is important, but it is not the most
important thing. Bringing honor and glory to God in how we play is more important than winning. “It is
possible to win a game…yet lose our ability to shine light into a dark world.”
Every school, athletic director, coach, team and athlete should strive to do their very best because God is
honored when we give our best to him. Athletic Directors, coaches, teams and athletes should understand
that, because of their position, they carry a great deal of influence and should act accordingly. Coaches
hold an enormous amount of influence with their athletes. Therefore, member schools should choose their
coaches carefully and prayerfully. Athletic competition can be and should be conducted in a way that brings
honor and glory to God and draws people to Him.
If athletic competition is done properly, win or lose, it will promote mutual respect and encouragement from
schools, teams and players. If athletic competition divides us and produces discord and strife, then it
ceases to be God-honoring. Schools should have the opportunity to compete in a safe and Godly
environment without unnecessary distractions.
Although league parity is almost impossible, teams should have the opportunity to compete on a level
playing field.
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Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association Manual
Government Infrastructure
The GICAA, LLC will have a President, Executive Director, Director of Operations and a League
Administrator whose sole purpose is to serve the member schools in the association. All forms will be
submitted to the league office. The league office will be responsible for the following:
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Sanction of all rosters
Collection of all forms and documents of member schools and organizations
Setting Regional and State Tournaments
Answering all questions for member schools and organizations
GICAA, LLC Committees
GICAA, LLC will have three working committees within each division: a rules committee, a dispute
committee and an executive committee. The rules committee will comprise of 1-3 members from schools
within each region from each division. The purpose of the rules committee will be to discuss and/or
amend current rules within the division. Each school or organization will be able to cast one vote for a
proposed change. A majority decision is needed to change or amend a rule. The dispute committee will
comprise of a three-member panel from each division. If a dispute arises within a division, the threemember dispute committee from the other division will hear the dispute and a majority decision will
determine the verdict. This will avoid any conflict of interest within a division. The executive committee
will comprise of headmasters and/or athletic directors who will look at the overall working of the league.
Dispute Resolutions
If any dispute arises within the league, it is our hope that the dispute committee will be able to resolve the
situation with a fair and balanced solution. If by chance a solution cannot be found, grounds for
dismissing a school or an organization from the GICAA, LLC will include:
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Breaking the rules set out by the GICAA, LLC
Breaking the playing or safety rules as set out by the National Federation of High Schools
Being delinquent on paying league fees
High frequency of teams from member school cancelling games without timely notice or none at
all
Membership Entrance Requirements
Admittance in to the GICAA, LLC will include filling out an entrance application and sending it to the
league office. There is no charge for applying for league membership. Once the application is received,
the GICAA, LLC will send a representative to your school. If a school meets the requirements and is
accepted into the GICAA, LLC, all other member schools and organizations within the division will be
notified. No member school can begin a new calendar year as a league member if any fees are due. All
past due fees must be current by the date in the Individual Sports Calendar.
Insurance and Liability
All schools or organizations are responsible for insuring their own athletes. GICAA, LLC member schools
must complete the Insurance/Liability Waiver found on the website www.gicaasports.com on a yearly
basis.
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School Contracts
Scheduled games for any of the athletic competitions offered will be considered a game contract between
those schools. Failure to uphold the contract without notice to a competing school will result in a penalty.
Refer to the League Fees and Penalty section for more details.
Forms
Required forms will be available on the league website www.gicaasports.com. Please refer to the
Calendar of Events for sport specific due dates.
Associational Meetings
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All members are required to attend league meetings
To participate in any of the available sports, member schools will meet at a given location for a
schedule planning for the respected sports that they wish to participate in due season
Dates for League Meetings-please refer to the ISC
Season Pass List
Member schools must fill out the seasonal pass list form located on the website. The pass list may include
Head of School, Assistant Head of School, Athletic Director, Head Coaches and one Assistant Coach per
sport. You will only receive passes for the sports your school participates in with the GICAA, LLC. Each
pass will admit one person and one guest.
School Directions
Member schools are required to provide detailed directions to their home facility and/or field where they
host games. For any changes in the host location, the member school is responsible for notifying the
visiting team and must send updated information to the league office. Host field or facility must meet the
requirements stated in the gaming rules and regulations for the respected sport being played. Location
details will be available on the website.
Individual Sports Calendar (ISC)
Reference for member schools to refer to for proper practice dates for specific sports, league meetings,
etc.
Legal/Illegal Practice Dates
Legal practice dates are established for each sport (please refer to the ISC for sports specific dates) and
schools shall not conduct or allow an illegal practice.
1. At any given point in time, only one (1) coach in a sport may work with up to three (3) athletes’ skillbuilding drills. Illegal practices are defined as practices involving four or more students participating in
extracurricular activity in the presence of, or under the direct or indirect supervision of any coach of the
school.
2. Any team practice occurring after the beginning of the school year and before the opening of the
designated season is an illegal practice.
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3. Any practice occurring after the end of the season for that team till the end of the school year for
students in that school is an illegal practice. Teams that would like to participate in a national or
additional post-season tournament other than the GICAA, LLC end-of-season tournament must submit
a request to the GICAA, LLC office for approval.
Summer Policy
Summer is defined from the last day of school until fall sports practice begins as posted on the website.
Please refer to the ISC calendar for sport specific dates.
The GICAA, LLC does not sanction, sponsor, promote, approve or disapprove any individual school’s
summer activity.
1. Each GICAA, LLC School has the right and privilege of choosing the degree and nature of
involvement for summer activities which the school takes sole responsibility.
2. Practices, camps, clinics, leagues, etc. may be held during the summer months. Football practices
in pads are restricted to Fall starting dates published in the GICAA, LLC manual.
3. All activities must be strictly voluntary.
4. “Dead Week” must be observed during the week (Sunday through Saturday) in which the Fourth of
July falls each year. Schools are prohibited from participating in voluntary workouts, camps and/or
clinics, weight training or competitions during the week.
Rosters
Rosters must be submitted by the sport specific due date. Please refer to the ISC. Roster forms are
located on the GICAA, LLC website.
1. If the official roster is not submitted this will result in removal of team from league.
2. Date for finalized roster can be found in the ISC.
3. Allowed number of Alternative Education Students can be found in the General Sports
Information section of the GICAA, LLC manual.
4. There will be no player limit restrictions on the roster as long as no AES athletes on the roster.
5. All rosters will be reviewed and sanctioned by the league office before the season begins.
Game Contests
1. Games schedules must be turned in by the date in the ISC and will be considered an official contract
game between those schools in the division.
2. Finalized schedules must be submitted to the league office by the sport specific due date found on
the ISC.
3. Current standings of teams from respected competition will be posted on the GICAA, LLC website.
4. After the regular season is completed, regional tournament seeding will be based on the school’s
standing.
5. Varsity games for the sports stated in the league competition section must have the latest start
times for games.
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Game Results
1. Games Results must be updated on the GICAA, LLC website.
2. Results must be sent in within two days of that week or the team will be subject to penalty.
Policies and Procedures
League Rules for Athletic Competitions
Gaming Rules and Regulations
All athletics will be played under the rules and regulations of the National Federation of High School Rules
(NFHS) for the specified sport unless changes are adopted by the rules committee. Swimming will use the
United States Swimming (USS) Rules and Regulations book. Tennis will use the United States Tennis
Association (USTA) Rule Book. Golf will use the United States Golf Association (USGA) Rules of Golf.
Equipment
Equipment allowed in sports will also be based from the guidelines listed in gaming rules and the regulation
section for the respected sport.
Varsity Players
Grade Level Requirements are as follows:
1. 7th grade and above (exception for football)
2. 9th grade and above for football
Schools can submit a request to the GICAA, LLC league office for approval if a school needs to allow 6 th
graders to play non-contact varsity level sports. Request will only be considered if liability is not an issue.
Junior Varsity Players
Grade Level Requirements are as follows:
-6th grade and above and must be below the age of 16 by May 1 st of the sport year
Undue Influence
1. Undue influence to persuade a student for athletic purposes offered in the GICAA, LLC is not
permitted and will result in penalties to that member school. Student may have to forfeit eligibility
for one year from the date of enrollment.
2. Undue influence is defined by the GICAA, LLC as personal contact by coaches and sponsors in an
attempt to persuade transfer by gifts of money, jobs, supplies, clothing, free transportation,
admission to contests, invitations to attend practices and/or games or free tuition or transfer from
another school.
3. Reports or accusations of this rule being violated by a school will be investigated and handled by
the dispute committee.
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Scholarships
1. No student will be allowed a scholarship purely for athletic purposes.
2. The league office will determine whether or not a scholarship and/or financial aid are being given
for athletic purposes.
Travel Teams
A GICAA, LLC coach may not coach a non-GICAA, LLC team in a competitive setting during the school
year that includes any player(s) who participate in the sport he/she coaches at the member school.
EXECPTION: In a situation in which the child or step-child of the coach is the ONLY player on a nonschool team from the coach’s school, the coach would be exempted from this rule.
Make-up Games
Schools must work cooperatively in case of a circumstance that does not allow gameplay for the teams
involved and they should re-schedule a game within 48 hours. In case of teams not being able to do so
within the time limit, the league office should be contacted.
Regional Tournaments
Regional Tournaments will be held after the end of the regular season.
Hosting:
1. Dates for regional tournaments will be in the ISC.
2. Location of the regional tournament will be based on the team standings and the higher seeded
team will be honored with hosting the lower seeded team.
3. Host team facility or field must meet requirements stated in the guidelines under gaming rules and
regulations section for the respected sport.
4. The league office will set the admission prices.
5. Referees will be provided by the host school and must be paid from the host school profits.
6. Trophies and regional plaques will be paid for from the gate proceeds by the host school.
7. Host school will keep all profits from the gate and concession stands once officials and trophies
are paid for.
Standings
After the regular season is completed, tournament seeding will be based on the school’s standing.
State Tournaments
1. State tournaments will be hosted at a neutral site.
2. Location and date can be found in the ISC.
3. Sites may be subject to change based on agreement from schools participating in the state
tournament.
4. In the case of an urgent decision needed, the league office will choose state tournament location.
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5. The league office will set admission prices.
6. Only varsity teams participate in the state tournament.
7. The facility or field must meet requirements stated in guidelines under gaming rules and regulations
section for the respected sport. Referees will be provided by the league.
8. GICAA, LLC will keep all profits for gate and concessions.
9. Member schools may be asked to provide volunteers for State Championships.
Teams qualifying for the state tournament are required to compete. If a team qualifies and does not
attend, the following will apply:
1. First offense: the school will be subject to a $500 fine.
2. Second offense: the school will be subject to a $500 fine forfeiture of participation in the next
season’s play-offs.
School Size and Student Classifications
School sizes and student classifications will be based on the following criteria:
Division 1:
Schools that will use only their student body to fill rosters. There will be no AES athletes.
Division 2:
Schools that need to supplement rosters with a small number of AES athletes in order to have a sports
team.
Division 3:
Open division for pure homeschool programs and schools that need to supplement with larger number of
AES athletes than allowed for in Division 2.
Each division can consist of a one (A), two (AA) and three (AAA) classification based on the size of the
programs within the division.
Certification of Eligibility
Birth Certificates:
1. Member schools are responsible for the Certification of Birth of their students participating in athletic
competitions if there is a need for verification.
2. Alternative education students (AES) who are not enrolled into a member school are required to
present and turn in a copy of their Birth Certificate and report card to the league office for allowance
to participate in any of the athletic competitions offered by the GICAA, LLC.
3. If a player reaches the age of 19 before May 1st, they will not be eligible to participate in any of the
athletic competitions.
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Student Eligibility
Academics
1. Students must take three full time classes in high school to be considered as a full time “enrolled
student” for division two. If only taking three classes, he/she must be passing all three classes to
be eligible to play. If the student is taking five classes, he/she must be passing four classes to be
eligible to play. If the student is taking four classes, he/she must be passing three classes to be
eligible to play.
2. A student must be taking the appropriate number of subjects each year to be on track, from the
school they are attending or from the homeschool program they are enrolled in, in order to remain
eligible to graduate in four years.
3. If a student is not eligible after the first semester he/she may be allowed to become eligible in the
third nine weeks of the second semester.
4. Summer school credits are limited to two credits. Cases with extreme circumstances can be
appealed and this rule will not have any effect on units schools count toward graduation.
5. The eight (8) semester rule begins in the 9th grade. (This is for all full time enrolled students,
homeschool students and AES athletes.) This means the student must complete eligibility within
eight (8) consecutive semesters from the students first day of 9 th grade. Those students will be
eligible to participate in all athletic and literary events. Seventh graders who participate on a varsity
level must meet the eligibility requirements and may only play on varsity level in the 7 th grade for
one year. Eighth graders who participate on a varsity level must meet the eligibility requirements
and may only play on the varsity level in the 8th grade for one year. In other words, a 7th or 8th
grader who participates on a varsity level cannot repeat the 7 th or 8th grade and play on the varsity
level again in the same grade.
6. Once a homeschool student has taken the ninth grade homeschool test, they have three years left
of eligibility in the GICAA, LLC. In other words, the varsity player has four years of eligibility to
compete on a varsity level.
7. A student who turns 19 before May 1st will not be eligible to play varsity sports the following school
year.
8. A student cannot participate in any athletic contest as a professional under contract.
9. Students are only eligible when listed on a properly certified eligibility roster filed with the GICAA,
LLC league office. Eligibility will be effective on the date sanctioned by the GICAA, LLC league
office.
10. If a parent is a full time employee of a GICAA, LLC member school and changes schools as a
coach or full time employee, then the child of the employee can compete at the new school without
losing eligibility. This school will then become that student’s home base for athletics. (Full time
employee is considered 20 or more work hours a week)
11. Once a home school student has taken the 12th grade home school test and passed, he/she is no
longer eligible to play sports for a GICAA, LLC school. All other students who are considered AES
athletes must meet the same eligibility as an enrolled student.
Exchange & Foreign Students
The GICAA, LLC recognizes all exchanges programs that are approved through the Council on Standards
for International Educational Travel (CSIET)
1. Foreign exchange students registered with a CSIET approved program are eligible without
appearing before the Appeal Board if they arrive before September 15.
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2. Foreign exchange students registered with a CSIET approved program that arrive after September
15 must appear before the Rules Committee to be considered eligible. Once approved, as long as
they stay in the same high school for consecutive years, they will not have to go before the appeals
board again.
3. Foreign students that live with family and arrive in this country legally are eligible.
4. Foreign students that arrive in this country legally and are not living with family and are not under
an approved exchange program must appear before the Rules Committee to be considered eligible.
Once approved, as long as they stay in the same high school for consecutive years, they will not
have to go before the appeals board again.
5. Please submit all foreign and exchange student’s information in writing to the GICAA, LLC office
and not online along with the student’s transcript.
6. If your school is not approved by CSIET and you develop your own Foreign Exchange Program or
you have used a different program, you must file any and all paperwork with the GICAA, LLC by
May 1st of the preceding school year for acceptance or rejection.
7. All foreign exchange students will need to meet all other eligibility requirements as noted above.
Joint Enrollment
Students who are jointly enrolled in the GICAA, LLC and a local college must meet the following criteria to
be deemed eligible:
1. At least ½ of the classes taken by the student must be scheduled and taken at the GICAA, LLC
school.
2. The GICAA, LLC school and the college must award the student full and graduation credits for
jointly enrolled classes.
Home School/Alternative Education Students (AES)
The purpose of having AES in the GICAA, LLC is to help smaller schools fill their rosters. AES athletes
can only be used to fill rosters, not to gain a competitive advantage. The GICAA, LLC further believes that
all athletes should have the opportunity to participate in a competitive league.
The GICAA, LLC will use the definition of the Georgia Accrediting Commission to define home school
students or those using some other form of alternative education. The definition provides that students can
spend a maximum of 60% of their time at a learning center. A minimum of 40% of their time must be spent
studying at home or a place designated by the parents. These students can receive their education through
home school groups or cyber schools.
Regulations for AES Athletes
1. AES athletes must meet the same admission qualification guidelines that any other student would
need to meet to be accepted by the member school. AES athletes are not required to go through
the admission process of the school, but they should meet the same requirements as if they were
being accepted as a full time student.
2. Member schools must submit birth certificates and a report card to the GICAA, LLC by sport specific
due date.
3. No public school student who attends school at a physical building (out of home) may participate.
4. AES athletes must live within 30 miles of a member school.
5. Students enrolled in less than three full time classes at a member school are considered AES
athletes. Students enrolled in three or more full time classes at a member school are considered
a full time student.
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6. All AES athletes have four years of eligibility beginning in the 9 th grade.
7. All AES athletes will have a “home based” school. Once the AES athletes begins their 9 th grade
playing for a member school, the AES student is ineligible for one year if they transfer to another
GICAA, LLC school without a legitimate move.
8. AES athletes will play under the authority of the GICAA, LLC and must be academically eligible as
stated in the Student Academic Requirements.
9. AES athletes will be noted on a special section of the roster.
10. Once the final roster is due, NO AES athletes may be added. New enrolled full time students may
be added up to thirty calendar days prior to the Regional Playoffs.
The use of AES (Alternative Educated Students / Homeschool students) in Division 2 is to provide help in
filling out a roster for a particular sport. Once an AES student plays for a member school, that member
school becomes the home school for the AES for as long as the AES athletes are playing in the GICAA,
LLC unless the athlete sits out for one year.
In order to use an AES athlete a member school must first determine if they do not have enough enrolled
students to make a complete roster for a particular sport. If a school decides to use AES athletes to fill a
roster they will be subject to a maximum roster limit, which comprises of both the enrolled students and
AES as seen below:
Cross Country
Volleyball
Basketball
Soccer
Baseball
Softball
Tennis
Golf
Competition Cheer
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12
12
16
16
16
10
6
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AES athletes CANNOT make up the majority of a member schools roster for a sport, enrolled students
must make up at least 50% of the roster. Schools may play at the roster limit or below the roster limits as
seen in example below:
VOLLEYBALL EXAMPLE:
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If a school has 12 or more enrolled students on their rosters NO AES athletes may be on
the roster.
If a school has 11 enrolled students on their roster then 1 AES athletes may be used to
fill the maximum roster
If a school has 10 enrolled students on their roster then UP TO 2 AES athletes may be
used to fill the maximum roster
If a school has 9 enrolled students on their roster then UP TO 3 AES athletes may be
used to fill the maximum roster
If a school has 8 enrolled students on their roster then UP TO 4 AES athletes to fill the
maximum roster
If a school has 7 enrolled students on their roster then UP TO 5 AES athletes to fill
maximum roster
If a school has 6 enrolled students on their roster then UP TO 6 AES athletes may be
used.to fill maximum roster
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If a school has 5 enrolled students on their roster then UP TO 5 AES athletes may be
used as AES students cannot comprise of more than 50% of the roster.
SPECIAL NOTE:
If a school has an AES athlete on the roster for one year and the following school year it has enough
enrolled students to fill their roster, the AES student will still be eligible to play with the school. The AES
student may continue play until their 4 year eligibility expires, even though the maximum roster limits
would be exceeded. This only applies if the AES student played in PRECEDING SEASON with the team
and no other AES students may be added.
For Schools not using AES students there are no minimum or maximum roster limits and they may have
as many of their enrolled students on their rosters as they wish.
Any JV players that play both JV and Varsity must be on both rosters and they will go toward the enrolled
student count on BOTH rosters.
Virtual Classes
Virtual Classes are considered to be classes that are taken online or by computer. Virtual Class students
can be considered AES athletes under the following conditions:
1. The virtual class must be an accredited class by SACS, ACSI, etc.
2. Students can only compete with a GICAA, LLC member school and no other organization/college,
etc for that sport.
3. All Virtual Class students must meet the same academic eligibility standards as enrolled students.
Other Eligible Students
Students from other private schools may be considered AES athletes and may participate on a limited basis
in athletics with GICAA, LLC member schools if the following qualifications are met:
1. The member school making the request must have a legitimate numbers problem in fielding a team
in that sport.
2. The non GICAA, LLC school cannot offer the same sport in a competitive sports program.
3. The student must be enrolled as a full time student in the non GICAA, LLC school.
4. The student must live within 30 miles of the GICAA, LLC member school.
5. The student must not be competing in any competitive sports at any other schools.
6. Other eligible students are under the same eligibility guidelines, academic standards, age and grade
requirements of the GICAA, LLC.
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League Fees
*Refer to the ISC for Fee Due Date. JV & Varsity Girls count as one team and JV & Varsity Boys
count as one team.
**For the 2013-2014 school year only, Fall and Winter sports will count as one season.
Fall Sports
Winter Sports
Spring Sports
Football
Volleyball
Cross Country
Soccer
Basketball
Competition Cheerleading
Swimming
Baseball
Softball
Track & Field
Golf
Tennis
Soccer
Fall Sports Fees
-1 Sport = $400.00
-2 Sports = $600.00
-3 or more =$800.00
Winter Sports Fees
-1 Sport = $400.00
-2 Sports = $600.00
-3 or more = $800.00
Spring Sports Fees
-1 Sport = $400.00
-2 Sports = $600.00
-3 or more = $800.00
Gate Admission Fees
*Ages 8 and under are free for all events
*Schools are allowed to charge a gate fee up to the max value stated in the regular season column.
Regular & Region Season
State Tournament
Fall Sports Except Football & Basketball
Adults up to $5.00 max
Students up to $5.00 max
Fall Sports Except Football & Basketball
Adults $8.00
Students $5.00
Football
Football
Adults up to $7.00 max
Students up to $5.00 max
Adults $10.00
Students $7.00
Basketball
Basketball
Adults up to $5.00 max
Students up to $5.00 max
Adults $8.00
Students $5.00
Spring Sports
Spring Sports
Adults up to $5.00 max
Students up to $5.00 max
Adults $5.00
Students $5.00
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Penalty Policies
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A member school has seven days to pay a fine once they have received the official notification from
the GICAA, LLC.
After seven days the fine will double.
After 14 days past due all games played will count as a forfeit until the fine is paid.
All fines are to be paid in full before a team can participate in the region or state tournaments.
Cancellations/No-Shows
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Cancelling School will pay cost of officials when games are cancelled that aren’t weather related.
The league office must approve changes to the schedules with at least a week’s notice prior to the
first game.
School is responsible to pay all financial costs associated with the missed game up to $250.00.
No Fine: Seven days or more notice is given before date of the scheduled game and approved by the
league office and the other team(s) involved.
$100.00 Fine: Seven days or less before date of the event. Cancellation of a game seven days or less
before date of the event will be paid to the league and the other school involved.
$200.00 Fine: Second cancellation in the year will be paid to the league office and the other school
involved.
$400.00 Fine: Third Cancellation of the year the school may face possible expulsion from the
association for the remainder of the school year.
$500.00 Fine: Cancellation 10 days or less of a football game must pay fine to league office and other
school involved.
Weather and Heat:
$500.00-$1,000.00 Fine: Member school violating the weather and heat provisions can be fined
between the amounts stated above and could result in possible expulsion from the GICAA, LLC.
Rules and Violations
$50.00 Fine:
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Not updating game results to website within two business days
Not sending in Technical Foul/Ejection Report after a written warning
Late on paying league fees by due date
Late on sending rosters to office by due date
First offense fine when coach is ejected from game
First offense fine when player is ejected from game
Any fan asked to leave the premises, or acting in a manner subjecting an official to an
undue threat by physical or verbal assault will be treated as an ejection and said fan will
not be allowed to attend the next game played by their team.
$75.00 Fine:
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Second offense fine when player is ejected from game
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$125.00 Fine:
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Schools must pay league office a fine if they decide to remove a sport after the due
date. All dates can be found in the ISC.
$175.00 Fine:
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Second offense fine when coach is ejected from game
General Sports Information
This section is designed to answer general questions for all sports. Please refer
to the sport specific sections for specific sport rules.
*The GICAA, LLC has adopted many of the principles found in The National
Federation High School Handbook. The GICAA, LLC will follow the NFHS
guidelines unless noted in sport specific area.
Coaches
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Coaches are required to attend the regional meetings.
Head coaches must be at least 21.
No student coaches allowed.
All coaches must be dressed in proper school attire.
The GICAA, LLC suggest that every coach visit www.nfhs.org for rule updates and
continued education.
The following is The Code of Ethics adopted from The National Federation High
School Handbook:
Code of Ethics: The function of a coach is to educate students through participation in interscholastic
competition. An interscholastic program should be designed to enhance academic achievement and should
never interfere with opportunities for academic success. Each student should be treated with the upmost
respect and his or her welfare should be considered in decisions by the coach at all times. Accordingly,
the following guidelines for coaches have been adopted by the NFHS Board of Directors.
The Coach shall be aware that he or she has as tremendous influence, for either good or ill, on the
education of the student and thus shall never place the value of winning above the value of instilling the
highest ideals of character.
The Coach shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession. In all personal contact with students,
officials, athletic directors, school administrators, the state high school athletic association, the media and
the public, the coach shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct.
The Coach shall take an active role in the prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.
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The Coach shall avoid the use of alcohol and tobacco products when in contact with players.
The Coach shall promote the entire interscholastic program of the school and direct his or her program in
harmony with the total school program.
The Coach shall master the contest rules and shall teach them to his or her team members. The coach
shall not seek an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or letter of the rules.
The Coach shall exert his or her influence to enhance sportsmanship by spectators, both directly and by
working closely with cheerleaders, pep club sponsors, booster clubs and administrators.
The Coach shall respect and support contest officials. The coach shall not indulge in conduct which would
incite players or spectators against the officials. Public criticism of officials or players is unethical.
The Coach should meet and exchange cordial greetings with the opposing coach to set up the correct tone
for the event before and after the contest.
The Coach shall not exert pressure on faculty members to give student special consideration.
The Coach shall not scout opponents by any means other than those adopted by the league and/or state
high school athletic association.
Game Administrator
All schools must assign a Game Administrator for all home games. The Game Administrator must make
themselves known to the Officials prior to the start of the game. This person should be in Administration
from the home school.
Game Book and Clock Operations
Game book and clock operations of varsity games, meets, matches and contests must be done by ADULTS
only and remain at the scorekeepers table for the entire game.
Individual Sports Calendar (ISC)
Refer to ISC for specific dates for:
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Fee due date
Roster due date
Schedule due date
Pass list due date
Official practice start date
Official opening game day
Last regular season game
Regional and State Tournaments
Officials
All officials for varsity athletic contests will be members of an approved official’s organization or approved
by the GICAA, LLC league office. Each official association must have a plan for the certification of athletic
officials which includes the following:
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Published procedures for registration of officials, system for evaluating performances
of officials
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Published guidelines for training officials which must include a rules clinic on all new
rules for that year and at least two other (preferably more) rules meetings.
A testing procedure
The head of the officials association must certify that these requirements are satisfied
each year.
Members must submit a copy of their contract to the GICAA, LLC before games begin.
The GICAA, LLC league office will verify the certification of all officials.
Number of officials required for each varsity level REGIONAL CONTEST shall be as follows:
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Varsity Volleyball-1
Varsity Baskeball-3
Varsity Soccer-2
Varsity Baseball-2
Varsity Softball-2
Junior Varsity and non-region varsity basketball games may use 2 officials. GICAA, LLC
will select the officials used in state tournaments.
Physicals
GICAA, LLC strongly suggests that each member maintain a current physical on file for each athlete.
Schools are encouraged to carry copies of physicals to all games to expedite medical attention for injured
athlete.
Blood policy
Players who are bleeding must be removed from play as an injured player until the medical problem is
corrected. Players with blood on their uniform must change or thoroughly disinfect and clean the uniform
in order to re-enter the game. Official in charge must approve entrance to game. Any blood on the
playing surface must result in the official calling time out to have the soiled area thoroughly cleaned and
disinfected before play can restart.
Concussion Policy
GICAA, LLC member schools must abide by House Bill 284, known as the "Return to Play Act of 2013".
This act will be effective on January 1, 2014.
Heat Policy
All Member Schools shall utilize at each Practice a scientifically approved instrument that measures
WBGT. The following WBGT readings the corresponding activity, hydration, and rest break guidelines
apply:
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Under 82.0 Normal activities. Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour of a
minimum duration of 3 minutes each during Practice.
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82.0 - 86.9 Use discretion for intense or prolonged exercise. Watch at-risk students carefully.
Provide at least three separate rest breaks each hour of a minimum of four minutes duration each
during Practice.
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87.0 - 89.9 Maximum outdoor Practice time is two hours. For football, students are restricted to
helmet, shoulder pads, and shorts during Practice. All protective equipment must be removed for
conditioning activities. For all sports, provide at least four separate rest breaks each hour of a
minimum of four minutes each during Practice.
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90.0 - 92.0 Maximum outdoor Practice time is one hour. No protective equipment may be worn
during outdoor Practice and there may be no outdoor conditioning activities. There must be
twenty minutes of rest breaks provided during the hour of outdoor practice.
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Over 92 No outdoor activities or exercise. Delay outdoor Practice until a lower WBGT reading
occurs.
The following guidelines apply to hydration and rest breaks:
 Rest time should involve both unlimited hydration (water or electrolyte drinks) and rest without
any activity involved.
 The site of the rest time should be a cooling zone not in direct sunlight, such as indoors, under a
tent, or under a shade tree.
 When the WBGT is over 86, ice towels and spay bottles filled with ice water should be available
in the cooling zone and cold immersion tubs shall be available for a student showing signs of heat
illness. A cold immersion tub may be anything, including a shower or wading pool that can be
adapted to immerse a student in cold water and ice which is available within two minutes travel
from an outdoor Practice facility.
Severe Weather
Schools are encouraged to develop their own Severe Weather Policy. In the event of the threat of severe
weather (observed lightning or thunder in the area, or weather bureau-announced tornado warnings or
watch) during the course of an outdoor sporting event, the game administer, official and/or coaches of the
competing teams, by agreement, have the authority to suspend the event until non-threatening conditions
return. Schools are required to have weather detection devices that give warning if severe weather is in
the area.
Video
Coaches or anyone associated with a school (parents, fans, friends, etc.) are not allowed to film games in
which their member school is not participating, and are expected to refrain from accepting films from
unauthorized sources. Coaches are encouraged to trade films with opponents in a professional manner.
Media
Employees of member schools and or fans are not to make comments to the media which are critical of
officials and their calls in a game. All publicity should be in a positive manner.
Noise Makers
All artificial noise makers including air horns, will be banned at all sporting events. Music or band
performances are allowed only when ball is not in play.
Jewelry
No jewelry of any kind will be worn, by athletes, during games, tournaments, etc.
Awards
List of awards:
 State Champion and Runner-Up, Varsity
 Regional Champion and Runner-Up, Varsity
 Regional Champion and Runner-Up, Junior Varsity
 All State and All Region- each sport will be honored with All State and All Region based on the
number of regions and number of teams in each region. The awards will be given based on
nominations received from coaches and athletic directors.
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General Code of Conduct
Member schools are always encouraged to use Matthew 18:15-17 as the standing principal for any
disputes that may arise, remembering we are one body in Christ with a goal of glorifying our Father in
Heaven.
League Sanctioning Additional Athletics
The GICAA, LLC will sanction additional athletic competitions when a minimum of six schools show interest
to compete and send in a request to the league office.
Baseball
League Rules for Baseball
The National Federation of High School (NFHS) Rules of Baseball is the official guide of the
GICAA, LLC with the exceptions listed below:
1. The official GICAA, LLC baseball is the NFHS stamped ball.
2. If the baseball umpires desires to end a game early because of rain, thunder, lightning, darkness, etc.
and 4 ½ innings have already been played, it will be deemed a regulation game if the home team
doesn’t need their ½ inning. However, if the game is not completed or has gone into extra innings,
the game will need to be completed/rescheduled on a later date and will pick back up from the point
of suspension. The State Playoff Championship games have to be a full seven innings. All Baseball
Playoff Games will have to be played to conclusion. The run rule will apply during playoff games. If a
Playoff Game is ended early due to weather conditions, etc., it will have to be finished before the next
Playoff game can start.
3. The GICAA, LLC will limit the number of innings pitched to 10 innings on any one day. The limit
during a four day period shall be 14. One pitch will count as 1/3 of an inning and fractions of inning
will count. For the safety of the player, the coach must self-police this rule.
4. A GICAA, LLC Baseball team can play in one tournament other than the GICAA, LLC Region and
State playoffs plus 25 regular season games.
5. If a coach is ejected from a baseball game, there will be a $50.00 fine paid to the GICAA, LLC office
by the member school.
6. State Baseball Play-Offs:
a. All current overall GICAA, LLC Rules & Regulations and especially those pertaining to
baseball are incorporated into this plan or proposal.
7.
a. The normal and current GICAA, LLC play-off brackets will be used. Format will be best two
out of three games in each round of the Play-Offs.
b. At each level of the State Play-Offs, the site host must provide a field with adequate seating
for not less than 100 paid fans or spectator admissions. The field must be properly marked at
all times. The field must have an outfield fence not less than 280 feet from home plate.
c. Three officials will be used in all play-off games. Four officials will be used in the
Championship series. Seven innings will be required in the Final Championship game(s).
GICAA, LLC will provide officials for state championship games and be paid for by the
gate revenue of the home site.
d. Any school hosting any level of the Play-Offs must assume any financial losses, should that
occur. Any school not wishing to assume the responsibility may so inform the GICAA Office,
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and the next ranked team will be invited to host the competition.
e. Site host will be the Region Champion and Runner-Up from each region in Round 1. Higher
ranked teams will host in future rounds. When two teams in any bracket are equally ranked,
then the bracket will indicate the site host. In all rounds, the home team and site host will be
the home team in Game 1. The visiting team will be home in Game 2. And, if teams are of
equal rank in Game 3, a coin toss will be used to determine which team will be home team.
In other cases, higher seeded team is Home team.
f.
8.
In the State Play-Offs (Round 1, Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Finals), a pitcher will be
permitted to throw in ten (10) innings in any one series. He may throw all ten (10) in one
day, or the innings may be broken down over the remaining scheduled games of each series.
However, if the series needs to be extended because of weather or other reasons approved
in advance by the GICAA Executive Director, an additional two (2) innings may be added for
each one-day beyond the regularly scheduled format. No pitcher, regardless of the
circumstances, may pitch more than fourteen (14) innings in any four-day period. Any
violation of this rule will result in forfeiture of game.
g. NOTE: Innings will not be added for days in which Games were not scheduled (i.e. Sundays,
Graduations, etc.) nor for rainouts prior to the series actually beginning
The Play-Offs will be played as follows:
ROUND 1: Teams finishing 1st and 2nd from each region will host a double elimination tournament
with pairings determined by bracket. If there are not enough teams in the region, then only one
double elimination tournament will be held. The game schedule will be set by the two teams
involved. If they cannot agree, the schedule will be set by the GICAA Office. The site host will serve
as home team in Game 1 (and “IF” game) and the visitor in Game 2. Winners advance to the
Quarter-Finals.
QUARTER-FINALS: Each of the eight Round 1 winners (or numbers based on number of teams) will
advance to the Quarter-Final level as per the GICAA, LLC brackets. Host will be the highest originally
ranked Region team. These Quarter-Finals will be double elimination with the best two out of three
games. The game schedule will be set by the two teams involved. If they cannot agree, the schedule
will be set by the GISA Office. The site host will serve as home team in Game 1 (and “IF” game) and
the visitor in Game 2.
SEMI-FINALS: Each of the four division winners (or numbers based on number of teams) will
advance to the Semi-Final level as per the GICCA, LLC brackets. Host will be the highest originally
ranked Region team. If both teams in any bracket are equally ranked, the bracket showing home will
prevail. These Semi-Finals will be double elimination with the best two out of three games. The site
host will serve as home team in Game 1 and visitor in Game 2. And, if teams are of equal rank in
Game 3, a coin toss will be used to determine which team will be home team. In other cases, higher
seeded team is Home team.
FINALS: The Finals will consist of the best two out of three games. Game 1 will commence at 4:00
pm on Friday. Game 2 will begin at 1:00 pm on Saturday, with Game 3, if needed, starting 15minutes after the conclusion of Game 2. The site host will serve as home team in Game 1 and visitor
in Game 2. And, if teams are of equal rank in Game 3, a coin toss will be used to determine which
team will be home team. In other cases, higher seeded team is Home team. Game 2 and Game 3, if
necessary, must go seven (7) innings or 6 ½ if the Home team is leading.
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Basketball
League Rules for Basketball
The National Federation of High School (NFHS) Rules of Basketball is the official guide of the
GICAA, LLC with the exceptions listed below:
1. Teams are limited to a maximum of 30 regular season games.
2. Varsity games shall consist four (4) eight (8) minute quarters. Junior Varsity games shall consist of
four (4) six (6) minutes quarters. JV time can be limited if the opposing team arrives late.
3. School standings will be posted online.
4. After regional play is complete, school standings will be used for seeding for regional and state
tournaments.
5. Playing time limits
a. A student athlete must not play more than six quarters in one night not to exceed 44 minutes
in regulation time. Athletes will be able to exceed this in overtime.
6. MERCY RULE:
Mercy rule will apply if a team is trailing by 40 points or more at halftime, the coach of the
trailing team may invoke the mercy rule, which would change the length of the quarters in the
second half to 6-minute quarters for the entire half. If a team is trailing by 30 or more points
at the end of the third quarter, the 6-minute quarter mercy rule will be invoked automatically.
Normal timing/scoring rules would apply during both of the above.
Cumulative Unsportsmanlike Conduct Technical Fouls for Basketball
Coaches and Players
(This is in addition to the current rule that states two technical fouls in same game results in an
ejection.)
a. Varsity Basketball Coaches may receive two (2) cumulative unsportsmanlike conduct
technical fouls in a season without further increase in sanctions. The third (3rd)
unsportsmanlike cumulative technical will require a $50 fine from the school and one game
suspension. The fourth (4th) such technical mandates a $100 fine and the coach will not be
able to coach anymore in that sport for the season.
b. Varsity Basketball Players may receive two cumulative unsportsmanlike conduct technical
fouls in a season without further increase in sanctions. The third (3rd) cumulative
unsportsmanlike technical will result in a one game suspension to be served the following
game. The fourth (4th) technical will result in expulsion from that sport for the remainder of
the season
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Competition Cheerleading
League Rules for Competition Cheerleading
The National Federation of High School (NFHS) Rules of Competition Cheerleading is the official
guide of the GICAA, LLC with the exceptions listed below:
a. There will be NO glitter allowed at the State Tournament.
b. Competitive Cheerleading squads do not have a set number, however, the maximum on any
one squad will be limited to 16.
c. There will be no non-competitors on the floor, acting as spotters, during the competitive routine.
d. The length of a routine will be 2 ½ minutes.
e. Certified judges will be used at the GICAA, LLC State Competition. The high and lower scores
will be taken out and the remainder added to reach the final score.
a. Tie Breakers are as follows:
1. Total of overall performance score
2. Squads that did not drop a stunt
3. Rankings
Cross Country
League Rules for Cross Country
The National Federation of High School (NFHS) Rules of Cross Country is the official guide of the
GICAA, LLC with the exceptions listed below:
1. The Cross Country course will be 3.1 miles in distance for boys and girls at the varsity level of
competition. Junior Varsity course will be 1.6 miles in distance for boys and girls.
2. No contestant will be permitted to enter a meet if the contestant is not accompanied by a faculty
member or coach of the school the contestant attends.
3. A team will consist of a minimum of five runners.
4. A Computer Chip Timing System will be used at the GICAA, LLC Invitational, Regional and State Cross
Country Meet. Each runner must pay $10.00 per card for the season. Cards must be turned in at the
end of the season. Lost or damaged timing card will have a $15.00 replacement fee. Each card will
be assigned to a specific runner for the entire cross country season. It is the coach’s responsibility to
ensure the card is assigned to the correct runner after roster is submitted.
5. GICAA, LLC will be responsible for the following meets. Host schools are responsible for all other
meets.
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GICAA, LLC Invitational
GICAA,LLC Regional
GICAA, LLC State Championship
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6. The top three (3) teams of each region and any individual that finishes in the next best seven (7)
times at the Region Meet will qualify for the State Meet. Seventh and Eighth graders that qualify may
run in both the State Varsity Meet and the JV Regional Meet.
7. Member schools are encouraged to host regular season meets provided it is conducted in
accordance set forth in the GICAA, LLC Cross County Handbook. Meets will be published on the
GICAA,LLC website.
8. The meets will be scored by how each runner finishes by placement and not by time and team totals
will also be scored in the same manner.
Football (8 & 11 Man)
Starting 2014-2015 School Year
Golf
League Rules for Golf
The United States Golf Association (USGA) Rules of Golf is the official guide of the GICAA, LLC
with the exceptions listed below:
1. Each State Golf Tournament, or any qualifying elimination, will be 18 holes of medal play.
2. The State Golf Tournament will have a maximum of five (5) players per school, with the four (4)
best scores per team counted toward tournament placement. Up to seven (7) names from each
school may be submitted for the Region Tournament with two (2) serving as alternates.
3. The GICAA, LLC will send a certain number of teams according to how many teams are in each region
and how many regions we have in that year.
4. The low medalist from each Region and individual golfers that finish in the Top 6 in the Region and
are not on a qualifying team would also be invited to the State Tournament.
5. Participants displaying flagrant, rude or unsportsmanlike conduct will be penalized. Penalty for
the first offense will be two strokes. Penalty for the second offense in the same competition will
be disqualification. Flagrant, rude or unsportsmanlike conduct is throwing clubs, use of profanity,
etc.
6. The use of caddies and carts at the Region and State Golf Tournaments shall be prohibited (unless
prior approval is received for a valid health condition).
7.
If boys and girls participate in Region and/or State golf competition, boys shall drive from the men's
tee and girls shall drive from the women's tee as is customary in golf at courses in the U.S.A.
Distance played by the girls shall be equal to 80% of distance played by the boys.
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8. Range Finders, that compute distance only, as approved by the U.S Golf Association are legal at all
GICAA, LLC play in regular season, Region or State Tournaments.
Soccer
League Rules for Soccer
The National Federation of High School (NFHS) Rules of Soccer is the official guide of the
GICAA, LLC with the exceptions listed below:
1. Soccer teams are limited to a maximum of 25 regular season games.
2. All games consist of 2 forty (40) minutes halves.
3. School standings will be posted online.
4. After regional play is complete, school standings will be used for seeding for regional and state
tournaments.
TIE BREAKING PROCEDURES
Should the game remain tied after the end of regulation, overtime will begin. Overtime will consist of two
five minute "silver goal" periods. The first five minute period will be played to completion, regardless of
score. If there is no longer a tie at the end of the first five minute period, the team with the most goals is
declared the winner. If the game is still tied after the first five minute period, a second five minute period
should be played to completion. If there is no longer a tie after the second five minute period, the team with
the most goals is declared the winner. Should the game still be tied after the second five minute period,
kicks from the penalty mark are to be utilized to determine the winner. Points to remember when utilizing
kicks from the penalty kick mark to break a tie include:
1. Any player on the roster who has not been disqualified may be used as a kicker. A kicker is not
required to have played during any of the regulation or overtime periods.
2. The coach does not have to designate the order of the kickers just the five kickers who will take
the kick. The goalkeeper can be one of the five kickers. The referee or assistant referee should
record the names and numbers of the kickers and the number of goals.
3. Team members not participating, coaches and other bench personnel should remain in the team
area. Kickers should return to the team area after completing their kick. If, upon agreement of both
coaches and the officials, the team area may be designated as the midfield line occupying the half
of the field not being used for kicks.
4. A coin toss determines which team will kick first. The winner of the coin toss can elect to kick
first or second.
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5. Teams alternate kickers. Following five kicks for each team, the team scoring the most goals is
the winner.
6. If each team scores the same number of goals, each team will select five different kickers to
participate in kicks from the penalty mark. Teams will kick in the same order as in the first set so
no coin toss is conducted for this second set or any ensuing set of kicks. This second set is
conducted in a sudden victory format – if one team scores and the other does not, the game is
over.
7. If the score remains tied after the second set of kicks, each team will select any five kickers to
participate in the third set of kicks. These kickers may have already participated in either the first
or second set of kicks. This third set and any additional sets are to be played in a sudden death
format.
8. If a tie remains and a fourth set is needed, five players who have not participate in the third set
must be selected.
9. The team scoring the most goals from the penalty mark is to be declared the winner and one
goal is to be added to the number of goals scored by the team in all regulation and overtime periods.
1. REGION TIE-BREAKER: If the Soccer Region has not approved its own tie-breaker rules for regular
season standings, the following procedure will be used:
TIE-BREAKER
Head-to-Head
Head-to-Head Goal Differential (max 5 Goals per game)
Head-to-Head Goals Scored (max 5 Goals per game)
Least Goals Allowed in Region Play
Overall Goal Differential in Region play (max 5 goals per game with 3 teams)
If teams are still tied then both teams are declared Co-Champions and coin toss by GISA Official
or playoff if a team would not make the playoffs.
Coin Toss to determine home field
Play championship rules for overtime
1. Cumulative Yellow Cards for Soccer Coaches and Players:
As always, two yellow cards in any game equals a red card and constitutes an ejection. Any
fan asked to leave the premises, or acting in a manner subjecting an official to an undue threat by
physical or verbal assault will be treated as an ejection, and at the very least, the school will be fined
$50, and said fan will not be allowed to attend the next game played by their team.
a. Soccer Coaches may receive two (2) cumulative unsportsmanlike yellow cards in a season
without further increase in sanctions. The 3rd unsportsmanlike yellow card will require a $50
fine from the school and one game suspension. The 4th such yellow card mandates a $100
fine from the school and will result in expulsion from that sport for the remainder of the season..
b. Soccer Players may receive four (4) cumulative yellow cards in a season without further
increase in sanctions. The 5th cumulative yellow card will result in a one (1) game
suspension to be served the following game. The 6th cumulative yellow card will result in a
two (2) game suspension to be served the following two games, and should there be a 7th
cumulative yellow card, the player is suspended for the remainder of the season.
MERCY RULE:
If a team is 10 or more goals behind at the 20-minute mark of the first half, that will be considered
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the end of the first half, and the teams will play a 20-minute second half. If a team is 10 or more
goals behind at halftime, the second half will be restricted to 20-minutes. When a team is 15 or
more goals behind in the second half, the game will be ended.
Softball-Fast Pitch
League Rules for Softball
The National Federation of High School (NFHS) Rules of Softball is the official guide of the
GICAA, LLC with the exceptions listed below:
1. Officials for all State Championships will be assigned or approved by the GICAA, LLC Executive
Director.
2. It is mandatory that a double base be used at first base by all GICAA, LLC member schools during any
regular season game as well as all tournament games.
3. Games that are not considered regulation must be resumed at the exact point they were stopped.
Games stopped due to inclement weather, or other reasons, should not be delayed more than a
reasonable amount of time.
4. Teams are required to us the “on deck circle” deemed safer for player, without regard for team dugout
placement.
5. All State Tournaments will be either a double elimination format or best two-out-of-three games.
6. The optic yellow cover, red stitch 12-inch ball with a COR of .47 or under shall be used in all regular
season, pre-season tournament, region tournament, and State Tournament games. Host team shall
provide game balls.
7. The distance between bases is 60-feet. The distance from the pitchers rubber to home plate is 43-feet
for Varsity. Regular Season fence placement must comply with NFHS Regulations. The outfield fence
will be set at 200-feet during State Play-Offs. The GICAA, LLC Executive Director may waive this rule
if fields meeting this requirement cannot be found.
8. Courtesy runners will be allowed in Fast Pitch softball as a timesaving device for pitchers and catchers
only; the same runner cannot be used to run for both positions. Participation as a courtesy runner does
not constitute entry into the game, and does not count as a game played.
9. Catchers must wear a mask, a throat protector, a chest or body protector, shin guards that offer
protection to the kneecaps and a helmet with ear flaps. An extended wire mask can be worn in lieu of
a throat protector attached to the mask. The ice hockey style mask is approved for use by catchers. If
the umpire feels there is not adequate throat protection built into the mask, a throat attachment must
be added to the mask before using. Fast Pitch catchers cannot wear a plastic face mask/guard.
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10. Metal cleats are allowed in GICAA. LLC Softball.
11. Fast Pitch Softball has nine (9) players on defense and offense. If a designated player is used in the
batting order, the player who is being batted for is listed in the number 10 spot in the order and does
not bat.
12. Run-Rules: The fifteen-run rule ahead after three innings; twelve-runs ahead after four innings applies
in all regular season and Play-Off games except the State Championship Game. The Championship
Game is defined as any game in which the State Championship can be determined (i.e., Game 2 and
“If” Game in Championship series).
13. If after seven innings of play, the game is tied, the following tiebreaker rule will be played to determine
a winning team. Each half inning thereafter will begin with the final batter from the preceding inning
being placed on second base (e.g., if the number 5 batter is scheduled as the lead-off batter, the
number 4 batter will be placed on second base). Any substitute for this runner must comply with
substitution rules.
14. Softball Play-Offs will be the best 2 out of 3 games until the Final Four. All 1 st and 2nd Round Games
will be played at higher seed, with all three possible games scheduled for that day.
15. The Final Four in each classification will be a double-elimination tournament until only two (2) teams
remain.
16. State Finals in each classification will be a best 2-of-3 series with both teams beginning the day at 0-0.
Undefeated team from Final Four will have the option of being Home Team in Games 1 and “If” Game,
with the other team having the option of being Home Team in Game 2.
17. Play-Off Field Conditions: Teams hosting State Play-Off Games must meet the following field
conditions: Baseball pitching mound must be removed; and sliding areas around bases must be cut
out.
Swimming
Starting 2014-2015 School Year
Tennis
League Rules for Tennis
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) Rules of Tennis is the official guide of the GICAA,
LLC with exceptions as listed below:
1. Tennis requires two (2) players for the doubles and one (1) player for singles. An athlete may not
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Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association Manual
participate in both singles and doubles in the State Tennis Tournament.
2. Regulation tennis shoes must be worn by all contestants in the State Tennis Tournament, or be
approved by the Tournament Director prior to the beginning of play.
3. Participants displaying flagrant unsportsmanlike conduct will be penalized. Penalty for first offense
will be loss of game. Penalty for second offense in the same match will be disqualification. Flagrant
misconduct is defined but not limited to throwing racquets, profanity, etc.
4. Rules regarding tardiness and coaching will be consistent with GICAA, LLC rules and distributed
to all schools at the meeting prior to the beginning of the tournament.
State Individual Tennis Tournament
1. 1st through 4th place winners in Singles and Doubles as determined in each Region will be invited
to participate in the State Individual Tennis Tournament. This applies regardless of which school(s)
these students attend within a given Region.
2. The State Individual Tennis Tournament will be conducted as follows:
Day One – Two rounds. Classification start times will be announced.
Day Two – Semi-Finals and Finals for all three classifications.
All matches will be best 2 of 3 sets, with 12-point tiebreaker in effect at 6-6
State Team Tennis Tournament
1. Separate team championships for girls and boys will be decided by team play.
2. Each region will send their team region champion to a one-day team tournament to determine a
state champion and state runner up. If there is only on region, more teams will be invited.
3. The format for all rounds of the GICAA, LLC State Team Tennis Tournament will be three (3) Singles
and Two (2) Doubles matches. Any team not having one or more of these positions will have
automatic losses for every position not fielded and opponent receives one (1) point for each forfeited
match.
a. A player may play in ONLY one single match OR in one doubles match.
b. Substitution is NOT permitted once a match has officially begun. If an injury occurs during
play that prevents a player from completing the match, that player defaults and the opponent
is awarded the victory.
4. All matches at State will be best 2 of 3 sets, with 12-point tiebreaker in effect in any set (1st, 2nd, or 3rd)
when set score reaches 6-6.
5. Each region will select the method used to determine Region Champion prior to the beginning of the
Tennis season. The following methods are suggested:
a. Team that has the best record in Region Tennis matches during regular season using the
format described.
b. Team that wins the Team Region Tournament, if a region has a team.
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Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association Manual
LINE-UP for State Team Tournament:
a. Three (3) Singles players, listed in proper position, with the Best player as # 1, next best as # 2,
and next best as # 3.
b. Two (2) Doubles teams listed with the Best as # 1, and the next best as # 2.
c. Roster adjustments can be made between rounds of the State Team Tennis Tournament as long
as (a) and (b) above are not violated.
d. Alternates are to be designated on the roster submitted to the GICAA Office. See (e) below for how
alternates may be used.
e. All changes or substitutions from the original roster (submitted one week prior to the tournament)
must be submitted in writing to the GICAA, LLC Representative at least 30 minutes, earlier if
possible, prior to the match, to give time for checking and approval.
6. A team winning three (3) matches of the five (5) possible (3 Singles-2 Doubles) will be declared
the Winner. All teams must have at least a total of three (3) Singles or Doubles teams eligible to
compete, or the match is a forfeit, and will be scored as 3-0.
7. All matches must be stopped, in all rounds prior to the State Championship round, as soon as a team
has won three (3) matches and the score recorded at that point (i.e. 3-0, 3-1, or 3-2).
8. If a Region Team Tennis Tournament is held, rules and procedures must be consistent with GISA
State rules.
9. In regular season matches, if the Region so chooses or the schools agree in advance (as long as
Region Rules are not violated), an 8-Game Pro Set format is allowed instead of the best 2 of 3 sets
format. In this format the first player to win 8 games by a margin or two (2) games wins the set. If the
score reaches 8-8, then the usual 12-point tiebreaker will be used. This format would be useful if
time and/or court space is a consideration.
Track & Field
League Rules for Track & Field
The National Federation of High School (NFHS) Rules of Trace & Filed is the official guide of the
GICAA, LLC with the exceptions listed below:
There will be up to sixteen (16) track and field events for boys. The order of the running events will be
as follows:
Boys Track Events
Boys Field Events
1600 Meter Run
800 Meter Run
3200 Meter Run
400 Meter Relay
110 Meter High Hurdles 39”
100 Meter Dash
Shot Put 12 lbs High
Jump
Discus 3 lbs 8.438 oz
Long Jump
Pole Vault
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Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association Manual
400 Meter Dash
300 Meter Hurdles 36”
1600 Meter Relay
200 Meter Dash
1. There will be up to sixteen (16) track and field events for girls. The order of the running events will be
as follows:
Girls Track Events
1600 Meter Run
800 Meter Run
3200 Meter Run
400 Meter Relay
100 Meter High Hurdles 33”
100 Meter Dash
400 Meter Dash
300 Meter Hurdles 30”
200 Meter Dash
1600 Meter Relay
Girls Field Events
Shot Put 8 lbs. 13 oz
High Jump
Discus 2 lbs. 3.274 oz.
Triple Jump
Long Jump
Pole Vault
2. The Games Committee will meet to determine format for State Meet and format will be released by
GCAA, LLC Office as soon as possible.
3. A contestant in track may enter in a maximum all relays and any three individual events.
4. The start time schedule and order of events will be distributed to each school participating in the meet
prior to the start of the meet.
5. Each school may enter two (2) contestants in each event. Eight places will be scored in State Meets.
First place shall count ten (10) points; second place, eight (8) points; third place, six (6) points; fourth
place, five (5) points; fifth place, four (4) points; sixth place, three (3) points; seventh place, two (2)
points; and eighth place, one (1) point.
6. First through fourth place winners in the Region Meet will qualify for the State Meet
7. Relay teams will not be disqualified due to insignificant differences in uniforms. Otherwise, official
track rules governing uniforms must be observed.
8. Schools which finish first and second in total points will be awarded trophies in the State Meet.
9. Arcs for throwing sectors will be the following as per state adoption of NFHS rules: Discus & Shot Put
– 34.92 degrees. This is required for all Region & State Qualifiers, and State Meets.
Volleyball
League Rules for Volleyball:
The National Federation of High School (NFHS) Rules of Volleyball is the official guide of the
GICAA, LLC with the exceptions listed below:
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Georgia Independent Christian Athletic Association Manual
1. Volleyball teams are limited to a maximum of 25 play dates prior to regional.
2. All GICAA, LLC Varsity matches are to be a best three out of five format using the rally scoring
format to a point total of 25 (winning team must have a two point margin). JV will be best two out
of three using the rally scoring format to a point total of 25 (winning team must have a two point
margin.
3. After regional play is complete, school standings will be used for seeding for regional and state
tournaments.
. 4. Cumulative Yellow Cards for Volleyball Coaches and Players:
As always, three yellow cards in any game equals a red card and constitutes an ejection.
a. Volleyball Coaches may receive three (3) cumulative unsportsmanlike yellow cards in a
season without further increase in sanctions. The 4th unsportsmanlike yellow card will
require a $50 fine from the school and a one game suspension. The 5th such yellow card
mandates a $100 fine and the coach will not be able to coach anymore in that sport for
the season.
b. Volleyball Players may receive four (4) cumulative yellow cards in a season without
further increase in sanctions. The 5th cumulative yellow card will result in a one
(1) game suspension to be served the following game. The 6th cumulative yellow card
will result in expulsion from that sport for the remainder of the season.
5. TIES
a. Head-to-head advantage will be used to break all ties.
b. If head to head is even then total number of regional games will be used.
c. Coin toss

Last play-off spot with at least one (1) school being eliminated, a play-off match
will be held in the following manner: 
2-Teams: Coin toss to determine site
3-Teams: Coin toss to determine site, and bye with other two schools playing;
with winner playing school that received bye.
4-Teams: Coin toss to determine site and pairings for single elimination
tournament.

Ties that do not eliminate any team will be broken by game results in head-to-head
competition. EXAMPLE: A team winning 3-to-1 and losing 3-to-2 would be a higher
seed because they had one more total game. If game results fail to determine winner,
then a coin toss will be held.
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