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UPDATED 10-02-01

FOOTBALL PLAYOFF HISTORY

The framework for determining a high school champion in football was set forth by the principals of West Virginia in 1947. At this time, a resolution was adopted to institute a rating system for use in determining a champion of the larger schools (Class A) and a champion for the smaller or Class B schools. Beginning in 1948, it was decided that champions of the two classes would be decided by a playoff or championship game between the two top rated schools of each class. Although a championship game did not take place in Class A in 1948, the two class procedure and a class championship game existed until 1955. At this time, the schools were divided into three classes: AA, A, and B. A championship game was held in each class among the two top rated teams. The names of the three classes were changed in 1958 to the present system of AAA, AA, and A. Again, championship games were held in each class until 1972, with the exception of 1963, at which time no championship game was held in Class AAA. The four team playoff in each class had its inception in 1972.

The idea of an eight team playoff began in 1976. At this time, it was discussed with the Football Coaches' Committee which is appointed by the Executive Secretary of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission and which meets yearly to discuss this area of the interscholastic program. The committee expressed unanimous interest and recommended that the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission poll member schools concerning their interest in such a change. A 92% affirmative response prompted the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission to appoint a committee to study and propose a procedure for implementing the eight team concept.

The committee of athletic directors and coaches appointed by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission consisted of the following people: John Chmara, Paul Clovis, Tom Korab, Ron Renner, Fred Taylor, Frank Vincent, Carl Ward, Kenneth Wright, and Granville Zopp.

The committee presented their findings and possible procedures to the Board of Appeals on two different occasions. After numerous findings and recommendations, the Board of Appeals instructed the Executive Secretary, in December 1977, to present a final draft to each member for study. The final draft was adopted in March 1978 for full implementation in the 1978 season.

In 1990, the Football Coaches' Committee recommended to the Board of Appeals that the playoffs be expanded to sixteen teams in each class. After much discussion, the Board voted to try the sixteen team format for the 1991 season. The Board also voted to limit the regular season to 10 weeks. In 1992, the sixteen team format continued, and the regular season was expanded to eleven weeks.

It is interesting to note that seven major revisions have been made in the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission football rating and playoff program in its 52 year history. The latest change has had the same positive impact as previous changes.

Section 127-3-24 -- Football

(Abstract from: WVSSAC Rules and Regulations Handbook)

24.1 Rules: Football rules published by the National Federation of State High School Associations are the official rules for all interscholastic competition unless otherwise provided by Commission modification.

24.2 Organized Team Practice: Organized team conditioning practice will begin on Monday of Week 5 and the first contest may be played on the Friday of Week 8.

(a) The Board of Appeals, upon written request, may grant permission for a football team to play its first game one day earlier if the playing field is used by more than one high school.

(b) The following table establishes, for senior high schools the first date pads with no live contact, first date to use pads with total contact, earliest date for scrimmage or Grid-O-Rama, date for first contest, and date season must be completed.

Year	First Date Organized Practice	First Date Pads No Live Contact*	First Date Live Con. Allowed	Earliest Date For Scrimmage or Grid-O-Rama	Date For First Contest	Date Season Must Be Completed
2001	July 30	Aug. 3	Aug. 7	Aug. 11	Aug. 24	Nov. 3 E
2002	Aug. 5	Aug. 9	Aug. 13	Aug. 17	Aug. 30	Nov. 9 E
2003	Aug. 4	Aug. 8	Aug. 12	Aug. 16	Aug. 29	Nov. 8 E
2004	Aug. 2	Aug. 6	Aug. 10	Aug. 14	Aug. 27	Nov. 6 E
2005	Aug. 1	Aug. 5	Aug. 9	Aug. 13	Aug. 26	Nov. 5 E

(c) Individual players of a team must have practiced on 14 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, before participating in an interscholastic contest.

(d) Football camp sponsored by a member school or by a school related organization where football coaching and instruction is given is not permitted.

*(e) The use of football uniforms, protective equipment, tackling or blocking dummies, charging sleds, or similar devices are strictly prohibited during the conditioning program. However, during the DATE OF PADS NO LIVE CONTACT, the use of sleds, shields, and blocking dummies will be allowed. The purpose of this period is to permit gradual adaptation of the players to carrying the weight of their pads and adjusting to temperature variation.

24.3 Length of Season: The football season will end for each team at the end of the regular season.E

24.4 Maximum Team Contests: A football team will be permitted to play no more than 10 games exclusive of the playoff games.

(a) The total number of quarters for a player in one season is 40 exclusive of the playoff games.

(b) A player can only play 4 quarters in one day.

(c) Any player who participated in one of more downs in one quarter shall be charged with one quarter of play, except those downs in which the football teams are in a free kick formation, or the offensive team is in a scrimmage kick formation, as defined in the National Federation Football Rule 2-14-2, the down will not count as a down.

(d) Overtime is considered as an extension of the fourth quarter.

(e) Interscholastic practice game or games in which teams representing a member school play against alumni or other people shall not be allowed.

24.5 Scrimmages: A football team is permitted to participate in a Grid-O-Rama and (1) pre-season scrimmage or (2) pre-season scrimmages with the following conditions:

 1. Scrimmage:

(a) Not under game conditions

(b) Prior to the first game

(c) Admission may be charged

(d) Use of registered officials would not be a violation of the game conditions

2. Grid-O-Rama:

(e) All of the above

(f) Must be 3 or more teams

(g) Teams desiring to participate would be allowed to play two or four quarters of football time.

(a) All rules and regulations of the By-Laws pertaining to football are also applicable to six-man and eight-man football.

(b) Any member of a freshman team in a 4 year high school that plays in a junior varsity or varsity contest (scrimmage, grid-o-rama or game) is ineligible to return to the freshman team.

(c) A student may not play or practice on a non-school football team while a member of his school team.

24.7 A student may accept awards only in WVSSAC sanctioned events during the school year. These awards must be consistent with the items mentioned in the Awards Rule. Students may accept only this same type of award in non-sanctioned events outside the sport season.

24.8 The Board of Appeals is authorized to adopt a point rating system and overall procedure for determining a state champion in all classes.

24.9 The above rules will apply for Junior High Schools with the following adaptations:

(a) Organized team conditioning practice will begin on Monday of Week 6 and the first game played during Week 9. E

(b) The following table establishes the first date for organized practice, the first date pads with no live contact, the first date for live contact, the date for first game, and the date season must be completed.

(c) The football season will end on Saturday of Week 17.E

(d) Not more than 8 interscholastic football games shall be played with the exception of league playoff games in which one (1) game may be added for playoffs. There shall be a nine (9) game limit even if league playoff games are used, and the extra game would be limited to only two (2) teams in the league having the playoff. Leagues choosing to have the extra playoff game may participate in a 2 quarter Grid-O-Rama in place of a scrimmage game. This must be decided prior to the start of the season.

(e) The total number of quarters for a player in one season is 32, exclusive of the playoff game in

Rule 127-3-24(d).

(f) A junior high school football team is allowed one preseason scrimmage under the following conditions:

(1) Scrimmage will not be played under game conditions.

(2) Scrimmage must be played prior to first game of regular season.

(3) Admission may be charged.

(4) Registered officials may be used.

(g) Junior High School football teams may be permitted to play overtime periods in County or League Playoffs or when advancement to finals must be determined during County or League Championship Playoffs. A maximum of 2 overtime periods will be permitted in accordance with the National Federation Football Rules modified "20-yard line Overtime Procedure".

(h) Junior high game ball: The football used involving only players in the eighth grade and below shall be the youth football. Games involving players of a combination seventh, eighth, and ninth graders may use the youth football by mutual agreement. Modification of the rule is listed in Rule 1-3-1, National Federation Football Rules Book.

(i) Length of Quarters: The maximum length of quarters for ninth grade teams shall be 10 minutes. For teams composed of students below the ninth grade, the length of quarters shall be 8 minutes. For teams involving a combination of seventh, eighth, ninth graders, length of quarters shall be 10 minutes. If a team which includes ninth graders plays a team of only seventh and eighth graders, the maximum length of quarters will be 8 minutes.

(j) A ninth grade team in a high school program will follow the rules provided for junior high school.

1. Games regularly scheduled under the provisions of the official contract form of the Commission which are cancelled by mutual agreement and approved by the Board of Appeals shall not be included in any calculation of the rating system. Games which are cancelled or terminated without mutual agreement and for which the penalty features for the contract are paid or ordered paid by the Board of Appeals, shall be counted under the forfeiture rule. The offended team may schedule a game to replace the forfeited game; the offending team may not. In such cases, a game so scheduled shall not count in the rating plan.

2. Should a tie exist at the end of regulation play in any regular season football game, the procedure for breaking the tie shall be the same as that described in the National Federation Football Rule modified "20-yard line Overtime Procedure". However, as adopted by the Board of Appeals, overtime play shall be limited to three periods in regular season games.

3. Games played by WVSSAC member schools after date listed in Rule 127-3-24 ("Date Season must be Completed") shall not count in the rating system.

4. A team’s final rating shall not be affected by the result of a protest registered after the preliminary playoff meeting held on the Sunday prior to the first round game.

5. The sixteen top rated football teams in each class (AAA,AA,A) shall be eligible for first round playoff competition in their respective class. Pairing for first round games for each class will be as follows: 1 vs. 16, 4 vs. 13, 5 vs. 12, and 8 vs. 9 in the upper bracket and 2 vs. 15, 3 vs. 14, 6 vs. 11, and 7 vs. 10 in the lower bracket.

The winner in each class championship game shall be declared the class champion and the loser shall be declared the runner-up. No determination below champion and runner-up shall be made. If any eligible rated team declines to compete in first round competition, the next eligible rated team shall be designated to participate in first round competition. Should there be a tie for any position in the final rating for each class, the following criteria will be used to determine first round pairing and resolve ties which create more than eight top rated teams for any class (A,AA, and AAA).

If two or more teams tie for the sixteenth position, the participant will be selected using the following:

(A) If two teams tie for the sixteenth position and competed against each other, the loser will be eliminated. If two teams tie for any other position other than sixteenth and competed against each other, the winner will be selected for the higher position in pairing.

(B) If a tie still exists which cannot be resolved by (A), the wins of their opponents will be totaled and the team with the most bonus points in their class or higher as computed by the WVSSAC Rating Plan will be selected or moved up for pairing.

(C) If A and B do not select any sixteenth place team or eliminate a tie above sixteenth, the team with the best win-loss record will be selected (based upon percentage).

(D) Record against common opponent(s).

(E) Difference of points scored minus points allowed by defeated opponents.

(F) In case a tie still exists for any position which cannot be resolved by (A) through (E), a blind draw will be used to determine the position and sixteen participants for each class.

6. If any class championship game cannot be played because of uncontrollable factors as determined by the Board of Appeals, the two teams thus affected shall have equal entitlement to all honors and awards.

7. Each school’s entire schedule of football games, exclusive of those played against junior varsity opponents, scheduled prior to October 1 and within the seasonal limits shall be counted in the Rating Plan. However, should a high school team compete two times during a given season with the same school, points for both games shall be counted in the Rating Plan (may involve only one (1) team and two games in a season).

8. The classification of a non-member school shall be made on the basis of enrollment in a manner similar to the plan used by members of this Commission. Records from non-member opponents who play more than 10 games per season may be included only to the extent of the first nine regularly scheduled games of that opponent in addition to the game with the member school. Games played by non-member schools after the last date, as specified in Rule 127-3-24.2 of this manual and WVSSAC Handbook will count only if a rating point(s) is insured as calculated by the method(s) used in this Rating Plan.

9. Schools playing non-member opponents shall furnish the WVSSAC with the following information:

A. Enrollment of students in upper three grades (10, 11, 12) of non-member opponent(s) as of a second month of previous odd year (1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001,etc.)

Classification for 2000-2001 - 2001-2002:

AAA - 595 or more

AA - 594-294

A - 293 or fewer

B. Schedule of non-member opponent(s) which shall also include the same information as explained in (A) and including enrollment figures of their opponents.

C. Weekly game results of non-member opponent(s) prior to Tuesday of each week.

D. Failure to perform the duties as defined above may terminate the right of a member school to participate in the rating plan and said right may be regained only through the Board of Appeals.

10. A high school must play a minimum of eight varsity games to participate in the Rating Plan and be eligible for playoff competition.

11. Disputes concerning the validity of any interscholastic athletic contest shall be resolved by the Board of Appeals.

12. To determine the final rating, total the points and divide by the number of games played.

	AAA	AA	A
For winning against	12	9	6
For AAA Tying	6	4 1/2	3
For AA Tying	9	4 1/2	3
For A Tying	9	6	3
For each game won by a defeated
opponent in its class or higher	1	1	1
For each game tied by a defeated
opponent in its class or higher	1/2	1/2	1/2
For each game won by a tied
opponent in its class or higher	1/2	1/2	1/2
For each game tied by a tied
opponent in its class or higher	1/4	1/4	1/4

WVSSAC FOOTBALL PLAYOFF

In 1990-91, the following Football Playoff Procedures were recommended by the Football Coaches' Committee and adopted by the Board of Appeals.

I. FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD ROUND GAMES:

1. The following pairing will be used for all classes: Numbers indicate final regular season standing as computed by the WVSSAC football rating plan.

WVSSAC FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SITE STANDARDS

1. FIELD:

a) Field surface must have proper drainage.

b) Surface shall be in a safe and playable condition in late season. It must have a grassy surface without extensive rough spots. Excessive use lessens safety and playable conditions. It is suggested that activities in excess of 15 events on most grass fields is probably too much.

c) The field may not be used for practice (unless artificial surface) other than a run-through on the night preceding regular season games. Practice by activities which include bands or other teams as well as other events must be limited to this standard.

d) Unanchored team benches must be provided and these benches shall be at least 4 yards from the sideline.

e) A field barrier, whether permanent fencing or temporary structures, should be no closer to the out-of-bounds lines than 5 yards. This field barrier shall have controlled access to permit teams and bands to enter the playing area but must be constructed in such a way that fans cannot enter the playing area. It is preferred that team access be separate. E

f) Field markings must conform to Rule 1-2. This includes sidelines, end lines, yard lines, pylons, field yard-line markers, properly padded goal posts and team box areas (which shall be a full 6 feet from the sideline). A 4-inch wide broken restraining line 6 feet outside of and around the playing field is permissible.

g) Field lights must be operable and of sufficient illumination for night games.

h) An operable electric score board must be available.

i) Each team shall be provided with a minimum of 2 field phones, either wired or wireless.

2. SPECTATOR SEATING: (18" per occupant) AAA - 4,000; AA - 3,000; A - 2,000

a) Seating includes that provided for bands, including band seating inside field barrier.

b) Seating to be included in total shall only include elevated seats. It is recommended that these seats be elevated at least 3 feet above ground level.

c) Handicapped seating must be considered and, if at field level, removed at least 5 yards from any field boundary.

d) Seating must meet all local safety standards and have safe and easy access and egress.

3. DRESSING ROOMS: These must be separate and accessible for both teams.

a) AAA must have space for a minimum of 60 players and structures (lockers, hangers or pegs) available to get clothes up off the floor as well as seating. AA must have 50 spaces and A must have 40. Space for coaches must be considered.

b) Adequate shower and rest room facilities shall be included. Recommendations are: AAA shall have a minimum of 10 operable shower heads, AA 8, and A 6.

c) Rest room facilities for players shall be available (at least semi-private).

d) A large chalk board must be available for coaches of both teams.

e) A separate and private dressing facility must be provided for game officials with adequate accommodations including showers and rest room facilities.

4. PRESS BOX: This structure shall be high enough to give timers and score board operators a clear view of the entire field. Adequate electrical outlets must be available.

a) Space shall be provided for press and radio/TV.

b) Assistant coaches shall be separated from their opponents and space for film crews must be available.

c) AAA should have minimum space for 18 personnel, AA 15, and A 12.

5. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: On-field medical assistance must be available for both teams.

a) Sideline areas may be set aside for these personnel within the team box.

b) A plan for transport to a nearby hospital must be considered.

6. PUBLIC REST ROOMS AND CONCESSIONS:

a) Easily accessible to spectators.

b) Rest room commode/urinal combinations for each sex; numbers suggested are: AAA 8, AA 6, A 4. Portables are permitted to accommodate large crowds.

7. PARKING: It is recommended that parking areas be lighted.

a) On site parking for teams, bands, and officials must be provided.

b) Spectator parking must be adequate. Appropriate security must be provided if spectator parking is inside same enclosure as field.

c) Handicapped parking shall be considered.

8. SECURITY:

a) Adequate security must be available for spectators, players, and officials.

b) A security person should accompany officials to and from their dressing room.

c) Uniformed security is necessary with at least one possessing powers of arrest. A minimum of 7 is recommended.

3. All games in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rounds will be played at the approved home site of the highest rated team. If the home site is not approved, the game will be played at an approved site selected by the highest rated team subject to the approval of the WVSSAC office. If necessary, the Executive Secretary may send a committee to inspect the site.

A. Facilities meeting criteria for all classes: APPROVED: Bluefield, Bridgeport, Brooke, Buckhannon-Upshur, Cabell Midland, East-West Stadium, Frankfort, Greenbrier East, Hedgesville, Huntington, Hurricane, John Marshall, Laidley Field (Charleston), Logan, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Musselman, Nicholas Co., Nitro, North Marion, Parkersburg, Parkersburg South, Pt. Pleasant, Preston, Princeton, Riverside, Roane Co., Robert C. Byrd, Spring Valley, Tyler Consolidated, Wheeling Island Stadium, Woodrow Wilson (Beckley).

B. Facilities meeting criteria for AA-A: APPROVED: Chapmanville, Grafton, Hampshire, James Monroe, Liberty (H), Lincoln, Magnolia (New Martinsville), Man, Oak Hill, Ravenswood, Richwood, Ritchie Co., Scott, South Harrison, Summers Co., Wayne, Weir, Winfield, Wyoming East.

C. Facilities meeting criteria of Class A only: APPROVED: Doddridge Co., East Hardy, Elkins, Fayetteville, Hamlin, Matewan, Moorefield, Mt. Hope, Paden City, Poca, Valley (W),Wirt Co..

4. If the home site is not listed in the approved sites, the host school may select from the list above. The listed sites are categorized according to their meeting the standards as set forth in Item 2. The home school wishing to use another facility should make the necessary arrangements prior to attending the playoff meeting on Sunday prior to the first round games.

5. If the participating school cannot secure an adequate game site, the WVSSAC will select the playoff site.

6. In first, second, and third round games, the highest rated visiting schools shall select the date and time of game. If a conflict exists and mutual agreement cannot be reached, the WVSSAC will set time and date. Night games will start at 7:30 p.m. Day games will start at 1:30 p.m.

7. If the visiting school does not feel that the home site meets the criteria as set forth in Item 1-2, a protest, with cause, may be lodged no later than 6:00 p.m. on the Sunday preceding the playoff game. The Executive Secretary will then select a committee composed of one (1) Board of Control member (Chairman) and two (2) members from the WVSSAC Football Coaches' Committee to inspect the playing site and make a report with recommendation to the Executive Secretary of the WVSSAC. This report with recommendations is due no later than 6:00 p.m. on Monday preceding the playoff game. The school filing the protest will assume all costs involved in performing the inspection if the protest is denied.

1. All championship games will be played on the same weekend and the same game site.

AA	- Friday	- 7:30 p.m.
AAA	- Saturday	- 12:00 noon
A	- Saturday	- 7:00 p.m.

2. The three over-time rule will be waived. A winner for each contest will be determined.

1. Since the sixteen (16) teams with the best regular season rating will be selected as playoff contestants, the following criteria will be used to determine pairing the tied teams and resolving ties which create more than sixteen teams.

If two or more teams tie for the sixteenth position, the participants will be selected using the following:

(A) If two teams tie for the sixteenth position and competed against each other, the loser will be eliminated. If two teams tie for any other position other than sixteenth and competed against each other, the winner will be selected for the higher position in pairing.

(B) If (A) does not select a sixteenth place team or eliminate a tie above sixteenth, the wins of their opponents will be totaled and the team with the most bonus points in their class or higher as computed by the WVSSAC Rating Plan will be selected or move up for pairing.

(C) If (A) and (B) do not select a sixteenth place team or eliminate a tie above sixteenth, the team with the best win-loss record based on percentage will be selected.

(D) Record against common opponent(s).

(E) Difference of points scored minus points allowed by defeated opponents.

(F) In case a tie still exists for any position which cannot be resolved by (A) through (E), a blind draw will be used to determine the position and sixteen participants for each class.

NOTE: The game administrator must be in attendance at all playoff meetings. E

The WVSSAC will appoint a game director for each game site and the director will administer the game according to the regulations of the WVSSAC. His/her duties include:

1. Provide participating schools with any necessary information not included in this manual.

2. Engage statisticians and provide them with WVSSAC forms. The host school is responsible for reporting game results to wire services.

3. Provide competent timer, scoreboard operator, announcer, chain crew, and (2) ball persons.

4. Make arrangement for managing concessions.

5. Arrange to have physician and emergency vehicle available at game site.

6. Secure ticket sellers and takers.

7. Assign dressing rooms to the teams and game officials.

8. Make necessary arrangements for marking field in accordance with National Federation Rules.

9. The host school will furnish the equipment for the chain crew. Registered officials, in uniform, shall be used. Each man will be paid $15.00, deducted from gate receipts. If travel is necessary, .31 per mile for one (1) car will be allowed. No less than three (3) and preferably four (4) should be selected as these assistant officials.

10. Each school will be permitted fifteen (15) passes for cheerleaders.

11. The visiting school will be permitted five (5) chaperones with no admission charge.

12. The WVSSAC will supply tickets for first, second and third round games. The winning school will then have tickets available to sell immediately. The game director will have the tickets for the second and third round games.

13. Advance ticket prices will be $4.00 for students and $5.00 for adults for the First, Second and Third Round. All tickets will be $5.00 at the gate. Advance ticket prices for the Super Six Champsionship will be $5.00 for students and $6.00 for adults. All tickets will be $6.00 at the gate. Book tickets for the three final games will be $15.00.

14. It is required that phone service on the playing field be available for all classes. However, the service must be available to both teams. Otherwise, neither team may use the service.

15. The WVSSAC will provide programs for all playoff games. In order to assist in preparing a program for all games in playoff series, it is necessary that each school provide the WVSSAC with a squad picture (glossy), plus a list of all players. This list should contain the numbers, position, weight, height, and class of each boy in numerical order. The program information has been provided in the coaches packet. Please follow instructions provided on forms. For example:

Blue White Position Name Weight Height Class

10 10 QB Tim Harris 169 5' 11" 11

11 11 QB Mike Holt 169 5' 10" 10

A form will also be provided by the WVSSAC which should include season record with scores.

16. Please inform teams and bands where their buses should be parked and the location of the dressing rooms as well as seating arrangements for the fans.

17. It is the responsibility of the host school to provide adequate police protection.

18. Each game director will be paid $100.00 deducted from gross receipts.

19. Each game director will appoint a media coordinator to coordinate media coverage and needs. A local representative of this profession would be ideal to handle this area

20. Only handheld signs, worded or displayed in good taste, are acceptable. The use of confetti, shredded paper, amplified horns and cannons is prohibited. Refer to the Spectator Support Information printed in the Interscholastic.

21. It is recommended that electrical outlets be provided for sideline heaters, and if heaters are provided for the "home school," that this same service be made available to the "visitor."

22. WVSSAC POLICY ON FILMING: Filming or taping of Sectional, Regional, and State events shall be permitted under the following conditions:

1. A school whose students are participating in a specific contest or match may video tape or film that specific contest or match. Video taping or filming for the purpose of coaching or review during the duration of the event is prohibited. The school filming the contest may not sell, rent, or loan the tape or film for commercial purposes. Schools filming or taping under these provisions should make prior arrangements with game management.

2. At the State Super Six in football, the WVSSAC may arrange for professional filming of these events. Copies of the event will be provided at minimal cost. This is done for the benefit of all spectators.

Spectator filming may be done at all playoffs or any level of contest under the guidelines of the tournament director. The director of WVSSAC may stipulate a particular area or section for filming purposes as well as adopting other guidelines necessary at that particular site to insure the convenience of all concerned.

3. Media may, without fee, arrange with game management to take clips of WVSSAC sponsored contest for public news showing. Under no condition may an entire full segment (quarter, period, etc.) be filmed or taped.

4. The WVSSAC reserves the right to regulate and control the commercial use of all films and/or tapes taken at events sponsored by the Commission.

23. It was recommended that home administration provide the visitors with a time schedule to make sure that the game starts on time and that the field is cleared five (5) minutes prior to the game of all pre-game activity.

 

1. The home management is responsible for flag presentation and the playing of the Star Spangled Banner.

2. Teams are to leave the playing field 15 minutes before game time and return promptly at five minutes before kick-off time. Upon returning to the playing field, the captains will participate in the tossing of the coin.

3. No team will enter the playing field earlier than 1 1/2 hours before the game time.

4. There can be no practice on the home field anytime during the week of the game unless the field has artificial playing surface.

5. Sideline Passes will no longer be distributed from the WVSSAC. Distribution will be at the discretion of the game administrator.E

6. Length of half-time shall be 20 minutes.

7. Bands: Band members in uniform of the two participating schools shall be admitted to the game free. During the half-time intermission of the game, the visiting team band shall perform first and be prepared to start its performance immediately after the end of the first-half play. Performance by the visiting team band shall not exceed ten (10) minutes including time to get on and off the field. Performance by the home team band shall not exceed ten (10) minutes including time to get on and off the field. The field must be cleared for the mandatory three-minute warm-up drills for players. Teams should be notified at the end of fifteen (15) minutes. If a special announcer is required for a band show, previous arrangements shall be made with game director in order to gain access to the public address system.

8. The team designated as the home team will wear dark colored jerseys and the visiting team will wear light colored jerseys. The team finishing the highest in the final WVSSAC rating will be considered the home team for all levels of playoff competition.

9. Each participating school shall present two (2) legal footballs for game use as per Rule 1-3(1-2-3) to the referee at least thirty (30) minutes prior to the scheduled kickoff.

10. Any Wilson football may be used in a playoff game. Schools cannot use a product from another company. This was approved unanimously by the Football Coaches' Committee and the Board of Appeals. E

NOTE: The game administrator must be in attendance at all playoff meetings. E

1. The meetings for the first round will be held on the Sunday prior to the first round game at the following times: AAA-9:00 a.m.; AA-11:00 a.m. and A-1:00 p.m.

2. Each participating school will be required to bring all regular season and playoff game videotapes to the playoff meeting with the exchange of a minimum of three (3) games of choice.

3. Schools will be reimbursed according to the following numbers as constituting the official party of each classification: A(40); AA (50); AAA (60).

4. The following shall determine the expense allowance for participating schools providing game receipts are otherwise available:

A. Travel less than 150 miles one way:

(1) Travel: $4.00 per mile one way

(2) Meal allowance:

Host School:	Visiting School:
Games 1-2-3	Games 1-2-3
(A)        $160.00	(A)       $285.00
(AA)     $200.00	(AA)    $350.00
(AAA)  $240.00	(AAA) $415.00

B. Meals: $30.00 per member of official party.

If housing is provided gratis: $20.00 per member of official party.

C. Travel in excess of 150 miles one way:

(1) Travel: $4.50 per mile one way

D. Teams that travel over 275 miles (one way) and play a night game may be reimbursed for two nights if they choose to stay.

5. Each participating school shall share in the net receipts according to the following schedule:

First Round: 20%

Second Round: 15%

Third Round: 10%

Championship: 5%

6. The cost of filming playoff games will not be included as a game expense item.

1. Officials will be assigned to each game by the WVSSAC. Each official will be paid $65.00 for working the contest. One car will be allowed .31 per mile round trip travel expense. This will be computed based on the official traveling the greatest distance with a given crew.

2. The officials will be selected by the WVSSAC and host game director will be notified.

3. The WVSSAC will mail the officiating fee directly to each game official.

VIII. RADIO - TELEVISION - PRESS:

1. There will be no delayed or live televising of any championship football game(s) unless approved by the WVSSAC and/or Board of Appeals. If any person(s) or TV station requests a delayed taping, please direct them to the WVSSAC office. The fee for delayed broadcasting or viewing is covered in the TV Contract. Request for a live telecast must have prior approval from the Board of Appeals.

2. Any radio station desiring to broadcast any game, live or delayed, in the first three rounds must contact the game director to secure permission to broadcast. For championship games contact METRONEWS. Live broadcast fees are as follows:

First, Second and Third rounds - Class A $100.00 - Class AA $125.00 - Class AAA $150.00

The fee for a delayed broadcast of more than 24 hours is $75.00 per game.

3. When broadcasting facilities are limited at the site of the game, the two stations representing the two participating schools shall be assigned the two best facilities, and each school shall designate what radio station is to be given this preference. This is left to the discretion of each individual school that participates in the playoffs. After the first two selections are made, the third best facility should be occupied by a station representing the host school. Thereafter, choice of facilities shall be filled in order of request. A maximum number of three passes any be provided for any authorized radio station.

4. All requests for space should be done through the game director.

5. The Board of Appeals reserves the right to discontinue broadcasting of any station at any time in the event that such broadcast is considered by the Board to be in poor taste or incompatible with educational dignity or propriety of the high schools of the State of West Virginia. During the game or tournament, there shall be no political, tobacco, liquor, or malt spirit advertising. There shall not be any destructive criticism of the tournament game or game officials and their decisions either directly or indirectly.

6. The rights to any future use for commercial purpose(s) of any video tapes or radio broadcasts connected with these playoffs are reserved by the WVSSAC.

 

WVSSAC FOOTBALL PLAYOFF SITE QUESTIONNAIRE

12. Once a site has been approved, schools/facilities will not have to annually submit the Request to Host/Football Playoff Site Form unless site conditions change. E

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