MAISL - Frequently Asked Questions

MAISL – Madison Area Independent Sports League
Comprised of 13 Madison area Catholic and Christian schools and parishes

What Sports are Provided

Girl’s Volleyball - 5, 6, 7 & 8 Grade Leagues – Early September through mid-November
Touch Football – 5/6 & 7/8 Grade Leagues – Early September through late Oct. 
Boys & Girls Basketball – 5, 6, 7 & 8 Grade Leagues – Early December through mid-March
Girl’s Softball – 5/6 & 7/8 Grade Leagues – mid-April to late May
Boy’s Spring Volleyball – Leagues based upon number of teams – Early April to late May

Who is the Governing Authority

MAISL Executive Board
Representatives from all participating schools/parishes
Boy’s Program Commissioner
Girl’s Program Commissioner
Associate Commissioners as approved by MAISL Board
Principal’s Representative (MAPA Rep.)
Chairperson
Vice-Chairperson
Secretary/Treasurer

Are MAISL Executive Board Meetings Open

Yes – unless designated closed session
All meetings are designated "open session" unless special circumstance

Individuals who are not Board members must submit a request to league if they wish to
address the Board (verbal or email with the knowledge of administrator for their school/parish)
A section of an open meeting can be designated as a "closed session" if necessary

Rules/Documents Used

MAISL By-Laws
Rules & Regulations addendum
Diocese of Madison Policy Handbook
MAISL sports rules
WIAA/National Federation rules – Local rules will apply as approved
MAISL Reschedule Procedure (see below for more info)
School handbooks/Athletic rules – These used within the walls of individual participating schools

Is there a MAISL Game/Match Reschedule Policy

There is a procedure in place to handle game/match reschedules due to school/parish conflicts
created after receipt of school submittals to MAISL Scheduling Committee by approved dates.
Coaches may not reschedule their own games – They must utilize the reschedule procedure  
Schedule problems created by MAISL may be addressed by the appropriate Program
Commissioner provided all coaches and participating school administrators have been informed

 Does Everybody Play

The Diocese of Madison Policy Handbook states that a goal to be attained is "each child should
play a minimum of ¼ of each game and/or match"; MAISL has adopted this into our rules. There
are situations that arise that may negate this and coaches are asked to make the opposing
coach and the MAISL official (referee, scorekeeper etc.) aware of special circumstances prior to
the start of the game/match. These include, but are not limited to: injury, academic ineligibility
and restricted play due to behavioral problems, lack of attendance at practices etc. Each
school/parish has a different rule about players not participating and how they may be dressed
while on the team bench. We would ask that if your school allows a player to sit on the team
bench and wear the team’s jersey that the rest of what they wear are street clothes, so that they
are differentiated from active players. We would ask that the coaches also make their
administrator aware of these situations so if questions arise the school and it’s administration
have full knowledge of a player’s situation. This will help minimize issues with other schools and their teams/coaches/parents as well as concerns within the school that has the non-participating student/athlete.

Tournaments/Awards

Note: MAISL at it's discretion may replace ribbons in the 5th & 6th Grade League Tournaments with medals.  This will require MAISL Executive Board approval

MAISL will provide each participating school/parish (Fall 2004) with a permanent plaque and engraved plates for those plaques when a school/team wins a Tournament Championship

Football
League Champion – Trophy (team)
Tournaments (if held) – Ribbons for 5/6 Grade League – Medals for 7/8Grade League

Volleyball
League Champion – Trophy (team)
Tournaments – Ribbons 5^th & 6th Grade Leagues – Medals 7^th & 8^th Grade Leagues (individual)

Girl’s & Boy’s Basketball – Same as Volleyball

Girl’s Softball – Same as Football

Boy’s Spring Volleyball – Same as Football

Note:
In the 5^th & 6^th Grade Leagues non-championship game teams will receive individual Participation ribbons. 7^th & 8^th Grade will receive medals only for championship game/match.(to include but not limited to the following)  At Commissioner’s discretion (all leagues and sports): Individual tournament awards are 1^st-4^th Place or 1^st & 2^nd and Consolation Champion & 2^nd Place Consolation. This will be based upon tournament configuration.

Who can participate

Individual school/parish rules will apply to their teams

Schools may augment their rosters from Religious Education (individual school/parish policy applies).  A roster must be at least 50% school students (this rule does not apply to St. Peter parish).  A school my not add R.E. students just to field a second team

There is not a comprehensive MAISL grade policy –This is determined by individual school/parishes therefore academic eligibility is determined by in-school criteria

The position of MAISL is as follows:
Any student may participate on a school team or squad
Teams are entered into grade appropriate leagues.
Combined teams must play up to the level of the highest grade student/athlete (a team can not play down a grade level just because the majority of the squad members are from a lower grade level)

Where do we play

Football – Vilas Park -- Monday - Friday (St. Dennis - occasional Saturday)

Volleyball – Gyms of participating schools

Basketball – Gyms of participating schools

Girl’s Softball – St. Dennis, St. Francis, Sacred Hearts and Centennial or Ripp Park in Waunakee

Boy’s Spring Volleyball – Gyms of participating schools