2023-24 Conference Officers

Cody Schultz, Wayland Academy, President

Mike Thies, Abundant Life Christian, VP/Secretary

Rich Fronheiser, Commissioner/Treasurer

Pat LaTour, Associate Commissioner

Updated 9/21/2023 by Rich Fronheiser, Commissioner

TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                                  

SECTION 100 - ACTIVITIES

110 Recognition

A conference activity shall be recognized if six member schools participate in any year, or are a part of a multiple conference merger.

120 Admissions Price and Policies

1. Admission will be $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for K-12 Students, and $2.00 for Senior Citizens for regular season athletic events, including JV Multis.

2. Trailways Conference-issued passes will be honored at all venues.

3. Season tickets/senior passes for home events may be distributed at school discretion.

4. Admission for athletic Conference Championship events (volleyball, wrestling, track) will be $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for Students/Senior Citizens.

5. No admission will be charged for non-athletic Trailways Conference events.

6. Each full member school will receive thirty (30) non-transferrable conference passes at the beginning of the year, to be distributed by the school principal.  Partial members will receive ten (10) conference passes.

7. Bus drivers, chaperones, and all team personnel will receive free admission.

8. Lifetime passes will be issued to each head coach, athletic director, and administrator that has served in those positions five consecutive years.

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SECTION 200 - Eligibility 

210  Eligibility Guidelines

1. Training Rules - The Trailways Conference embraces WIAA Policy, however individual schools may adopt stricter rules if desired.

2. Transfer students who are under code violations will serve penalties as assessed by original school’s code of conduct.

3. Sub-Varsity

• Exchange students are allowed to play on non-varsity level teams, if that is what their ability dictates.  
• Seniors are allowed to play at the sub-varsity level for all sports if approval is given by that school’s Principal and Athletic Director.

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SECTION 300 - GENERAL ATHLETIC POLICIES 

310  Provisions

1. Contest Rules - The conference shall hold all its contests under the season rules and regulations of the WIAA except as provided for in the by-laws of the conference.

2. Supervision - A coach or faculty member designated by the administrator or the administrator's designee shall accompany teams participating in competition. Coaches who are in charge of conference squads shall be in attendance at all times and assume complete responsibility of those under their supervision.

3. Reports - Scores of athletic contests shall be reported by the host school to their local media outlets as well as to WSN and the WIAA as soon as possible after the event has completed.

4. Rosters for each level will be entered into rSchool by the first competition of the season.  Rosters should list name, number, position, year in school, and coaching staff members.

320 Statistics   

Statistics will be kept by the Head Coach and entered on the Wissports.net platform within five days after the event (submitted to the Commissioner for wrestling, golf, track and cross country) Failure to update your stats will result in the following interventions:

• First intervention--Commissioner will send a reminder to the coach, athletic director, and principal of the member school.
• Second intervention –Letter of reprimand from the conference president to the coach with copies sent to the administration of the member school.

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SECTION 400 - GENERAL NON-ATHLETIC POLICIES 

410  Provisions

1. Advisor meetings that include Art, Forensics, & Music shall take place after school at a time/location determined by the advisor(s) from the school whose Principal is Conference President for that school year at a centrally located site within the conference. Proposed changes of by-laws will require a 2/3 vote of those present in order for the Commissioner to bring the proposal to the Executive Commission and then to all member schools for consideration.

2. If more than two schools or the host school cancel school on a non-athletic conference multi-school event date, the event will be postponed.

3. Supervision - A coach or faculty member designated by the administrator or the administrator's designee shall accompany teams participating in competition. Coaches who are in charge of conference squads shall be in attendance at all times and assume complete responsibility of those under their supervision.

420  Pep Bands

Only home school pep bands are allowed to play at Trailways Conference events unless the host school grants permission for a visiting pep band to be present at an event.

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SECTION 500 – SCHEDULES

510  Scheduling

1. Schedule Changes - Arrangements for postponements and/or schedule changes are the responsibility of the two schools concerned: The commissioner is also to be informed by the host school relative to officials' assignments.

• When changes are made within three months of the scheduled contest date, there is no guarantee that the Commissioner will be able to accommodate with replacement officials.

2. The following specific dates during the school year are tentatively set aside and designated as “athletic free” dates. Athletic events will not be scheduled by the Commissioner or Athletic Director unless it is known ahead of time that a student or students from said schools would not be involved with that specific event. Dates will be confirmed at the August meeting each year.

• Honors Band Clinic, North Division, 1st Monday in November

• Honors Choir Clinic, Both Divisions, 2nd Monday in November

• Winter concert dates – 2nd Thursday and 3rd Tuesday of December.

• Forensics –1st Monday of February.

• Honors Band Clinic, South Division, 2nd Monday in February

• Academic Bowl – 1st Monday in March

• Math Meet – 2nd Monday of March

• Honors Banquet – 3rd Tuesday of April

• Spring concert dates – 2nd Tuesday and 3rd Monday of May

3. Coaches meetings shall take place at a time/location determined by the Commissioner. Exception: Baseball/softball meetings will be held the night prior to the first scheduled WIAA tournament game.  

4. Proposed changes of by-laws will require a 2/3 vote of those present in order for the Commissioner to bring the proposal to the Executive Commission and then to all schools for consideration.

520  Adding/Dropping an Activity

1. Any time a school requests to add a co-op sport or varsity sport, it must be done in writing to the Commissioner a minimum of  eighteen months in advance of the first day of the WIAA sports season of that sport. This allows the Commissioner to adjust schedules for the following season.  Any exceptions must be approved by the Executive Commission.
    
2. Any time a school requests to dissolve a varsity sport or cancel a varsity sport season, they will be responsible to pay contracted officials for scheduled conference events for that sport for 30 days after informing the Commissioner in writing of the season cancellation.
    
3. In the event of having low numbers, every effort should be made to play the varsity schedule if there are numbers to play the schedule as assigned.

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SECTION 600  OFFICIALS

610 Teams    

1. The Trailways Commissioner will contract WIAA registered officials for regular season conference games in varsity football (5), JV/varsity volleyball (2), varsity basketball (3), wresting duals (1 per mat), varsity baseball (2), varsity softball (2), and track and field (2).
2. The Commissioner will also contract officials for tournament/championship events in volleyball (2 per court, 4 in later rounds), cross country (2), wrestling (4), track & field (4).
3. Names of scheduled officials will be entered in rSchool and available to all schools.
4. Pay rates for varsity contests will be reviewed annually and listed in Addendum A on the Trailways website.  Details of the existing agreement will be posted there.
5. Concerns regarding specific officials should be communicated with the Commissioner through the Athletic Director.
6. Show-up Fee - Officials will be paid the full game fee if they arrive at the site and the game is not played or completed. 
7. Officials contracted by the Conference Commissioner (varsity sports and V/JV volleyball and JV multi volleyball) will be contracted at the Trailways pay scale.  Officials contracted by the individual school can be paid at an amount the individual school chooses.

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SECTION 700 – AWARDS/ALL-CONFERENCE

710  Awards Oveview

1. Team Champions– The champion and co-champion of each major conference sponsored activity will be awarded an official conference championship trophy. 

• Determination - Championships shall be determined by the number of games won and lost or points accumulated. In case of ties, co-champions shall be declared.   In order to be eligible for a championship a school must participate in the full conference schedule in that particular sport/activity
• Conference Medals - Schools may purchase medals for their championship teams, but these cannot be Trailways Conference medals.

2. All-Conference – Students earning First-Team All-Conference recognition will receive a gold medal, Second-Team All-Conference honorees will receive a silver medal.  For a full conference meet, "true third" bronze medals will be provided for wrestling and track. The conference will provide a certificate template for schools to print honorable mention and all-conference certificates if they so desire.
3. Player of the Year – All recognized sports will select a Player of the Year.  The recipient and the recipient’s school will receive a plaque.
4. Once the commissioner announces the All-Conference teams, the recognitions awarded are final.  However, if an error is subsequently found that a player should have received an honor or a higher honor, the All-Conference team will be amended accordingly.

720  All-Conference

1. All-Conference teams for cross-country, golf, track, and wrestling will be determined at their respective conference meets.

• Cross Country (7 1st Team, 7 2nd Team, 7 honorable mention)

• Golf (1st Team will equal number of teams in division; No 2nd Team)

• Track & Field (1st Place – 1st Team, 2nd Place – 2nd Team)

• Wrestling (1st Place – 1st Team, 2nd Place – 2nd Team)

2. All-Conference teams for football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, and softball will be selected by vote of conference coaches at face-to-face meetings following the season.  All coaches will choose a first team (2 points) and a second team (1 point) - the teams will be chosen as follows:

• Football (13 offense – QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, TE/FB, 5 OL, 2 FLEX; 13 defense – 3 DB, 2 OLB, 2 ILB, 2 IDL, 2 DE, 2 FLEX; also K, P, SP T) – 1st Team and 2nd Team

• Volleyball (7 1st Team, 7 2nd Team, including a Defensive Specialist on each;

• Basketball (6 1st-Team, 6 2nd Team); 

• Baseball (11 1st Team – 2 P, 1 C, 4 IF, 3 OF, 1 FLEX, 11 2nd Team, same);

• Softball (11 1st Team, 11 2nd Team);

3. All-Conference awards for non-athletic activities are specified in the 2000 series of by-laws.

4. Nomination Procedure

• Coaches will complete their nominations utilizing standardized Google Form including Name, Number, Position, Year in School, related statistics in conference/divisional games only, and height (football/basketball) and weight (football only).   Nominees must be ranked in order of recognition (or by a recommended team nomination), and approved by the Principal or Athletic Director.
   
• Nominations totals will be in accordance with Appendix LL. For football, see the football bylaws.

5. Voting Procedure

• Coaches may not vote for their own players

• Coaches may remove nominees at the meeting, but may not add nominees

• Ballot will consist of a first team and second team -- 2 points for first team, 1 point for second team

• An open balloting process will be in place, with votes posted.

• Ties for All-Conference selections will not be broken.

• Honorable mention list will consist of non 1st/2nd team players who received vote(s) plus one additional nominee per school.

730  Player of the Year

1. In football, linemen receiving the highest point total will be named Lineman of the Year, with no ties broken.

2. Each school may nominate one of their first team player(s) for recognition as Player of the Year. In sports without a face-to-face meeting, nominations with a brief narrative are due to the Commissioner within 48 hours of the completion of the conference meet, except wrestling which will be due the Monday after the State Tournament.

• Football and baseball will be allowed one 1st team nominee to be nominated from any position for Player of the Year honors (Offense/Defense in football).

3. Voting will be conducted on a one vote per school basis, with coaches not allowed to vote for their own player.   Ties will not be broken.                                          

Player of the Year Nomination and Voting Procedure Proposal

Cross Country, Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball, Golf, Softball, Track and Field

1. Nomination Procedure

   1. The athlete must have received All-Conference First Team, except for Track and Field nominations.

   2. Each school may nominate up to two athletes as long as that school has more than one All-Conference First-Team player or athlete.

      1. In football, the Offensive and Defensive Lineman of the Year will be determined by the linemen who received the most points during the All-Conference team selection process.   

   3. All-Conference coaches meeting

      1. After the All-Conference teams are determined, each school that has nominated an athlete will give a brief narrative on why their athlete should be considered for Player of the Year. 

      2. If the sport doesn’t have an All-Conference coaches meeting, coaches will submit their nominations with a brief written narrative to their Athletic Director. Each school's Athletic Director will review the nomination(s) and then submit the nomination(s) to the Conference Commissioner no later than 48 hours after the completion of the conference schedule, except for wrestling which will be due 48 hours after the WIAA Individual State Tournament.

2. Voting Procedure

   1. An electronic or paper preference ballot will be distributed to each Head Coach, one ballot per team.

   2. Each team completes their preference ballot by submitting their first-place, second-place, and third-place choices. 

      1. Each first-place vote is worth 5 points, each second-place vote is worth 3 points, and each third-place vote is worth 1 point. 

      2. Coaches are allowed to vote for their own athlete.

   3. The preference ballots will be collected and the nominated athlete with the most overall points receives Player of the Year. 

      1. Ties will not be broken.

      2. Votes can not be changed once the ballots have been collected or submitted. 

740  Release of All-Conference Teams

The Commissioner will send out official release of the All-Conference Teams and Player of the Year recognition within one week of the completion of the voting process.                                                

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Section 800 – CONFERENCE COMMISSIONER

810 Contract       

1. Appointment - A conference commissioner shall be contracted on a two-year rolling basis by the Executive Commission.  This appointment is to be confirmed by majority vote of the conference at a March meeting.

2. Term - The commissioner shall serve from July 1st through June 30th.

3. Should the Commissioner be unable to fulfill his contract, the Executive Commission will make provision to complete the duties as necessary.

4. Evaluation of the commissioner shall take place annually in the first three years of serice to the conference and bi-annually thereafter, unless deemed otherwise by the Executive Commission.

5. An associate commissioner, if hired, will complete duties assigned by the commissioner and Executive Commission and will be paid from the Commissioner total stipend based on amount of work assigned.  Currently, the split is 2/3 for the commissioner and 1/3 for the associate commissioner. Where the bylaws reference the commissioner, this could refer to the commissioner or the associate commissioner, unless noted otherwise.

820 Compensation

The commissioner's salary for the next year shall be determined annually at the spring Conference meeting. The commissioner shall be paid quarterly (four equal payments) or monthly at the choice of the commissioner. The associate commissioner will be paid quarterly (four equal payments).

830 Duties

1. Meetings

• Attend all regular meetings of the conference.

• Assist the Conference President in the preparation of agendas for the conference meetings

• Act as a liaison between various coaches' advisory groups and the principals, representing both points of view in a neutral manner.

• Represent the Trailways Conference as spokesperson at state and local meetings.

• The Commissioner is not expected to attend conference meets, tournaments, or non-athletic functions

2. Publicity/Website 

• Function as the publicity director for all conference-sponsored activities.

• Maintain the Trailways website, which will include a calendar for athletic and non-athletic events, standings/ statistics for conference sports, all conference teams, results from conference tournaments and events, and the current by-laws.

• Distribute all conference recognition to local media outlets.

• Provide conference information as requested

3.  Scheduling  

• Prepare annual schedules in all the conference recognized athletic activities.

• Schedules will be drafted 18 months in advance of the subsequent season and will be sent to athletic directors for changes/approval.

4. Officials

• Contract officials for all scheduled and rescheduled conference varsity events in the following sports: volleyball, football, cross-country, basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, and track. During the contract, the commissioner shall carry out duties for the current year, but officials will be hired for the subsequent year.

• Screen new officials to work in the conference.

• Handle all cancellations/changes of officials whether such change was initiated by the official, the commissioner or the school; notifications will come through rSchool.

• Serve as a resource person in assisting member schools in contracting officials for non-conference games.

• Maintain the assigned officials in the rSchool platform.

5. Serve as the Conference Treasurer

• Keep accurate records of all receipts and expenditures.  

• Report at each of the five conference meetings as well as an annual audit. The final treasurer report will include the financial status of the Conference to the membership.

6. Conference By-Laws - Recommend appropriate changes in conference by-laws to the Executive Commission.

7. All-Conference - Coordinate the all-conference nominations and balloting according to the by-laws.

8. Awards - Order & distribute awards for conference- sponsored activities.

9. Restrictions - The commissioner shall not:

• Coach a conference-sponsored athletic activity for which the commissioner hires officials.

• Hire officials with any known conflict of interest with participating schools.

10. The Commissioners / Officers / Executive Commission have the authority to handle immediate issues not covered by the Constitution or By-Laws of the Trailways Conference.

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SECTION 1000 - CROSS COUNTRY 

1010 Division Structure

Cross Country will involve all schools aligned in one division.  A middle school meet will be run in conjunction with this meet.

1020 Schedule/Conference Meet

1. Conference Schedule:  The conference championship shall be determined at one conference meet held on the Thursday of the 9th week of the season and hosted in an alternating alphabetical rotation based on geographical division. The order of the meet will be determined as per WIAA sectional meet set-up for that given year.

2. Time of Meet: The conference sponsored cross country meet will start at 4:00pm for the first gender in rotation, 4:40pm for the 2nd gender in rotation, and ASAP for both genders of middle school.  JV & Varsity runners may run together, provided that separate identification is provided.

3. Conference Standings: The cross country champion is the school scoring the fewest points in accordance with WIAA scoring regulations. The conference championship team will receive a conference trophy.

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SECTION 1100 – FOOTBALL

Conference football alignment is determined biannually by the WIAA. Specific by-laws for football are created and maintained by those football-only conferences.  Please refer to those documents for specific information.

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SECTION 1200 - VOLLEYBALL

1210 Division Alignment

The Trailways Conference will have geography-based divisions for volleyball competition.  The champion will be determined by the best win-loss record within divisional play.

1220  Competition  
 

1. Dual Meet:
   
   Scheduled starting times will be 5:45 for JV and 7:15 for varsity, with warmups starting immediately after conclusion of preliminary game.  Schools hosting three levels have flexibility due to facility limitations or transportation challenges.  

• Varsity – Best three out of five sets as per WIAA Guidelines
• Sub-Varsity- Play three sets, rally scoring to 25 with 30-point cap

2. Sub-Varsity Tri/Quad:  

• Starting time will be 5:00 PM.
• Triangular – Best two of three sets, rally scoring to 25 with 30-point cap. If third set is needed, play to firm cap of 15.
  • WIAA Warm-up period begins at 4:40pm
  • Match #1 – host school vs. furthest geographical opponent

            20-minute warm-up

   Match #2 – two visiting teams

            10-minute warm-up

          Match #3 – host school vs. nearest geographical opponent

• Quadrangular – Best two of three sets, rally scoring to 25 with 30-point cap.  If third set is needed, play to firm cap of 15.
  • WIAA Warm-up period begins at 4:40pm
  • Host school determines order of competition, with 10 minute warm-up between matches.

3. Conference Tournament will be held at the conclusion of the conference season at a location determined by the conference.

• Admission will be charged as per by-law 120.
• All matches will be best of three sets with no cap as per WIAA scoring guidelines, with tie-breaking third-set to follow normal fifth-set scoring.
• Each team will provide one adult line-judge and one timer/ scorer for their team while participating at the conference tournament.  Teams failing to provide workers will be assessed the cost of contracting such personnel.
• Awards will be given to the winning team(s).
• Seeding will be done in a manner determined by the conference / tournament director.

1230  Officials

1. The Commissioner shall hire two WIAA registered officials for JV/Varsity competition.  It shall be the home school responsibility to provide officials for JV2 competition. Commissioner will contract crews for the Conference Tournament.
2. Each official is to be paid as per Addendum A.

1240  Schedules

The master schedule shall be made up by the Conference Commissioner. Each division will play a single round robin dual meet schedule. In addition, a conference tournament (varsity only) will be scheduled on a Saturday 10 days before the WIAA regionals begin. To make up for the loss of dates due to varsity only tournament, two additional multi-meet dates will be scheduled for JV only competitions.

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SECTION 1300 - BASKETBALL

1310  Division Alignment

The Trailways Conference will have geography-based divisions for basketball competition.  The champion will be determined by the best win-loss record within the division at the end of the season.

1320   Competition

1.  Scheduled starting times will be 5:45 for JV and 7:15 for varsity, with warmups starting immediately after conclusion of preliminary game.  Schools hosting three levels have flexibility due to facility limitations or transportation challenges.   Varsity games will be played according to WIAA Season Rules and Regulations.  Doubleheaders may be scheduled by mutual consent.
2. Junior varsity games will be played in two 16-minute halves, with 4-minute overtime periods. 
3. JV2 games will follow JV time guidelines. 
4. Basketballs - the home team will provide at least (6) six basketballs for the visiting team to use during warm-up sessions. The basketballs should be of the same quality and type the home team is using.

1330  Locker Room Availability / Warm-up / Half-time shooting

1. Locker rooms will be available to the visiting team at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the J.V. contest.
2. No squad may warm-up for more than twenty (20) minutes prior to the start of their game.
3. There will be no halftime shooting by players from other squads, nor should any non-uniformed individual be allowed on the court before and after JV/JV2 game, before the Varsity game or during halftime (unless shooter(s) are a part of athletic director approved half-time entertainment).

1340  Officials

1. For all varsity conference competition, the Commissioner shall hire three WIAA registered officials. It shall be the home school's responsibility to provide two officials for JV and JV2 competition.
2. Each official shall receive pay as per Addendum A.

1350   Schedules

1. The master schedule shall be made up by the Conference Commissioner. Double round robin competition within each division will occur.

2. Winter black out dates for scheduling:

• Second Thursday and third Tuesday in December (winter concerts)

• First Monday in February (Conference Forensics)

3. No games will be scheduled on dates that conflict with WIAA Regional play of the opposite gender.

1360  HUDL/Film

1. Schools are required to place film of each conference game into a HUDL league pool within 48 hours of the contest.
2. The commissioner should be notified when film is not uploaded in a timely manner - the commissioner will notify the athletic director.

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SECTION 1400 - WRESTLING

1410  Division Structure

The Trailways Conference will have geography-based divisions for wrestling competition. 

1420  Competition

Dual matches will be held as scheduled quads in the North and South Divisions, with rotating host responsibilities among schools.

1430  Officials

1. All wrestling officials must be registered by the WIAA and will be contracted by the Commissioner for all conference matches. 

2. Conference Quads  -The pay for wrestling officials shall be as per Addendum A. 

3. Four (4) officials will be contracted for the conference tournament with the use of three (3) mats.

4. Fee for tournament manager as per Addendum A.

1440  Schedules

1. The master schedule will be developed by the Trailways Conference Commissioner to avoid conflicts with basketball dates and facility use. 

2. No contests will be scheduled on the second Thursday or the third Tuesday of December for Christmas concerts nor on the 1st Monday in February (Trailways Forensics).

3. Dual Meets – Each team will be scheduled to wrestle dual meet events as scheduled tris and quads within the division. Start time and weigh-in time as per Addendum A.

• Team ties will be broken per Federation rules w/WIAA adaptations.        

• If teams meet each other at a dual meet tournament outside the conference setting, they may use that date and score that meet as their dual match for that given year. Teams must contact the Commissioner 18 months in advance of that projected date with that information. Commissioner will add that date to the schedule.

4. Schools may be allowed to reschedule matches by mutual agreements. 

1450 Conference Individual Tournament

1. The conference individual tournament for all participating schools will be hosted on the Saturday preceding the WIAA Regional Tournament.  Hosting will rotate in an alphabetical, division-alternating rotation to sites that are able to run two/three??  mats. The meet manager will be responsible for conveying the information to all schools.
2. The weigh-in will be conducted as per WIAA guidelines beginning at 8:30 AM. 
3. Seeding Meeting: Will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning. Seeding Criteria will be

• #1-Overall record with at least 10 matches wrestled
• #2-Head to Head.
• Coaches will vote for special considerations

4. Admission – As per Bylaw 120. 
5. Profit/Loss: Profit to be kept by host school, and loss to be fair share among participating schools.
6. Tournament Format: 16 Man WB-3rd Place 6 (NFHS Wrestling Rule 1-4-3 Tie Breaking Criteria if a 6th match in one day was to occur).
7. All matches at the conference tournament will be scheduled on a 2’-2’-2’ format for length of periods.  Scoring and tie breakers will be as per WIAA Tournament Regulations.
8. Track Wrestling will be used to score the tournament.
9. If 3 mats are available during the final round we wrestle all 1st-6th place matches simultaneously; or if  2 mats are available the 5th-6th place matches are wrestled first and then the 1st-4th place matches are run simultaneously.
10. In case of weather-related cancellation, the following Monday will be the make-up date, with procedures as follows: 

• Coaches will meet on Sunday at the site of host school to seed the tournament.
• Tournament on Monday will be single elimination.
• Place back to 4th. 

1460 Dual Meet Division Champion / Conference Tournament Champion

1. Each Division will have a Dual Meet Team Champion based on won/loss record. Ties will not be broken. 
2. A Conference Tournament Team Champion will be recognized during the scoring of the Conference Tournament only. Team ties will not be broken.

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SECTION 1500 – BASEBALL

1510 Division Structure

The Trailways Conference will have geography-based divisions for baseball competition.  The champion will be determined by the best win-loss record within the division at the end of the season.

1520 Competition

1. Game time will be 5PM for single games, while doubleheaders will be played at 4PM unless facilities dictate otherwise. 
2. The visiting team shall have the field 15 minutes before game time. 
3. The “10 run rule/mercy rule” after 5 innings is mandatory at all levels. 
4. Statistics will be kept and entered into WisSports.net for all conference games.
5. RealFeel guidelines will govern the scheduling of a game in cold weather.  The RealFeel temperature must be projected to be at or above 32 degrees F at game time in order to be played.  The projection will be taken from weather.com three hours before gametime using the host city/town.
6. If the first game of a doubleheader is not finished by 6:30PM on a field without lights, the second game is not to be started.

1530 Junior Varsity

Junior Varsity games will be scheduled and played on an individual basis by each school.  

1540 Officials

1. The Commissioner shall contract two varsity umpires who are registered WIAA officials.
2. Each umpire shall be paid as per addendum A. Umpires will be paid the full game fee if they arrive at the site and the game is not played or completed. The hosting team will pay the umpires fees for both games of a doubleheader.
3. Umpires who work the completion of a suspended game will be paid $15 per inning provided a full game follows the suspended game.  If no full game follows, a full game fee will be given for the completion of the suspended game.

1550 Schedules

1. The master schedule shall be made up by the Commissioner. Schedule for each team will include 2 games against each opponent within the West division and 3 games against each opponent in the South and East divisions. 
2. The last scheduled game shall be no later than the Thursday preceding WIAA tournament play. However, if necessary, make-up games may be scheduled up to the WIAA Sectional Tournament date.

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SECTION 1600 - GOLF

1610  Division Structure

The Trailways Conference will have geography-based divisions for golf.

1620  Competition

1. All WIAA regulations are assumed unless notified below in the bylaws.
2. All Electronic devices i.e., cell phones, , ipods are not allowed on “the course” from 1st tee time through last putt made while teams are competing. Offenders of #2 will be disqualified whether playing or participating in spectator capacity. 
3. Time – Conference mini-tour events will not start before 3PM during the school week, unless part of an 18-hole double tour stop, which may begin at 1:00 PM.
4. Format - Matches are stroke play/count 4 of 5 scores, nine (9) hole matches. 
5. Team ties for Divisional Meets will be broken by the scores of the 5th player. If 5th players tied, teams will remain tied.
6. Junior Varsity matches will use “10 stroke” rule.

1630   Regular Season Schedules 

1. Master Schedules – Schedules will be completed via email.  Each divisional school will host a mini-tour event that will allow Varsity and J.V. competition for teams in that division only. Conference Best Ball and Championship dates will be announced prior to the divisional meetings by the host school, which will rotate alphabetically and alternate divisions.
2. Matches are not to be scheduled on the third Tuesday in April (honors banquet) or the 2nd Tuesday and 3rd Monday in May (spring concert dates).

1640  Divisional Standings

1. Team points will be awarded toward divisional record will be as follows: At each divisional meet, 1 team point will be awarded for “low” team score, 2 points for 2nd lowest score, 3 points for 3rd lowest score, and 4 points for 4th lowest score, etc.
2. Divisional Champions will be that team with the lowest point team total after the divisional and conference meets. This team will receive a Conference Trophy.

1650  Conference Best Ball

1. Host of Conference Meet will host a best ball at the site of the Conference Meet on date specified by the host prior to when the mini-tour schedule begins.
2. Each team will send 6 golfers.
3. No medals/prizes will be awarded.

1660   Conference Championship Meet

1. Date/Time - Conference meet will be held the week prior to the WIAA Regional Meet. Host site will determine exact date and tee times but every attempt will be made for 8:30am coaches meeting with 9am scheduled first tee time. 
2. Future Sites - Conference meets will be held at a neutral site but organized by the host school unless no neutral site is available. Rotation of sites will be done alphabetically by schools rotating a South / North site every other year. 
3. Specifications and Procedures - Play 18 holes with best four (4) of five (5) scores tabulated as the team score. 
4. Conference Meet Champion – The Trailways Conference Meet Champion will be the team with the lowest team score. Tie for team champion will be broken using WIAA Tournament procedures.  Team points awarded at the conference meet that will be included to determine each divisional champion will be 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 for the South Division and 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 for the North Division. Points will be distributed in order of conference meet finish.
5. Conference Team Traveling Trophy - The team with the lowest point total will receive the Trailways Conference Tournament Traveling Golf Trophy. 
6. Meet Medalist – The golfer totaling the lowest score at the conference meet will be designating that golfer as Meet Medalist.  Tie for meet medalist will be broken through match play competition as per WIAA Tournament Procedures.
7. Meet finances - No admission will be charged. Expenses may include green fees, equally divided among all teams.

1670   All Conference Recognition

All Conference golfers and the Player(s) of the Year will be determined and based on stroke average in the varsity divisional meets and results of the conference tournament. Players will be allowed one absence from a divisional meet in this determination. A player must also participate in and count his/her scores from the conference tournament.

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SECTION 1700  - SOFTBALL

1710  Division Structure

The Trailways Conference will have geography-based divisions for softball competition.  The champion will be determined by the best win-loss record within the division at the end of the season.

1720   Competition

1. Game time will be 5PM for single games, while doubleheaders will be played at 4PM unless facilities dictate others. 
2. The visiting team shall have the field 15 minutes before game time. 
3. The “10 run rule/mercy rule after 5 innings" and the "15 run rule/mercy rule after 3 innings" is mandatory for all conference varsity play.
4. Statistics will be kept and entered into WisSports.net for all conference games.
5. RealFeel guidelines will govern the scheduling of a game in cold weather.  The RealFeel temperature must be projected to be at or above 32 degrees F at game time in order to be played.  The projection will be taken from weather.com three hours before gametime using the host city/town.
6. If the first game of a doubleheader is not finished by 6:30PM on a field without lights, the second game is not to be started.

1730 Junior Varsity

Junior Varsity games will be scheduled and played on an individual basis by each school.                   

1740 Officials 

1. The Commissioner shall contract two varsity umpires who are registered WIAA officials. 
2. Each umpire shall be paid as per addendum A. Umpires will be paid the full game fee if they arrive at the site and the game is not played or completed. The hosting team will pay the umpires fees for both games of a doubleheader.
3. Umpires who work the completion of a suspended game will be paid $15 per inning provided a full game follows the suspended game.  If no full game follows, a full game fee will be given for the completion of the suspended game.

1750  Schedules

1. The master schedule shall be made up by the Commissioner. Schedule for each team will include 2 games against each opponent within the West division and 3 games against each opponent in the South and East divisions.
2. The last scheduled game shall be no later than the Thursday preceding WIAA tournament play. However, if necessary, make-up games may be scheduled up to the WIAA Sectional Tournament date.

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SECTION 1800  - TRACK AND FIELD

1810  Division Structure

The Trailways Conference will have geography-based divisions for track and field competition.  The divisional champion will be determined by a combination of the best won-loss record in dual meet competition and the placing in the Divisional meet.  A combined Conference Championship meet will be held at the end of the season.

1820  Divisional Dual Meets  

1. Time – 4:30 Field Events – Running events to follow
2. All meets, including those that will have three or more teams will be scored such that teams are competing head to head.  By mutual consent of the schools scheduled to compete, additional school(s) can be added to a meet provided the Trailways Conference schools scheduled to compete are scored head to head.
3. Each school participating may have unlimited entries in all events. Only the top (3) three individuals will count in scoring.  (WIAA rules regarding individual maximum events will need to be followed).
4. When multiple heats are needed, a fast heat and a slow heat will be designated. It will be the responsibility of the coach to enter individuals in the appropriate heat.
5. Boys’ and girls’ running events should be combined only with the approval of all the coaches present at any particular meet.
6. The WIAA order for all field events will be followed, except long and triple jump competition will be together in an open pit.
7. Changes in the meet lineup may be made at any time up to the start of the meet. Hosting schools using computerized systems shall send out heat sheets to participating schools in advance of the meet.
8. If a school hosts a dual meet and they do not sponsor pole vault but at least one of the visiting school(s) do/does sponsor the event, then the points (9) for that event shall be forfeited to the visiting schools. The visiting school(s) that is/are sponsoring pole vault will be required to enter 3 athletes that have competed in the event to obtain the points. If two visiting schools have vault, the points shall be split up as follows-If each school has two or more vaulters than 4.5 points shall be rewarded to each school. If Visiting School A has two vaulters and Visiting School B has one vaulter, then school A & B will receive 4 points each and 1 point for 3rd place shall be awarded to School A, the school with 2 vaulters. 
9. Meets will not be scheduled on the third Tuesday in April (Honors Banquet) and for the 2nd Tuesday and 3rd Monday of May. (concert dates).  A date will be reserved in the schedule for a dual meet rain makeup.
10. A team will receive 1 point for every team they beat in a dual meet. These will be applied in combination with the placement at the divisional meet to help determine the overall divisional champion. In the event of a tie, each team will be awarded a half point.

1830 Conference Championship Meet - Procedures

1. Conference Meet will be hosted by a school with a rubberized track.  Host site will rotate alphabetically and alternate between divisions.
2. Rain Dates - The rain date for the Conference Meet will be the next day. 
3. Team Entries for the Conference meet are to be completed electronically by the Tuesday before the meet no later than noon.    
4. Time - Scratch meeting will be held at 3pm. Field Events will begin at 3:30pm. WIAA regional procedures will be used to run the duration of events. 
5. Admission will be charged as per by-law 120. 
6.  Procedures

• WIAA Tournament Guidelines will be followed for order of events (track and field), seeding, starting heights and procedures, qualifications for finals, and scoring.  
• Host school shall have a video camera at the finish line regardless if they are using the FAT timing system.
• Officials - The Commissioner will hire three (3) officials for the Conference Meet: One a starter, one an assistant starter, and the third in charge of field events. Officials will be paid per Addendum A. 
• The Appeals Committee shall consist of the two(2) starters, one(1) Boys coach, one(1) Girls coach, and the meet manager. Determination of which coaches will be on the committee will be made by draw at the seeding meeting. 
• Changes - After initial entries have been faxed to host school, only changes due to injury/illness with a doctor's excuse or disciplinary action with a Principal's excuse may be made.
• Entries –
  • An athlete may be entered in 4 events: 3 running/1 field, 1 running/3 field, or 2 running/2 field events.
  • A team is allowed one (1) entry per relay event.
  • A team may have a total of three (3) entries per individual events, and is limited to a total of 28 entries for boys events and 28 entries for girls events.
  • Four (4) or more individuals may be entered in an individual event if all equal or surpass qualifying standards that shall be the average of the sixth place finisher in the given event at the conference meet for the last 3 years. Anything above 3 in an event does count toward your 28.

7. Awards:

• Trophy – The championship team (boys and girls) will receive a Conference Meet Championship trophy.
• Medals – The event champion will receive a gold (1st Team) conference medal, the 2nd place and 3rd place finishers will receive silver and bronze Trailways medals.

1840 Divisional Meet Procedures

1. The host of the Divisional meet will rotate alphabetically within each division. In divisions where schools sponsor pole vault, the host school must be able to contest that event. A school will be given the opportunity to host at a different facility if their home track does not qualify.
2. There will be no rain date for the Divisional meet. In the event of a weather cancellation, team placement at the Conference meet for teams within the effected division will go towards determining the divisional champion.
3. A team will receive 1 point for each team they beat at the Divisional meet. In the event of a tie, each team will receive a half a point. These points will be combined with the point s from the dual meets to determine the overall Divisional champion.
4. Entries for the Divisional meet will be completed electronically no later than 8 pm two calendar days before the meet (so Sunday for a Tuesday Divisional meet, Saturday for a Monday Divisional meet)
5. Entries will follow normal WIAA Regional entry guidelines (28 total entries, no more than 3 per event  etc.) for varsity entries. JV entries are unlimited. When doing entries electronically, varsity and JV designations have to be made by the entry deadline. An athlete can be varsity in some events and JV in others as long as they don’t exceed the WIAA rules for maximum events
6. Changes to the varsity line-up can only be made due to an injury/illness with a doctor’s excuse or because of disciplinary action via a principal’s note
7. Since the number of teams in each division are different, team scoring will follow the guidelines as outlined in the NFHS rule book

Conference Meet Changes/Additions voted 1/24/2024:

1. Cap the total number of entries in each event to 24 competitors.

*After the entry deadline, only the top 24 competitors in each event based on seed mark will be allowed into the event

 *Seed times/marks need to be accurate based off of performances from meets uploaded on athletic.net throughout the season

*Someone (Kevin Luedke or appointed coaches) will check entry times to the best of their ability make sure seed marks are accurate and honest

*After the entry deadline, someone (Kevin Luedke or appointed coaches) will notify coaches if they have athletes that they have entered and did not make the cut off for the top 24 in a specific event

*Every school will be allowed one relay entry in each of the four relays

*In looking at historical data, a few events generally have far less than 24 competitors (pole vault for example). So there will be some events where cuts do not need to be made

2. Other Notes 

*Schools will still only be allowed a total of 28 entries in the individual events.  This will not change.

*The “extra qualifying standard” will still remain in tact

3. Additional information/considerations  

*To reflect the new WIAA Tournament procedures, we will NOT run prelims in the 200 meter dash

 *At this time we WILL continue to run prelims in the 100 and 100/110H. But consideration could be given in future years to eliminate these 

*At this time, we WILL continue to have trials and finals in the horizontal jumps and throws. But consideration could be given in future years to eliminate these.

*Some discussion was had on having a minimum measurement mark in the long jump and the throws. At this time, we will not do this but it could be implemented in the future. 

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SECTION 2100 – Middle School Athletics

2110 General Provisions

1. Every athlete on a team shall play in each contest, except for disciplinary action. This shall be interpreted to mean more than just a few seconds at the end of a quarter. It is each school’s responsibility to enforce this rule. Emphasis on participation is a league goal.
2. Middle School level teams shall be designated a team “A” and “B”. Team “A” shall consist of 8th grade athletes. If there are not enough 8th grade athletes, a team may play 7th grade athletes. Team “B” shall consist of 7th grade athletes. If there are not enough 7th grade athletes, a team may play 6th grade athletes.
3. Students may participate at their own grade level or up one grade level. A 7th grader may play on their 8th grade team if it is necessary due to a limited number of players on their team. Other arrangements must have prior approval of the participating school principals.
4. Non-participating athletes are to stay in the gymnasium during the game. They are not allowed in the hallways or other areas of the building when a game is in session. Visiting teams are expected to follow the host school’s rules.
5. Middle School Athletic Directors will handle scheduling at a meeting held on the first Wednesday in December.
6. No statistics are to be kept and/or conference trophies awarded.
7. Each school will set its own admission price.

2120 Volleyball Rules

1. Matches will start at 4:30 unless both schools mutually agree to play at a different time.
2. Warm-ups will be a 6-6 format with each team having 6 minutes on the court/net and 6 minutes off the court.
3. Game format will be consistent with Trailways Conference J.V./Freshman match format of: three games will be played. Rally scoring will be used to 25 points with a cap of 30 points.
4. Schools that have larger participation numbers may play, upon advance mutual agreement, 2 grade 6 games and 2 grade 7 games, to provide playing time and game experience to participants. "A level" matches (grade 8 or 7-8 teams) will play the 3 game format.
5. During “B” level play (which may be both grade 6 and 7 levels), the server will be allowed one step over the service line.
6. The host will provide the warm-up balls.
7. The end of season "match up" event will be held on a Saturday in October.  Date varies depending on the Trailways Conference Tournament.  This event will provide teams three matches, consisting of two capped games at 25 points.  Team participation fee is required to cover officials expenses.

2130 Football Rules

1. Grade 7-8 games will be scheduled to be played on Thursday with Grade 5-6 school/club games scheduled to be played on Tuesdays. In the event of inclement weather, make-up game dates and times will be mutually agreed upon by the impacted schools.
2. Game times will be at 5:00 or 6:00, designated by the host school and confirmed during the December scheduling meeting.
3. Games will be played in 8-minute quarters with an 8-minute halftime intermission.
4. Ball shall be a youth sized football - one size below the high school regulation ball.
5. Schools with the same school and jersey colors will coordinate a plan prior to the competition date to address jersey clarifications. Example: Dodgeland and Palmyra-Eagle each wear purple game jerseys.

2140 Basketball Rules

1. Game times will be 4:30 unless mutually agreed upon by both schools.
2. Games will be played in 14-minute halves, with a 5-minute halftime.  Overtime periods will be three minutes in length.  Warmups will be ten (10) minutes in length and intermission between games will be ten (10) minutes.
3. Players will wear light jerseys at home and dark jerseys when playing away. Exceptions to this arrangement shall be approved prior to the game by the participating coaches.
4. Balls – Both genders will use the WIAA-approved size of basketball.  The host school shall provide balls for warm-ups.
5. “A” Team Rules

• Follow WIAA rules
• No press after a 15-point lead

6. “B” Team Rules

• Zone defenses are prohibited unless a team must play with less than five (5) players due to fouling out or injury situations.
• Full court pressing is prohibited until the last three minutes of the game.

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SECTION 3000 - ACADEMICS

3010 Academic All-Conference Recognition

This program is designed to recognize students that excel in the classroom. To be recognized as an academic all-conference student, the student must meet the following guidelines:

1. The student has completed four (4) semesters / six (6) trimesters in high school and maintained a 3.5 cumulative GPA.
2. The student must have one of the following testing qualifications:
   1. A combined score of 1130 or above or a 156 or above on the NMSC Selection Index on the PSAT.
   2. A combined score of 1150 or above on the SAT. 
   3. A composite score of 25 or above on the ACT.
3. Each school may nominate all the students that conform to the stated guidelines. Nominations shall be submitted to the Conference Commissioner on or before March 1st each year. This nomination will be in writing by the Principal.
4. Awards will consist of Conference medals. These awards will be given to the respective Principals for presentation at their schools. These awards will be given to the Principals on or before May conference meeting of each school year.

3020 Conference Honors Banquet

1. The Trailways Conference principals will host a dinner on the third Tuesday of April to honor the academic achievements of their top graduating students using their district selection system (Valedictorian/Salutatorian or Summa Cum Laude, typically two students plus ties).  Hosting and planning responsibility will rotate alphabetically within the division, and the principal of the host school will serve as the emcee for the event.
2. The event will consist of a full course meal and a brief honors ceremony in which each student and significant educator/adult in their life are recognized with a plaque or other item of recognition.
3. Invited guests include the top 2 designated graduates from each school, their parents, and a significant educator or other adult that the student identifies.
4. Individual schools are responsible for the costs of their school's representatives as listed above. Additional guests are welcomed only if the facility permits and the costs are covered by those individuals.
5. Plaques for the Top 2 of each school will be paid for by the Conference. If a school sends more than two recipients due to ties, that school will be responsible for reimbursement to the conference for the purchase of extra plaques beyond two.

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SECTION 3100 – Academic Bowl

3110 Academic Bowl Overview

The Academic Bowl will be open to all member schools.  If necessary, it may be separated into geographical divisions.  The Academic Bowl will be held the first Monday of March, with hosting responsibilities rotating per the hosting matrix.  Teams must declare their intent to participate by January 30th.

3120 Academic Bowl Guidelines

1. Teams consist of fifteen students divided into three different subject areas (Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts).  Each subject area will have five students designated for that subject.  These five member teams will have a freshman, sophomore, junior, senior, and an “at-large” member who can be in any grade.
2. The three subject areas are divided into the following sub-topics:

• Science – Biology, Physical Science, Chemistry, Physics
• Social Studies – World History, U.S. History, Civics, Geography
• Language Arts – American Literature, Grammar/Vocabulary, Novels, Literary Potpourri

3. In Phase I of the competition, each student will take a forty question multiple choice test.  There are twelve written tests (one test for each sub-topic of the three subject areas).  Each five member subject team will designate which student will take each test and which test the “at-large” student will duplicate.  The lowest score of the duplicate test will be dropped. For example, in the Social Studies category, School “A” has their freshman take the World History test, their sophomore take the U.S. History test, their junior take the Civics test, their senior take the Geography test, and their “at-large” student also take the Civics test.  The lower score in the Civics test taken by the junior and “at-large” student will be dropped.  Each question is worth one point.  There are a total of 480 possible points for each school (12 tests x 40 points) in the written phase.
4. In Phase II of the competition, there are four, twenty question multiple choice oral exams (one test for each of the three subject areas and one test for current events).  Each team for the three subject area tests will consist of the four members from the written phase of the competition in that area (a freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior).  The team for the current events test will consist of three members made up from the remaining “at-large” members from each of the three subject areas.  Each question is worth five points.  There are a total of 400 possible points for each school (4 tests x 100 points) in the oral phase.
5. A team trophy will be awarded to the winning school and a conference medal awarded to the individual with the highest score on each written test (12).

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SECTION 3200 – Forensics

3210  Division Structure

The Trailways Conference with have geography-based divisions for forensics.  Competition shall be governed by the Wisconsin High School Forensics Association and the guidelines set forth in its Annual Handbook. A Trailways Forensics Director will be appointed to oversee compeition.

3220  Annual Meeting 

An annual meeting of the Forensics coaches will be held in a central location on the 2nd Wednesday of November outside of the school day.  This meeting will be chaired by the previous season’s hosts, who will also set the time for the meeting.  The purpose of the meeting is:

• To develop and make recommendations concerning conference interscholastic policies.
• To provide channels of communication between forensic departments of conference schools.
• To stimulate interest and improve the quality of dramatics, debate, and other speech activities among member schools.
• To review and make recommendations for the development of conference forensic schedules.

3230  Conference Divisional Meets

1. An annual Divisional Meet will be held in each of the geographic divisions of the Trailways Conference on the 1st Monday in February hosted in an alphabetical rotation of schools participating. Due to other possible conflicts no specific date can be assigned as a make-up date. If the initial meet is canceled due to weather, host schools should attempt to contact their divisional members and try to find a rescheduled date that fits all members.
2. Registration Materials:  Coaches should receive the following materials from the host school by the third Monday in January.  

• Registration confirmation form to be returned to host school by 4th Monday in January.
• Information such as school dismissal time, bus parking, concessions, and hospitality

3. Schedules for judges and participants will be provided by the host to participants no later than Friday before the meet
4. Adjudication: Each school participating in divisional contests will be responsible for furnishing one judge for every five (5) participants or portion thereof from their school.  Each school will pay their own judges according to Addendum A for a three-round event.
5. Results:  At the conclusion of the contest, the chairperson from the host school, will supply coaches with the following materials: final individual team scoring and critique sheets for each contestant.  The host school will provide each team the overall final total team scoring within one week after the event.

3240  Divisional Championship Scoring/Procedures

1. Championship Scoring—A trophy will be awarded to each divisional championship school. The divisional champion will be awarded to the school with the highest number of points earned by, at most, the top eight (8) entries from the school. The school must have a minimum of five (5) entries to be eligible for the divisional trophy. If a tie occurs, both schools will receive a trophy and be declared co-champions.
2. All Conference medals will be given to the students receiving the highest points in each category. Ties will not be broken. If a student is the only entry in their category, they must earn a score of 16 in at least one round. If the student fails to earn a score of 16 or higher, a medal will not be awarded in that category. Medals will be awarded as follows:

• Expository Speech, Extemporaneous Speech, Farrago, Impromptu Speech Informative/Demonstration Speech (up to 2 students), Moments in History Speech,  Oratory Speech, Poetry Reading, Prose Reading, Public Address Speech, Radio News Reporting,  Solo Acting Humorous,  Solo Acting Serious, Special Occasion Speech, Storytelling.

• Group Interpretive Reading, Play Acting (up to 5 students per event)

3. Students speaking in three rounds will be awarded ribbons using the following criteria on the WHSFA point scale (1-25): 

• Blue– 20 points or higher in all three rounds
• Red– 20 points or higher in two rounds
• White – 20 points or higher in one round 

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SECTION 3300 – Math

3310 Division Structure    

The Math Meet will be open to all Trailways Conference schools, and will be divided into two divisions that match the administrative structure of the conference.  All schools will take the same test.

3320  Scheduling

1. Hosting and test-writing responsibilities will rotate alphabetically.
2. The Math Meet will be held on the second Monday in March, at 4:30 p.m.
3. A school who has a conflict with the date must contact the host school by February 1. They may take the test up to two weeks earlier with a proctor from another member school.

3330  Test Preparation

1. All schools will take the same test.
2. The test items will be selected using sample items submitted by all schools. Each school will submit (4) sets of (6) questions with solutions. These items should apply knowledge learned in common topics, but not necessarily be "textbook problems."
3. The selection of test items will be done by a committee consisting of divisional hosts from the previous year and current year.  The test preparation host will arrange a time and date for the committee to meet.
4. The “Common Math Topics” addendum should guide the writing and submission of questions/solutions.

3340  Competition

1. There are four classes of competition/divisions: Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, and Advanced Math.
2. A student may not move down a level, but may move up. (i.e. if a student is in an Advanced Algebra class, he/she may not compete at the Geometry level.)
3. Each school may have up to six students participate for each of the four categories.  Any student, no matter what grade she/he is in will be allowed to participate if they are taking high school math courses in the subject area tested. All members in each course division will participate at the team event part of the test.
4. The competition will consist of two parts: a 45 minute individual test and a 30 minute team event.
5. Each individual test will consist of 12 questions consisting of 2 point, 3 point and 5 point questions for a total possible score of 40 points. The time limit will be 45 minutes.
6. The team event section will consist of 12 questions worth 5 points each, for a total of 80 points. The time will be 30 minutes.
7. Calculators (TI-86 equivalent or lower) may be used for the test.

3350  Scoring

1. Your team's score in a particular class is based upon the four best scores from your school in that class added to the team event score. Team points will be awarded in each conference division class by placing teams 1st through 7th (8th) by score, then using the following values: 1st-18 2nd-16 3rd-14 4th-12 5th-10 6th-8 7th-6 8th-4 9th-2. If two or more teams have tie scores, then the points for the tied places will be added and divided by the number of tying teams. Each of the tying team will then receive that number of points. Example: Two teams have the same score and are tied for 2nd and 3rd place. Each team will receive (16+14)/2=15 Points. The next place awarded would be 4th, receiving 12 points.
2. Awards

• Team trophy is awarded to the school in each division with the highest cumulative score from the four classes of competition.
• Individual:  Conference Medals to 1st place winners in each division.  Silver & Bronze medals to 2nd & 3rd place winners.  Extra Medals give for 1st place ties.
• Team:  A conference medal for each member of the winning team in each of the four classes of competition in each division. 

3360  Tie-Breaking Procedures

1. Team Trophy—Highest score on:

• Advanced Math Competition
• Algebra II Competition
• Geometry Competition
• Algebra I Competition
• Advanced Math Team Event
• Algebra II Team Event
• Geometry Team Event
• Algebra I Team Event
• Flip a Coin

2. Top team in each class of competition—highest score on:

• Team Event
• 5th highest individual score
• 6th highest individual score
• Flip a coin

3. Individual Awards – highest score on:

• 5-point questions
• 3-point questions
• 2-point questions
• Flip a coin (Extra medals automatic for 1st place ties)

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SECTION 3400 – Music

3410 Division Structure/Activities

The Trailways Conference will have geography-based divisions for music events and festivals.  Guidelines of the Wisconsin School Music Association shall govern competitions.  Participation in Trailways Conference music events is voluntary.  Events will be as follows:

1. Festival Events –Early & Late Solo-Ensemble
2. Honors Events – Band, Choir
3. Large Group Festival or Clinic 

3420 Music Committee

A Music Committee shall be established consisting of representatives of both the vocal and the instrumental music departments of the Trailways Conference Schools.

1. Meetings- Divisional meetings shall be held twice each school year in the fall and in the spring at a centralized location. The fall meeting will be scheduled on the 2nd Wednesday in September and the spring meeting on the 2nd Wednesday in April. These meetings will be set up  and chaired by the Music Advisors from the school whose Principal is Conference President, who will set the time for the meeting outside of the school day.
2. Conference Music Events- Dates and hosting responsibilities for the music events will be recommended at the spring meeting for the ensuing years and presented for the approval of Principals.
3. The Trailways Conference has reserved the 2nd Thursday of December, 3rd Tuesday of December, 2nd Tuesday of May, and the 3rd Monday in May for individual school concert events. These will be athletic free dates.     

3430 Festival Event Guidelines

1. Schools within the Trailways Conference are affiliated with the WSMA (Wisconsin School Music Association) and are subject to its rules. 
2. Festival Rules and Festival Managers’ hosting handbooks are supplied online at the WSMA website (www.wsmamusic.org).

3440 Band and Choral Event Guidelines

1. The Conference will hold an Honors Band and Honors Choir Clinic each year.
2. In the North Division, the Honors Choir Clinic will be held the 1st Monday in November. In the South Division, the Honors Band Clinic will be held the 2nd Monday in February.  Honors Choir Clinic for the South Division and Honors Band Clinic for the North Division will be held the 2nd Monday in November. Starting time for practice for Honors Band and Honors Choir will be 10:00AM on the day of the event. South Division ONLY, will rotate Honors Band yearly between high school and middle school.
3. The method for selecting Honors Band and Choir will be as follows:

• Choir directors may nominate up to 20% of their choir population for Honors Choir.
• Additional members are up to the discretion of the host director.
• Band directors will screen candidates to comprise both Honors Band and All-Conference Jazz Band.

4. Clinicians for Honors Band, Honors Choir, and All-Conference Jazz Band will be contracted by the host school following suggestions from the conference Music Committee at their fall meeting.
5. Costs for these events will be divided equally among the participating schools. Food costs will be billed on a per-student basis.

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SECTION 3500 – Visual Arts

3510 Activities

Participation in Trailways Conference visual arts events is voluntary, and must be declared by the first Wednesday in March.  Each school is subject to promoting, facilitating and fostering the arts in the schools and communities.  The Trailways Conference will provide the following Visual Arts activities:

1. Art Competition
2. Art Exhibition
3. Art Showcase/Clinic—held the first Thursday of May

3520  Visual Arts Committee

A committee shall be established consisting of the art specialists or selected representatives of the visual arts  departments of the Trailways Conference Schools.

1. Meetings- Divisional meetings shall be held in the fall and in the spring at a centralized location. The fall meeting will be scheduled on the first Wednesday in November and the spring meeting on the first Wednesday in March. The time for the meeting will be outside of the school day.
2. The fall meeting will be set up and chaired by the Visual Arts Advisor from the school that hosted the previous year’s event, and the spring meeting chaired by the current year’s host school.  In addition, the art specialist from schools hosting in the current year and the following year in rotation will form the leadership of the committee.
3. The  fall meeting will decide the details of the events for the year.  Work will be divided and shared, with schools not represented assigned tasks as needed.

3530 Rotation Schedule

The responsibility of the art exhibit will follow an alphabetic rotation in alternating divisions among the Trailways Conference.  It is suggested that all participating schools will take their turn planning or assisting with the exhibit.  The accommodations of the hosting school will determine the specifications of the student day and exhibition scale. 

3540 Art Competition

1. The host school of the exhibit will determine capacity for entries (maximum of 25 per school) and will arrange for judging of entries.  Event guidelines will be supplied to hosting schools after the fall meeting.
2. Depending on capacity, each student is limited to three pieces with no more than one piece enter per category. 
3. The entering art specialist will determine the appropriate category placement and will verify originality of all student entries.  All works must have a secure label along with the artist’s statement attached to the back or underside of the piece.  Work that is not properly labeled cannot be put in the show.  Pieces that blatantly plagiarize (e.g. copyrighted characters) will be removed.
4. All pieces must be titled, and two-dimensional work must be matted or framed.  All framed work or stretched canvases must have a secure hanger or they will not be displayed in the exhibit.
5. Competition for the Trailways Art Contest will take place in the following 12 categories (label color):

• Painting I – Watercolor (yellow)
• Painting II – Acrylic (orange)
• Painting III – Oil (red)
• Drawing I – Value (light blue)
• Drawing II – Color (dark blue)
• Ceramics I – Functional (brown)
• Ceramics II – Sculptural (black)
• Sculpture – Non-Clay/Relief/Free-Standing (green)
• Crafts I – Fibers/Books/Paper/Printmaking  (violet)
• Crafts II – Glass/Mosaic/Metal/Wood (pink)
• 2-D Digital – Photography/Graphics (grey)
• Mixed Media (white)

6. Provisions for work larger than 48 in x 48 in or heavier than 50 pounds must be pre-approved by the host school for inclusion in the exhibition.  Teachers bringing artwork requiring special needs for display may be asked to assist with the installation.
7. Works with pieces that need assembly, have loose objects or fragile pieces should not be submitted unless you are present to set it up for the judges and when the exhibit is hung.
8. The criteria for judging are:

• Originality
• Superior workmanship
• Use of materials
• Aesthetics

        All decisions of the judges in all facets of awards and recognition is final.

9. All participating schools agree to be in adherence with the Trailways Conference Visual Arts By-Laws, especially in the area of originality.  If artwork is in question, it is the responsibility of the hosting art specialist to pull the work from entry into the exhibit and no recognition will be given to the student.
10. Awards – A Trailways Conference “Best in Show” gold medal will be awarded to the top submission in each category, with silver and bronze medals for 2nd and 3rd places.  These medals will be presented at an awards ceremony that will be part of the Art Showcase/Clinic
11. Judges for the art exhibit will be paid as per Addendum A.

3550 Art Exhibition

1. All pieces submitted for the Trailways Conference Art Competition are eligible to be part of the Exhibition.
2. The exhibit will be open to the public for viewing, and a limited number of posters to advertise the event will be distributed to each participating school.
3. The host school is responsible to maintain adequate security and retain the documentation of all schools participating in the exhibit.  This release is recommended as protection for items that might be lost or damaged.
4. Publicity, media, and promotion of the event is the responsibility of the host school.

3560 Art Showcase/Clinic

1. The Trailways Conference will host a day-long Art Showcase/Clinic on the first Thursday of May.  The event will consist of:

• Viewing of the Trailways Art Exhibit
• Honoring of All-Conference artists
• Clinic by a visiting artist

2. The host school shall organize the reception, speakers/workshop, and art exhibit guidelines.
3. The Awards Ceremony will recognize the medal winners in each of the 12 categories of competition. 
4. It is recommended that students have arts exposure in the form of a speaker, presentation, or workshop.  It is recommended that districts collaborate on making a piece of art unique to the exhibit as part of the clinic.
5. Each district is responsible for the behavior of their attendees. Each district must have an adequate number of chaperones (1 per 10 students) and active supervision. 

3570 Financials

1. Upon the completion of the event the host school will submit an expense report to participating schools outlining costs of  judges, display materials, clinicians, citations, printing, publicity, and reception. 
2. Costs of the event will be shared on a per-entry basis, while individual fees for lunch are the responsibility of attendees the day of the event.

Release (Addendum)

We hereby agree to participate in the annual Trailways Conference High School Art Exhibit.

We have read and fully understand all requirements of this exhibit as supplied by the hosting school, including original authorship without plagiarism.

We agree to the terms of the exhibit, including release of information to media, and copyright/ information release for website and exhibit.

We grant permission to publish in all print and electronic media student name, school, title, media and Trailways All Conference High School Art Awards. 

We understand that the hosting school assumes NO  RESPONSIBILITY for lost or damaged work. 

We understand we are responsible for timely art work pick up and delivery. 

Signatures are required from each Trailways Conference Art Specialist and each district principal.

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