Twenty-five years ago the MHSAA began a tradition of hosting the presidents of the state’s high school coaches associations for a dinner meeting.  It’s an opportunity for two important things to happen.

First, the forum provides coaches association leaders an opportunity to learn from one another about what’s new and different, what’s working or not, in the administration of their associations.  They discuss communications, awards, clinics, codes of conduct and much more; and they begin to see “best practices.”  Many of the associations have made significant changes in their operations because of ideas they picked up at this mid-winter sharing.

Second, the evening is an opportunity for MHSAA staff to provide information to the leaders which we hope is taken to their respective boards of directors and members.  Some of the information is about recent changes or points of emphasis, while other information concerns proposals for changes in MHSAA policies or procedures.  In either case, the entire MHSAA executive staff is present to listen and learn from the feedback.

This year’s topics included preparticipation physical exams, concussion protocols, out-of-season coaching rules, scrimmage limitations, and requirements that coaches complete rules meetings and rate contest officials.

A list of all coaches associations and their leaders can be found here.