On May 1 and 2, the MHSAA’s legislative body – the Representative Council – meets to consider proposals to make changes in policies, procedures and programs which most Michigan high schools will adopt as they return their annual MHSAA Membership Resolutions throughout the summer.

To the relief of many who appreciate the MHSAA’s studied and steady operations and dislike capricious changes in course, this year’s spring meeting – the longest of the year – lacks any single headlining topic, like an additional tournament sport.  But it does have plenty of the necessary nuts and bolts issues that inevitably arise as sports, schools and society continue to evolve (or perhaps devolve). 

• The annual review of the MHSAA Handbook may lead to more than a dozen small but still substantive changes for 2011-12 and beyond.  As a result, the rules will catch up to some problems and stay ahead of others.
• Throughout this school year, MHSAA committees have studied their areas of responsibility and 14 have made 41 recommendations for change.  Not all will be adopted; and even some otherwise good ideas may have to wait for better financial times on the local school level.

It is often said that watching a committee work is like making sausage – not pretty, but necessary for a good result.  We are fortunate that the MHSAA is served by Council members whose professionalism makes the process as pleasant as the product.