MHSA Gives Green Light to Tournament of Champions

The participation of high school coaches and wrestlers in the Montana Tournament of Champions will not conflict with the out of season contest guidelines articulated by the MHSA. Executive Director of the MHSA, Mark Beckman, has verified that an underclassman’s eligibility will not be adversely affected by competing in the tournament. Although coaches of team sports are prohibited from coaching their teams out of season except during the months of June and July, coaches of individual sports, such as wrestling, are not affected by this rule. See MHSA Handbook, page 40, F # 1 and # 2 as well as page 26, Section 17, # 4. The only caveat to keep in mind is schools cannot provide transportation for the event. This simply means schools cannot rent out a bus or van to transport their wrestlers and coaches. However, coaches are free to provide transportation for their wrestlers by driving their own vehicles, and the mileage reimbursement provided by Hoyt & Blewett law firm will hopefully provide incentives to do so.