MSHSL Bylaw

Behavior Addressed

What It Outlines

Bylaw 205 – Chemical Eligibility

Alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, cannabis, controlled substances, and intoxicants

Prohibits students from using, possessing, buying, selling, or giving away prohibited substances year-round. Violations result in progressive loss of eligibility. 

Bylaw 206 – Good Standing and General Eligibility

General student conduct

Requires students to be in good standing with their school. A student suspended, expelled, or otherwise not in good standing under school policy is generally ineligible during that period. It gives local schools authority to determine whether a student meets behavioral expectations for participation. 

Bylaw 209 – Sexual, Racial, Religious Harassment/Violence and Hazing

Harassment, discrimination, violence, hazing

Prohibits sexual, racial, or religious harassment or violence and hazing during the school year and activity seasons. Establishes reporting procedures and progressive eligibility penalties. 

Physical Exam Paperwork 

2026-2027 Eligibility Form

The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) addresses chemical substance use in Bylaw 205 – Chemical Eligibility. This bylaw applies to all students participating in MSHSL-sponsored activities and is in effect 365 days a year, not just during the athletic season.

What is prohibited?

A student is in violation of Bylaw 205 if they use, consume, possess, buy, sell, or give away any of the following, regardless of quantity:

• Alcohol

• Tobacco products

• Nicotine products, including:

  • Vapes/e-cigarettes

  • Nicotine pouches

  • Other nicotine delivery devices

• Controlled substances

• Drug paraphernalia

• Products intended to cause intoxication, excitement, or stupefaction, including but not limited to:

  • Synthetic drugs

  • Inhalants (such as gasoline, glue, aerosols)

  • Bath salts

  • Other substances prohibited by Minnesota or federal law

The only exception is when a controlled substance is prescribed by a licensed physician for the student's own use. 

When does the rule apply?

The bylaw applies:

• During the school year

• During the summer

• On weekends and holidays

• On or off school property

• Whether or not the student is currently in season

It becomes effective once a student signs the MSHSL Eligibility Brochure and remains in effect year-round while they participate in League activities. 

Penalties

For Category I activities (most athletics and competitive activities), the standard penalties are:

Violation

Penalty

First

Loss of eligibility for the next 2 consecutive contests or 2 weeks (14 calendar days), whichever is greater

Second

Loss of eligibility for the next 6 consecutive contests or 6 weeks (42 calendar days), whichever is greater

Third and subsequent

Loss of eligibility for the next 12 consecutive contests or 12 weeks (84 calendar days), whichever is greater

Students are generally expected to continue practicing with the team unless local school policy provides otherwise. The Community School fo Excellence may also impose additional disciplinary consequences beyond the MSHSL minimum penalties.