Provincial A Basketball Championship

FORMAT: (see draw format sample on pages 131-133 of 2024-2025 MHSAA Handbook)

Junior Varsity Format

“A/AA” – Ten (10) girls teams and Ten (10) boys teams. All teams will be guaranteed two games, with a consolation side and third place game included.

“AAA” – Sixteen (16) boys and (16) girls teams will be selected for placement in one of two Provincial Qualifiers. The top 3 teams from each Provincial Qualifier, along with the Zone 11 Champion, and Host school will advance to the Provincial Championship. The Provincial Championships will see Eight (8) girls teams and Eight (8) boys teams. The boys and girls championships will use the same format. All teams guaranteed two games, with a consolation side and third place game.

“AAAA” – Twelve (12) girls and Twelve (12) boys teams will compete in a single elimination play-off.

Varsity Formats

"A” & “AA” - Twelve (12) boys and (12) girls teams will be selected for placement in one of three Provincial Qualifiers. The top 2 teams from each Provincial Qualifier, along with the Zone 11 Champion, and Host school will advance to the Provincial Championship. The Provincial Championships will see Eight (8) girls teams and Eight (8) boys teams. The boys and girls championships will use the same format. All teams guaranteed two games, with a consolation side and third place game.

“AAA” – Sixteen (16) boys and (16) girls teams will be selected for placement in one of two Provincial Qualifiers. The top 3 teams from each Provincial Qualifier, along with the Zone 11 Champion, and Host school will advance to the Provincial Championship. The Provincial Championships will see Eight (8) girls teams and Eight (8) boys teams. The boys and girls championships will use the same format. All teams guaranteed two games, with a consolation side and third place game.

“AAAA” - Twelve (12) girls and twelve (12) boys teams will compete in Regional Playdowns for the first two (2) rounds. Winners will then advance to the Final Four Championship. Teams must win to advance.

RULES: FIBA rules will be in effect unless special playing rules are put forth by the MHSAA. In this case, the MHSAA rules will take precedence.

Junior Varsity Eligibility Rule: in order to qualify for the junior varsity competition athlete must meet the following requirements:

a) Participating athletes must be under the age of 17 as of midnight of the current school year, August 31.

b) Students are eligible to participate in junior varsity for two years. In determining the two-year clause, member schools must count grade 9 as the first year. The athlete's eligibility begins upon enrolment in

For “A” and “AA” schools students may compete in an unlimited number of matches at the varsity level and still maintain their eligibility to compete in the junior varsity Provincial Championships. Students must compete in a minimum of 6 games at the JV level in order to be eligible to compete in zone and provincial play-offs. Tournaments would count as two (2) games. NOTE: (the intent of this rule is to allow schools to utilize some athletes to form both teams NOT to better one and/or both teams)

For “AAA” and “AAAA” schools students may not compete in more than three matches at the varsity level. (league, exhibition, or tournament - Tournaments count as two matches). Rural “AAA” Junior Varsity teams are allowed to compete against rural varsity “A” and “AA” teams without these matches being counted as varsity level.

The maximum number of coaches, trainers, etc. allowed on the bench will be 4.

Interzones are to be determined by the MHSAA. If the zone/interzone championship is won by the host school, then another wildcard spot becomes open. There will be no interzones in the varsity “A”, “AA”, “AAA” & JV “AAA” category.

Teams are to bring their own warm up balls

All Varsity games will be 10-minute quarters, with a 24 second shot clock and 8 second backcourt.

All Junior Varsity games will be 10-minute quarters, with 30 second shot clock and 10 second backcourt.

Uniform Rule: Style and colour of uniform must be consistent throughout the team. Compression undergarments can be worn, with no restrictions on colour or length. Athletes, team members and coaches will not be permitted to wear headwear during competition. Inappropriate bench conduct (ie; changing tops, jerseys, uniforms, at the bench or on the playing field) is not acceptable. Any athlete, team member or coach deemed in violation may be subject to a performance bond violation assessed to the school.

All uniforms must be numbered 1-99, (whole numbers). (While MHSAA allows numbers 1-99, the MHSAA recommends numbers 1-15.

Coaches should be advised that if the uniform rule is not adhered to, the team may not be allowed to compete and may be fined up to $200. The school may also be put on probation (probation being that if the school violates the infraction again, the school may be fined $200 and be suspended from all MHSAA activities). Advertising on uniforms must adhere to guidelines as outlined in the MHSAA Handbook.

Jewelry is not allowed.

Game Limit - The maximum number of matches are 25 per season. Each tournament counts as 2 matches and the 25 match limit does not include league playoffs, zone playoffs, or provincial playoffs. Exceeding the game limit will result in a fine to the school and possible exclusion from the Provincial Championships.

ALL VARSITY “AAA” SCHOOLS INSIDE THE CITY OF WINNIPEG must play a minimum of 4 matches/games against AAA schools in areas outside of Winnipeg, two matches/games must be played outside city limits. Tournaments count as two matches. If the tournament is hosted by a "AAA" school, 2 matches will be awarded, regardless of the classification of participating teams. All matches must be completed prior to zone play-offs. Failure to fulfill the requirement will result in the school receiving an automatic $2500 fine with the school being placed on probation for two calendar years.

It is expected that all teams attend opening ceremonies and related functions. Non-attendance may result in fines and/or further sanctions against the school.

AWARDS: In each division, the championship team will receive the Championship banner, first place medals and Championship T-shirts. The runner-up team in the championship event will receive a finalist banner and second place medals. The third place team in the championship event will receive third place medals (excluding "AAAA"). Five All-stars and one MVP will be awarded. A Players Choice Award will be selected for Varsity.

Schools with team rosters that exceed the allotted number of awards would be responsible for the cost of any additional awards required.

SUPERVISION: At all MHSAA Provincial Championships, interzone and wildcard games, participants must have a teacher from the school division in attendance as a supervisor, or they will not be allowed to compete. In individual sports where it may be unrealistic for one teacher to accompany one student, the zone may designate teacher supervisors for athletes. This must be a written request, signed by each principal involved, and approved by the MHSAA, well in advance. The designated teacher supervisor should have a copy of the letter with them during the championship.

Teachers employed in the school division where they are coaching a team, may be the supervisor for that team. The responsibility rests with the school to ensure that supervisor(s) are fully acquainted with all MHSAA rules, regulations, and consequences. Violation of this rule may result in a fine up to a maximum of $200.

INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURE: The MHSAA, in cases of severe weather disruptions, may have to make decisions as to the possible rescheduling of Provincial Championships. MHSAA decisions will be based on Environment Canada weather reports, the Manitoba Highway reports and weather conditions at the host site.

Information on possible schedule changes will be posted on the host website between 6:30 and 7:00 am on the day of the Championship. Schools will also be emailed any changes. In case of inclement weather, schools should refrain from traveling to Provincial Championships until they receive notification from the MHSAA Assistant Executive Director with instructions and updated scheduling. Schools deciding to travel prior to receiving notification from MHSAA Assistant Executive Director do so at their own risk and will be responsible for their travel and hotel costs, should the event be postponed or changed.

Many schools travel to Provincial Championships on the day prior to the championship beginning. In cases where most schools are already at the host site, the convenor along with MHSAA assistant director will try to modify schedules to accommodate teams that will be arriving later due to weather conditions.