Expert: Tom Houser - 10/26/2009

Question
How many girls from the same school team can play on the same club team, after school season is over in Missouri.  5 of the girls have offers to play together on a particular team for the club season but a parent mentioned there is a limit to how many can play from one school.  I have read HOA rules and Missouri MSHSAA rules and can't find any info prohibiting this, or even referencing this.  Girls would love to stay together, but are hesitant to commit until we can find an answer about the roster.
Thanks....read your answers all the time!
It sounds like a good way for them to keep their

Answer
Good evening and welcome to www.allexperts.com.  

First off, I can't tell you anything about what is legal and what is not.  Here's why.  All the rules that control high school out-of-season practice in your state will be controlled by the state you live in.  For example, here in Virginia, there is no limit to how many girls from the same high school also play on the same club team.  Club directors are only required to be able to document that the team was open to everyone.  That's it. When I was a school coach and a club director, I kept copies of all the faxes, and printed out all the emails.  I didn't want my school team to be busted b/c I was having illegal out-of-season practice.  So here in Virginia, a school coach can have a team that's 100% his own girls!  In other states, however, the school coach may work with NONE of his own kids.  In other states, the team may not be comprised of over half of the coach's own kids.  

Now to your specific question:  I've never heard of a limit of players from one school.  In fact, never considered it.  Never heard anyone ask this before.  huh.  

So you will have do some investigating on your own.  You can ask any school coach, "What organization controls Missouri athletics?"  When you get your answer, find email addresses and start asking. Or use the phone.  Then you'll get your answer.  I recommend that you get your answer in writing!  

What else can I do for you tonight?  Have you visited www.coachhouser.com yet?  If you say you read my answers, then haha you probably have.  Tryouts are Nov 22 for my 15's National team.  We were in Miami last year........can we get to Reno in 2010?  We'll see!  I can't wait!!

Chat soon!
Coach Houser