“The affirmative results reflect two things:  first, that the proposal was well-conceived; and second, that Council members themselves turned many of their constituents’ votes from No to Yes,” MHSAA  Executive Director Jack Roberts said.  “This proposal would not have passed without the Council’s proactive efforts. "

"Our challenge now is to demonstrate to the negative voters and to those many schools which didn’t cast a vote at all, that this is a narrow gate that preserves the integrity of the program as effectively as the previous rule that was so well understood and respected.”

Here is how the rule change works, according to an MHSAA news release:
 

-  Prior to the waiver request by the member school, the student’s educational progress must have been delayed prior to initial enrollment in the ninth grade solely because of a medically documented disability under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act or Michigan’s Persons With Disabilities Civil Rights Act.
 

-  At the time of the waiver request, the student must have a defined disability documented to diminish both physical and either intellectual or emotional capabilities, does not create a health or safety risk to participants, and does not create a competitive advantage for the team. The burden of proof rests with the school seeking the waiver.

Jack Roberts Clip #3

-  For those most disabled students to which waiver is granted by the Executive Committee, the maximum age rule would be extended one year.  The four-year maximum enrollment limit would still apply.
 

-  The rule also has a waiver provision at the junior high/middle school level for seventh and eighth grade athletics.

The affirmative vote does not technically mean that Eric Dompierre will be allowed to play for the Hematites next school year. He will have to apply for a waiver just like any other kid. But given the national attention gave to Dompierre's battle, it is unlikely that the MHSAA Representative Council would deny the request at its June meeting.