OSAA Handbook

2024-2025

Oregon School Activities Association

Handbook

Peter Weber, Publisher / Editor

Published by

OREGON SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION

25200 SW Parkway, Suite 1

Wilsonville, OR 97070

503.682.6722 https://www.osaa.org

How to find information in the OSAA Handbook

The first section of the OSAA Handbook includes a Table of Contents to the entire publication. The

Cheerleading, Dance and Drill, Music and Speech Handbooks have been removed from this publication.

These handbooks can be found on their respective activities pages of the OSAA website. Wording that has

been changed from previous years is indicated by bold italic lettering. Linked references to other sections

are shaded and Questions and Answers are shaded.

OSAA Mission Statement

The mission of the OSAA is to serve member schools by providing leadership and state coordination for the conduct

of interscholastic activities, which will enrich the educational experiences of high school students. The OSAA will

work to promote interscholastic activities that provide equitable participation opportunities, positive recognition

and learning experiences to students, while enhancing the achievement of educational goals.

Non-Discrimination Policy

(Executive Board Policies, Revised July 2019)

A. The Oregon School Activities Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual

orientation, national origin, marital status, age or disability in the performance of its authorized functions, and

encourages its member schools, school personnel, participants and spectators to adopt and follow the same

policy.

B. A claim of discrimination against a member school shall be brought directly to the member school of concern.

C. Any party that believes he/she has been subjected to an incident involving discrimination or discriminatory

harassment at an OSAA sanctioned event, may submit a written complaint through the online complaint process

proved on the OSAA website (Complaint Form). When the coaches, players students, staff or spectators of any

members school engage in discriminatory behaviors, or act in a manner disruptive to the school environment,

or cause disorder or infliction of damage to persons or property in connection with any festival, meet, contest

or championship sanctioned by the Association, the Executive Board may treat such acts as a violation by the

school of the Rules of the Association. See Rule 3, “Contests – Sportsmanship – Crowd Control” for additional

information.

OSAA Sportsmanship Statement

Interscholastic activities are an integral part of the educational curriculum and experience. High school activities

promote the character development of participants, enhance the educational mission and promote civility in

society. Therefore, student-athletes, coaches, spectators and all others associated with high school activities

programs and events should adhere to the fundamental values of respect, fairness, honesty and responsibility.

These values should be established as a priority among all OSAA member high schools.

It is the responsibility of each member high school to establish policies for sportsmanship and ethical conduct

consistent with the educational mission and goals of that school and to continually educate students, coaches,

teachers, parents and all involved about those policies.

Oregon School Activities Association

25200 SW Parkway Avenue, Suite 1

Wilsonville, OR 97070

503.682.6722 http://www.osaa.org

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MAJOR OSAA RULE CHANGES FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR

These changes either were implemented during the 2023-24 school year or are new for the 2024-25 school year.

CONSTITUTION (Articles and Rules)

 FULL MEMBERSHIP DUES. Second year of increases to full membership school dues, per a recommendation from the

Budget Committee, $250 each year during a three-year period that began with the 2023-24 school year. Also increases

the per activity fee $10 a year during the same three-year period. (Article 3.3.1. (a) – Full Membership Dues and

Activity Fees; December 2022 EB Meeting per Budget Committee Recommendations)

 ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP DUES. Increases associate membership dues by 10% for each of the next three years.

Associate membership dues haven’t been increased since 2014-15. (Article 3.3.1. (b) – Associate Membership Dues;

May 2024 EB Meeting per Budget Committee Recommendations)

 DELEGATE ASSEMBLY - COMPOSITION. Changes composition to reflect changes made to the number of

Representative Districts in the 3A and 2A classifications. (Article 4.1. – Delegate Assembly - Composition; April 2024 DA

Meeting)

 REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICTS. Adjusts the number of regular districts to reflect changes made in the 3A and 2A

classifications. (Article 7.1. – Representative Districts – Regular and Special Districts; April 2024 DA Meeting)

 ACTIVITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Modifies the composition of the Activities Advisory Committee to better align this

committee with the advisory groups that oversee these activities (Oregon American Choral Directors Association and

Oregon Band Directors Association). (Article 9.6.1. – Activities Advisory Committee Charge; October 2023 DA Meeting)

 RESPONSIBILITY OF THE MEMBER SCHOOL AND PRINCIPAL. Aligns this rule with the board policy that outlines the

two courses that satisfy the Interscholastic Coaching Course requirement (OSAA Beyond the Scoreboard and NFHS

Fundamentals of Coaching). (Rule 1.4. – Responsibility of the Member School and Principal – Athletic Director and

Coach Certification; May 2024 EB Meeting)

 ASSOCIATION YEAR – STARTING, CUTOFF AND ENDING DATES. Modifies the first contest date for football to allow

football games to being on the Friday of Week 8 of the NFHS Standardized Calendar (August 30, 2024). Football

jamborees may be played starting the Thursday of Week 8 (August 29, 2024). (Rule 6.7. – Association Year – Starting,

Cutoff and Ending Dates; April 2024 DA Meeting)

 SCHOOL REPRESENTATION. Allows participation by full member public magnet school students back at their resident

public school in any activity not offered by their school. (Rule 8.5. – School Representation; April 2024 DA Meeting)

BOARD POLICIES

 AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES. Provides more consistency when tracking air quality for practices and contests. Requires

use of AirNow Fire and Smoke Map. (BP – Air Quality Guidelines; February 2024 EB Meeting)

 CAMPS – ATHLETIC CAMPS AND TEAM MEALS. Deletes outdated policy. (BP – Camps – Athletic Camps and Team

Meals; July 2024 EB Summer Workshop)

 CAMPS – COMMERCIAL SUMMER CAMPS. Clarifies that schools may encourage but not require student activity

participants to attend commercial summer camps. (BP – Camps – Commercial Summer Camps; July 2024 EB Summer

Workshop)

 CERTIFICATION – ATHLETIC DIRECTORS AND COACHES. Clarifies that coaches must complete OSAA approved spirit

safety training annually, whether in-person or online. (BP – Certification – Athletic Directors and Coaches; April 2024

EB Work Session)

 CERTIFICATION – ATHLETIC DIRECTORS AND COACHES. Amends policy to require schools to use the OSAA website’s

Manage Staff feature to list and track certifications for all coaches, paid and volunteer. (BP – Certification – Athletic

Directors and Coaches; May 2024 EB Meeting)

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 EJECTION POLICIES. Requires ejected players to complete the online NFHS Sportsmanship Course following an

ejection, clearly defines “out of sight” and “out of sound” for coach ejections, increases the fine for ejections in state

championship playoff games, doubles the suspension period for ejections due to discriminatory language, entering the

field during a fight, leaving the team box, and/or fighting, requires that schools attend an OSAA Sportsmanship training

class following three or more ejections in a program or five or more ejections overall in a school year, requires schools

reaching either threshold in consecutive years to appear in-person before the Executive Board, and indefinitely

suspends any coach/player that has inappropriate physical contact with an official pending an in-person appearance

before the Executive Board. (BP – Ejection Policies; July 2024 EB Summer Workshop)

 FOOTBALL – PLACEMENT AT A DIFFERENT CLASSIFICATION. Requires schools requesting to play football at a lower

classification to submit specific information to the Football Ad Hoc Committee for consideration of the school’s

request. (BP – Football – Placement at a Different Classification; September 2023 EB Meeting)

 INDEPENDENT STATUS IN A SPORT. Condenses information required when submitting an independent status petition

and outlines deadlines for submission. (BP – Independent Status in a Sport; July 2024 EB Summer Workshop)

 REPORTING SCHEDULES, ROSTERS, AND RESULTS. Adds Golf to this requirement through the iWanamaker reporting

system. (BP – Reporting Schedules, Rosters, and Results; July 2024 EB Summer Workshop)

 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – PRE-CONTEST PUBLIC PRAYER. Clarifies the Association’s policy related to prohibiting the

use of a public address system to offer prayers at state championship events. (BP – State Championships – Pre-contest

Public Prayer; April 2024 EB Work Session)

 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – RANKINGS. Updates deadline dates for adding a contest vs. a team more than one

classification away and adding a contest after a certain date. Addresses how replacement games due to forfeits in

football impact the rankings. Clarifies 6A Football brackets and home game designation. (BP – State Championships –

Rankings; July 2024 EB Summer Workshop)

 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – TEAM SIZE. Creates a separate team size limitation for 1A-6 Football (18). (BP – State

Championships – Team Size; September 2023 EB Meeting)

FORMS MODIFICATIONS

 PRE-PARTICIPATION PHYSICAL EXAM FORM. The State Board of Education updated the Pre-Participation Physical

Exam Form, effective May 2023. On or after May 1, 2024, medical providers must use the form dated April 2023. The

updated form is now available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic,

Chuukese, Japanese, Somali, Ukrainian, Marshallese, Swahili.

 UPDATES. Existing forms have been modified to make them consistent with the changes specified above. The actual

forms are no longer housed in the Handbook but have direct links at: www.osaa.org/governance/forms.

CLASSIFICATION CHANGES

 3A AND 2A CLASSIFICATIONS LEAGUES AND CONFERENCES. Approved a realignment of 3A and 2A

leagues/conferences, starting in 2024-25, per a request from member schools. (December 2023 EB Meeting)

SPORT-SPECIFIC CHANGES

 BOYS VOLLEYBALL. Approved Boys volleyball as an emerging activity, beginning with the Spring 2024 season.

(October 2023 DA Meeting)

 TRACK & FIELD PARA-ATHLETE DIVISION. Amended para-athlete guidelines, including qualification and scoring

procedures, for track and field. (April 2024 EB Work Session)

STUDENT ACTIVITIES HANDBOOKS

 UPDATES. Activity specific changes have been made to the Band/Orchestra, Cheerleading, Choir, Dance/Drill, Solo

Music, and Speech Handbooks.

MISCELLANEOUS

 MILEAGE RATES. Adopted mileage reimbursement rates for Officials/Staff (100% of the IRS rate) and meeting

attendees (70% of the IRS rate). (May 2024 EB Meeting)

 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. Added, and updated, Questions and Answers throughout the Handbook.

Oregon School Activities Association

25200 SW Parkway Avenue, Suite 1

Wilsonville, OR 97070

503.682.6722 https://www.osaa.org

\\192.168.0.8\OSAAData\Publications\HANDBOOK\24-25\OSAA\003-Staff Responsibilities.doc Revised 7/24

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 7:30am – 4pm

Summer: Monday – Thursday 7am – 4:30pm, Closed Friday

STAFF

Peter Weber, Executive Director x231

email: peterw@osaa.org

Gibby Reynolds, IT Systems Administrator x228

email: gibby[email protected]

Kyle Stanfield, Chief Operating Officer x239

email: kyles@osaa.org

Steve Walker, Sports Information Director x232

email: s[email protected]

Kris Welch, Assistant Executive Director x230

email: kris[email protected]

Chris Burkhardt, Associate Director x223

email: chris[email protected]

Lauren Brownrigg, Assistant Executive Director x229

email: laur[email protected]g

Heidi Lopez, Administrative Assistant x224

email: heidil@osaa.org

Kelly Foster, Assistant Executive Director x233

email: kelly[email protected]

Kathi Fetch, Administrative Assistant x221

email: ka[email protected]

Missy Smith, Assistant Executive Director x227

email: missys@osaa.org

Randi Davis, Administrative Assistant x222

email: rand[email protected]g

Candy Posey, Business Operations Manager x225

email: candyp@osaa.org

Jack McFarland, OSAA Sports Properties x245

Email: jack@osaasp.com

OSAA STAFF AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Activities Calendar Kyle Media Steve

Adding a Sport / Activity Kelly Meeting Arrangements Heidi

Awards Programs Randi/Chris Merchandise Sales Jack

Band / Orchestra Lauren Officials / Registration Kris / Heidi

Baseball Kris Handbooks / Plan Books Executive Staff

Basketball Missy Programs Steve

Accounts Payable / Receivable / Insurance Candy Publicity, News Releases Steve

Budget and Finance Peter / Candy / Kyle Rules Book Orders Randi

Championship Information Kathi Sanctioning Kelly

Cheerleading Lauren School Reimbursement Candy / Kyle

Choir Kelly Soccer Lauren

Classification of Schools / ADM Kyle Softball Missy

Cooperative / Collective Sponsorships Kelly Solo Music Kris

Corporate Sponsorships Jack Special Districts Missy

Cross Country Kelly Speech and Debate Peter

Dance and Drill Lauren Sportsmanship Kelly

Disputes / Protests Involving Schools Peter Student Advisory Council/Student Leadership Missy

District Meet Information Kathi State Legislature Peter

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Kelly Swimming Kris

Eligibility Questions Executive Staff Tennis Lauren

Endowment Games / OSAA Foundation Kyle Ticketing Kathi / Kyle

Executive Board / Delegate Assembly Peter / Heidi / Kyle Title IX Lauren

Football Kris Track and Field Kelly

Golf Missy Trophies and Medals Randi

Hardships Peter Violations Kyle

Interpretation of Rules Executive Staff Volleyball Missy

Legal Questions Peter Website Chris / Gibby

Marketing Chris / Kyle Wrestling Kelly

Oregon School Activities Association 2024-2025 Handbook

Table of Contents

- i -

CONSTITUTION ..................................................................................................................................................................... 1

1. Article 1 – Name of Organization .................................................................................................................................................... 1

2. Article 2 – Object and Authority of the Organization .................................................................................................................... 1

3. Article 3 – Membership and Dues. ................................................................................................................................................. 1

4. Article 4 – Delegate Assembly ........................................................................................................................................................ 3

5. Article 5 – Executive Board .............................................................................................................................................................. 5

6. Article 6 – Classification of Schools ................................................................................................................................................. 8

7. Article 7 – Representative Districts .............................................................................................................................................. 12

8. Article 8 – Parliamentary Authority ............................................................................................................................................... 13

9. Article 9 – Standing Committees ................................................................................................................................................... 13

10. Article 10 – Amendments .............................................................................................................................................................. 17

RULES – Athletic, Cheerleading and Dance/Drill .................................................................................................................. 19

1. Rule 1 – Responsibility of the Member School and Principal .................................................................................................... 19

2. Rule 2 – Officials .............................................................................................................................................................................. 20

3. Rule 3 – Contests – Sportsmanship – Crowd Control .................................................................................................................. 21

4. Rule 4 – Violations of Regulations – Protests and Self-Reported Violations .............................................................................. 24

5. Rule 5 – Violations of Regulations – Penalties .............................................................................................................................. 25

6. Rule 6 – Association Sports/Activities. ......................................................................................................................................... 26

7. Rule 7 – Out-of-Season and Non-School Activities ...................................................................................................................... 29

8. Rule 8 – Individual Eligibility ......................................................................................................................................................... 30

8.1. Academic Eligibility. ........................................................................................................................................... 30

8.2. Duration of Eligibility/Graduation. ..................................................................................................................... 34

8.3. Age ..................................................................................................................................................................... 37

8.4. Awards ................................................................................................................................................................ 38

8.5. School Representation ....................................................................................................................................... 40

8.6. Transfer. ............................................................................................................................................................. 44

8.6.1. Fundamental Rule. ............................................................................................................................................. 44

8.6.2. Eligible Student Transfer Certificate .................................................................................................................. 44

8.6.3. Exceptions to Fundamental Rule. ....................................................................................................................... 44

8.6.4. Continuity Requirement ..................................................................................................................................... 48

8.6.5. Transfers to a School with Affiliation ................................................................................................................. 48

8.6.6. Mid-Year Transfers ............................................................................................................................................. 50

8.6.7. Period of Ineligibility. ......................................................................................................................................... 50

8.6.8. Transfer Hardship Appeals Procedure. .............................................................................................................. 50

8.7. Undue Influence. ................................................................................................................................................ 51

8.8. Misrepresentation .............................................................................................................................................. 53

8.9. Hardship ............................................................................................................................................................. 53

8.9.1. All Other Requests (Except Transfer, Fifth Year and Age Requests). ................................................................. 53

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8.10.

Definitions .......................................................................................................................................................... 54

9. Rule 9 – Hearings Officer ................................................................................................................................................................ 54

OSAA ELIGIBILITY FLOW CHART .................................................................................................................................................. 56

MUSIC RULES………. ..................................................................................................................................................................... 57

SPEECH RULES……… ..................................................................................................................................................................... 59

EXECUTIVE BOARD POLICIES ............................................................................................................................................... 60

1. AD HOC COMMITTEE PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................................................. 60

2. ADDING A NEW SPORT/ACTIVITY .................................................................................................................................................. 60

3. ADMINISTRATOR WORKSHOP ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT .................................................................................................... 61

4. ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS / AREA-WIDE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES .......................................................................... 61

5. AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES ............................................................................................................................................................. 63

6. ANTI-HAZING ................................................................................................................................................................................... 64

7. ATTACHED AND UNATTACHED COMPETITION / EXHIBITION ..................................................................................................... 64

8. CAMPS – COMMERCIAL SUMMER CAMPS ................................................................................................................................. 65

9. CERTIFICATION – ATHLETIC DIRECTORS AND COACHES ............................................................................................................ 65

10. CHARITABLE CAUSES ...................................................................................................................................................................... 66

11. CHEMICAL HEALTH POSITION ........................................................................................................................................................ 67

12. COED TEAMS ................................................................................................................................................................................... 67

13. COLLECTIVE SPONSORSHIPS .......................................................................................................................................................... 67

14. CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................................................................................... 68

15. COOPERATIVE SPONSORSHIP ........................................................................................................................................................ 69

16. EJECTION POLICIES – COACH EJECTED; CONTEST FORFEITED .................................................................................................... 70

17. EJECTION POLICIES – EJECTED PLAYER OR COACH ..................................................................................................................... 70

18. EJECTION POLICIES – FINES ........................................................................................................................................................... 73

19. EJECTION POLICIES – MULTIPLE EJECTIONS OF INDIVIDUAL ...................................................................................................... 73

20. EJECTION POLICIES – PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH OFFICIAL ........................................................................................................ 73

21. ELIGIBILITY – CHEMAWA INDIAN SCHOOL ................................................................................................................................... 73

22. ELIGIBILITY – DISTRICT COMMITTEE ............................................................................................................................................. 73

23. ELIGIBILITY – HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY STUDENTS ............................................................................................................... 74

24. ELIGIBILITY – HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS ...................................................................................................................................... 75

25. ELIGIBILITY – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (CSIET Advisory List) ................................................................................................. 77

26. ELIGIBILITY – OREGON SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF ........................................................................................................................... 77

27. ELIGIBILITY APPEAL FILING FEE ...................................................................................................................................................... 77

28. ELIGIBILITY APPEALS BOARD .......................................................................................................................................................... 77

29. EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN............................................................................................................................................................ 78

30. ENDOWMENT GAMES ................................................................................................................................................................... 78

31. EXCEPTIONS TO NFHS PLAYING RULES ......................................................................................................................................... 79

32. EXCESS REVENUE DISTRIBUTION................................................................................................................................................... 79

33. EXHIBITIONS .................................................................................................................................................................................... 79

Oregon School Activities Association 2024-2025 Handbook

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34.

FINANCING OPTIONS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 80

35. FOOTBALL – PLACEMENT IN A DIFFERENT CLASSIFICATION ..................................................................................................... 80

36. FORFEITS AND ADDITIONAL CONTESTS ........................................................................................................................................ 81

37. GENDER IDENTITY PARTICIPATION ............................................................................................................................................... 81

38. HAIR DEVICE / ADORNMENT ......................................................................................................................................................... 83

39. HEAT INDEX .................................................................................................................................................................................... 84

40. INDEPENDENT STATUS IN A SPORT ............................................................................................................................................. 85

41. INTERRUPTED CONTESTS ............................................................................................................................................................... 85

42. LIGHTNING SAFETY GUIDELINES ................................................................................................................................................... 87

43. MEDIA CREDENTIALING ................................................................................................................................................................. 87

44. MEMBERSHIP IN THE OSAA ........................................................................................................................................................... 88

45. MORATORIUM WEEK ..................................................................................................................................................................... 88

46. NEW SCHOOLS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 90

47. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY ..................................................................................................................................................... 90

48. OFFICIALS – BACKGROUND CHECKS ............................................................................................................................................. 90

49. OFFICIALS – CERTIFIED REQUIREMENT ......................................................................................................................................... 90

50. OFFICIALS – HOST SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................................................. 91

51. OFFICIALS – MINIMUM CONFLICT OF INTEREST STANDARDS (VARSITY ONLY) ........................................................................ 91

52. OUT-OF-STATE MEMBERSHIP ........................................................................................................................................................ 92

53. PRACTICE LIMITATION RULE (6A, 5A, 4A) ..................................................................................................................................... 92

54. PRACTICE LIMITATION RULE (3A, 2A, 1A) ..................................................................................................................................... 96

55. PRACTICE MODEL ......................................................................................................................................................................... 100

56. RECORDS RETENTION ................................................................................................................................................................... 103

57. REGULAR DISTRICT AND SPECIAL DISTRICT COMMITTEES ....................................................................................................... 103

58. REPORTING SCHEDULES, ROSTERS, AND RESULTS ................................................................................................................... 104

59. SANCTIONING OF CONTESTS ....................................................................................................................................................... 105

60. SCHOOL CLOSURE – STRIKE ......................................................................................................................................................... 105

61. SCHOOL DELAYED OPENING OR EARLY CLOSURE – FINANCIAL ............................................................................................... 107

62. SCORE DIFFERENTIAL PROCEDURES ........................................................................................................................................... 107

63. SHARED FACILITIES ....................................................................................................................................................................... 108

64. SPECIAL DISTRICTS – INCLUSION OF ALL MEMBER SCHOOLS IN SCHEDULE ........................................................................... 108

65. SPECIAL DISTRICTS – PLACEMENT ............................................................................................................................................... 108

66. SPORTSMANSHIP – CRITICISM OF SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES OR OFFICIALS / JUDGES ...................................................... 108

67. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – ADDING / DELETING A CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT ............................................................................ 108

68. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – ADOPTED BALL ................................................................................................................................. 109

69. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – BROADCASTING / STREAMING ....................................................................................................... 109

70.

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – FURLOUGH DAY ........................................................................................................................... 10910

71. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS - HOME TEAM DESIGNATION ............................................................................................................ 110

72. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – INDIVIDUAL SPORT SUBSTITUTIONS .............................................................................................. 110

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73.

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – MEDICAL CHAIN OF COMMAND .................................................................................................... 112

74. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – MODIFICATIONS TO ADDRESS CONFLICTS WITH RELIGIOUS BELIEFS ......................................... 112

75. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – PRE-CONTEST PUBLIC PRAYER ...................................................................................................... 112

76. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – RANKINGS ....................................................................................................................................... 112

77. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – SUPPORT GROUP POLICIES ............................................................................................................. 115

78. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – TEAM SIZE ........................................................................................................................................ 116

79. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – TEAM UNABLE TO COMPETE .......................................................................................................... 117

80. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – VIDEOTAPING ................................................................................................................................... 117

81. STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS – YEARLY EXECUTIVE BOARD REVIEW ............................................................................................... 117

82. SUMMER POLICY .......................................................................................................................................................................... 117

83. UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS .................................................................................................................................................... 119

84. WITHDRAWAL DURING A COMPETITION ................................................................................................................................... 120

85. WITHDRAWAL FROM STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS ......................................................................................................................... 120

PARTICIPATION LIMITATIONS .................................................................................................................................................................... 121

1. GENERAL ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 121

2. BASEBALL ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 122

3. BASKETBALL .................................................................................................................................................................................. 124

4. CHEERLEADING ............................................................................................................................................................................. 125

5. CROSS COUNTRY ........................................................................................................................................................................... 125

6. FOOTBALL ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 125

7. GOLF .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 126

8. SOCCER .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 126

9. SOFTBALL ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 126

10. SWIMMING ................................................................................................................................................................................... 127

11. TENNIS ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 127

12. TRACK AND FIELD ......................................................................................................................................................................... 127

13. VOLLEYBALL................................................................................................................................................................................... 128

14. WRESTLING ................................................................................................................................................................................... 129

OFFICIALS FEE SCHEDULE ............................................................................................................................................................................ 129

Oregon School Activities Association 2024-2025 Handbook

Constitution

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CONSTITUTION

The Oregon School Activities Association believes that interscholastic activities programs are essential to the education of

youth, and therefore are an integral part of the school curriculum. The values of high school activities and their impact

upon the lives of Americans are immeasurable. Not only do interscholastic activities benefit and directly influence

participants, but they also instill pride and unifying spirit among students, fans, schools, and communities throughout the

nation.

The public and non-public high schools of Oregon voluntarily agreed to form the Oregon School Activities Association for the

following purposes: (a) to formulate and make policies to promote high ideals of citizenship, fair competition, sportsmanship

and teamwork which will complement the member schools’ curriculum programs; (b) to foster uniformity to standards in

interscholastic activity competition; (c) to organize, develop, direct and regulate an interscholastic activity program which is

equitable and will guide and promote the health and physical welfare of all participants.

1. Article 1 – Name of Organization

1.1. This organization shall be known as the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA).

2. Article 2 – Object and Authority of the Organization

2.1. Object. The object of the Association is to protect the interests of member schools and to regulate

interscholastic activities that involve member schools.

2.2. Authority. The administration of rulings by the Executive Board shall be final, except for eligibility appeals.

1. Q. Is the Oregon School Activities Association a relatively new organization?

A. No. The Association has had a continuous existence since 1918.

2. Q. Is Oregon unique in having an organization to supervise the interscholastic programs of high schools?

A. No. All states in the United States and several of the Canadian provinces have organizations with a similar

objective. All states in the United States and several Canadian provinces have banded together and formed the

National Federation of State High School Associations with an executive office in Indianapolis, Indiana, that serves

the entire United States through its press service, publication of Rules Books, distribution of video materials and

in many other ways.

3. Article 3 – Membership and Dues See Executive Board Policies, “Membership in the OSAA” for additional information.

3.1. Full Membership. (Membership Application – Full)

High schools within the State of Oregon, public or private, and high schools in bordering states that meet

additional requirements set forth by the Executive Board, are eligible for full membership in the Association if

they meet all the following qualifications:

3.1.1. Subscribe to the Articles, Rules, Executive Board Policies, Executive Board Interpretations, Participation

Limitations, Sports Seasons, Plan Books and Officials Fees (collectively, the Regulations) of the

Association.

3.1.2. Annually certify to the OSAA that its policies and practices are in compliance with all federal and state laws

and regulations with regard to non-discrimination.

3.1.3. Pay general membership dues and participation fees annually as established by the Executive Board.

3.1.4. Offer a comprehensive curriculum, which meets Oregon graduation requirements.

3.1.5. Serve a minimum of 10 students in grades 9-12 or 10-12. A school with fewer than 10 students may

be eligible for Associate Membership.

3.1.6. Participate in at least one OSAA Activity each season, per gender to be eligible for OSAA state

championship events. Single gender schools would be exempt from this rule as long as they participate

in at least one activity per season. Schools may appeal this rule to the Executive Director based on:

(a) Good faith intent to participate in at least one OSAA Activity each season, per gender.

(b) Tradition of offering at least one OSAA Activity each season, per gender.

Oregon School Activities Association 2024-2025 Handbook

Constitution

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(d) A submitted and approved plan for growth, addition, or reinstatement of programs.

Schools may appeal the Executive Director’s decision to the OSAA Executive Board.

3.1.7. Participate only against schools that are members of the OSAA or schools that are members of the

member associations of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) if the activity

is sponsored by the OSAA unless an exception is granted in writing by the Executive Director.

3.1.8. Assure that no financial assistance will be provided on the basis of a student's potential or participation

in OSAA-sanctioned activities. Need-based financial assistance will be based on an evaluation of

information provided from an outside agency approved by the Executive Director.

3.1.9. Verify that if tuition is charged, it must be paid by the student’s parent or other family member. If the

student’s parent or other family member secures a loan for payment of the student’s tuition, it must

remain an obligation of the student’s parent or other family member to repay the principal and interest

in full.

Definition of Parent and Family Member. For the purposes of this article, "parent" means the student’s

custodial parent, non-custodial parent, foster parent, or parent-in-law. For purposes of this article,

"family member" means spouse, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, or grandparents.

3.1.10. Allow Association use of the school’s name, mascot and other identifying marks in Association-related

activities including, but not limited to, television, promotion, licensing, and merchandising programs.

EXCEPTION: Schools for which application of these rules is inappropriate may apply to the Executive

Board for an exemption from one or more of the qualifications by providing written justification for

the exemption with the “Membership Application – Full.”

1. Q. How will initial eligibility for postseason play be determined each year?

A. Initial postseason eligibility will be based on the previous year’s participation.

2. Q. If a school starts the year as a Full Member and is unable to participate by gender in one season, how will it affect

the other seasons?

A. By rule, the school would be ineligible for OSAA state championship events in all activities for the remainder of

the Association Year, subject to an appeal as provided in Article 3.1.6.

3. Q. If a school starts the year as a Full Member and is declared ineligible for OSAA state championship events, may

they still participate in other activities?

A. Yes, a school may still participate in all regular season contests in all activities and must still follow all other rules

and regulations of the OSAA.

4. Q. How does a school certify its compliance with Article 3.1.2?

A. Each school will certify its compliance with this rule on the invoice provided annually by OSAA. This self-

certification will constitute the school’s representation that its policies and practices comply with all federal and

state laws and regulations or are legally exempt from some or all such laws and regulations with regard to non-

discrimination.

3.2. Associate Membership. (Membership Application – Associate)

A private school, charter school or alternative school may be granted Associate membership if it meets the

requirements of Article 3.1. other than Articles 3.1.5., 3.1.6. and 3.1.7. Associate member schools may not

enter teams or individuals in OSAA events except as provided in Rule 8.5.1. (e).

3.3. Dues and Activity Fees.

3.3.1. The Executive Board shall establish procedures relative to payment of membership dues and special

fees for championships.

(a) Full Membership Dues and Activity Fees. Full Member school dues are $1,750, plus $105 for each

OSAA sponsored activity in which the school participates, payable on or before October 15 of each

school year.

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(b) Associate Membership Dues. Associate Member school dues are based on the number of students

attending the Associate Member school ($110 for 1-100 students; $275 for 101-500 students; $550

for 501+ students). Associate Member school students are not eligible to practice or participate in

a contest until the Associate Member school is listed on the OSAA website.

3.3.2. If a member brings an administrative or judicial challenge to any Regulations or Rules of the Association

and/or a final determination of the Executive Board or the Eligibility Appeals Board, and the

Association is the prevailing party, the member shall be assessed a membership surcharge equal to

the Association’s attorney fees and costs actually incurred in defending such action, whether at the

administrative or trial court level or on appeal or discretionary review.

3.4. Member Obligation. Members of this Association shall be bound by the Regulations, standards, rulings and

position papers of the Association and other decisions made by the Delegate Assembly and/or the Executive

Board and shall be bound to self-report any violations of the Regulations to the Executive Director.

Each full member school shall be a member of and subject to the rules of the district/league/conference to

which it is assigned. Such rules shall not supersede or conflict with the Regulations. When there is such a

conflict, the Regulations shall prevail.

Members of this Association have a responsibility to educate student participants, coaches and other

appropriate people about Association Regulations that could affect them.

1. Q. May a student or a team representing a member school in an activity in which the school is registered with the

OSAA participate in an organized practice or contest against a student or a team of a college, university,

community college, non-high school club, or alumni in contact sports (football, wrestling and soccer)?

A. No.

2. Q. May a student or a team representing a member school in an activity in which the school is registered with the

OSAA participate as a representative of the school in an organized practice or contest against a student or a team

of a college, university, community college, non-high school club, or alumni in non-contact sports?

A. No, unless approval is granted in writing by the Executive Director.

3. Q. Are home schools eligible for membership in the Association?

A. No. NOTE: Home schooled students may be eligible at the public school or the private school in whose district their

parents reside. See Executive Board Policies, “Eligibility – Home School Students” for additional information.

4. Q. May an associate member school form a team and participate against a team from another associate member school?

A. Yes.

5. Q. May an associate member school form a team and participate against an OSAA full member school?

A. No. If an associate member school wishes to participate against OSAA full member schools, the associate member

school would need to apply for and be granted full membership prior to competition.

6. Q. May an associate member school participate against a non-member school in OSAA activities?

A. Yes. Unlike full member schools that may not participate against non-member schools, associate member schools

are permitted to participate against non-member schools.

7. Q. Is a program within a public school district eligible to be an Associate Member School?

A. No, to be an Associate Member, a public school is required to have a separate school institution identification

number through the Oregon Department of Education (ODE).

4. Article 4 – Delegate Assembly

4.1. Composition. The Delegate Assembly shall be composed of 44 representatives:

4.1.1. Thirty-eight representatives elected by the members of regular districts.

4.1.2. A representative of the Oregon Athletic Directors Association.

4.1.3. A representative of the OSAA Activities Advisory Committee.

4.1.4. A representative of the Oregon School Boards Association.

4.1.5. A representative of the OSAA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

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4.1.6. A representative of the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association.

4.1.7. A representative of the Oregon Athletic Officials Association.

4.1.8. The Executive Director shall be ex-officio, non-voting member of the Delegate Assembly.

4.2. Qualifications. To serve as a member of the Delegate Assembly, the regular district representatives and the

activities representative shall be employed at a 0.49 FTE level or greater in a position that has at least some

responsibility for secondary education and is at least equal in rank to the position of high school assistant

principal at a school district of a full member school, or at a high school which is a full member of the Association.

The Oregon School Boards Association representative, the Oregon Athletic Directors Association

representative, the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association representative, and the Oregon Athletic Officials

Association representative shall each be currently serving in the role being represented on the Delegate

Assembly.

4.3. Authority.

4.3.1. The Delegate Assembly shall adopt Regulations and elect the President and the Executive Board of the

Association. The Delegate Assembly may adopt policies and positions for the Association.

4.3.2. The Delegate Assembly may adopt or amend Articles of this Constitution, adopt or amend Rules of this

Constitution, and amend or revoke Executive Board Policies, Participation Limitations, Sports Seasons

Limitations and/or Executive Board Interpretations, according to Article 10, Amendments.

4.4. Elections. Each Association regular district (Article 7.1.) shall elect one representative to the Delegate Assembly.

4.4.1. Each regular district shall determine its own nominees who meet the qualifications of this office.

4.4.2. The election shall be conducted by the superintendent chair of the regular district committee. The

superintendent shall report the name of the representative to the Executive Director in writing by

September 15.

4.4.3. In case a vacancy arises in any regular district following the election, the district shall elect a

replacement within 30 calendar days.

4.4.4. Any regular district that has a representative on the Executive Board shall not conduct an election for

the Delegate Assembly and the position shall be filled by the longest serving member of the Executive

Board from that district.

4.5. Term of Office. The term of office for members of the Delegate Assembly shall begin on September 15 and

shall be for three years. Members shall not serve more than two consecutive terms, except for a member who

is elected to the Executive Board who may then serve until their term on the Executive Board expires. A member

who is appointed or elected to fill an unexpired term shall be eligible for up to two full three-year terms starting

with the first meeting attended.

The term of office for the President of the Association shall be one year. A

member shall not serve more than one term as President during any two consecutive terms.

A duly elected member of the Delegate Assembly whose position changes during the second half of the three-

year term is eligible to complete the term of office if the new position retains some responsibility for secondary

education and is at least equal in rank to the position of high school assistant principal and is within the same

district from which originally elected.

4.6. Meetings.

4.6.1. Regular Meetings. The Delegate Assembly shall meet in October and in April, and once every four

years in December following the Executive Board’s quadrennial Classification and Districting Meeting.

Election of Executive Board members shall be held in April.

4.6.2. Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called when one-third (15) of the voting members of the

Delegate Assembly petition for a special meeting of the Delegate Assembly. The Executive Director

shall poll all the Delegate Assembly members, and if two-thirds (30) of the voting Delegate Assembly

members approve, a special meeting shall be called.

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4.6.3. Quorum. A quorum shall consist of a majority (23) of the total voting membership of the Delegate

Assembly.

4.6.4. Voting Body. Only voting members of the Delegate Assembly in attendance shall be entitled to vote.

Proxy voting is not permissible.

4.6.5. Presiding Officers. The Delegate Assembly shall be presided over by the President of the Association,

who shall be a member of the Executive Board. In the absence of the President, the Vice-President of

the Executive Board shall preside.

4.6.6. Member Testimony. Any representative (administrator, athletic director, coach/activity supervisor)

from a member school shall have a voice without a vote at the Delegate Assembly and shall be

recognized by the chair according to procedures established by the chair.

1. Q. May an assistant superintendent serve as a member of the Delegate Assembly and/or as a member of the

Executive Board?

A. Yes.

2. Q. May an assistant principal serve as a member of the Delegate Assembly and/or as a member of the Executive Board?

A. Yes.

5. Article 5 – Executive Board

5.1. Composition. The Executive Board shall be composed of 15 members and shall consist of one elected

representative from each classification, plus the following representatives appointed by the Executive Board: a

6A/5A at-large representative, a 4A/3A at-large representative, a 2A/1A at-large representative

, a representative

of the Oregon School Boards Association, a representative of the Oregon Athletic Directors Association, a

representative of the OSAA Activities Advisory Committee, a representative of the OSAA Diversity, Equity, and

Inclusion Advisory Committee, a representative of the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association, and a representative

of the Oregon Athletic Officials Association.

5.1.1. The 6A/5A, 4A/3A and 2A/1A at-large representatives shall be appointed by the members of the

Executive Board prior to the term of office to be filled. Criteria to be considered by the Executive Board

in making these appointments may include, among others, geographic, gender and ethnic

representation on the Executive Board.

5.1.2. The following affiliated groups shall each submit information for three candidates to the Executive

Board for consideration prior to the term of office to be filled. The Executive Board shall appoint one

of the candidates submitted for each affiliated group. Criteria to be considered by the Executive Board

in making these selections may include, among others, geographic, gender and ethnic representation

on the Executive Board.

(a) Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA).

(b) Oregon Athletic Directors Association (OADA).

(d) OSAA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

(e) Oregon Athletic Coaches Association (OACA).

(f) Oregon Athletic Officials Association (OAOA).

5.1.3. The Executive Director shall be ex-officio, non-voting member of the Executive Board.

5.2. Qualifications.

5.2.1. To serve as a member of the Executive Board, the classification representatives and the activities

representative shall be employed at a 0.49 FTE level or greater in a position that has at least some

responsibility for secondary education and is at least equal in rank to the position of high school

assistant principal at a school district of a full member school, or at a high school which is a full member

of the Association. The Oregon School Boards Association representative, the Oregon Athletic

Directors Association representative, the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association representative, and the

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Oregon Athletic Officials Association representative shall each be currently serving in the role being

represented on the Executive Board. There shall be no two elected individuals from the same school

district serving concurrently on the Executive Board.

A duly elected or appointed member of the Executive Board whose position changes during the second

of their three-year terms is eligible to complete the term of office if the new position retains some

responsibility for secondary education and is at least equal in rank to the position of high school

assistant principal and is within the same classification(s) from which originally elected.

5.2.2. If a member of the Executive Board is an elected member of the Executive Committee of the NFHS and

their term on the Association Executive Board has expired, the member shall remain on the Executive

Board as a non-voting, member-at-large, as long as they remain a member of said National Executive

Committee.

5.2.3. To be elected President of the Association by the Delegate Assembly, a person shall be a member of

the Executive Board.

5.3. Authority.

5.3.1. The Executive Board shall manage the business and affairs of the Association and shall have the

authority to:

(a) Establish operational guidelines and determine the investments for the Association.

(b) Exercise control over all OSAA-sponsored activities and contests between schools that are

members of the Association.

(d) Set Mileage Reimbursement Rate(s) for all Association business and activities.

(e) Approve invitational meets, contests, and activities.

(f) Determine penalties for violations by member schools, their employees, representatives and/or

students of Association Regulations.

(g) Determine penalties for violations by certified officials of the Regulations. See Rules, Rule 2.4,

“Prohibited Conduct” for additional information.

(h) Make rulings applicable to eligibility requirements.

(i) Administer the rules contained in each Plan Book.

(j) Administer the Regulations, which shall govern each student who represents their school in any

interscholastic activity and the conduct of each official.

(k) Make investigations relative to the violation of the Regulations. If charges are brought against

any school for violation of the Regulations, or violation of the spirit of fair play and good

sportsmanship, the Executive Board shall consider such charges and determine and assess

penalties in case of conviction. Any school or official charged with a violation of the Regulations

shall be given an opportunity to be represented at the hearing of its case before the Executive

Board.

(l) Appoint special committees to assist in the arrangements and supervision of various activities

and contests.

(m) Approve or deny applications for membership in the Association.

(n) Adopt or amend Executive Board Policies, Participation Limitations, Sports Seasons Limitations,

Executive Board Interpretations and the OSAA Athletic Officials Handbook all of which shall have

the binding force and effect of Rules adopted by the Delegate Assembly, but which may be

adopted and amended without reference to Article 10 of this Constitution.

(o) Divide the state into regular districts, special districts, and activities districts, and assign member

schools to said districts for the purpose of administration, championships and meets.

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(p) Adopt interim Regulations in the event the Legislature or a court ruling invalidates a portion of

the OSAA Handbook.

(q) Approve the annual operating budget of the Association.

(r) Take any other action authorized by the Delegate Assembly.

(s) Take any action it deems necessary to comply with federal or state law, or rules of the State

Board of Education or rulings from a Hearings Officer. See Rules, Rule 9, “Hearings Officer.”

1. Q. Are protests against the decision of an official in a game reviewed by the Executive Board?

A. No. The Executive Board will not review the decisions of officials whether due to ignorance of the rules or errors

in judgment. The competing schools must accept, without protest, the rulings of the officials who have been

approved by the competing schools to have full charge of the contest.

2. Q. Will the Executive Board hear protests based upon the application of the rules of any particular sport or protests

that involve judgment on the part of game official?

A. No.

3. Q. Will the Executive Board hear protests based upon the conduct of an official that violates the Regulations or the

Prohibited Conduct?

A. Yes.

5.4. Election. Members shall be elected to the Executive Board by a majority vote of the Delegate Assembly

members present and voting at the regular April meeting. Newly elected and appointed members shall assume

office July 15 following their election or appointment.

5.5. Terms of Office. The term of office for a member of the Executive Board shall be three years. A member shall not

serve more than two consecutive terms. A member who is elected to fill a vacancy shall be eligible for up to two

full three-year terms starting with the first meeting after election. The term of office for the President and for the

Vice President shall commence on July 15 following their election and shall be for one year only.

5.6. Meetings. The Executive Board shall meet at least four times per year, as follows: September, December,

February, and May. In addition, the Executive Board shall meet in December once every four years to consider

recommendations proposed by the Classification and Districting Committee. The Executive Board may confer

and act by telephone conference call, by other media.

5.6.1. Eight affirming votes (a majority of the voting members of the full Executive Board) shall be required for the

Executive Board to act on a main motion regarding policy. For appeal decisions, the Executive Board may

act with a majority vote of a quorum of Executive Board members present.

5.6.2. Any representative, e.g., administrator, athletic director, coach/activity supervisor, from a member

school shall have a voice without a vote at an Executive Board meeting and shall be recognized by the

chair according to procedures established by the chair, unless the Executive Board determines that it

is appropriate to meet in executive session.

5.7. Summer Meeting Attendance. Executive Board members are eligible to attend NFHS Summer Meetings

representing the Association after their first year serving on the Executive Board. Individual Executive Board

member eligibility for NFHS Summer Meeting attendance expires when the member vacates their Executive

Board position.

5.8. Vacancy.

5.8.1. A vacancy shall be declared by the Executive Director when any member of the Executive Board

resigns, moves from the area or classification they represent, no longer serves in a position described

in Article 5.1., dies or becomes incapacitated, withdraws or otherwise becomes disqualified from the

teaching profession, or when there is a lapse of membership or suspension of the school employing

said member.

5.8.2. A vacancy may be filled, if it occurs more than 90 days prior to the next regularly scheduled Delegate

Assembly meeting, by appointment by the remaining members of the Executive Board. Such

appointments shall be temporary, and the appointee will serve until the next meeting of the Delegate

Assembly, at which time all temporary appointments shall be filled by election.

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5.9. Presiding Officers. The President of the Association also shall serve as President of and preside over the

Executive Board. A Vice President shall be elected by the Executive Board from its own membership and shall

preside over the Executive Board in the absence of the President of the Association.

5.10. Executive Director. The Executive Board shall have the authority to hire the Executive Director, to determine

the salaries, employment conditions and location of the office. The Executive Director's duties shall be to:

5.10.1. Supervise and evaluate employees of the Association.

5.10.2. Collect and disburse the funds of the Association.

5.10.3. Supervise the Association business.

5.10.4. Interpret and implement the Regulations of the Association.

5.10.5. Perform other duties as defined by the Executive Board.

5.10.6. Adopt reasonable policies and rules to conduct Association business.

1. Q. Do Executive Board members represent regular districts?

A. No, they represent all schools but are selected based upon their classification and region.

6. Article 6 – Classification of Schools

6.1. Assignment of schools to classifications and districts for a four-year time block.

6.1.1. A Classification and Districting Committee shall be established to gather information and make

recommendations to the Executive Board regarding classifications and districts for the four-year time

block. See Constitution, Article 9.2., “Classification and Districting Committee” for additional

information.

6.1.2. When initially assigning a school to a classification at the beginning of a four-year time block the

Executive Board may consider evidence submitted by that school concerning its potential enrollment

during the four-year time block if the school first notifies the Classification and Districting Committee

of such information. Evidence will be considered using the criteria set forth in Article 6.2.2(b). See

Executive Board Policies, “Classification – Playing Up” for additional information.

6.1.3. The Executive Board shall approve or disapprove each classification and districting decision at its

quadrennial December Classification and Districting meeting. Classification changes will become

effective at the start of the 2002-03 Association Year and every four years thereafter. In making its

decision(s), the Executive Board shall utilize the criteria set forth in Article 9.2.1(d).

6.1.4. Associate Member schools shall be neither classified nor assigned to a regular district.

6.2. Changes in classification during a four-year time block.

6.2.1. The Executive Board may make what it considers a necessary change or changes in classification either

up or down during a four-year time block, as described herein. In addition, the Executive Board may,

in its sole discretion, change the league assignment of a school or schools if such change is warranted

because of a change of classification of another school or the addition or withdrawal of one or more

member schools.

6.2.2. The process for changes in classification during a four-year time block shall be as follows:

(a) After a school has been placed in a classification for a four-year time block and the school

exceeds the upper enrollment limit for its classification, the school shall be subject to review by

the Executive Board for possible placement in the next higher classification for the remainder

of the time block. In evaluating whether to move the school into a higher classification, the

Executive Board will weigh the following criteria:

(1) The extent to which school’s enrollment is greater than the classification’s ADMr cutoff, as

measured as a percentage of the total upper enrollment limit for the classification, with a

small percentage (e.g., 1%) being given little weight, but a large percentage (e.g., 10%)

being sufficient to require placement in a higher classification;

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(2) The number of years into a four-year time block that enrollment has increased above the

classification cutoff;

(3) The extent to which moving the school to another classification will disrupt league balance

or create other scheduling problems; and/or

(4) Whether the increase in enrollment above the upper classification limit is consistent with a

trend for the school or is more reflective of an episodic change.

(b) After a school has been placed in a classification for a four-year time block and the school falls

below the lower enrollment limit for its classification, the school may petition the Executive

Board for emergency placement in the next lower classification for the remainder of the time

block. In evaluation a school’s petition, the Executive Board will weigh the following criteria:

(1) The extent to which school’s enrollment is less than the classifications ADMr cutoff, as

measured as a percentage of the total lower enrollment limit for the classification, with a

small percentage (e.g., 1%) being given little weight, but a large percentage (e.g., 10%)

being sufficient to require placement in the lower classification;

(2) Whether the drop in enrollment has occurred due to the school’s district opening of a new

comprehensive high school or charter school, and whether any such charter school is or is

not controlled by the school’s district;

(3) Whether the drop in enrollment has occurred because of the residents previously within

the school’s attendance boundaries moving (e.g., due to a significant natural disaster,

closing of a major employer, etc.);

(4) Whether the school has previously advised the OSAA as to potentially declining enrollment

under any of the criteria described herein;

(5) The number of years into a four-year time block that enrollment has decreased below the

classification cutoff;

(6) The extent to which moving the school to another classification will disrupt league balance

or create other scheduling problems; and/or

(7) Whether the drop in enrollment below the lower classification limit is consistent with a

trend for the school or is more reflective of an episodic change.

to the Classification and Districting Committee to “play up” to a higher classification than

required by the ADM for that school, that classification placement may not be reviewed by the

Executive Board during the four-year time block unless there is a significant drop in enrollment

due to factors beyond the control of the school as determined by the Executive Board.

6.2.3. The Executive Board shall consider classification changes during the four-year time block only at the

annual December Executive Board meeting.

6.2.4. Classification of Schools – Classification Thresholds. During the four-year time block, the following

Average Daily Membership (ADM) thresholds will be used by the Executive Board when considering

school placement or classification changes:

6A: 1005 or more 4A: 311 to 607 2A: 75 to 145

5A: 608 to 1004 3A: 146 to 310 1A: 10 to 74

EXCEPTION: OSAA member schools shall participate based upon ADM in the classifications defined in this

Article unless an exception has been granted by the Executive Board in response to the submission of a

Petition to Play Down, a Petition to Play Up, or Placement in a Different Classification – Football Only.

(a) Petition to Play Down. (Petition to Play Down)

(1) Submission Deadline. Except as specified in Article 6.2.2 (c), a member school seeking to play

in a lower classification than assigned under Article 6.2.4 shall be required to complete and

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submit a “Petition to Play Down” to the OSAA prior to October 1 preceding the quadrennial

December Classification and Districting Meeting.

(2) Athletics and Activities Affected. Any “Petition to Play Down” granted by the Executive Board

shall apply to all OSAA athletics and activities in which the member school participates, except

as outlined below.

a) Dominant Team Sport Activity. A point-based system based on state championship

success shall be used to determine a dominant team sport activity. Teams reaching a

quarterfinal shall earn one point; team reaching a semifinal shall earn four points; and

teams reaching a final shall earn six points. A team earning a total of eight points in the

previous three-year period shall be considered a dominant team sport activity and shall

continue competing at their original classification while the school’s remaining programs

compete at the lower classification.

(3) Duration. Any “Petition to Play Down” granted by the Executive Board shall apply to the

classification placement of the petitioning member school during the entire subsequent four-

year time block, except as outlined below.

a) Two-Year Review. A varsity team earning a total of 10 points during the first two years of

a time block would be considered a dominant team sport activity and would be returned to

its original classification for the remaining two years of the time block. The school’s other

team would remain at the lower classification for the remainder of the time block.

(4) Required Information. A member school submitting a “Petition to Play Down” shall provide

the following information for consideration by the Executive Board. Petitioning schools that

meet all four criteria listed below shall be automatically approved. Schools meeting some but

not all criteria will have their petition reviewed by the Executive Board:

a) Documentation showing the school’s percentage of students on free lunch at 50% or higher.

b) Documentation showing that the school’s teams finished in the bottom 50% of the final

frozen rankings at their current classification at least 75% of the time for the previous

three years.

c) Documentation showing that the school’s teams finished in the bottom 20% of the final

frozen rankings at their current classification at least 50% of the time for the previous

three years.

d) Documentation showing that the winning percentage for the school’s teams in team

sports was 25% or less at least 40% of the time for the previous three years.

(5) Additional Information. A member school submitting a “Petition to Play Down” may provide

any other information to the Executive Board in support of the petition including, but not

limited to, evidence of intervention undertaken by the district to address lack of competitive

success and a letter of current league support for the “Petition to Play Down.”

(b) Petition to Play Up. (Petition to Play Up)

(1) Submission Deadline. A member school seeking to play in a higher classification than

assigned under Article 6.2.4. shall be required to complete and submit a “Petition to Play Up”

to the OSAA prior to the final meeting of the Classification and Districting Committee

preceding the quadrennial December Classification and Districting Meeting.

(2) Athletics and Activities Affected. Any “Petition to Play Up” granted by the Executive Board

shall apply to all OSAA athletics and activities in which the member school participates.

(3) Duration. Any “Petition to Play Up” granted by the Executive Board shall apply to the

classification placement of the petitioning member school during the entire subsequent four-

year time block. See Executive Board Policies, “Classification – Playing Up” for additional

information.

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(1) Deadline. A member school that meets a criterion to be eligible for placement in a lower

classification than its adjusted base number enrollment dictates or a member school wanting

to play up a classification shall notify the OSAA if it intends to accept that placement per the

deadline established by the Executive Board.

(2) Athletics and Activities Affected. Any “Placement in a Different Classification” approved by

the Executive Board shall apply to football only.

(3) Duration. Any “Placement in a Different Classification” approved by the Executive Board shall

apply for two years. Schools placed at a lower classification shall be reviewed annually by the

Football Ad Hoc Committee.

(4) Placement Range. A member school shall not be placed more than one classification lower

than the classification where it accumulated the data used to meet a criterion.

(5) Eligibility. A member school approved by the Executive Board for “Placement in a Different

Classification” shall be eligible for district or state honors at the different classification. See

Executive Board Policies, “Football – Placement in a Different Classification” for additional

information.

6.3. Computation of Average Daily Membership (ADM). Effective August 1, 2021, a school’s ADM for the purpose

of classification shall consist of an average of its base number minus the school’s SES factor for the entirety of

each of the previous three school years preceding the OSAA’s final decision with regard to Classification and

Districting under Article 6.1.

6.3.1. Base Number. A school’s base number shall include the following:

(a) Public High Schools.

(1) Average ADMr for grades 9-11 as reported by the Oregon Department of Education for the

entirety of each of the previous three school years, plus

(2) Average of all students in grades 9-11 that reside in the school’s attendance boundary but

attend a separate, non-full member school administered by that school’s school district.

(3) Average of all students in grades 9-11 that participated for the school in each of the previous

three school years that did not attend the school (home school students, students attending

Associate Member schools administered by other school districts, and students at private

schools that do not offer an activity).

(b) Private High Schools.

(1) Average ADM for grades 9-11 as reported by the private school to the OSAA for the entirety

of each of the previous three school years (average of actual enrollment for four dates during

each school year).

(2) Average of all students in grades 9-11 that participated for the school in each of the previous

three school years that did not attend the school (home school students).

NOTE: For a non-coeducational school, the ADM shall be doubled to determine the classification figure.

6.3.2. SES Factor. A school’s socioeconomic (SES) factor shall be subtracted from a school’s base number to

create an adjusted base number. The SES factor shall be determined by:

(a) Public Schools. Using the school’s free lunch number as reported by the Oregon Department of

Education, multiplied by 25%. Schools whose free lunch percentage exceeds the state average

shall have their number multiplied by 40%.

(b) Private Schools. Using the school’s free lunch number as reported by the private school to the

OSAA, multiplied by 25%. Schools whose free lunch percentage exceeds the state average shall

have their number multiplied by 40%. The OSAA shall verify that private schools are following the

same household size and income guidelines required by the Oregon Department of Education.

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6.4. Competing Outside the Assigned Classification. A school may choose to compete outside its assigned

classification in any sport but will not be eligible for district or state honors outside its assigned classification in

that sport, except as otherwise provided in 6.2.4. (c).

6.5. Cooperative Sponsorship. Cooperative sponsorship of an activity by two or more schools may be considered

following procedures established by the Executive Board. See Executive Board Policies, “Cooperative

Sponsorship” for additional information.

6.5.1. Only full member schools may apply for cooperative sponsorship. Schools requesting cooperative

sponsorship should make every effort to co-sponsor an activity with the nearest school that also has

difficulty sponsoring the activity by itself. Cooperative sponsorship shall be considered only for 4A,

3A, 2A and 1A schools.

EXCEPTION: The Executive Board also may approve cooperative sponsorship involving 4A, 3A, 2A or

1A schools with a 6A or 5A school if the 4A, 3A, 2A or 1A schools are located in an isolated area or are

unable to find a closer 4A, 3A, 2A or 1A school willing to enter into a cooperative sponsorship

agreement, or if the two schools are physically housed in the same building where students take

classes together.

6.5.2. Classification placement for the requested activity will be determined by the total combined ADM of

the schools involved.

EXCEPTION: If the total combined ADM causes the cooperative team to qualify for a higher

classification, the schools requesting permission for a cooperative team may petition the Executive

Board for an exception to this provision. Factors that may be considered by the Executive Board when

evaluating a petition for an exception may include, but are not limited to, number of participants from

each school, how much the combined ADM exceeds the classification threshold, and geographic

considerations.

1. Q. If a school is interested in changing classifications, how should it proceed?

A. The school should petition the Executive Board for a change in its placement on or before November 1 of the

school year prior to the year in which the change would take effect.

2. Q. May a school qualify for district and state honors outside its assigned classification in selected activities?

A. No.

3. Q. If an application for cooperative sponsorship is granted for multiple years and the cooperating schools choose not

to cooperatively sponsor a team during any year of the agreement, is it necessary to reapply for permission to

cooperatively sponsor a team during the remaining term of the agreement?

A. Yes. The application for cooperative sponsorship must be resubmitted using the most recent available ADM figures.

7. Article 7 – Representative Districts

7.1. Regular and Special Districts. The high schools of the state shall be divided into seven regular districts for 6A,

four regular districts for 5A, six regular districts for 4A, seven regular districts for 3A, six regular districts for 2A

and eight regular districts for 1A as follows:

7.1.1. 6A: Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

5A: Districts 1, 2, 3, 4

4A: Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

3A: Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

2A: Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

1A: Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

7.1.2. Special districts may be established or changed by the Executive Board for activities wherein not

enough schools participate. See Executive Board Policies, “Special Districts – Placement” for additional

information.

1. Q. May a school assigned to a district compete in an Independent Status in a particular sport?

A. Full member school teams must participate in the league adopted schedule for each sport they sponsor unless a

“Petition for Independent Status” has been granted by the Executive Board. See Executive Board Policies,

“Independent Status in a Sport” for additional information.

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8. Article 8 – Parliamentary Authority

8.1. The Delegate Assembly shall determine the parliamentary authority that will govern it in all parliamentary

situations that are not provided in law or the Regulations of the Association.

9. Article 9 – Standing Committees

9.1. Budget Committee.

9.1.1. Charge. The Committee shall recommend a yearly Association budget for presentation to the

Executive Board for approval at the May Executive Board meeting.

9.1.2. Composition. The Committee shall consist of one 6A/5A, one 4A/3A and one 2A/1A school member

from the Delegate Assembly; one 6A/5A, one 4A/3A and one 2A/1A school superintendent, assistant

superintendent, high school principal or high school assistant principal not a member of the Delegate

Assembly; one athletic director representative; one activities director representative; one coach

representative; one officials representative; one representative of the Oregon School Boards

Association; one representative of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee and the

Executive Director of the Association. In addition, the Executive Board shall appoint a chair.

9.1.3. Term. The term of office for members of the Budget Committee shall be for three years. Members

shall not serve more than two consecutive terms.

9.1.4. Meetings. The Committee shall meet annually in April.

9.2. Classification and Districting Committee.

9.2.1. Charge. The Committee shall make recommendations to the Executive Board regarding classifications

and districts for the upcoming four-year time block. The duties and responsibilities of the Committee

shall be:

(a) To hold public hearings and provide correspondence to interested parties regarding classifications

and districts for the upcoming four-year time block.

(b) To receive testimony from any school or other interested party, including information on the

numbers of students currently enrolled in grades 8, 7 and 6.

enrollment limits for the upcoming four-year time block.

(d) To consider the following criteria (in no particular order), among any others they deem relevant,

for recommending placement of schools in regular districts:

(1) Regular district history;

(2) Competitive balance;

(3) Creation of similar sized leagues;

(4) Minimizing loss of student instructional time;

(5) Minimizing the expenditure of school district and student and parent participant funds;

(6) Moving as few schools as possible;

(7) Placement of schools within the same school district and classification in the same league;

(8) Safety of student participants and school personnel with respect to travel;

(9) Scheduling problems;

(10) School enrollment data as calculated under Article 6.3.;

(11) School preference.

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(e) All schools within a single school district that are in the same size classification (including those

smaller schools that have elected to play up with schools in a larger classification) shall be assigned

to the same district unless the school board of the affected school district agrees to a different

assignment prior to October 1 preceding the quadrennial December Classification and Districting

meeting.

9.2.2. Composition. Committee membership shall mirror the Executive Board. Each classification and

affiliated organization represented on the Executive Board shall be represented by an appointment to

the Committee.

The Vice President of the Executive Board shall serve as ex-officio, non-voting member of the

Committee.

9.2.3. Term. Members of the Committee shall serve through one review cycle and may be reappointed to

subsequent committees at the discretion of the Executive Board. The Committee recommendations

shall be made to the Executive Board within the school year prior to the changes being implemented.

9.2.4. Meetings. The Committee shall adopt a schedule of meetings based upon the issues under

consideration. The schedule shall include an appropriate number of meetings in which to conduct the

business of the Committee and may include travel to several venues.

9.3. Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.

9.3.1. Charge. The Committee’s primary purpose is to ensure the health and safety of student-athletes who

participate in OSAA sponsored activities.

9.3.2. Composition. The Committee membership includes physicians from various fields of practice, athletic

trainers and OSAA staff. Members are selected based upon interest and expertise, with geographic

representation a consideration.

9.3.3. Term. Committee members serve at the request of the OSAA Executive Director and have no

predetermined term limits.

9.3.4. Meetings. The Committee shall convene as necessary to address concerns and make

recommendations to the Executive Board.

9.3.5. Chief Medical Advisor. The Committee shall nominate a Chief Medical Advisor to the Executive Director.

9.4. Sportsmanship Committee.

9.4.1. Charge. The Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity relative to the issue of sportsmanship. The

priority of this guidance is ensuring the opportunity for students, coaches, and officials to perform in

safe, civil environments, and to demonstrate the educational values inherent in high school activities.

9.4.2. Composition. The Committee shall consist of representatives from member schools, including

administrators, coaches, teachers, and students, along with representatives from outside

organizations related to sportsmanship.

9.4.3. Term. Members of the Committee shall serve a three-year non-renewable term. Attention will be paid

to the term limit rotation to ensure balance between experienced members and new members.

9.4.4. Meetings. The Committee shall adopt an annual schedule of meetings based upon the issues under

consideration. The schedule shall include an appropriate number of meetings in which to conduct the

business of the Committee.

9.5. State Championship Committee.

9.5.1. Charge. The Committee shall review championship formats, participation policies and issues relative

to the administration of OSAA State Championships. The Committee shall forward recommendations

for modifications to the Executive Board.

9.5.2. Composition. Committee membership shall mirror the Executive Board. Each classification, region

and interest group represented on the Executive Board shall be represented by an appointment to the

Committee.

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9.5.3. Term. Members of the Committee shall serve through one review cycle and may be reappointed to

subsequent committees at the discretion of the Executive Board. The Committee recommendations

shall be made to the Executive Board within the school year prior to the changes being implemented.

9.5.4. Meetings. The Committee shall adopt a schedule of meetings based upon the issues under

consideration. The schedule shall include an appropriate number of meetings in which to conduct the

business of the Committee and may include travel to several venues. The Executive Board may

convene the Committee at other times if, in the opinion of the Executive Board, the need arises.

9.6. Activities Advisory Committee.

9.6.1. Charge. The Committee shall serve as a conduit for open communication among representatives of

the activities and the school representatives and staff of the OSAA. The Committee shall not be a

policy making body but shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Executive Board, Delegate Assembly,

and staff of the OSAA. The Executive Board will not consider any recommendations from the Dance

Drill Coaches Association (DDCA), Oregon Cheerleading Coaches Association (OCCA), Oregon High

School Speech League Coaches Association (OHSSLCA) and Oregon American Choral Directors

Association (OR ACDA), Oregon Band Directors Association (OBDA), and Oregon Music Educators

Association (OMEA) without the support of the Committee.

9.6.2. Composition. The Committee shall be composed of two representatives of each of the OSAA

sponsored activities – cheer, dance, music, and speech.

Committee members shall be current high school employees. The Activities Representative to the

OSAA Executive Board shall be an ex-officio member of the Committee.

9.6.3. Term. The term of office for a member of the Committee shall be three years. A member shall not

serve more than two consecutive terms. A member who is elected to fill a vacancy shall be eligible for

up to two full three-year terms starting with the first meeting after election.

9.6.4. Meetings. The Committee shall adopt an annual schedule of meetings based upon the issues under

consideration. The schedule shall include an appropriate number of meetings in which to conduct the

business of the Committee.

9.7. Fee Review Committee.

9.7.1. Charge. The Fee Review Committee (FRC) shall consider only items involving fees paid to individual

officials, commissioners, or Local Associations. This includes game fees, per diem, administrative and

commissioner fees, or any other type of service fee provided collectively called Fees, and the

Association Mileage Reimbursement Rate(s).

The Committee shall forward recommendations regarding regular season Fees to the Delegate

Assembly and shall forward recommendations regarding State Championship Fees and the Association

Mileage Reimbursement Rate(s) to the Executive Board.

9.7.2. Composition. The FRC shall be a standing committee consisting of three representatives of the Oregon

Athletic Directors Association (OADA) Executive Board, four representatives of the Oregon Athletic

Officials Association (OAOA) Executive Board, one representative of the OSAA Executive Board, and

the OSAA Executive Director as a non-voting member.

9.7.3. Term. The OADA and OAOA will each be responsible for defining the process by which their

representatives will be selected and the term lengths they will serve.

9.7.4. Meetings. The FRC shall meet as requested by the OSAA Executive Board. The FRC shall determine a

schedule of no fewer than three meetings.

9.8. Rankings Committee.

9.8.1. Charge. The Committee shall review the ranking system including, but not limited to, the type of

system(s) utilized, results to be included, home/away designation, rankings timelines, breaking ties,

and placement of teams on state championship brackets. The Committee may forward

recommendations for modifications to the OSAA Executive Board.

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9.8.2. Composition. The Committee shall consist of four representatives of the Oregon Athletic Directors

Association (OADA), four representatives of the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association (OACA) and one

representative of the OSAA Executive Board.

9.8.3. Term. Appointed members may stay on the committee for longer than three years as agreed upon by

their represented association and the OSAA Executive Board.

9.8.4. Meetings. The Committee shall adopt an annual schedule of meetings based upon the issues under

consideration. The schedule shall include an appropriate number of meetings in which to conduct the

business of the Committee.

9.9. Officials Recruitment and Retention Committee.

9.9.1. Charge. The Committee shall make recommendations to the Executive Board regarding recruitment

and retention of game officials. Included shall be strategies, programs and/or initiatives that will

increase the number of unique officials’ registrations in each sport as well as increase overall retention

rates within local associations and the group as a whole.

9.9.2. Composition. The Committee shall consist of three representatives of the Oregon Athletic Directors

Association (OADA), three representatives of the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association (OACA) and

three representatives of the Oregon Athletic Officials Association (OAOA). The Executive Director of

each of the aforementioned associations shall serve as an ex-officio member of the committee.

9.9.3. Term. Members of the Committee shall serve a three-year term. A member shall not serve

consecutive terms. Attention will be paid to the term limit rotation to ensure balance between

experienced members and new members.

9.9.4. Meetings. The Committee shall adopt an annual schedule of meetings based upon the issues under

consideration. The schedule shall include an appropriate number of meetings in which to conduct the

business of the Committee.

9.10. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisory Committee.

9.10.1. Charge. The Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity focusing on way to engage and meet the

needs of member schools, students, and communities, particularly those from historically

underrepresented populations, while applying an equity lens in all aspects of the Association’s work.

The committee will collaborate on ways to ensure an inclusive environment is provided allowing the

opportunity for students, coaches, and officials to perform in a safe and welcoming setting, and to

demonstrate the educational values inherent in high school activities.

9.10.2. Composition. The Committee shall consist of one 6A, one 5A, one 4A, one 3A, one 2A and one 1A

school superintendent, assistant superintendent, high school principal or high school assistant

principal; one 6A/5A, one 4A/3A and one 2A/1A school superintendent, assistant superintendent, high

school principal or high school assistant principal; one athletic director representative; one activities

director representative; one coach representative; one officials representative; one representative of

the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA); and up to two community members. In addition, the

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion representative on the Executive Board shall serve as an ex-officio

member of the Committee.

9.10.3. Term. Members of the Committee shall serve a three-year non-renewable term. Attention will be

paid to the term limit rotation to ensure balance between experienced members and new members

of the Committee.

9.10.4. Meetings. The Committee shall adopt an annual schedule of meetings based upon the issues under

consideration. The schedule shall include an appropriate number of meetings in which to conduct the

business of the Committee.

9.11. Student Advisory Council.

9.11.1. Charge. The Council shall serve in an advisory capacity focusing on the ways to engage and meet the

needs of students while also applying an equity lens in all aspects of the Association’s work. The

purpose is to enhance the total student-participant experience by promoting opportunity, protecting

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student-participant well-being, and offering input on rules, regulations and policies that affect

students in member schools. The SAC shall also seek input from all grade levels, classifications,

geographic regions, and underrepresented populations of students across Oregon.

9.11.2. Composition. The Committee shall have 11 members and shall consist of one representative from

each classification, one 6A/5A at-large representative, one 4A/3A at-large representative, one 2A/1A

at-large representative, a representative of the Oregon Association of Student Councils (OASC), and

one adult member. Other criteria to be considered when selecting members may include, but are not

limited to, geographic, gender, and ethnic representation. The adult member shall be from a member

school who serves in a student advisory role in their district.

9.11.3. Term. Members shall serve a two-year non-renewable term.

9.11.4. Meetings. The Council shall adopt an annual schedule of meetings based upon the issues under

consideration. The schedule shall include an appropriate number of meetings in which to conduct the

business of the Council.

10. Article 10 – Amendments

10.1. The Articles of the Constitution of this Association may be amended by three-fourths vote of the Delegate

Assembly members present and voting or by written ballot, provided the following conditions are met:

10.1.1. The proposed Article amendment is signed by four school superintendents, assistant superintendents,

high school principals and/or high school assistant principals. Each signee must be a member of a

different Delegate Assembly district from any other signee. The Executive Board also may sponsor

Article amendments.

10.1.2. The proposed Article amendment is submitted by superintendents, assistant superintendents, high

school principals or high school assistant principals whose schools are members of the Association, or

by the Executive Board.

10.1.3. The Executive Director shall receive all proposals and distribute them to all member schools at least

15 calendar days prior to a meeting of the Delegate Assembly or distribution of the written ballot.

10.1.4. The proposed Article amendment contains the exact wording.

10.1.5. A statement setting forth its merits accompanies said proposal.

10.2. Any amendment to a proposed amendment for an Article of the Constitution requires a two-thirds favorable

vote for approval by the Delegate Assembly members present and voting or by written ballot.

10.3. The Articles of the Constitution may also be amended effective immediately without prior notice to member

schools if the amendment is adopted by a unanimous vote of the Delegate Assembly members present and

voting, or by unanimous written consent.

10.4. Amendments to the Articles of the Constitution shall become effective August 1 following their adoption unless

a specific date is included in the amendment.

10.5. The Rules of the Constitution of this Association may be amended by a majority vote of the Delegate Assembly

members present and voting or by written ballot, provided the following conditions are met:

10.5.1. The proposed Rule amendment is signed by four school superintendents, assistant superintendents,

high school principals and/or high school assistant principals. Each signee must be a member of a

different Delegate Assembly district from any other signee. The Executive Board may also sponsor

amendments.

10.5.2. The proposed Rule amendment is submitted by superintendents, assistant superintendents, high

school principals or high school assistant principals whose schools are members of the Association, or

by the Executive Board.

10.5.3. The Executive Director shall receive all proposals and distribute them to all member schools at least

15 calendar days prior to a meeting of the Delegate Assembly.

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10.6. An amendment to a proposed amendment of a Rule of the Constitution shall require a majority favorable vote

of the Delegate Assembly members present and voting or by written ballot to be approved.

10.7. Amendments to the Rules of the Constitution may be approved without prior notice to member schools by a

two-thirds vote of the Delegate Assembly members present and voting, or by written ballot.

10.8. Amendments to the Rules of the Constitution shall become effective immediately unless a specific date is

included in the amendment.

10.9. The Delegate Assembly may amend or revoke Executive Board Policies, Participation Limitations, Sports Seasons

Limitations and/or Executive Board Interpretations using the same procedures and satisfying the same

timelines as listed in this Article for amendment of the Rules of the Constitution.

10.10. The Executive Board may authorize non-substantive editorial changes in the wording of the Articles and Rules

without review by the Delegate Assembly.

1. Q. When are proposed amendments to the OSAA Constitution due in the OSAA office for consideration by the

Delegate Assembly?

A. A proposed amendment to an Article or Rule is due 15 days prior to the Delegate Assembly meeting.

2. Q. When do amendments to the OSAA Constitution become effective after being passed by the Delegate Assembly?

A. An amendment to the Articles in the Constitution becomes effective the following August 1, unless otherwise

specified. An amendment to the Rules in the Constitution becomes effective immediately upon adoption unless

another date is specified.

2024-25 AMENDMENT DEADLINE DATES

To be considered at the October 7, 2024, Delegate Assembly Meeting, proposed amendments must be received by the

OSAA by September 19, 2024.

To be considered at the April 7, 2025, Delegate Assembly Meeting, proposed amendments must be received by the OSAA

by March 20, 2025.

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RULES – Athletic, Cheerleading and Dance/Drill

In accordance with its rule making authority under Article 4.3. of the OSAA Constitution, the Delegate Assembly has adopted

the following Rules, which shall govern each official, regular and special district, and student who represents their school in any

interscholastic activity sponsored by the Association. These Rules regulate only the interscholastic activities sponsored by the

Association.

1. Rule 1 – Responsibility of the Member School and Principal

1.1. Responsibility for Control Generally. It is the responsibility of each member school to control its athletics and

activities programs in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Association. The high school principal

is responsible for the administration of all aspects of the athletics and activities programs.

1.2. Scope of Responsibilities. The member school’s responsibility for the conduct of its athletics and activities

programs includes responsibility for the actions of its staff members, students, and coaches (paid or volunteer),

and for the actions of any other individual or organization engaged in activities promoting the athletics or

activities interests of the school.

1.3. Certification of Student Eligibility. The high school principal shall be held accountable for accurate certification

regarding eligibility of students.

1.4. Athletic Director and Coach Certification. The high school principal shall be held accountable for verifying that

athletic directors and coaches of all sports sanctioned by OSAA, plus Cheerleading and Dance/Drill, have been

certified in the following areas prior to assuming duties as an athletic director or coach. The Executive Board may

adopt additional certification requirements for athletic directors and coaches. EXCEPTION: Any emergency

exception must be authorized in writing by the OSAA. See Executive Board Policies, “Certification – Athletic

Directors and Coaches” for additional certification requirements for football, cheerleading and dance/drill coaches.

1.4.1. NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching. http://www.osaa.org/coaches/requirements The OSAA requires

that athletic directors and coaches must either complete the OSAA Beyond the Scoreboard online

course or achieve a passing score on the test included with the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching course.

This is a one-time requirement.

1.4.2. Concussion Recognition and Management Training. http://www.osaa.org/coaches/requirements

The OSAA and Oregon State Law (ORS 336.485) requires that athletic directors and coaches receive

training to learn how to recognize the symptoms of a concussion and how to seek proper medical

treatment for a person suspected of having a concussion. The NFHS’s Concussion in Sports free course

satisfies this requirement. This training is required annually.

1.4.3. NFHS Heat Illness Prevention. http://www.osaa.org/coaches/requirements The OSAA requires that

athletic directors and coaches must achieve a passing score on the test included with the NFHS’s Heat

Illness Prevention free course. This training is required once every four years.

1.4.4. Anabolic Steroids and Performance-Enhancing Substances Training.

http://www.osaa.org/coaches/requirements The OSAA and Oregon State Law (ORS 342.726)

requires that athletic directors and coaches receive training on identifying the components of anabolic

steroid abuse and use and prevention strategies for the use of performance-enhancing substances.

This training is required once every four years.

1.5. Trips. The high school principal, or the high school principal's authorized representative, shall accompany all

school teams or individuals participating in an activity. The school shall be responsible for the acts of its school

teams or individuals while on trips, or while participating in any such activity.

1. Q. Does certification through the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) satisfy the requirement in Rule 1.4.?

A. Yes, so long as the athletic director or coach was certified through ASEP prior to August 1, 2007. Thereafter, only the

NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching will satisfy this requirement unless an exception is granted in writing by the OSAA.

2. Q. When must a coach be certified?

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A. All coaches must be certified prior to assuming coaching duties unless an emergency exception is authorized in

writing by the OSAA. This includes cheerleading coaches, dance/drill coaches and choreographers at schools that

do not participate in competitions.

3. Q. Is certification required of volunteer coaches?

A. Yes.

4. Q. Must a “guest” coach be certified?

A. No, but if the coach has contact with students more than three times in a sport season, the coach shall no longer be

considered a “guest” and must be certified. A non-certified “guest” coach may not serve as a coach at a contest.

5. Q. May a school bring in alumni or other non-high school personnel to scrimmage with teams or individuals as “guest

coaches” if those personnel are limited to student contact on no more than three occasions during the sport season?

A. No. The “guest coach” exception is intended to allow a limited number of visits by a guest instructor; it is NOT

intended to allow coaches to bring in coaches or players to participate in drills or scrimmages against teams or

individuals. Any attempt to circumvent the Participation Limitations by calling practice participants “guest

coaches” would be a violation of OSAA rules.

6. Q. In individual sports, may a parent or non-certified coach accompany a participant to a contest as the school

representative if that person is an authorized representative of the principal?

A. Yes, but the authorized representative may not coach the participant unless specific permission has been granted

in writing by the Executive Director.

7. Q. Does the OSAA require high school coaches to have current first aid certification?

A. No. However, coaches should check with their athletic directors as most high schools have this as a requirement.

2. Rule 2 – Officials

2.1. The OSAA Athletic Officials Handbook shall govern the officiating of interscholastic activities, except as

otherwise provided in this Rule.

2.2. The superintendent, assistant superintendent or high school principal has the authority to approve the selection

of officials for all festivals, meets, contests and championships serviced by the local association during the

regular season. State championship and playoff official selections shall be made by the commissioner or local

association with input from the schools serviced by that association.

2.3. An official shall not violate any of the Association’s Regulations or engage in any of the Prohibited Conduct

listed below.

2.4. Prohibited Conduct. An individual official or commissioner shall not engage in the following conduct:

2.4.1. Use tobacco products, illegal drugs, cannabis and/or alcoholic beverages, or be under the influence of

illegal drugs, cannabis and/or alcoholic beverages at an interscholastic event.

2.4.2. Unsportsmanlike conduct at an interscholastic event. “Unsportsmanlike conduct" includes, but is not

limited to, unwarranted physical contact, profane language and/or taunting. Unwarranted physical

contact initiated by an official toward a coach/player shall be considered a gross act of

unsportsmanlike conduct.

2.4.3. Make a bet or take a bribe in connection with an interscholastic event.

2.4.4. Have been convicted of:

(a) A felony involving the use, possession, or sale of a controlled substance within the last 10 years.

The 10-year period of ineligibility to officiate shall commence from the date of suspension from

officiating duties or from the date of conviction – whichever occurred first; or

(b) A crime involving the use or threatened use of violence against a person within the last 10 years.

The 10-year period of ineligibility to officiate shall commence from the date of suspension from

officiating duties or from the date of conviction – whichever occurred first; or

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2.4.5. Engage in any action which, within the discretion of the Commissioner of the local Association or the

OSAA Executive Board, gives rise to a concern for the safety of children due to the official’s conduct,

indicates that the official cannot objectively perform the official’s duties, or otherwise is inconsistent

with the OSAA’s responsibilities to its member schools, the student participants, or the parents of the

participants.

2.5. Appearance before the Executive Board. The Executive Director may require the official or commissioner to

appear before the OSAA Executive Board and show cause why the official or commissioner should not be

subject to sanctions under OSAA Rule 5.6. for such conduct.

1. Q. Who selects officials for a state level contest?

A. State championship and playoff officials’ selections shall be made by the commissioner or local association with

input from the schools serviced by that association.

2. Q. May two schools mutually agree to waive certain association rules such as playing a contest without the use of

certified officials when certified officials are required?

A. Association or playing rules may not be waived by mutual consent.

3. Q. At what levels are certified officials required?

A. See Executive Board Policies, “Officials – Certified Requirement” for additional information.

4. Q. Are protests against the decision of an official in a game reviewed by the Executive Board?

A. No. The Executive Board will not review the decisions of officials whether due to ignorance of the rules or errors

in judgment. The competing schools must accept, without protest, the rulings of the officials who have been

approved by the competing schools to have full charge of the contest.

5. Q. Will the Executive Board hear protests based upon the application of the rules of any particular sport or protests

that involve judgment on the part of game officials?

A. No.

6. Q. Will the Executive Board hear protests based upon the conduct of an official that violates the Regulations?

A. Yes.

7. Q. For the purposes of this rule, is a violation involving the use or threatened use of violence treated as a crime?

A. Yes.

3. Rule 3 – Contests – Sportsmanship – Crowd Control

3.1. The arrangement of all festivals, meets, contests or championships is the responsibility of the superintendent,

assistant superintendent, or high school principal, subject to the Regulations of the Association.

3.2. When a festival, meet, contest or championship is in progress, the National Federation of State High School

Associations (NFHS) rules governing such activities shall apply, except for specific deviations as approved by the

Executive Board.

3.3. Sportsmanship Responsibility. The high school administration, coach and other responsible officials of each

member school shall take all reasonable measures to ensure that the school's coaches, players, students, and

spectators maintain a sportsmanlike attitude at all events so that events may be conducted without

unreasonable danger or disorder. All cheers, comments and actions shall be in direct support of one’s team.

Discriminatory harassment and bullying behavior will not be tolerated. Discrimination is defined as (OAR 581-

021-0045(1)(a) “any act that unreasonably differentiates treatment, intended or unintended, or any act that

is fair in form but discriminatory in operation, either of which is based on age, disability, national origin, race,

color, marital status, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.” Harassing conduct may take many forms, including

verbal acts and name-calling; graphic and written statements, which include use of cell phones or the Internet;

or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Examples include but are not

limited to hazing, intimidation, taunting, bullying, cyberbullying, or menacing another, or engaging in behavior

deemed by the member school to endanger the safety or well-being of students, employees, self, or others.

Harassment does not have to include intent to harm, be directed at a specific target, or involve repeated

incidents. Harassment creates a hostile environment when the conduct is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or

persistent, so as to interfere with or limit the ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or

opportunities offered by a school. This includes the use of, or engagement in, abusive verbal expression or

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physical conduct, especially if that conduct interferes with the performance of students, staff, event officials

or sponsors of interscholastic activities.

3.4. Spectator Conduct. The following expectations regarding spectator conduct at all OSAA sanctioned events,

including regular and post season competition, are provided. Those violating or threatening to violate the

following Association rules or site management spectator conduct expectations, may be ejected from the

premises, issued a trespass citation, excluded from sanctioned activities temporarily or permanently and/or

referred to law enforcement officials.

3.4.1. All cheers, comments and actions shall be in direct support of one’s team. No cheers, comments or

actions shall be directed at one’s opponent or at contest officials. Some examples of unacceptable

conduct include but are not limited to disrespecting players by name, number, or position; negative

cheers or chants; throwing objects on the playing surface; use of derogatory or racially explicit

language; discriminatory harassment or conduct that creates a hostile environment that is disruptive

to the educational environment.

3.4.2. Spectators shall not be permitted to use vulgar/offensive or racially/culturally insensitive language or

engage in any racially/culturally insensitive action.

3.5. Complaint Process. The OSAA will sanction schools whom it has found negligent in the duties of reasonably

protecting those involved in interscholastic activities from derogatory or inappropriate names, insults, verbal

assaults, profanity, ridicule or engaging in behavior deemed by the member school to endanger the safety or

well-being of students, employees, self or others.

3.5.1. OSAA will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within 48 hours.

3.5.2. OSAA may prioritize the investigation of complaints based on information received.

3.5.3. Complaints deemed to be employee or student discipline matters only shall be returned to the

complainant. Matters of employment and/or employee discipline which can best be resolved through

the school district’s complaint process include but are not limited to playing time, team level

assignments (Varsity/JV), assignment of a student to a specific coach, equipment use, or dissatisfaction

with a contract or payment term. Matters of student discipline which can best be resolved through the

school district’s complaint process include but are not limited to academic eligibility, drug/alcohol use,

playing time or playing position, specific workout requirements, or dissatisfaction with a calendar,

schedule, or event location.

3.5.4. Complaints must include the complainant’s name and contact information (phone and email or mailing

address). Anonymous complaints shall not be considered.

3.5.5. Every effort will be made to complete the investigation process within 30 days; however, should the

investigation require more time, a 30-day status update shall be provided.

3.5.6. To assist in investigation of the complaint, complainants are asked to note the following:

(a) Complaints are only accepted on the official online form and each section of the Complaint Form

must be completed. (Complaint Form)

(b) Complaints which are determined to be outside the scope of the OSAA will be returned to the

complainant via the contact address provided. See Rules, Rule 3.5.3. for guidance.

witnesses.

3.6. Sportsmanship Violations/Penalties. When the coaches, players, students, staff or spectators of any member

school engage in unsportsmanlike conduct, discriminatory harassing behaviors, act in a manner disruptive to

the school environment, or cause disorder or infliction of damage to persons or property in connection with

any festival, meet, contest or championship sponsored by this Association, the Executive Board may treat such

acts as a violation by the school of the Rules of the Association and the school shall be subject to penalty.

Penalties may vary depending on the actions taken by the school and/or school district during and after the

event as it relates to trespassing spectators involved, removing players/coaches from the team for a period of

time, requiring additional education/training, etc. Upon a ruling by the Executive Director or by the Executive

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Board the member school may be subject to probation, mandatory appearance before the Executive Board,

required plan of action, forfeitures, fines, lack of institutional control penalties, suspension of membership or

expulsion from the Association as determined by the Executive Board. The Executive Director or the Executive

Board may determine that no penalties are necessary when an incident has been handled appropriately and in

a timely fashion by the school and/or district.

1. Q. Is the host school exclusively responsible for crowd control?

A. No. While the host school for any activity must assume a primary responsibility for the physical management of

the activity, including providing for crowd control, this is a mutual responsibility. The visiting school also must

take such measures as are necessary to ensure proper behavior on the part of its own students and fans.

2. Q. May home team schools display signs and/or banners at their home venues?

A. Yes, home team schools may display “permanent” signs and/or banners that are positive / supportive at their

home venues. Examples are welcome signs, in-season rosters, league banners, league / state championship

banners and sportsmanship banners.

3. Q. Are “run through” signs allowed?

A. Yes, so long as the message is positive/supportive.

4. Q. May visiting schools bring signs and/or banners to hang at the host school’s venue?

A. No.

5. Q. May spectators have signs at events?

A. Spectators are not permitted to have signs or banners larger than 8-1/2 x 11 inches. “Fathead” type items are

considered signs and shall not be larger than 8-1/2 x 11 inches. Spectators are required to wear shirts.

6. Q. May a spectator have an artificial noisemaker?

A. No, spectators are not permitted to have artificial noisemakers. Some examples of artificial noisemakers are

Thunder Stix, cowbells, clappers, and air horns.

7. Q. May a school use an artificial noisemaker at specific times during athletic events?

A. In limited cases, yes. An example of an allowable use of artificial noisemakers by a school would be the firing of

a cannon or the ringing of a bell after a touchdown is scored.

8. Q. May spectators use small, handheld megaphones?

A. Yes, provided they are not electric. Only cheerleaders are allowed to use large megaphones. Neither cheerleaders

nor spectators may use megaphones for banging on the floor or bleachers.

9. Q. What are some examples of cheers that do not encourage a positive atmosphere?

A. Any yell that is intended to antagonize an opponent detracts from a positive atmosphere. “Air Ball! Air Ball!”

booing, “You! You! You!”, or “You Got Swatted!” are examples of yells that will not encourage a positive

atmosphere. Conversely, a positive atmosphere is created when fans focus on positive yells in support of their

team, rather than on negative yells attacking their team’s opponents. Spectators shall not turn their heads or

hold up newspapers during team introductions, or jeer at cheerleaders during opposing team introductions.

10. Q. May students stand on the bottom row of the bleachers?

A. Yes, but when they sit down, they must be seated on the second row.

11. Q. May students cheer during serves in volleyball and free throws in basketball?

A. Yes, so long as they are just “making noise” and not specifically addressing a contest official or an individual player

from the opposing team.

12. Q. May a school use balloons at an athletic event?

A. Yes, a host school may use balloons for decoration. However, fans may not have balloons, and balloons may not

be placed by the school in any manner that would block spectator viewing.

13. Q. May a school use balloons at a state championship final site?

A. No.

14. Q. May spectators have oversized foam fingers at athletic events?

A. Yes, they are allowed so long as they are not blocking spectator viewing.

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4. Rule 4 – Violations of Regulations (Articles, Rules, Executive Board Policies, Participation Limitations, Sports Seasons

Limitations and Executive Board Interpretations) – Protests and Self-Reported Violations

4.1. A high school wishing to have another high school penalized for violation of the Association's Regulations, or to

have an official penalized for violations of the Association’s Regulations or the Prohibited Conduct, shall file a

written notice of protest signed by its superintendent, assistant superintendent or principal and specifying the

grounds of protest with the Executive Director. The notice shall be filed without delay after the alleged violation

has occurred, and the Executive Director and Executive Board may consider unreasonable delay a factor in

ruling on any protest. Protests also may be initiated by the Executive Director or by the Executive Board.

When a protest is filed alleging violation of Rule 3, the Executive Director may, at their discretion and with

concurrence of any two Executive Board members, postpone any pending event which the Executive Director

has reason to believe cannot be conducted without an unreasonable danger of disorder. All such protests

shall be referred to the Executive Board, which shall proceed as provided in Rule 4. In addition to any other

action the Executive Board may take regarding a protest alleging a violation of Rule 3, the Executive Board

shall have the power to cancel or re-schedule the event involved, or to impose conditions on conducting it.

4.2. The Executive Director shall notify the accused school of the protest, and after such further investigation as the

Executive Director deems necessary, shall either make a ruling on the protest or refer it to the Executive Board.

In the case of a protest filed against an official, the Executive Director shall refer the protest to the proper local

Association of OSAA Officials for determination of a penalty. EXCEPTION: Where it is alleged that unwarranted

physical contact has been initiated by an official toward a coach/player, the official shall be required to appear

before the Executive Board at the next scheduled meeting.

4.3. Any parent, student or school may appeal to the Executive Board from a ruling of the Executive Director on a

protest by giving the Executive Director written notice of such appeal within 10 working days of the Executive

Director's ruling. Any interested official, parent, student or school may appeal to the Executive Board from a

ruling of a local Association of the OSAA Officials on a protest against an official by giving the local association

written notice of such an appeal within 10 working days of the local association’s ruling. Failure to give such

notice shall be a waiver of the right of appeal. Where an appeal is taken from the Executive Director's ruling of

ineligibility, the ineligible student(s) shall remain ineligible until the Executive Board decides the appeal.

4.4. If any member of the Executive Board is an interested party in a protest, the Executive Board member shall

recuse themselves from participation in the decision of the case.

4.5. The Executive Director may determine that a school has violated a rule of the Association based upon facts

reported to the Executive Director by the member school affected. Such a determination may be appealed to

the Executive Board in the manner set forth in Rule 4.6.

4.6. When a ruling has been appealed or when a protest has been initiated by or referred to the Executive Board,

the Executive Board shall schedule a hearing at the earliest practicable opportunity. The hearing shall be

conducted by the Executive Board, pursuant to such procedures as it may direct, provided that interested

schools have an opportunity to present evidence on their behalf. Pending decision of any appeal from a ruling

of the Executive Director, that ruling shall stand and be given full force and effect for all purposes. If the ruling

is modified or overruled on appeal, the Executive Board, at its discretion, may take such corrective action as it

deems feasible and fair to all concerned.

1. Q. Must a school protesting the eligibility of another school's student secure the evidence to show that the student

is ineligible?

A. Yes. The protesting school should secure all evidence possible and send it to the Executive Director.

2. Q. When is an Executive Board member an interested party to a protest?

A. Only when the high school in which the Executive Board member is superintendent, assistant superintendent,

principal, or assistant principal is a party to the protest. A protest involving a high school in an Executive Board

member's regular district does not disqualify that Executive Board member from the protest proceedings.

3. Q. Who rules on a protest filed against an official?

A. The local Association of OSAA Officials of which that official is a member rules on the protest. An interested official,

student, parent or member school may then appeal the local Association’s decision to the Executive Board.

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5. Rule 5 – Violations of Regulations – Penalties

5.1. Upon a ruling by the Executive Director or by the Executive Board that a student is ineligible, the school shall

forfeit all meets, contests, or championships in which that student participated during that student's

ineligibility, either before and/or after such ruling. As determined by the Executive Director, the student may

be disqualified for the remainder of that sport season.

Upon a ruling by the Executive Director or by the Executive Board that an uncertified coach has coached

students in a meet, contest or championship, the school shall be subject to fines, forfeiture and/or other

penalties as determined by the Board.

5.2. For violation of any Regulation of the Association and in addition to game forfeitures provided in 5.1 of this rule

the Executive Board may impose any one or more of the penalties set forth in this Rule.

Upon a ruling by the Executive Director or by the Executive Board that a violation of any Regulation resulted

from conduct of an employee or representative of a member school, the Executive Director or Executive Board

may require the employee, representative and/or member school administrator to appear before the Executive

Board and show cause why the employee, representative and/or member school should not be subject to

sanctions under Rule 5 for such conduct.

The Executive Board may impose any form of penalty set forth in Rule 5 that the Executive Board finds

appropriate to punish or deter such conduct. A member school may be subject to penalties under Rule 5 based

on the conduct of its employees or representatives.

5.2.1. Probation. When a school is on probation, it shall suffer no impairment of rights of membership, but

probation shall be a factor in determining the penalty for any violation during probation.

5.2.2. Forfeitures of festivals, meets, contests, championships, titles, awards, prizes as the Executive Board

may direct.

5.2.3. Fines, in such amounts as the Executive Board may determine, to a maximum of $2,500 for one

violation. Violations involving a lack of institutional control are not subject to the $2,500 maximum.

5.2.4. Suspension of the right to participate in such festivals, meets, contests and championships as the

Executive Board may direct.

5.2.5. Suspension of rights of membership, for such period as the Executive Board may direct, to a maximum

of two years. During suspension, a school may not participate in any festivals, meets, contests or

championships.

5.2.6. Expulsion from membership in the Association.

5.2.7. The Executive Board may direct that any or all penalties provided in this Section are to be imposed

only if certain conditions are not met, or that any such penalties are to be relieved if certain conditions

are met.

5.2.8. Suspension of a member school’s employee(s) or representative(s) from coaching or other

participation in Association activities.

5.2.9. Forfeiture of any meets, contests, or championships in which the member school’s employee(s) or

representative(s) have participated or which have been affected by the prohibited conduct, as

determined by the Executive Board at its sole discretion.

5.3. Suspended or expelled schools may be reinstated by the Executive Board. Reinstatement may be subject to

such conditions as the Executive Board may direct.

5.4. A member school (except an associate member school) that engages in a meet, contest, or championship with

a non-member school, or with a school that has been suspended or expelled, shall itself become liable for

suspension or expulsion by the Executive Board.

5.5. Responsibility. If a school employee or representative declared to be in violation of any Regulation or if a

student who has been declared ineligible is permitted to participate in Association activities or interscholastic

competition because of a temporary restraining order, preliminary injunction, permanent injunction or court

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or administrative agency determination, and if such restraining order, injunction, or determination is

subsequently vacated, dismissed, stayed, reversed or finally determined by the courts to not justify the relief

granted, one or more of the penalties outlined in this rule may be assessed in the interest of restitution and

fairness to other member schools.

5.6. Penalties of Officials. Upon a ruling by the Executive Board that an official has violated any Regulation, the

Executive Board may impose any of the following penalties that the Executive Board finds appropriate to punish

or deter such conduct:

5.6.1. Probation. Probation may be imposed for such a period as the Executive Board may direct. When an

official is on probation, they shall suffer no impairment of certification as an OSAA official, but

probation shall be a factor in determining the penalty for any violation during probation.

5.6.2. Suspension. Suspension of certification as an OSAA official for such period as the Executive Board may

direct, to a maximum of two years. During suspension, an official may not officiate over any OSAA

sponsored festival, meet, contest, or championship.

5.6.3. Revocation. Revocation of certification as an OSAA official.

6. Rule 6 – Association Sports/Activities See Participation Limitations for additional information.

6.1. The Association shall sponsor championship events in the following sports/activities.

Band Cross Country (B&G) Soccer (B&G) Tennis (B&G)

Baseball Dance/Drill Softball Track and Field (B&G)

Basketball (B&G) Football Solo Music Volleyball

Cheerleading Golf (B&G) Speech Wrestling (B&G)

Choir Orchestra Swimming (B&G)

6.2. Adding a Sport/Activity. The Delegate Assembly may consider adding a championship in a sport/activity where

no championship is currently provided by the Association if the quantity of member schools participating in the

sport/activity is equal to at least 50 schools.

6.3. Emerging Activities.

6.3.1. The purpose of this rule is to grow meaningful interscholastic participation opportunities for students

in athletics and activities that have the potential to meet the required number of schools participating

to be considered for official sanctioning by the OSAA.

6.3.2. Listed below are the steps required to request designation as an Emerging Sport/Activity and the

timeline involved. Any sport/activity that meets these requirements must successfully complete a

two-year provisional period before consideration for adoption as an officially sanctioned sport/activity.

At the end of the two-year provisional period, the sport/activity committee shall report back to the

Delegate Assembly to summarize the progress that has been achieved. The Delegate Assembly then

has the option to vote to officially sanction the sport/activity, keep the sport/activity in provisional

status, or remove it from the list of emerging sports/activities.

(a) Have at least 25 member schools participating in the sport/activity and/or written indication from

schools willing to offer the sport/activity on a provisional basis.

(b) Submit a request to the Delegate Assembly for approval under the same criteria listed in Rule 6.5.

Contest limitations, individual player limitations and the applicable season of participation will be

determined and specified in the approval by the Delegate Assembly.

and registration in the sport/activity will be offered.

(d) If approved, a committee shall also be formed to help determine specific rules and any other

necessary information for the sport/activity.

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(e) Emerging sports/activities approved on a provisional basis will be limited in the services they

receive until they become officially sanctioned by the OSAA. The following OSAA administrative

services will not be offered to emerging sports/activities:

(1) Assigned rules interpreters

(2) Sport/Activity section on the OSAA website

(3) State Championships administered by OSAA

(4) OSAA Plan Book

(f) Emerging sports/activities approved on a provisional basis, along with member school student and

coach participants, must abide by all OSAA Regulations.

6.3.3. Approved Emerging Activities. Boys Volleyball (October 2023)

6.4. Deleting a Sport/Activity. The Delegate Assembly may consider deleting a sport/activity if the quantity of

member schools participating in the sport/activity falls lower than 50 schools.

6.5. Stipulations regarding above threshold levels.

6.5.1. Cooperative Sponsorships. Schools in a cooperative sponsorship shall count as only one school for

the purpose of determining whether the threshold quantity has been reached.

6.5.2. Sub-Varsity Participation Only. A school that participates only at the sub-varsity level in a particular

sport/activity shall not be counted for the purpose of determining whether the threshold quantity

has been reached in that sport/activity.

6.6. Criteria.

The following criteria (listed in no order of priority) are among those, which the Delegate Assembly may choose

to consider when evaluating possible modifications in OSAA Championship offerings:

6.6.1. Support by superintendents of member schools.

6.6.2. Maintenance of comparable opportunities for boys and girls.

6.6.3. Maintenance of equity of opportunity by student population in all classifications.

6.6.4. Equitable treatment of all sports/activities.

6.6.5. Avoidance of additional loss of class time.

6.6.6. Financial impact upon member schools.

6.6.7. Financial impact upon the Association.

6.6.8. Continued reimbursement at the current level provided by the OSAA.

6.6.9. Effect on the length of the season.

6.6.10. Scheduling in such a way as to produce maximum spectator attendance.

6.6.11. Availability of appropriate site(s).

6.6.12. Administration and management.

6.6.13. In individual sports, an increase in the number of regular districts or classifications.

6.7. Association Year, Practice, Contests – Starting, Cutoff and Ending Dates. (NFHS Standardized Calendar)

6.7.1. Association Year. The Association Year shall start with the first day of practice for fall sports on the

Monday of Week 7 of the NFHS Standardized Calendar (August 19, 2024) and shall end at the end

of the day on Memorial Day (May 26, 2025). “Summer season” activities may begin on the Tuesday

following the observance of Memorial Day (May 27, 2025).

6.7.2. Fall Sports. Practice shall not start prior to the Monday of Week 7 of the NFHS Standardized

Calendar (August 19, 2024). The first contest shall not be played prior to the Thursday of Week 8 of

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the NFHS Standardized Calendar (August 29, 2024) for all Fall Sports, except Football. Football

jamborees shall not be played prior to the Thursday of Week 8 of the NFHS Standardized Calendar

(August 29, 2024). The first contest date for Football shall not be played prior to the Friday of

Week 8 of the NFHS Standardized Calendar (August 30, 2024).

6.7.3. Winter Sports. Practice shall not start prior to the Monday of Week 20 of the NFHS Standardized

Calendar (November 18, 2024). The first contest shall not be played prior to the Wednesday of

Week 22 of the NFHS Standardized Calendar (December 4, 2024).

6.7.4. Spring Sports. Practice shall not start prior to the Monday of Week 35 of the NFHS Standardized

Calendar (March 3, 2025). The first contest shall not be played prior to the Monday of Week 37 of

the NFHS Standardized Calendar (March 17, 2025).

6.7.5. Cutoff and Ending Dates. The Executive Board shall adopt a calendar each year that will include the

cutoff date for each season at each classification after which regular season contests in that activity

may no longer be conducted. The season for a school in a sport shall end on the cutoff date or when

all state championship contests have concluded for that school in that sport.

6.8. Cultural Exchange Exception. Upon request, the OSAA Executive Director or OSAA staff designee may permit

a school to play an additional contest during the regular season as part of a Cultural Exchange Program. This

contest shall not count as part of the allowable game or match limit specified for each sport. See Executive

Board Policy, “Sanctioning of Contests” for additional information.

6.9. Contest limitations, exclusive of any varsity district playoffs and state championships, are as follows:

6.9.1. Baseball 26 games

6.9.2. Basketball 24 games

6.9.3. Cross Country 12 meets

6.9.4. Football 9 games

6.9.5. Golf 20 – nine-hole rounds

6.9.6. Soccer 14 games

6.9.7. Softball 26 games

6.9.8. Swimming 12 meets NOTE: If more than 10, two shall be invitational meets consisting of

more than two schools.

6.9.9. Tennis 16 playing dates

6.9.10. Track 12 meets

6.9.11. Volleyball 18 playing dates / 36 matches

6.9.12. Wrestling 14 events / 18 weigh-ins / 50 mat appearances

6.10. If a school district adopted calendar ends before any state championships, that school district is allowed to

complete its playing schedule and to participate in the state championships.

1. Q. May a student or a team representing a member school participate in an organized practice or contest against a

student or a team of a college, university, community college, non-high school club or alumni in contact sports

(football, wrestling and soccer)?

A. No.

2. Q. May a student or a team representing a member school participate in an organized practice or contest against a student

or a team of a college, university, community college, non-high school club or alumni in non-contact sports?

A. No, unless approval is granted in writing by the Executive Director.

3. Q. Is a contest between the alumni and the high school students considered a contest?

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A. Yes, it is considered a contest and counts in the limitation of contests permitted. NOTE: Approval for such

contests must be granted in writing by the OSAA Executive Director or OSAA staff designee and the contest must

be during the season for that sport. Approval will not be granted in contact sports - football, wrestling and soccer.

4. Q. Does participation in a faculty game jeopardize the eligibility of a student?

A. Contest participation between coaches and players within each individual school for fundraising or entertainment

purposes will not jeopardize the eligibility of any high school student. Such a contest shall be considered to be

intramural. However, such participation shall not be held in contact sports.

5. Q. When may "summer teams" begin practice and/or competition?

A. Summer teams may begin practice and/or competition on the Tuesday after the observance of Memorial Day.

6. Q. May a school participate in a contest after the regularly scheduled official close of its school year?

A. Yes. It is permitted to complete its regular season playing schedule and, if qualified, to participate in any OSAA

State Championship.

7. Q. May non-school students or alumni participate in an organized practice with a school team?

A. No. If this occurs, the practice is considered a contest and will count against the participation limitations for that

sport.

8. Q. May a student or a team of a member school participate in an organized practice with a certified coach?

A. Yes, as long as that coach is certified and has been approved by the local school district as a member of the

coaching staff.

9. Q. May a student participate in multiple sports/activities for their school during the same season?

A. Yes. OSAA rules place no limitation on the number of teams on which a student may participate during the same

sports season. The student must still comply with the minimum nine days of practice in football and may not

practice or participate in a contest for more than six consecutive days without a rest day.

10. Q. If a school is lacking in facilities for an activity, may it utilize a neighboring school's facilities for practices and

workouts along with students of the neighboring school?

A. Under normal conditions, it is desirable for a school to have its own facilities. However, there are circumstances

where this might not be possible, and if one school wishes to utilize another school's facilities, a Shared Facilities

Request form must be sent to the OSAA office for permission to do so. NOTE: Students from different schools

may not "compete" against each other during shared practices or workouts.

11. Q. May a high school team practice in a facility at the same time as a club team?

A. Only if the high school and club team students do not practice against each other, do not share equipment or

lanes and specific permission has been granted by the OSAA due to unusual circumstances.

12. Q. May students from different schools, who share a “common coach,” participate in shared practices or workouts?

A. No, unless permitted under a Collective or Cooperative Sponsorship.

13. Q. May an 8th grader practice with the high school team during the Association Year?

A. No.

14. Q. May a student or a team representing a member school participate in an organized practice or contest against

staff members or students from that same member school?

A. Yes, unless another rule prohibits that participation (e.g., Practice Limitation Rules).

7. Rule 7 – Out-of-Season and Non-School Activities

7.1. Out-of-season festivals, meets, contests or championships shall not be permitted during the school year

involving member schools of this Association unless special authorization is given by the Executive Board.

7.2. A member school or official representative of a member school shall not participate, either directly or

indirectly, in the promotion, management, supervision, player selection, coaching or officiating of an all-star

contest involving high school students during the Association year.

7.3. No member school or official representative of a member school shall condition participation in high school

athletics or activities on participation in non-school athletic or activity events or workouts, including, but not

limited to camps, leagues, and any form of organized out-of-season or summer competition. Further, no

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member school may give consideration to such participation when determining membership on, or

participation in, high school athletics or activities.

1. Q. May a coach require participation on a non-school team including summer teams or use participation on a non-

school team as a factor in selecting members of a school team or allowing full participation in team activities?

A. No to both questions. Participation on a non-school team is a personal choice of the student and their parents

and may not be required or even considered when selecting school team members or allowing full participation

in team activities.

2. Q. May a coach require participation in out-of-season or summer workouts as a factor in selecting members of a

school team or allowing full participation in team activities?

A. No.

8. Rule 8 – Individual Eligibility

The purpose of Rule 8 is to preserve harmony among member schools and school districts by preventing not only actual

proselytization, professionalism, and participation by other than regular students in good standing, but conduct or

circumstances, which may give rise to the appearance thereof. Exceptions to the general rules herein will be narrowly

construed to serve that purpose.

8.1. Academic Eligibility.

Rule: An eligible student must be enrolled full time and making satisfactory progress as defined in this rule.

Rationale. The objective of the academic eligibility rule is to complement member schools’ curriculum

programs in recognition of the fact that interscholastic activity programs are an extension of the classroom.

Academic standards help ensure a balance between activities and academic performance, promote the

objective of graduation from high school, ensure that student participants are truly representing the academic

mission of the institution and allow the use of interscholastic participation as a motivator for academic

excellence. It is in the interests of the member schools and the students participating in athletics and

interscholastic activities that these objectives be promoted during the entire school year.

8.1.1. Full-Time Enrollment. For purposes of this rule, a full-time student is one who is enrolled in high

school, attending regularly, and passing in courses offered by a high school, college, work experience

or other school-approved educational activities (including summer school or night school) equivalent

to at least the quantity listed on the appropriate line of the chart below. In addition, a full-time student

shall have been enrolled in school, attended regularly, and passed subjects equivalent to at least the

quantity listed on the appropriate line of the chart below during the immediately preceding

transcripted grading period.

Number of Classes Offered Minimum Number Passed Minimum Credits Earned

4 3 1.5

5 4 2.0

6 5 2.5

7 5 2.5

8 5 2.5

NOTE: In this example, two units equals one credit of work, and one-half credit is granted each

transcripted grading period.

EXCEPTION: The requirement for immediately preceding transcripted grading period credit is

inapplicable to a student who has not previously enrolled in any high school offering the 10

, 11

th,

grades.

8.1.2. Satisfactory Progress Toward Graduation. In addition to the specific credit requirement identified in

Rule 8.1.1., to be scholastically eligible, a student must be making satisfactory progress towards the

school's graduation requirements by earning a minimum of the quantity of credits indicated on the

chart below prior to the start of the specified year.

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Minimum Satisfactory Progress Requirements (Expanded Chart)

Credits to Graduate 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Credits Per Year 6 6 6.5 6.5 7 7 7.5

Required Prior to Year 2 (75%) 4.5 4.5 4.5 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.5

Required Prior to Year 3 (85%) 10.0 10.5 11.0 11.0 11.5 12.0 12.5

Required Prior to Year 4 (95%) 17.0 17.5 18.5 19.0 19.5 20.5 21.0

8.1.3. Home School Student Academic Eligibility. See Executive Board Policies, “Eligibility – Home School

Students” for additional information.

(a) Minimum Test Score. A home school student who transfers to a public or private school may

establish initial academic eligibility by achieving a minimum score on any adopted achievement

test pursuant to ORS 339.035. The student shall achieve a minimum composite test score that

places the student at or above the 23

percentile based on national norms.

(b) Test Deadline. The achievement test must be completed prior to August 15 each school year.

of August 15 each school year, a school district may adopt alternative requirements including but

not limited to a requirement that a student submit a portfolio of work samples to a school district

committee for review to determine whether a student is eligible to participate in interscholastic

activities.

8.1.4. High School Equivalency Student Academic Eligibility. See Executive Board Policies, “Eligibility – High

School Equivalency Students” for additional information.

(a) Requirement. In lieu of satisfying the OSAA academic eligibility requirements dealing with number

of credits required per grading period, the high school equivalency student shall demonstrate that,

prior to beginning the interscholastic activity each year, the student has passed at least one practice

test administered through the high school equivalency program. A “high school equivalency

program” means a program provided to assist a student earning a certificate for passing an

approved high school equivalency test such as the General Educational Development (GED) test.

(b) Testing. The high school equivalency student shall demonstrate that each year, prior to beginning

the interscholastic activity, the student has passed at least one practice test administered through

the GED program. The student may participate while awaiting practice test results unless the

student is awaiting the results to restore academic eligibility.

8.1.5. Hardship Exceptions to this Rule. The Executive Director, in individual cases may, at their discretion

and upon terms and conditions they may impose, waive or modify this rule when in their opinion there

are circumstances beyond the control of each of the student and the student’s parent(s), whereby

enforcement of the rule would work an undue hardship upon the student.

Factors, which may be considered by the Executive Director, include the following:

(a) Forced absence due to illness or injury as certified in writing by a licensed physician, shall excuse

regular attendance for the period of such forced absence, and where such forced absence

entirely prevents completion of the semester, shall excuse completion of the required subjects.

(b) Any student with an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) who, primarily because of the

student’s disability,

(1) did not pass the appropriate number of classes, per Rule 8.1.1., in the immediately

preceding transcripted grading period,

(2) is not currently enrolled in and passing the appropriate number of classes, per Rule 8.1.1.,

and/or

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(3) has not been attending school regularly, may still be eligible to participate if the student's

IEP team determines that the student is making adequate educational progress towards

meeting the student’s IEP goals and objectives.

A decision of the Executive Director may be appealed to the Executive Board. A decision of the

Executive Board may be appealed to a Hearings Officer under Rule 9, “Hearings Officer.”

1. Q. What is passing work?

A. Each school must determine what passing work is. The Association does not establish academic standards for

schools. A school establishes its own academic standards.

2. Q. What is passing work during the current semester?

A. Passing work is such that if on any given date a student should transfer to another school, work of a passing grade

would immediately be certified to the school to which the student transfers.

3. Q. A student in a full year subject gets a grade of 85% the first semester and then a grade of 65% at the end of the

second semester. But the teacher, in computing the grade for the year since it is a year subject, credits the student

with a full unit. May the student be considered to have passed the subject at the end of the second semester?

A. If a school shows that the student has earned and had recorded a full unit at the close of the second semester,

the Association will have no interest in determining how the school computed the mark.

4. Q. Is a student who is expelled from school one semester eligible the following semester?

A. The student is eligible if the student satisfies all OSAA Regulations. However, the school district may have

additional rules or policies beyond those set by the OSAA.

5. Q. Is a "conditional" or an "incomplete" considered a "pass" by the Association?

A. No. The Association considers a "pass" to mean that all work has been completed and has been made a matter

of final record in the principal's office at the end of the grading period or semester.

6. Q. May a student who has failed in a subject make up the work by attending summer school or by having a private

tutor?

A. Yes. Any course work that is accepted by the school and for which credit is granted at the school may be applied

toward eligibility.

7. Q. May a student who has more than enough credits to graduate participate in interscholastic activities while

enrolled in courses equal to less than full time as defined in Rule 8.1.?

A. No. Even though a student has more than enough credits to graduate, the student must still be enrolled in and

passing courses that are equivalent to full time as defined in Rule 8.1. to be eligible to participate in interscholastic

activities.

8. Q. If a student is not eligible during the first grading period, is the student eligible to compete in an athletic or

activities contest on the night of the last day of that grading period?

A. No. The student is not eligible until the opening day of the second grading period.

9. Q. When does a student become ineligible after failing to pass the quantity of classes necessary to be considered full

time as defined in Rule 8.1.1.?

A. The student becomes ineligible when the school receives the official grade notices.

10. Q. Does any class taken, regardless of the number of credits associated with the class, count as one of the minimum

number required to be considered enrolled full time under Rule 8.1.1.?

A. No. For the purposes of satisfying the “full-time enrollment” requirements of Rule 8.1.1., each class must

generate at least one credit per year, or one-half credit each traditional semester, in order to be counted against

the minimum. For example, if a student passed five out of six classes during the previous semester, but earned

only 2.25 credits, the student would be ineligible the following semester.

11. Q. A student needs only two subjects to graduate. May the student take only two classes and still be eligible to

participate in high school activities?

A. No. For the student to be eligible, the student must successfully carry a full-time class load as defined in Rule

8.1.1.

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12. Q. May a student who is ineligible practice with a school team?

A. Yes, provided local school board policy permits. OSAA rules prohibit any ineligible student from participating in

or dressing for an interscholastic contest.

13. Q. May an ineligible student sit with a school team on the bench and perform managerial duties?

A. Yes, within the limits of any local school board policy. But the student is prohibited from appearing on the team

bench in uniform.

14. Q. Must OSAA academic eligibility standards be met by members of cheerleading squads and dance teams which

serve a support function in the school (e.g., perform at games), but will not be participating in competitions?

A. No, only those groups that will be competing are required by the OSAA to meet OSAA academic eligibility standards.

15. Q. If a student is taking college classes for which high school credit is being granted, and the college classes do not

start until after the start of the high school competitive season, is the student allowed to participate while awaiting

the start of the college classes?

A. Yes.

16. Q. If a student is ineligible at the beginning of the school year due to having recorded too few credits to meet the

“Minimum Satisfactory Progress Requirements,” does the period of ineligibility cover the entire school year?

A. Yes. The only circumstance under which a student could regain eligibility during the school year would be if the

Executive Director granted eligibility in response to the submission of an “Eligibility Request Form” by the school.

17. Q. If the quantity of credits recorded at the end of the first transcripted grading period added to the credits recorded

prior to the start of the school year exceeds the “Minimum Satisfactory Progress Requirements” necessary prior to

that grade level, does the student become eligible for participation during the second semester?

A. No.

18. Q. If a student is granted a hardship waiver to allow participation despite having recorded too few credits to meet

the “Minimum Satisfactory Progress Requirements,” what period of time does the waiver cover?

A. Assuming that there are no other eligibility issues regarding the student, the student is eligible for the full school

year during which the appeal was granted.

19. Q. If a school enters grades/credits on the official transcript each trimester (or quarter), what is the period of

ineligibility if insufficient credits were earned during the previous trimester or quarter?

A. The student becomes ineligible when the school receives the official grade notices and remains ineligible until a

trimester (or quarter) is completed in which a sufficient number of credits have been earned by the student.

20. Q. If a student transfers from school A to school B, and school B has a different number of credits required to

graduate than school A, how does school B determine whether the student is making Satisfactory Progress Toward

Graduation?

A. After the student’s transfer credits from school A have been entered on the official transcript for school B, and

school B’s district has determined the number of credits that will be required for the student to graduate from

school B, school B shall use the credits recorded on the official transcript and credits to graduate requirement

from school B to determine whether the student is meeting the Minimum Satisfactory Progress Requirements.

(NOTE: The determination of whether the student is making Satisfactory Progress Toward Graduation must be

made prior to the student being allowed to participate in a contest.)

21. Q. Are international students on a CSIET approved program subject to OSAA rules regarding academic eligibility?

A. International students on a CSIET approved program are required to satisfy OSAA rules for being currently enrolled

in, attending regularly, and passing the appropriate number of courses. OSAA rules for the immediately preceding

transcripted grading period only apply to an international student after they have completed one transcripted

grading period. International students on a CSIET approved program are not required to satisfy OSAA rules for

satisfactory progress toward graduation.

22. Q. May a student earn a credit to be applied in a future grading period to determine eligibility?

A. No. In order to count the credit in a grading period, the student must be enrolled in the class during that grading

period. However, a credit earned in a grading period may be applied to the immediately preceding transcripted

grading period for purposes of determining academic eligibility for the current grading period.

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23. Q. Is a student determined to be ineligible due to a progress report / grade check during a grading period able to

regain eligibility during that same grading period?

A. Yes, the student may regain eligibility when the student is enrolled in, attending regularly, and passing the

minimum number of classes required for full-time enrollment in that grading period.

24. Q. How is eligibility determined at the end of a semester/trimester for a student taking a yearlong class in a

proficiency grading system where no grade is received until the end of the school year?

A. The school must determine whether the student is making satisfactory progress in the yearlong class at the time

the semester/trimester is completed.

25. Q. What is meant by “circumstances beyond the control of each of the student and the student’s parent(s)”?

A. When considering a hardship request, it is always an integral part of the evaluation to determine whether the

events are outside a student or student’s parent(s) control, or whether the choices/decisions/actions that created

the eligibility problem included knowable/predictable eligibility outcomes or consequences. Requests are denied

when it appears the student’s eligibility situation has come about as a result of choices, decisions and/or actions

made by the student, or the student’s parents(s), or both.

8.2. Duration of Eligibility/Graduation.

Rule: A student may participate in the interscholastic program for four consecutive years (eight semesters or

the equivalent) after entering the 9th grade, EXCEPT AS INDICATED LATER IN THIS RULE.

FOREIGN COUNTRY SCHOOL YEAR EXCEPTION: If a student attends a school in a foreign country and that school

starts their normal school calendar year prior to the start of the Oregon school year and then transfers to attend

an Oregon high school, the time attending school prior to the start of the Oregon school year shall not be

considered for the purpose of computing duration of eligibility under this rule.

Rationale:

The objective of the Duration of Eligibility/Graduation Rule is to ensure that the student’s educational

performance reflects progress towards graduation, and to ensure fair competition between schools and

between individual students. As students grow older, they become bigger, quicker, and stronger, which

translates into an athletic advantage. Greater maturity may also provide a competitive advantage in non-

athletic activities. Rules such as this one allows for safety of competition between competing students and

allow for fair competition between students in the same school vying for a particular spot on a particular team.

Further, through the application of this rule, participation in athletics and activities is an incentive to the

achievement of that minimum standard of academic performance.

This rule: promotes timely progress toward graduation by discouraging students from delaying or interrupting

their high school education; disallows students to enroll for one semester each school year to increase maturity,

athletic ability, and skill; promotes equality of competition; diminishes risks stemming from unequal

competition; and places emphasis on the academic mission of the school.

This rule: promotes harmony and fair competition among member schools by maintaining equality of eligibility;

and provides each student with the same number of semesters of eligibility, which increases the number of

students who will have an opportunity to participate in interscholastic activities.

8.2.1. A student entering the 9th grade for all, or part of a school year has used a full year of eligibility for the

purpose of computing duration of eligibility under this rule.

8.2.2. A student who begins participation in an OSAA sponsored activity prior to entering the 9th grade is

only eligible for four consecutive years beginning the year the student first participated for all or part

of the year.

8.2.3. A student becomes ineligible upon graduation from high school.

8.2.4. Fifth Year Hardship Appeals Procedure. The Executive Board, or as it may provide, the Executive

Director, may in individual cases, upon written request once the student has begun their last

transcripted grading period prior to exhausting their eligibility, declare eligible for up to one year a

student who would otherwise be ineligible under Rule 8.2., “Duration of Eligibility/Graduation”

because more than eight semesters have passed after the student entered the 9th grade if the student

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has not previously been granted eligibility based upon a fifth year or age hardship appeal and all of the

following conditions are met:

(a) The student has not graduated from high school or earned the required number of credits to

graduate, but has chosen not to graduate;

(b) The student establishes, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Executive Board or the Executive

Director, as the case may be, either:

(1) That the student’s Individualized Education Program Team has determined that the student

has a disability (as defined below), and that the student was meeting the requirements of

the student’s IEP, yet was unable to graduate from high school within eight semesters after

entering the 9th grade primarily because of the disability; or

(2) Due to circumstances beyond the control of each of the student and the student’s parent(s),

there has been both a significant absence from school (not less than one semester) and an

inability to obtain academic credit during that period of absence; or

(3) That the student, based on their initial placement upon entering high school in newcomer

classes due to limited English language ability (based on an assessment of the student’s

transcript and results of ELPA21 and/or Woodcock-Munoz, etc.), was enrolled in and passed

classes that earned the student credits that did not count toward graduation requirements

and therefore was unable to graduate high school within eight semesters after entering the

grade primarily due to their lack of English language ability, provided that the student has

not already participated for four years in any sport / activity; and

Director, as the case may be, that the student’s participation would not constitute an undue

risk to the health or safety of other participants.

(d) Without limiting the evidence that may be considered, the Executive Board or Executive Director,

as the case may be, may consider the following in determining whether the student’s participation

would constitute an undue risk to the health or safety of other participants:

(1) Whether the student has presented a report from a physician regarding the student’s

height, weight and whether the student is likely to pose an undue risk to the safety and

health of other participants; the student shall submit to an independent medical

examination by a physician selected by and paid for by the Association at the request of the

Executive Board or Executive Director; and

(2) Whether the sport is a contact or a non-contact sport.

(e) Should an otherwise ineligible student who has already been granted a year of eligibility under

the provisions of this rule apply for eligibility for a subsequent year, the Executive Board, or as

it may provide, the Executive Director may consider the following factors in addition to those

previously stated in this rule:

(1) Whether the student has previously participated in the sport for which eligibility is sought,

or a similar sport; and

(2) Whether the student’s skill level in the sport for which eligibility is sought is such that the

student was ever a member of a starting team or was the recipient of league or other

honors as a result of participation in the sport; and

(3) Whether the student has participated in a prior state championship competition (either in

an individual sport or a team sport).

For purposes of this Rule 8.2.4, disability shall have the meaning provided in the Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1401(a).

The Executive Board or the Executive Director may grant eligibility as to one sport and deny it as to another sport.

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A decision of the Executive Director denying eligibility may be appealed to the Executive Board. A decision of

the Executive Board denying eligibility may be appealed to a Hearings Officer under Rule 9, “Hearings Officer.”

1. Q. Does enrollment in a non-member school count against the eight consecutive semesters of participation permitted?

A. Yes. Each semester enrolled in grades 9 through 12 will count against the eight consecutive semesters permitted

regardless of where enrolled.

2. Q. Is a student who has attended high school for six consecutive semesters and then who left school for a year (two

semesters) eligible if that student then returns to high school?

A. No. A student is eligible for eight consecutive semesters only. In this case, the student would not be eligible since they

attended six consecutive semesters and then was not in school during what would have been their 7th and 8th semesters.

3. Q. May a student participate in activities if the student has earned more credits than necessary but has not graduated?

A. Yes, provided that the student has earned them within the eight-consecutive semester limit.

4. Q. When does a student’s four consecutive years of eligibility commence?

A. On the earlier of a) the student’s participation in any high school practices or interscholastic activities, or b) the

student’s enrollment as a 9

grader and first attendance in class.

5. Q. If a student is enrolled in grades 9-12 but does not participate in activities for one semester, does that semester

count against the eight consecutive semesters permitted?

A. Yes.

6. Q. If a student travels to a foreign country after entering high school, does the time spent in the foreign country

count against the eight consecutive semesters permitted?

A. Yes.

7. Q. Is a student enrolled in a High School Equivalency program eligible to participate in OSAA activities?

A. Yes, provided that the student is enrolled in a high school equivalency program and satisfying all relevant

requirements included in the GED statutes and OSAA regulations, including but not limited to behavior and

performance standards, academic eligibility, notification of intent, school representation, duration of eligibility

and age.

8. Q. Does playing on a school team other than the "first team" count as participation?

A. Yes. All participants representing their schools in OSAA sponsored activities are governed by OSAA rules,

regardless of the level.

9. Q. May 8

grade students participate in spring tryouts for the high school cheerleading squad or dance team?

A. Yes, but 8

grade students may not participate in high school competitions.

10. Q. May an 8

grader practice with the high school team during the Association Year?

A. No.

11. Q. Is a student who receives a “Modified Diploma” considered to have graduated under OSAA regulations?

A. Yes.

12. Q. May a student who is ineligible under Rule 8.2. practice with a school team?

A. Yes, provided local school board policy permits. OSAA rules prohibit any ineligible student from participating in

or dressing for an interscholastic contest.

13. Q. If a student does not have an IEP, but is on a 504 Plan, do they meet the requirements for a fifth-year hardship

appeal detailed in Rule 8.2.4.(b)(1)?

A. No. An IEP requires that professionals evaluate a student to determine that the student is disabled for the

purposes of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) while Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

provides a low-barrier mechanism for students to receive some special services or accommodations. Although

some of the same purposes underlie Section 504 and the IDEA, the significant difference between the two statues

means that the requirement under Rule 8.2.4.(b)(1) is applicable only to students with an IEP, not to students

with a 504 Plan.

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8.3. Age.

Rule: A student who becomes 19 before August 15 shall become ineligible for interscholastic competition. A

student who becomes 19 on or after August 15 shall remain eligible for that entire school year.

Rationale: To ensure equality of competition and opportunity, a standard must be established at some point

to determine the cutoff date for age eligibility. The use of a specific cutoff date gives notice to all parties

involved in interscholastic activities and maintains equality of participant eligibility among schools.

An age limitation requirement provides commonality among student participants and schools in interscholastic

competition; inhibits “redshirting”; provides more opportunity for participation of younger and less

experienced students; enhances the opportunity for more students to participate; promotes equality of

competition; avoids over-emphasis on competition; and helps to diminish the inherent risk of injury associated

with participation in interscholastic athletics.

The objective of the establishment of a maximum age for participation in athletic and scholastic competition is

to discourage students from delaying their education to gain maturity; to prevent over-zealous coaches from

engaging in redshirting to gain a competitive advantage; and, to protect the safety of younger, smaller, less

experienced athletes. The term redshirting means the practice of delaying a student’s academic pace and

postponing their participation in order to permit him or her to gain maturity before beginning or during the

period of eligibility for competitive activities.

The objective of discouraging students from delaying their education is not based solely on delays associated

with seeking a competitive activities advantage. There is also an educational interest in encouraging parents

to enroll their children in school at an appropriate age. Children benefit from starting school at the traditional

age; their education is advanced both academically and socially. This rule encourages parents to enroll their

children in school at an appropriate age even if it is the intent of the parents that their children merely

participate, not excel, in Association activities.

8.3.1. Age Hardship Appeals Procedure. The Executive Director may in individual cases, upon written

request once the student has begun their last transcripted grading period prior to exhausting their

eligibility, declare eligible for up to one year a student who would otherwise be ineligible under Rule

8.3. (regarding age) if the student has not previously been granted eligibility based upon a fifth year or

age hardship appeal and all of the following conditions have been met:

(a) The student has not graduated from high school;

(b) The student establishes that the student’s Individualized Education Program Team has

determined that the student has a disability as defined in Rule 8.2.4.;

Director, as the case may be, that the student entered school later than others of the student’s

age, or was retained, primarily because of the disability; and

(d) The student establishes, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Executive Board or Executive

Director, as the case may be, that the student’s participation would not constitute an undue risk

to the health or safety of other participants.

(e) Without limiting the evidence that may be considered, the Executive Board or Executive Director,

as the case may be, may consider the following in determining whether the student’s participation

would constitute an undue risk to the health or safety of other participants:

(1) Whether the student has presented a report from a physician regarding the student’s

height, weight and whether the student is likely to pose an undue risk to the safety and

health of other participants; the student shall submit to an independent medical

examination by a physician selected by and paid for by the Association at the request of the

Executive Board or Executive Director; and

(2) Whether the sport is a contact or a non-contact sport.

(f) Should an otherwise ineligible student who has already been granted a year of eligibility under

the provisions of this rule apply for eligibility for a subsequent year, the Executive Board, or as

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it may provide, the Executive Director may consider the following factors in addition to those

previously stated in this rule:

(1) Whether the student has previously participated in the sport for which eligibility is sought,

or a similar sport; and

(2) Whether the student’s skill level in the sport for which eligibility is sought is such that the

student was ever a member of a starting team or was the recipient of league or other

honors as a result of participation in the sport; and

(3) Whether the student has participated in a prior state championship competition (either in

an individual sport or a team sport).

The Executive Board or the Executive Director may grant eligibility as to one sport and deny it as to another sport.

A decision of the Executive Director denying eligibility may be appealed to the Executive Board. A decision of

the Executive Board denying eligibility may be appealed to a Hearings Officer under Rule 9, “Hearings Officer.”

1. Q. May a student who is ineligible under Rule 8.3. practice with a school team?

A. Yes, provided local school board policy permits. OSAA rules prohibit any ineligible student from participating in or

dressing for an interscholastic contest.

2. Q. If a student does not have an IEP, but is on a 504 Plan, do they meet the requirements for an age hardship appeal

detailed in Rule 8.3.1.(b)?

A. No. An IEP requires that professionals evaluate a student to determine that the student is disabled for purposes of

the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) while Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act provides a low-

barrier mechanism for students to receive some special services or accommodations. Although some of the same

purposes underlie Section 504 and the IDEA, the significant difference between the two statues means that the

requirement under Rule 8.3.1.(b) is applicable only to students with an IEP, not to students with a 504 Plan.

8.4. Awards. A student becomes ineligible for one calendar year after the date of the report of the violation to the

OSAA if at any time the student accepts or enters into any agreement for the purpose of later accepting any

compensation or thing of value for or in recognition of athletic or activities performance, with these exceptions:

8.4.1. A student participant may not accept monetary compensation in recognition of activities

performance, participation and/or achievement. A student may accept non-monetary

compensation or items of value solely in recognition of activities ability, participation and/or

achievement if the total value of such non-monetary compensation or items of value, including the

actual value of any gift certificates (so long as they are not convertible to cash), discounts, coupons,

etc., does not exceed $500 retail value annually.

NOTE: For the purposes of this rule, “non-monetary compensation or items of value” does not include

customary awards of a symbolic nature without resale value such as the school’s athletic letter, medals,

ribbons, certificates, plaques, trophies, and other emblems. This rule does not regulate or prohibit

compensation received by a student for ability, participation and/or achievement in a non-OSAA sport or

activity, nor does this rule prohibit the acceptance of college scholarships by students.

8.4.2. A coach or director is responsible for reporting to the school’s athletic/activities director all

compensation or items of value received by the students on that coach/director’s team within one

month of the receipt of the compensation or items of value. Principals are responsible for verifying

to the association, if requested, that the total sum of compensation or items of value received by

each student participant at that school does not exceed $500 retail value for each participant.

8.4.3. A student participating without compensation as a contestant, coach, or similar participant in athletic

or other activities may accept the use of necessary equipment and incidental services customarily

furnished amateur participants in such activities, may accept reimbursement for direct and necessary

expenses for participation (including mileage where the student must drive), and where participation

requires absence from home, may accept necessary meals and lodging.

8.4.4. The following is intended to offer guidance to students, parents, and member schools regarding Name,

Image, and Likeness (NIL).

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A student may earn compensation from the use of their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) provided

that:

(a) The compensation (or prospective compensation) is not contingent on specific athletic

performance or achievement (e.g., financial incentives based on points scored).

(b) The compensation (or prospective compensation) is not provided as an inducement to attend a

particular member school or to remain enrolled at a particular member school (“Undue Influence”).

agent of the member school (e.g., school booster club, collective, foundation, employee, etc.).

(d) The student-athlete discloses any proposed agreement/contract to the member school at which

the student is enrolled and/or participating.

In seeking compensation for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL):

(a) The student shall not use OSAA or member school marks, logos, insignias in NIL activities.

(b) The student shall not wear apparel or equipment which includes OSAA logos or member school

markers and/or logos for the purpose of NIL activities.

of NIL activities.

(d) The student shall not use a member school’s district facilities and/or equipment for the purpose of

NIL activities.

(e) The student shall not use school practice and/or game film for the purpose of NIL activities.

(f) The student shall not promote any services and/or products during team activities.

(g) The student shall not promote activities, services, or products associated with, but not limited to,:

(1) Adult entertainment products or services;

(2) Alcohol, tobacco, nicotine and vaping products;

(3) Cannabis products;

(4) Controlled dangerous substances;

(5) Prescription pharmaceuticals;

(6) Political parties and/or candidates;

(7) Any product illegal for people under 18;

(8) Gambling, including sports betting, the lottery, and betting in connection with video

games, online games and mobile devices;

(9) Weapons, firearms, and ammunition.

The student and their family are encouraged to seek legal counsel and tax advice when considering NIL

activity, along with guidance from their member school.

NOTE: Compliance with these policies does not ensure maintenance of eligibility under the eligibility

standards of other high school state activity associations or entities such as, but not limited to, the

NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, etc. Students are encouraged to communicate with those organizations to ensure

any activity complies with those eligibility standards.

8.4.5. A student forfeits amateur status by signing a professional playing contract in any activity sanctioned

by the OSAA.

1. Q. Does compliance with OSAA rules mean that NCAA rules are also satisfied?

A. No. NCAA amateurism rules differ from OSAA rules. Consult a collegiate compliance officer for answers to

questions about NCAA rules.

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2. Q. Is a student limited by OSAA rules in the awards they may accept in activities not sponsored by the OSAA, e.g.,

bowling league, rodeo, and water polo?

A. No because these are not activities sponsored by the Association.

3. Q. If a student coaches, teaches, or officiates an athletic contest for pay, is the student in violation of the amateur rule?

A. No. The rule refers exclusively to actual playing. An individual may be paid for services performed.

4. Q. If a student receives an award, may the school hold that award until the student graduates and then return it to

the student?

A. No. The award applies toward the $500 retail value per year personal limit during the association year that it is received.

5. Q. Does the awarding of a letter count toward the $500 retail value per association year award limit?

A. No. The awarding of ribbons, medals, certificates, emblems indicating State champions, plaques and trophies is

permitted. However, these awards are to have no intrinsic value.

6. Q. May a student accept an award such as a free hamburger or free use of clothes for being named "Athlete of the Week"?

A. Yes. However, such awards count against the $500 retail value per association year award limit.

7. Q. A student who is a member of a high school cross country team participates in a cross country race during the

high school cross country season and receives a T-shirt instead of a medal or a trophy for finishing in a certain

place (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.). Does this count against the $500 retail value per association year award limit?

A. Yes. A T-shirt is a merchandise award as are other items such as golf bags, tags, caps, towels, etc.

8. Q. T-shirts are presented as a memento of the race to every contestant who enters regardless of performance. Each

contestant pays an entry fee to be in the race, and part of that entry fee is used for the purchase of the T-shirts.

Does this count against the $500 retail value per association year award limit?

A. No. In this case, the student is not receiving an award for their performance. Therefore, the T-shirt is acceptable,

and it does not count against the limit.

9. Q. Do association awards limits apply to awards received outside of the Association Year?

A. Yes.

10. Q. May a student participate in a "jog-a-thon," a "swim-a-thon" or other "...thon" activity and receive cash or

merchandise prizes for their fundraising effort?

A. Yes, provided no such prize is presented for the student's athletic performance per se. Prizes are acceptable only

if they are presented exclusively based on the student's fundraising achievements.

11. Q. May a music student receive payment for a musical performance that is not a competition?

A. Yes.

12. Q. Does apparel or equipment provided by the school or any third party that the student keeps count against the

$500 limitation?

A. Yes, unless the student pays the full retail value of the apparel or equipment.

8.5. School Representation. (School Representation Eligibility Certificate)

8.5.1. A student who competes in a sport or activity representing a school other than the one in which the

student has been enrolled becomes ineligible for that sport or activity for the remainder of its season.

EXCEPTIONS:

(a) Home School Students. (Home School Eligibility Parent Checklist)

A home school student who meets the eligibility standards established by state law may represent

the public or a private school located within the public-school attendance boundaries of Joint

Residence of the student and student’s parents provided that the home school student was

enrolled in the home school prior to the first day of school for the public/private school. See

Executive Board Policies, “Eligibility – Home School Students” for additional information.

Once a home school student represents a school, that home school student may not represent

another school for one calendar year after last representing the original school without a change

in Joint Residence, except that a home school student who has chosen to represent a private

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school may also represent the resident public school in any activity not offered by the private

school, provided that both high school principals agree.

(b) High School Equivalency Students.

A high school equivalency student who meets the eligibility standards established by state law

may represent the public or a private school located within the public-school attendance

boundaries of Joint Residence of the student and student’s parents provided that the high school

equivalency student was enrolled in a program provided to assist a student earning a certificate

for passing an approved high school equivalency test such as the General Educational

Development (GED) test prior to the first day of school for the public/private school. See Executive

Board Policies, “Eligibility – High School Equivalency Students” for additional information.

Once a high school equivalency student represents a school, that high school equivalency

student may not represent another school for one calendar year after last representing the

original school without a change in Joint Residence, except that a high school equivalency

student who has chosen to represent a private school may also represent the resident public

school in any activity not offered by the private school, provided that both high school principals

agree.

attending a private school or a public magnet school that is a full member of the Association,

which does not offer a particular activity, may represent the public school of Joint Residence of

the student and student’s parents in said activity, provided that both high school principals

agree.

(d) Students Attending Full Member Public Charter Schools. A student attending a public charter

school that is a full member of the Association may participate on teams representing the full

member public charter school only.

(e) Students Attending Associate Member Private or Alternative Schools. A student attending a

private school or alternative school (except public charter schools) that is an associate member

of the Association may represent the public school of Joint Residence of the student and

student’s parents, provided that both high school principals agree.

(f) Students Attending Associate Member Public Charter Schools. A student attending a public

charter school that is an associate member of the Association and does not offer any

interscholastic activities may represent the public school of Joint Residence of the student and

student’s parents.

EXCEPTION REGARDING ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL STUDENTS: However, a student who was

previously eligible to represent a public school that is not the public school of Joint Residence

of the student and the student’s parents who is subsequently placed in an Associate Member

alternative school, remains eligible while attending the alternative school to represent the non-

resident public school at which the student was previously eligible.

1. Q. May a high school student who is a member of a high school team also compete on a non-school, organized

athletic team or as an unattached individual in that sport during the Association Year?

A. Yes.

2. Q. May a home school or high school equivalency program student represent a member school in interscholastic

activities?

A. Yes, providing the home school or high school equivalency program student meets all necessary requirements

and represents the public high school or the private high school in which district the student’s parents reside. See

Executive Board Policies, “Eligibility – Home School Students” or Executive Board Policies, “Eligibility – High School

Equivalency Students” for additional information.

3. Q. If a student living in School A’s attendance area attends School B and then becomes a home school or high school

equivalency program student during the school year, when is that student eligible to represent School A?

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A. The student is eligible to represent School A at the beginning of the school year following the date the student

becomes a home school or high school equivalency program student, providing all other eligibility requirements

are met.

4. Q. If a student who lives in School A’s attendance area attends School B and then becomes a home school or high

school equivalency program student and represents School A, can that student return to School B as a regularly

enrolled student and be eligible?

A. No. If this occurs, the student in question would be eligible at School B one calendar year from the date of return

to School B.

5. Q. If a home school or high school equivalency program student’s parents reside in School A's attendance area and

the student's parents move to School B's attendance area, how does this affect the eligibility of the student?

A. The home school or high school equivalency program student would be eligible only at school B.

6. Q. If a home school or high school equivalency program student’s parents reside in a public-school district that also

has a private school and/or a member charter school within its attendance boundaries, which school may the home

school or high school equivalency program student represent?

A. The home school or high school equivalency program student would be eligible to represent any of the schools

within the attendance boundaries of the public school, but only one of the schools. Once the home school or high

school equivalency program student attended a practice or represented one of the schools, that school would be

the only school the home school or high school equivalency program student would be eligible to represent unless

at least one calendar year has passed since the home school or GED program student last represented any of the

schools. EXCEPTION: A home school or high school equivalency program student who has chosen to represent a

private school may also represent the resident public school in any activity not offered by the private school,

provided that both high school principals agree.

7. Q. If a home school or high school equivalency program student’s parents reside in a public-school district that also

has a private school and/or a member charter school within its attendance boundaries, may the home school or

high school equivalency program student represent different schools in different sports or activities?

A. No. Once the home school or high school equivalency program student attended a practice or represented one

of the schools, that school would be the only school the home school or high school equivalency program student

would be eligible to represent. The home school or high school equivalency program student would be ineligible

to represent any school other than the one the student initially represented unless at least one calendar year has

passed since the home school or high school equivalency program student last represented the initially

represented school. EXCEPTION: A home school or high school equivalency program student who has chosen to

represent a private school may also represent the resident public school in any activity not offered by the private

school, provided that both high school principals agree.

8. Q. If there is more than one private school within the public-school boundaries where a home school or high school

equivalency program student’s parents reside, which private school may the home school or high school

equivalency program student represent?

A. The home school or high school equivalency program student may represent any of the private schools, but only

one.

9. Q. If a home school or high school equivalency program student’s parents reside in a public-school district that has no

private school within its attendance boundaries, may the home school or high school equivalency program student

represent a private school in an adjacent public-school district?

A. No. If there is no private school within the public-school attendance boundaries in which the home school or high

school equivalency program student’s parents reside, the home school or high school equivalency program

student may only represent the public school within whose attendance boundaries the home school or high school

equivalency program student’s parents reside.

10. Q. May a home school or high school equivalency program student whose parents reside within a multiple high

school district select the high school they wish to represent?

A. No. The home school or high school equivalency program student is eligible only at the public school within whose

attendance boundaries the student’s parents reside, or at a private school located within those same attendance

boundaries.

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11. Q. If a student resides within the attendance boundaries of a public school and attends a full member private school

or public magnet school outside those attendance boundaries, and the private school or public magnet school

does not offer a particular sport, what public school may that student represent in that sport?

A. The student may represent only the public school in whose attendance boundaries the parents of the private

school or public magnet school student reside.

12. Q. If a full member private school or public magnet school student represents the public school within whose

attendance boundaries the student resides in one sport, may the student then represent the private school or

public magnet school in another sport?

A. Yes. If the private school or public magnet school student represents a public school because their school does

not offer that particular sport, the student may then represent the private school or public magnet school in

another sport that is offered. NOTE: A private school or public magnet school student may represent their

resident public school only if the private school or public magnet school does not offer that particular sport.

13. Q. If a student attending a full member private school or public magnet school resides in a multiple high school

district, which public school may the student represent if their private school or public magnet school does not

offer a particular sport?

A. That student may represent only the high school in whose attendance area the student’s parents reside within

the multiple high school district.

14. Q. Are emancipated minors eligible?

A. Even though a student is emancipated, that student is only eligible at the high school in whose attendance area

the student’s parents reside. If the student in question moves to another high school attendance boundary, in

order to be eligible, the student's parents also would have to move to that high school attendance boundary.

15. Q. If a full member private school or public magnet school drops a sport after the first contest date of a sports

season, may those students participate in that sport at the public school in whose attendance boundaries the

parents of the student reside, providing both high school principals agree?

A. No. The private school or public magnet school must drop a program before the first contest date of that sports

season for the students to be eligible to participate in that sport at their resident public school.

16. Q. If a full member public school does not offer a particular sport, may a public school, full member private school,

associate member school or home school student who resides in the public school’s attendance boundary and

who wishes to participate in that sport participate at another school to compete in that sport?

A. No.

17. Q. If tuition is paid for a student to attend a public high school outside the attendance area of Joint Residence, is the

student eligible?

A. No. The student is not eligible for a period of one year, unless the student enrolled in the school to which tuition

is paid prior to initial enrollment in the 9th grade.

18. Q. May an individual student who attends a full member public school that does not offer a school team in a given sport

participate in practice sessions at a neighboring school which does offer a school team in that sport?

A. No.

19. Q. At what point does a student become ineligible once the student has withdrawn from a school?

A. The student becomes ineligible the day following the student’s withdrawal from a school.

20. Q. If a full member private school or public magnet school does not offer a girls’ program in an activity, where may the girl

participate in that activity?

A. She may either participate on the boys’ team at the private school or public magnet school if permitted by the

private school or public magnet school or she may participate on the girls’ team at her resident public school,

provided that both high school principals agree. Once the student chooses on which team she wishes to

participate, she may not change teams during that season.

21. Q. May a student at a school in the process of applying for Associate Membership practice and/or compete for the

student’s resident public school?

A. The student may practice but may not compete in an interscholastic contest.

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22. Q. How is it determined which school a student may represent when the student attends two full member schools

simultaneously?

A. The student is only eligible to represent the school at which the student is enrolled as a full-time student.

8.6. Transfer.

8.6.1. Fundamental Rule.

Rule: It is a Fundamental Rule of the Association that a student must attend the high school in the

high school attendance boundary within which the Joint Residence of the student and the student’s

parents is located. Exceptions to this Fundamental Rule are to be narrowly construed.

Rationale: A transfer/residency requirement assists in the prevention of students switching schools in

conjunction with the change of season for athletic or activities purposes; impairs recruitment; and

reduces the opportunity for undue influence to be exerted by persons seeking to benefit from a

student athlete or activities participant’s prowess.

A transfer/residency requirement promotes stability and harmony among member schools by

maintaining the amateur standing of high school activities participants; by disallowing individuals other

than enrolled students to participate; and by upholding the principle that a student should attend the

high school in the district where the student’s parent(s) reside.

In addition, a transfer/residency requirement prohibits international students, other than students

who are participants in an established foreign exchange program accepted for listing by the Council of

Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), from displacing other students from athletic

and activities opportunities.

8.6.2. Eligible Student Transfer Certificate. (Eligible Student Transfer Certificate)

In connection with any student who has transferred but is eligible under the Rules of the Association,

the school shall complete an Eligible Student Transfer Certificate in the form prescribed by the

Association, properly signed by the superintendent, assistant superintendent, or principal of the high

school the student enters, and maintain it at the school for inspection at the request of the Association.

1. Q. If a student transfers to a school, when is the principal required to file an Eligible Student Transfer Certificate?

A. The principal of the school to which the student transfers shall complete an Eligible Student Transfer Certificate

and a copy maintained at the school for inspection at the request of the OSAA prior to the student's participation

in interscholastic activities.

2. Q. Where should a transfer eligibility request be filed for a student in a sport divided into special districts?

A. The transfer eligibility request should be submitted by the school the student wishes to represent to the regular

District Committee for that school.

8.6.3. Exceptions to Fundamental Rule.

(a) Entering 9th grade students. Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-paragraph (c) below, a

student is eligible to participate at a school other than the high school in the high school

attendance boundary within which Joint Residence of the student and the student’s parents is

located when the student first enters the 9th grade.

(b) Students who are wards of the court. A student who is otherwise eligible does not become

ineligible by virtue of being made a ward of the court and placed in a residence (such as a foster

home) in a different attendance boundary, except a student made a ward of the court under

ORS 419C.555 (Juvenile Code).

Checklist)

Rule: An international student who is on a CSIET approved program is eligible for one year from

the date of enrollment if the following criteria are met:

(1) The student is attending a school in the attendance boundary where the host family resides.

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(2) The student satisfies the OSAA age requirement.

(3) The student has not completed the equivalent of twelve years of education (excluding

kindergarten).

(4) The student has not previously attended a high school in the United States.

(5) Neither the school the student attends nor any person affiliated with the school has had

any input in the selection of the student.

(6) The host family is not a member (paid or voluntary) of the school’s athletic department nor

the coach/director of a non-athletic activity.

(7) The student is not a “direct placement.” A student is considered to be a “direct placement”

for the purposes of this rule if the student was placed in a specific high school and/or with

a specific host family as a result of a request from the student or the student’s family.

(8) The student has not been terminated from the CSIET program.

Rationale: An international student who comes to the United States without the

accompaniment of their parents is analogous to a domestic student who transfers without

being accompanied by their parents. The latter student is not typically granted immediate

eligibility.

“Team shopping” is at odds with the high school model of academic primacy and is unfair

to other students and other schools. F-1 visa programs in particular are ripe for abuse in

the transfer process. While a J-1 foreign exchange student in an approved program typically

has little say in their school of enrollment, a student with an F-1 visa, absent a state

association rule, could choose their school of enrollment based solely on immediate sports

opportunity.

Rules restricting participation by certain international students promote amateurism,

inhibit “power-loading” of select schools and impede the exploitation of students by

coaches and boosters. Such rules discourage recruiting, prevent the over-emphasis of

athletics, and maintain the focus of secondary schools on their primary purpose: the

academic preparation of students for their adult lives.

1. Q. May a school administrator provide general assistance and information to assist CSIET approved programs in the

placement of students in the administrator’s school district?

A. This Executive Board Policy is intended to prohibit undue school influence in the placement of international

student-athletes at the school. Administrative input to CSIET approved program coordinators regarding such

issues as available host families, number of placements available at the school and other input would not be a

violation of the spirit of this policy so long as the input is unrelated to athletic participation.

2. Q. Who hears appeals involving international student eligibility?

A. All international student eligibility appeals are initially heard by the Executive Director.

(d) Students whose parents are divorced, legally separated or unmarried. A student who does

not maintain a Joint Residence with both parents is eligible when:

(1) The student moves to reside with a parent in a different high school attendance area at the

time the parent initiates court proceedings seeking legal separation or divorce, or upon a

change of custody by court order; or

(2) Between school years, the student moves to reside with the other parent and transfers to

the school within whose attendance boundaries the other parent resides.

1. Q. When the parents of a student legally separate and take up residence in different high school attendance areas,

what is the eligibility status of the student?

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A. At the time a student's parents initiate court proceedings seeking legal separation or divorce, the student may

reside with either parent and be immediately eligible in the high school attendance area in which the parent

resides. The student also retains eligibility for any transfer back to the other parent, so long as the transfer occurs

between school years.

2. Q. If a student transfers from one high school to another high school, how long must that student attend the second

high school before the second high school principal is not required to complete an Eligible Student Transfer

Certificate?

A. The student shall be in attendance for one calendar year before it would not be necessary to complete an Eligible

Student Transfer Certificate. Once an Eligible Student Transfer Certificate is completed for a student, another

need not be completed for another sport if the student has attended the school less than one year.

3. Q. If a student moves with their parents from a high school in one attendance boundary to a high school in another

attendance boundary, when will the student become eligible in their new school?

A. The student will become eligible when the student's parents physically move into and jointly occupy their new residence

with the intent to reside there indefinitely and terminate all occupancy of their previous residence, and when the

student is properly enrolled, and the principal has completed the Eligible Student Transfer Certificate.

4. Q. When does a student become eligible if the student transfers in advance of their parents?

A. If a student transfers to a high school in advance of the anticipated change of residence of the student's parents,

the student shall become eligible at their new school when the parents physically move into and occupy the

residence in that school district and the principal has completed the Eligible Student Transfer Certificate, or one

year after enrolling in the new school.

5. Q. If a student's parents move in advance of the student to another school district, is the student eligible at the new

school when they move?

A. No, to be eligible at the new school, the student must move at the same time as the parents.

(e) Students who reside on campus at a member boarding school. Unless the student was

previously eligible under Rule 8.6.3.(c) “International Students on CSIET Approved Programs,” a

student who transfers to reside on campus at a member boarding school between school years

is eligible.

(f) Students who transfer between school years. A student who transfers between school years

is eligible if:

(1) The student transfers to a full member private school, full member charter school or home school

and maintains a Joint Residence. See Rules, Rules 8.10., "Definitions" for additional information.

(2) The student transfers to the public school within the attendance boundaries of Joint

Residence and maintains a Joint Residence.

(3) The student transfers within a multiple high school district with the approval of the

administration of the multiple high school district and maintains a Joint Residence.

(4) The student transfers between Oregon school districts under the terms of a Reciprocal

Transfer Agreement and maintains a Joint Residence.

1. Q. When a student transfers under the terms of a Reciprocal Transfer Agreement during the school year, at what

date does the student become eligible?

A. The student becomes eligible at the beginning of the next school year following the transfer.

2. Q. If a student enrolls in the 9

grade of a four-year high school and then transfers between school years to the 10

grade of a three-year high school, is that student eligible at the second school?

A. No, unless a corresponding move is completed by the student and their parents, or the transfer is under a

Reciprocal Transfer Agreement.

3. Q. May a student who is attending a public high school transfer to a private high school without loss of eligibility if

there is no corresponding move by the student's parents?

A. Yes, if the student continues to maintain a Joint Residence with their parents and the transfer is made between

school years.

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4. Q. May a student who is attending a private high school transfer to a public high school without loss of eligibility if

there is no corresponding move by the student's parents?

A. Yes, if the student continues to maintain a Joint Residence with their parents and the transfer is made between

school years and the public high school is located within the high school attendance boundary in which the Joint

Residence of the student and the student’s parents is located or the student transfers to another school district

under the terms of a Reciprocal Transfer Agreement.

5. Q. If a student not maintaining a Joint Residence with their parents has been granted eligibility by a regular district

committee, would that student remain eligible if the student were to transfer to another school between school

years under the terms of a Reciprocal Transfer Agreement?

A. No. The student would be ineligible because the transfer would not satisfy the Reciprocal Transfer Agreement

eligibility requirement that the student must maintain a Joint Residence with their parents.

6. Q. What is the period of ineligibility for a student that transfers mid-year from a full member public school to a full

member private school?

A. Though a mid-year transfer typically carries a one calendar year period of ineligibility, a student in this situation

may be eligible at the beginning of the next school year, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements,

because the transfer would have been legal had it occurred between school years.

(g) McKinney-Vento Students. A student who does not meet the transfer / residency requirement

but is otherwise eligible does not become ineligible to participate at a school if the student is

identified as a McKinney-Vento Student. The McKinney-Vento Act requires schools to enroll

children and youth experiencing homelessness in school immediately, even if the student is

unable to produce records normally required for enrollment or has missed application or

enrollment deadlines during any period of homelessness [42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(3)(C)(i)]. The Act

defines enroll and enrollment as "attending classes and participating fully in school activities”

[42 U.S.C. § 11434a(1)]. Therefore, students experiencing homelessness must be able to enroll

in school immediately, including attending classes and participating in extracurricular school

activities, such as sports, performing arts, and clubs.

(1) Identification of McKinney-Vento students and residency status. A school district’s

McKinney-Vento liaison and the school’s athletic director should work collaboratively to

eliminate barriers to full participation when addressing the needs of students experiencing

homelessness. Once the school district’s McKinney-Vento liaison has determined that a

student is homeless and therefore eligible for McKinney-Vento services then the Joint

Residence status of a student’s individual eligibility should be waived. All other individual

eligibility requirements would still need to be met for the student to be deemed eligible,

including academic eligibility, eight-semester rule, age requirements, and affiliation

policies.

a. The term “homeless children and youth” means individuals who lack a fixed, regular,

and adequate nighttime residence which could include:

i. Children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of

housing; economic hardship, or similar reason; living in motels, hotels, trailer

parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate

accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; or are

abandoned in hospitals;

ii. Children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or

private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping

accommodation for human beings;

iii. Children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned

buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations or similar settings;

iv. Migratory children who qualify as homeless living in circumstances like

previously described.

(2) Transfers of McKinney-Vento Students:

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a. Between School Years: A McKinney-Vento student who transfers between school

years to another full member school, will have eligibility determined through the

collaborative process between the school district’s McKinney-Vento liaison and the

school’s athletic director as described above.

b. Mid-Year Transfers: A McKinney-Vento student who transfers during the school year

would need to be identified as a McKinney-Vento student by the new school district’s

McKinney-Vento liaison. Once that determination is made, the student would be

eligible to represent the school provided that all other individual eligibility

requirements are met.

c. Dispute Process: If during a transfer process, the school district from which the student

is transferring from disputes the McKinney-Vento determination of a student, then the

receiving school district would need to seek McKinney-Vento determination from the

Oregon Department of Education (ODE). Once ODE confirms the student’s designation

as a McKinney-Vento student, then the student would be eligible provided all other

individual eligibility requirements are met. If ODE denies the student’s designation,

then the student is ineligible and would need to seek eligibility through the hardship

appeal process.

(3) Appeal Process: Homeless students should not expect to undergo a hardship appeal except

when the McKinney-Vento liaison for a school district is unable to gather enough

information to adequately determine the student’s residency status, academic standing, or

age. If a hardship appeal is necessary due to missing/incomplete information for a

McKinney-Vento student, the OSAA and the District Committee will work together to

ensure an expedited hardship appeal process.

8.6.4. Continuity Requirement. A student who is otherwise eligible under the Rules of the Association loses

eligibility for one calendar year when one or both of the student’s parents move from the attendance

area of the high school the student is attending unless:

(a) The student was enrolled in the high school at the beginning of the freshman year and the

student’s parents move during the freshman year,

(b) Continuity of enrollment is maintained by the student and the student has been enrolled in and

attending the high school for at least the lesser of one full school year or one calendar year

immediately preceding the move of the parents, or

separation or divorce or upon a change in custody by court order.

(d) The student is designated as McKinney-Vento by the school district in which the student is

currently attending, and the student remains enrolled at that school.

1. Q. Once continuity is established, does a move of the student or the student’s parents affect eligibility?

A. No, the student remains eligible at the school at which continuity was established.

8.6.5. Transfers to a School with Affiliation. (Student Intent to Transfer Certificate)

Despite compliance with the other provisions of these Rules, a high school student who attends,

participates or was eligible to participate for a school, and then transfers to another school is ineligible

for one calendar year from the last date of participating or receiving instruction as described below

under any of the following circumstances:

(a) The student transfers from a public, private or charter school within one calendar year after:

(1) Participating in non-school athletics (e.g., AAU, American Legion, club team, or other non-

school teams) on a team affiliated with the school to which the student transfers or may

represent under Rule 8.5. – School Representation or Article 6.5. Cooperative Sponsorship,

AND/OR

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(2) Receiving athletic or activities instruction, including weight training and conditioning, from

a person affiliated with the school to which the student transfers or may represent under

Rule 8.5. – School Representation or Article 6.5. Cooperative Sponsorship.

EXCEPTION: The eligibility of a full member private school student who transfers to a public school

at which the student has previously been a participant in a school sport or activity is not affected

by this rule for said sport or activity. The eligibility of an Associate Member school student who

transfers to or from a public school at which the student has previously been a participant in a

school sport or activity is not affected by this rule for said sport or activity.

(b) The student transfers from a home school within one calendar year after:

(1) Participating in non-school athletics (e.g., AAU, American Legion, club team, or other non-

school teams) on a team affiliated with the school to which the student transfers or may

represent under Rule 8.5. – School Representation or Article 6.5. Cooperative Sponsorship,

AND/OR

(2) Receiving athletic or activities instruction, including weight training and conditioning, from a

person affiliated with the school to which the student transfers or may represent under Rule

8.5. – School Representation or Article 6.5. Cooperative Sponsorship.

EXCEPTION: The eligibility of a home school student who transfers to or from a public or private school

at which the student has previously been a participant in a school sport or activity or was eligible to

participate in a school sport or activity is not affected by this rule for said sport or activity.

1. Q. At what point is a student considered a member of a non-school affiliated team?

A. If a student participates in a practice or contest, that student is considered a team member and is a part of the

roster.

2. Q. What constitutes a “team affiliated with the school”?

A. A team is considered to be “affiliated with the school” if more than half the number of students on the team’s

roster or regularly participating in practices or contests are from that school.

3. Q. Who is considered to be a part of the school coaching staff?

A. A coach (paid or volunteer) is anyone involved in coaching a team that has contact with students more than three

times in a sports season.

4. Q. Does Transfer Rule 8.6.5. apply to incoming 9th graders?

A. No, all students are eligible when they enter the beginning year of a four-year (grades 9-12) high school for the

first time.

5. Q. How may a student document that the transfer process was initiated prior to participating on a non-school team

associated with the school to which the student is transferring?

A. The student should complete the “Student Intent to Transfer Certificate,” or its substantial equivalent, prior to

participation at the school to which the student is transferring.

6. Q. If a student receives instruction from a coach, then the coach moves to a different school, may the student

transfer to the “new” school of the coach without jeopardizing their eligibility?

A. No. The student’s eligibility may be in jeopardy if the student transfers to the school where that coach currently

coaches regardless of whether the coach’s current school is where the coach was employed at the time of the

instruction. The student’s potential ineligibility is linked to the coach from whom instruction was received, not to

the school of the coach at the time of the instruction.

7. Q. Under Transfer Rule 8.6.5., if a student receives instruction from a coach who is also their parent, then the

coach/parent moves to a different school, may the student transfer to the “new” school of the coach/parent

without jeopardizing their eligibility?

A. Yes, provided that within the last calendar year the student has not received instruction from any other person

affiliated with the school to which the student transfers and/or the student has not participated on a team

affiliated with the school to which the student transfers.

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8. Q. Does receiving athletic instruction or attending a camp or clinic at which a person affiliated with the school to

which a student transfers place the student’s eligibility in jeopardy under Rule 8.6.5.?

A. Yes. Further, any time a student and coach attend the same camp, instruction is considered to have taken place.

9. Q. If less than one calendar year has passed since a student-received instruction from a coach and the student

transfers to the school of that coach, is the student eligible?

A. No. The period of ineligibility for a student who transfers to a school with which an instructor is affiliated (or with

which a non-school team is affiliated) is one calendar year from the last time the student received instruction

from the coach (or played for the school). For example, if the student transfers to the school within one calendar

year of receiving instruction, the student is ineligible until one calendar year has passed since the last date of

instruction.

10. Q. If a student is ineligible for one year because the student participated on a non-school team associated with a

school prior to transferring to that school, may the student file a hardship appeal to regain eligibility?

A. If application of the rule will work an undue hardship upon the student due to circumstances beyond the control of

each of the student and the student’s parent(s), the school at which the student wishes to participate may submit

an Eligibility Request Form to the District Committee to petition for reinstatement of eligibility.

11. Q. If a student participates as part of a cooperative sponsorship for one school and then transfers to the other school

in the cooperative sponsorship, does the student remain eligible?

A. No, because the transfer is to a school with affiliation.

12. Q. If a student transfers to a school, or provides notice of intent to transfer, and afterwards a coach from whom the

student has received instruction becomes a coach at the same receiving school, is the student still subject to the

one year of ineligibility from the last date of instruction or participation, because the coach from whom they

received instruction is now at the new school?

A. Yes. The affiliation rule does not depend on whether the student or the coach moves from a common school first.

If a student received instruction from a coach, then for one year from the last date of that instruction, the student

is ineligible to compete at another school if the coach from whom they received instruction becomes a coach at

that same new school.

8.6.6. Mid-Year Transfers. A student who transfers during the school year without a move of the student’s

parents is ineligible for one calendar year unless the student becomes eligible at an earlier date

based upon an exception listed in Rule 8.6.3.

EXCEPTION: In the event the transfer is between a full member school and an Associate Member

school, a full member school and home school, an Associate Member school and home school, or an

Associate Member school and an Associate Member school, and the school of representation

pursuant to Rule 8.5.1 (a) and (d) does not change, the student remains eligible to participate at the

school of representation.

1. Q. What is the period of ineligibility for a student that transfers mid-year from a full member public school to a full

member private school?

A. Though a mid-year transfer typically carries a one calendar year period of ineligibility, a student in this situation

may be eligible at the beginning of the next school year, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements,

because the transfer would have been legal had it occurred between school years.

8.6.7. Period of Ineligibility. Except as otherwise provided in the Rules of the Association, any transfer

resulting in ineligibility of the student renders the student ineligible for one calendar year.

8.6.8. Transfer Hardship Appeals Procedure. The District Committee may in individual cases, at its

discretion, waive or modify the eligibility rules regarding transfer, other than transfers involving

home schools (except in the circumstances described below), international students or alleged

undue influence, when in its opinion there are circumstances beyond the control of each of the

student and the student’s parent(s), or other circumstances whereby enforcement of the rule would

work an undue hardship upon the student. See Executive Board Policies, “Eligibility – District

Committee” for additional information.

Except where the denial of eligibility of a home school student is based upon Oregon statutory or

regulatory requirements, the District Committee may in individual cases, at its discretion, waive or

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modify the eligibility rules regarding transfers involving home schools when in its opinion there are

circumstances beyond the control of each of the student and the student’s parent(s), or other

circumstances whereby enforcement of the rule would work an undue hardship upon the student.

Other eligibility considerations, including academic eligibility, shall be considered by the District

Committee when ruling on transfer eligibility requests.

Transfer cases that involve fifth year eligibility, age requests, international student eligibility or

alleged undue influence must go directly to the Executive Director.

In the case of an international student attending a member school under the auspices of a non-CSIET

approved program, the Executive Director may consider whether the program is a long-standing

school or community exchange program when ruling upon the appeal.

Decisions of the District Committee, which deny eligibility, may be appealed to the Eligibility Appeals

Board. See Executive Board Policies, “Eligibility Appeal Filing Fee” and “Eligibility Appeals Board” for

additional information.

A decision by the Eligibility Appeals Board denying eligibility may be appealed to a Hearings Officer

under Rule 9, “Hearings Officer.”

1. Q. When a student transfers to a new school at the time it opens or to a school that becomes coeducational at the

time it becomes coeducational, is that student eligible?

A. Yes. The student is eligible provided the student maintains a Joint Residence within the attendance boundaries

of the school district in which the new school is located.

2. Q. A school drops an activity from its program, so a student transfers to another school that has the activity. The

parents do not move from one school district to another in connection with the transfer. What is the student's

eligibility status?

A. This student will be ineligible for a period of one year from the date of their transfer.

3. Q. How does legal guardianship apply to OSAA eligibility?

A. Historically, guardianships have frequently been used to attempt to avoid the Fundamental Rule of the OSAA that a student

only attends school in the district in which the student’s parents reside. Consequently, the appointment of a legal guardian

alone is not recognized as an exception to the fundamental rule. If a student resides with anyone other than the student’s

parents, and eligibility is sought in any district other than the one in which the student’s parents reside, the school must

apply for eligibility for the student by submitting an Eligibility Request Form to the District Committee, setting forth the

circumstances justifying a hardship exception to the fundamental rule. Under no circumstances will the appointment of a

guardian be tolerated as a device to circumvent the eligibility rules of OSAA.

4. Q. May a student who is ineligible under Rule 8.6. practice with a school team?

A. Yes, provided local school board policy permits. OSAA rules prohibit any ineligible student from participating in

or dressing for an interscholastic contest.

5. Q. At what point is a student considered to have transferred to another school?

A. A student is considered to have transferred to another school if the student attends classes (or studies at a home

school) or participates in any practices or interscholastic activities at another high school. See Rules, Rule 8.10.4.,

“Definitions.”

8.7. Undue Influence.

Rule: Despite compliance with the other provisions of these Rules, any student who attends a member high

school as a result of undue influence as defined in these Rules, is ineligible for a minimum of one year. Violation

of the Undue Influence Rule can also result in penalties to the school, athletic program, and ineligibility for a

coach set out in Rule 5. The penalty and any additional period of ineligibility will be determined by the Executive

Director based on a consideration of the number of violations involved, the number of student-athletes

involved, the nature of the violation(s), the individual(s) responsible for the violation(s), and the extent to which

the violation may have been knowing, deliberate, or in reckless disregard of the provisions of this rule and the

commentary that accompanies this rule.

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For purposes of this Rule, "undue influence" is the attempt by any person (including but not limited to coaches,

boosters, teachers, administrators, students, parents, alumni) to induce a student (via in-person contact,

phone, text, social media platforms, email, or the like) to attend a public or private member school or become

eligible to represent a public or private school for purposes of athletic or activities participation.

(a) Undue influence includes, but is not limited to the offer or acceptance of:

(1) Recruiting to a particular school for the purposes of athletic or activities participation.

(2) Financial assistance (including free or reduced tuition) provided based on a student’s

potential or participation in OSAA-sanctioned activities.

(3) Promising employment or any other financial benefit to the student or any member of the

student's family, including payment for work that is not performed or that is in excess of

the amount regularly paid for such service.

(4) Free or reduced rent for families, including residence with any school connected person.

(5) Transportation by any school connected person.

(6) Any privilege not afforded to non-athletes.

(7) Help in securing or promising a college athletic scholarship.

It shall not be considered undue influence for authorized representatives of a private high school to contact

students attending private feeder schools to induce their attendance at the private high school or for authorized

representatives of public high schools to so contact students within that public high school's attendance

boundaries.

Rationale: The objective of the Undue Influence rule is to prevent member schools, and persons affiliated with

a member school, from exerting an undue influence on students with a goal of securing or retaining a student

for athletic or activities purposes. This rule serves the substantial interests of Association members of

prioritizing academics over competition, protecting young students from exploitation, ensuring an even playing

field among competing schools, providing for equitable competition in Association athletics and activities, and

protecting the physical welfare of students engaging in contact sports.

1. Q. Does the undue influence rule apply only during the Association Year?

A. No. The undue influence rule applies at all times.

2. Q. Does the undue influence rule apply prior to attending high school?

A. Yes.

3. Q. Is it considered undue influence to initiate contact with a student from another school at any game or contest for

the purpose of discussing athletic or activities programs?

A. Yes. Any contact initiated by a coach or other school representative with a student from another school for the

purpose of athletic or activities recruitment is considered undue influence.

4. Q. Is it considered undue influence for a school to send recruiting letters to students who already are enrolled in a

high school?

A. Yes.

5. Q. Is it considered undue influence for a private school to send general information letters to students enrolled in

public middle schools?

A. Yes. Private schools are only allowed to send general information letters to large groups of students in their own

feeder systems. Private schools are not allowed to send a general information letter to a student currently

enrolled in a public feeder school unless the family of the student has specifically requested information about

the private school.

6. Q. Is it considered undue influence for a school representative to discuss that school's athletic or activities program

with a visiting student?

A. It would not be considered undue influence if the student had contacted the school first to request information

about the athletic or activities program.

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7. Q. Is it considered undue influence for a school representative to contact an athlete or activities participant in a

multiple high school district about enrolling in another school in that district primarily for the purpose of athletics

or activities?

A. Yes.

8. Q. What are other examples of undue influence?

A. If selected individuals are offered free transportation, invited to attend practice or games, or offered or awarded

any privileges or considerations not offered to other students, whether athletes or non-athletes, those offers, or

awards would be examples of undue influence.

9. Q. What are some allowable practices that would not be considered undue influence?

A. 1) Visits to junior high and/or middle schools by invitation, conducted by approved school representatives. 2)

Open houses. 3) Broad-based informational mailings to students in that school’s feeder system. 4) Sports clinics

with open registration.

10. Q. Is it permissible for a school to have “Sports Night” or a similar event at which all members of youth teams in that

school’s feeder system are allowed free entry to athletic contests at the school?

A. So long as free entry is afforded to ALL team members and not limited to selected athletes, such an event would

not be considered a violation of the Undue Influence rule.

11. Q. Is it considered undue influence if a private school sends information to individual elementary/middle school

athletes or activities participants?

A. Yes. Informational materials may be sent by a private school to ALL the team members and/or participants in

that school’s feeder system but may not be sent only to an individual athlete or activities participants unless the

family of the student has specifically requested information about the private school.

8.8. Misrepresentation. Misrepresentation, such as an incorrect address, or participating under an assumed name

in any interscholastic contest, shall make the student ineligible for the remainder of that sport season and for

any additional period of time determined by the Executive Board, and in addition, the school shall be subject

to any further penalty under Rule 5 the Executive Board may impose.

8.9. Hardship. (Eligibility Request Form)

8.9.1. All Other Requests (Except Transfer, Fifth Year and Age Requests).

The Executive Director, in individual cases may, at their discretion, and upon terms and conditions as

they may impose, waive or modify any eligibility rule, except the transfer, fifth year and age rules,

when in their opinion there are circumstances beyond the control of each of the student and the

student’s parent(s), or other circumstances whereby enforcement of the rule would work an undue

hardship upon the student.

A decision of the Executive Director denying eligibility may be appealed to the Executive Board.

A decision of the Executive Board denying eligibility may be appealed to a Hearings Officer under

Rule 9, “Hearings Officer.”

1. Q. Will hardship requests involving future eligibility be considered by the Executive Director, Executive Board, or a

District Committee (transfer and discrimination only)?

A. Generally, no. The student must actually be in an ineligible status before any hardship request will be considered

except as otherwise provided by Rules 8.2.4 and 8.3.1.

2. Q. May a student who is ineligible practice with a school team?

A. Yes, provided local school board policy permits. OSAA rules prohibit any ineligible student from participating in or

dressing for an interscholastic contest.

3. Q. May an ineligible student sit with a school team on the bench and perform managerial duties?

A. Yes, within the limits of any local school board policy. The student is prohibited from participating in pre-game

warm-ups or appearing on the team bench in uniform.

4. Q. May the District Committee or the Executive Director consider a hardship appeal from a home school student

who is ineligible under OSAA transfer rules?

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A. Neither the District Committee nor the Executive Director may consider a home school student's hardship appeal

if the ineligibility is as a result of requirements set out in Oregon law or Administrative Rules adopted by the

Department of Education, e.g., the student seeks to participate for a school in whose attendance boundaries the

student does not reside, or the student does not achieve a composite test score that places the student at or

above the 23rd percentile based on national norms. See ORS 339.460. However, the District Committee or the

Executive Director may consider a home school student's hardship appeal if the ineligibility is as a result of an

OSAA regulation that is not required by Oregon law or Administrative Rules.

5. Q. May a second hardship appeal be brought to either the District Committee or the Executive Director based on the

same set of facts?

A. No.

8.10. Definitions. For purposes of these Rules, the following definitions apply:

8.10.1. "Joint Residence" is the place where both the student and the student's parents reside (or, if the

student is a ward of the court, where the student resides pursuant to court order). The student and

the student's parents reside in a place when they occupy a dwelling for all purposes, with the intent

to live there indefinitely and terminate all occupancy of their previous residence. If a student has

only one parent, that student’s Joint Residence is the residence of that student and their parent.

8.10.2. A “home school student” is a student described in ORS 339.030(3), who has met the requirements

established under ORS 339.035.

8.10.3. A student “resides on campus at a member boarding school” when the student lives in a residence

owned by the school district or leased by the school district and approved by the Executive Director.

8.10.4. A student “transfers” if the student attended classes (or studied at a home school) or participated

in any practices or interscholastic activities at another high school.

8.10.5. “Between school years” is after the end of an Association Year and before a student participates in

practice or attends classes during the next Association Year.

8.10.6. A “Reciprocal Transfer Agreement” is an inter-district agreement between two school districts that

transfers funding from one district to another under ORS 339.133 (5) (a).

8.10.7. A team is considered to be “affiliated with the school” if:

(a) The team is organized by and/or coached by any coach, booster, teacher, administrator, parent,

or any other person associated with that school, and/or

(b) The majority of the members of the team are students who attend that school or who represent

that school in that team’s activity.

8.10.8. A person is considered to be “affiliated with the school” if that person is a coach, booster, teacher,

administrator, parent, or any other person associated with that school.

9. Rule 9 – Hearings Officer

9.1. Appointment. The Executive Board shall appoint one or more Hearings Officers to whom all final

determinations of the Association, including decisions made by the Executive Board and the Eligibility Appeals

Board, may be appealed.

9.2. Appeals Procedure.

9.2.1. A final determination of the Association declaring a student ineligible under Rule 8 may be appealed

by a member school, the student declared to be ineligible, or the student’s parent or guardian.

9.2.2. A final determination of the Association regarding all matters other than eligibility determinations

may be appealed only by a member school.

9.2.3. A party may appeal a final determination by making a written complaint to Association staff, as

provided in Rule 9.4. A party must exhaust this administrative remedy prior to seeking relief in any

other forum or by any other means. The written complaint must be received by Association staff

within 30 calendar days of the final determination of the Association, or the right to appeal is

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forfeited. The Hearings Officer shall cause the appropriate hearing notices to be served and, the

matter heard as a contested case in accordance with ORS 183.411 to ORS 183.470 except that

appeals from the decisions of the Executive Board with respect to classification and districting shall

be heard as an appeal on the administrative record, with the standard of review for substantial

evidence, based upon the arguments and evidence presented by the school(s) to the Classification

and Districting Committee. The hearing shall be held at the office of the Association in Wilsonville,

Oregon or by telephone, at the discretion of the Hearings Officer. Parties or witnesses may appear

by telephone, at the discretion of the Hearings Officer.

9.3. Final Determination. A final determination as described in section 9.2 occurs upon a final ruling made by the

Association, including a conclusive ineligibility ruling made by the Executive Board or the Eligibility Appeals

Board.

9.4. Complaint. A written complaint made to the Association staff shall include an appeal fee of as set forth in

section 9.5 below and state:

9.4.1. The name and address of the person making the complaint and the name of the student(s) affected,

when applicable. If a member school is making the complaint, the complaint shall include a

statement that the petitioner is an authorized representative of the member school;

9.4.2. A statement describing the way in which the petitioner asserts that the determination of the

Association violates a state or federal law, an administrative rule, or the Regulations of the OSAA,

and with respect to appeals other than classification and districting appeals, whether the petitioner

wishes to provide additional evidence beyond that which was produced previously, and if so, what

that evidence will establish;

9.4.3. The authority from whose decision the appeal is brought; and

9.4.4. The relief requested.

9.5. Appeals Fees and Costs.

9.5.1. The non-refundable fee for an appeal under section 9.2.1. above is $250.

9.5.2. The non-refundable fee for an appeal under section 9.2.2. is $500. The appealing school shall also

be responsible for half of the Hearings Officer’s actual fees and costs.

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TRANSFER STUDENT or TRANSFER STUDENT WITH GRADE DEFICIENCY

Eligible

Ineligible

Complete Eligible Student Transfer Certificate

and maintain at school.

File Eligibility Request with District Committee

Denied - Ineligible

Approved - Eligible

Appeal to Eligibility Appeals Board

Approved – Eligible

Denied - Ineligible

Appeal to Hearings Officer

Approved - Eligible Denied - Ineligible

ALL OTHER REQUESTS

Grade Deficiency Only / Fifth Year* / Age* / Satisfactory Progress Toward Graduation* / International Students (Non-CSIET)*

Ineligible

File Eligibility Request with Executive Director

*All requests involving Fifth Year, Age, Satisfactory Progress Toward Graduation, or International Students

(Non-CSIIET) must be filed with the Executive Director.

Denied - Ineligible Approved - Eligible

Appeal to Executive Board

Approved – Eligible

Denied - Ineligible

Appeal to Hearings Officer

All Other Cases

Approved - Eligible

Denied - Ineligible

OSAA ELIGIBILITY FLOW CHART

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MUSIC RULES (Band/Orchestra Handbook) (Choir Handbook) (Solo Music Handbook)

The Music Rules for the Association are the same as the Rules listed in the OSAA Handbook with the following exceptions:

1. Rule 1 – Responsibility of the Member School and Principal

1.4. Athletic Director and Coach Certification. Certification of Coach Eligibility does not apply to music directors.

1. Q. Must an authorized representative be present with each group or participant at each music event?

A. Yes, the principal or their authorized representative must be present at each music event.

2. Rule 2 – Officials

2.1. The Band/Orchestra, Choir and Solo Music Handbooks shall govern the adjudicating of all competitive state

music events and OSAA League/Special District and/or OMEA District qualifying events.

2.2. Adjudicators for state events shall be recommended by the State Championships Directors. The OSAA shall

approve adjudicators for state events.

2.3. Adjudicators for OSAA League/Special District and/or OMEA District qualifying events shall be selected by local

contest chair.

1. Q. Must OSAA Leagues/Special Districts and/or OMEA Districts, invitational or local contests and festivals follow the

Band/Orchestra, Choir and Solo Music Handbooks in their contest format?

A. Only if they wish to enable schools to qualify for a state event. The handbook format has flexible

recommendations that could be used regardless of local festival philosophy or needs, e.g., competitive vs. non-

competitive.

2. Q. Must all adjudicators be selected from the OMEA "approved" lists?

A. No, unless schools wish to qualify for a state event. If state qualification is desired, certified adjudicators must be

used. Exceptions may be made for out-of-state adjudicators by OSAA approval.

3. Rule 3 – Contests – Sportsmanship – Crowd Control

1. Q. Would full member schools be permitted to participate with OSAA schools that have not elected to participate in

state music competitions?

A. Yes.

2. Q. May a band and choir from the same school participate in the state band and choral events?

A. Yes. They are separate activities. A school may also enter both a full and a string orchestra.

NOTE: Rule 4 and Rule 5 are the same as stated in the Rules section.

6. Rule 6 – Association Sports / Activities.

6.6. Music events sanctioned by the OSAA may take place throughout the Association Year.

6.8. There shall be no limits on the number of music events in which schools may participate, other than those

imposed by the individual school districts.

1. Q. (Solo Music Only) Must league, invitational or local music activities be registered by OSAA?

A. Music events in Oregon involving Oregon schools only shall be registered with OMEA and acknowledged by OSAA.

Music events in Oregon involving out-of-state schools must apply to the OSAA for interstate sanction; application

forms are available from the OSAA.

7. Rule 7 – Out-of-Season and Non-School Activities

7.1. Individuals and groups of students from a member school may participate in summer instructional, recreational,

or competitive music programs, except during Moratorium Week.

8. Rule 8 – Individual Eligibility

Individual eligibility rules to be satisfied by a music student in order to represent their full member school in competitive

Choir, Band and Orchestra music activities are the same as for any other OSAA sport or activity with the following additional

rules.

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8.1. School Music Class Participation Requirement. An eligible music student shall be enrolled in the class for an

appropriate performing ensemble at the full member school to participate in competitive Choir, Band and

Orchestra music activities.

EXAMPLES:

Vocalists shall be enrolled in a choir class.

Woodwind/Brass/Percussion players shall be enrolled in a band class.

String players shall be enrolled in a string/orchestra class or band class in the case of double bass players

performing with a band or if a school does not offer a strings class.

Vocalists performing a vocal part with a band / orchestra shall be enrolled in the band, orchestra, or choir class.

8.2. 3A, 2A, 1A Band/Orchestra/Choir Exception. For 3A, 2A and 1A schools, students in the 7th and/or 8th grades

of feeder schools may represent the high school they will be attending in Choir, Band and Orchestra

competitions.

1. Q. If a student musician is not enrolled in the “appropriate performance ensemble” class available at the full member

school, may that student musician participate at the league large group (Choir, Band, Orchestra) music contest or

OSAA large group (Choir, Band, Orchestra) music contest representing the school?

A. No.

2. Q. Must a home school or Associate Member school student be enrolled in the “appropriate performance ensemble”

at their resident public school to be eligible for competitive Choir, Band and Orchestra music activities?

A. Yes.

3. Q. Must a student participating in an event which the school will use to qualify for state competition be eligible to

participate in that event?

A. Yes.

4. Q. If a student musician is not enrolled in the “appropriate performance ensemble” class available at the full member

school they wish to represent, may that student musician participate at the OMEA district or OSAA Solo Music

State Championships representing that school?

A. Yes, provided they meet all other OSAA eligibility requirements. There is no music class requirement for Solo

Music participation.

5. Q. What are examples of competitive music activities at which attendees are required to satisfy OSAA individual

eligibility rules?

A. Any performance at which judges/adjudicators declare a winner and publish rankings of performance that include

the identification of the performers is considered a music competition regardless of whether the performance is

by a group or is a solo performance.

6. Q. What are examples of music performances that are not considered competitions, so the OSAA individual eligibility

rules would not apply?

A. If communicated to the event organizer in advance of the performance, a performance by a group or soloist is not

considered a music competition if:

1) there are no judges / adjudicators present or,

2) judges / adjudicators are present, and performers receive “comments only” (no score is given) or,

3) judges / adjudicators are present, scores are given but no winner is declared, and no recap sheet of any kind

is published.

However, if a group or soloist is performing at an event of this kind with the intent of qualifying for OSAA state

level competition that group’s or soloist’s performance would be considered a competition and individual

eligibility rules would apply. School music performances such as concerts, pep assemblies, football games, etc.

are not considered music competitions, nor are pep band performances at the lower classification basketball

championships where community representatives sometimes provide awards.

7. Q. Do OSAA individual eligibility rules apply only to a school’s top group/students (Solo Music / Choir / Band / Orchestra)?

A. No. Any group or student who participates in a competitive Solo Music, Choir, Band and Orchestra music

activity is governed by OSAA individual eligibility rules regardless of the performance level.

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SPEECH RULES (Speech Handbook)

The Speech Rules for the Association are the same as the Rules listed in the OSAA Handbook with the following exceptions:

1. Rule 1 – Responsibility of the Member School and Principal

1.4. Athletic Director and Coach Certification. Certification of Coach Eligibility does not apply to speech coaches.

1. Q. Must an authorized representative be present with each team at each event?

A. Yes, the principal or their authorized representative must be present at each event.

2. Rule 2 - Judges

2.1. The Speech Handbook shall govern the judging of all district and state speech activities except as defined by

this rule.

2.2. Judges shall be chosen by the host school or school designate.

NOTE: Rule 3, Rule 4 and Rule 5 are the same as stated in the Rules section.

6. Rule 6 – Association Activities.

6.6. The Speech year starts on the first day of the Association Year and ends after the State Championships, except

for those schools participating in the National Speech and Debate Association Tournament.

6.8. Each school may attend no more than 20 speech tournaments per year, not counting the National Speech and

Debate Association, district tournament or state championships.

7. Rule 7 – Out-of-Season and Non-School Activities

7.1. Member schools may not enter a team or individual participant in any contest other than those which have

received approval from the OSAA, except local level, single community events.

7.2. Any organization, local or state, contemplating such a contest should write to the OSAA and ask the Executive

Director in charge of activities for an application.

1. Q. May a school participate in an invitational speech tournament without being registered with the OSAA to

participate in speech activities?

A. Yes, but the school would not be eligible for the speech district or state championships.

2. Q. Must national and state level speaking contests be sanctioned by the OSAA?

A. All speech tournaments in Oregon must be sanctioned by the OSAA. The OSAA exercises no jurisdiction over

national speaking contests. School may also wish to refer to the NASSP advisory list for nationally approved

contests.

8. Rule 8 – Individual Eligibility

Individual eligibility rules to be satisfied by a student in order to represent their school in competitive speech activities are

the same as for any other OSAA sport or activity.

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EXECUTIVE BOARD POLICIES

Pursuant to its authority under Article 5.3. of the OSAA Constitution, the Executive Board has adopted the following policies.

1. AD HOC COMMITTEE PROCEDURES (Revised September 2020)

The following policy for the appointment of ad hoc committees and committee meetings is in effect:

A. Committees will be appointed by the president of the association with an effort to achieve gender, ethnic,

classification and geographical balance.

B. Ad hoc committees will meet for a specified purpose determined by the Executive Board or Delegate Assembly of the

association. Upon completion of its assigned task, as determined by the Executive Board or by the Delegate Assembly,

a committee automatically is terminated.

C. The size of committees will be limited, keeping in mind the complexity of the assigned task and the costs involved with

larger groups.

D. The frequency of meetings will be limited to a reasonable number to accomplish the purpose of the committee.

E. An OSAA executive staff member will attend all meetings unless approved otherwise by the Executive Director.

F. All correspondence will be directed through the OSAA office.

G. All expenditures will be approved in advance by the Executive Director.

2. ADDING A NEW SPORT/ACTIVITY (Adding a New Sport/Activity after the Deadline) (Revised September 2022)

A. Adding a New Sport/Activity prior to Executive Board Adoption of Sport/Activity Specific Regular and Special Districts.

1) Any full member school may add a sport/activity by indicating sponsorship of the sport/activity on the Pre-

Selection Survey submitted to the OSAA prior to Executive Board adoption of sport/activity specific regular and

special districts.

2) The Executive Board Meetings at which the sport/activity specific regular and special districts are adopted are:

a) Fall Sports/Activities. December Executive Board Meeting.

b) Winter Sports/Activities. February Executive Board Meeting.

c) Spring Sports/Activities. May Executive Board Meeting.

3) If the OSAA is notified of the addition of the sport/activity prior to the above listed Executive Board meeting for

the season of that sport/activity, the school’s team in that sport/activity shall be eligible for district or state

honors, and league approval is not required for the addition of the sport/activity.

B. Adding a New Sport/Activity after Executive Board Adoption of Sport/Activity Specific Regular and Special Districts.

1) Should a full member school wish to add a new sport/activity after Executive Board adoption of sport/activity

specific regular and special districts, and the school wishes the team to be eligible for district and state honors,

the following procedure shall be followed:

a) The school shall complete and submit to the OSAA an “Adding a New Sport/Activity after the Deadline” form.

b) The form must include the signature of a representative of the regular or special district in which the team

will be added indicating league support for the addition.

c) The form must be received by the OSAA by the first contest date for that sport/activity.

2) Should a full member school wish to add a new sport/activity after Executive Board adoption of sport/activity

specific regular and special districts, and the school does NOT wish the team to be eligible for district and state

honors, the following procedure shall be followed:

a) The school shall complete and submit to the OSAA an “Adding a New Sport/Activity after the Deadline” form.

b) The signature of a representative of the regular or special district in which the team will be added indicating

league support for the addition is NOT required.

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c) The school shall fill out an Independent Status Petition.

NOTE: A late fee of $150 will be added to the activity fee if an application is received after the first contest date

for that sport/activity.

1. Q. If a school wishes to add a sport/activity, when must it notify the OSAA office of its intentions?

A. In general, if a school wishes to add a sport/activity and be eligible for district or state honors, it must notify the

OSAA office prior to Executive Board adoption of sport/activity specific regular and special districts. However, if

the school has approval from the receiving league/special district, the deadline for sponsorship of a sport/activity

is the first contest date of that sport/activity season.

2. Q. What is the procedure a school should follow to add a sport/activity after the Executive Board adoption, but prior

to the first contest date?

A. A school wishing to add sport/activity after the Executive Board adoption of sport/activity specific regular and

special districts, but prior to the first contest date should request the addition of the sport using the prescribed

OSAA form. The form must be 1) completed and signed by the chairperson of the receiving regular or special

district; 2) submitted to the OSAA prior to the first contest date of that sport/activity season for the school to be

eligible for district or state honors in that sport/activity. The OSAA will invoice the school for the activity fee.

3. ADMINISTRATOR WORKSHOP ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT (2020 Workshop Schedule) (Revised February 2017)

A. Each member school shall ensure that at least one representative participates in one of the annual Administrator

Workshops presented by OSAA staff. Roll shall be taken at the Workshops to confirm compliance with this policy.

B. Should it be determined that a member school failed to have a representative at any of the Administrator Workshops,

that school shall have an administrator view a recorded version of the workshop within five days, receive a $1,000

fine, appear before the Executive Board at their next meeting and be placed on probation during the Association Year

of non-attendance. The Executive Board shall consider the probationary status of the school when assigning penalties

for any violations of OSAA Regulations by the school that might occur during the period of probation.

4. ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS / AREA-WIDE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (May 2020)

There may be times in the interest of minimizing risk due to adverse weather conditions and/or a clear area-wide

emergency that it becomes necessary to postpone, cancel, and/or reschedule regular season or postseason events. The

intent of this policy is to outline procedures and policies to provide guidance to OSAA member schools when such

conditions impact an event.

A. Regular Season Events

1) Administrators have the responsibility to define and communicate contingency plans in the event of adverse

weather conditions and/or a clear area-wide emergency. A stepwise progression that places emphasis on

minimizing risk for athletes, coaches, contest staff, spectators, and contest officials will be used to help guide

decision makers on the appropriate course of action.

2) The following steps shall be taken:

a) Suspend the Event: NFHS rules allow officials to “delay” or “suspend” any contest where factors may

endanger the participants. At no time may officials “terminate” a contest between schools unless

administrators or representatives from each school mutually agree to end the contest. If the participating

schools involved mutually agree to end the game the contest will be considered complete. Officials should

use the following guidelines when choosing to suspend a contest:

Starting Time of the Event

8am to 12pm

12:01pm to 3:30pm

3:31pm to 6pm

After 6pm

Maximum Suspension

3 hours

2 hours

1.5 hours

1 hour

b) Modify the Event: NFHS rules in most athletics and activities allow for modifications to timing and structure,

if necessary, with mutual agreement of participating schools, to address factors that may endanger the

participants.

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c) Reschedule the Event: When situations arise involving a suspension of play and the participating schools

cannot reach mutual agreement on ending the contest, the following steps shall be taken:

(1) Convene a meeting between representatives from participating teams;

(2) Review and record contest details up to the point of suspension;

(3) Review each of the following options;

Option

Implication

Contest Result

Schools agree to reschedule contest

during the current game week (i.e., Friday

game, continued on Saturday or Sunday).

See Executive Board Policy,

“Interrupted Contests” procedures for

specific sport/activity.

Upon conclusion result

is final.

Schools agree to reschedule contest

during a future game week (i.e., Friday

game, continued on following Tuesday).

See Executive Board Policy,

“Interrupted Contests” procedures for

specific sport/activity.

Upon conclusion result

is final.

Schools cannot reach agreement on when

to reschedule contest.

Contest is suspended.

No Result.

d) Cancel the Event: Cancelling the contest is not an option if the cancellation has a bearing on advancing a

team(s) to the final site.

B. OSAA Final Site Events

1) A culminating event shall be defined as the event(s) conducted at the final site only. Early round contests and

district qualifying tournaments should follow the stepwise progression listed in part A.

2) School personnel have the responsibility of making alternative travel plans to final sites based upon adverse

weather forecasts and any other pertinent information. It shall be the responsibility of the participating school(s)

to notify the OSAA Executive Director or OSAA staff designee if the school is having difficulty traveling to the final

site and may not arrive in time for the scheduled event(s) due to adverse weather conditions or a clear area-wide

emergency.

C. Championship Final Site Specifics

1) If a team/individual is unable to arrive at a final site for their scheduled competition due to adverse weather

conditions or a clear area-wide emergency, that team/individual will be allowed to participate in their scheduled

event provided they arrive at the site and are able to compete on the day of their scheduled event. In this situation

the OSAA Executive Director or OSAA staff designee, shall adjust the schedule of the event for the purpose of

allowing maximum participation for all qualified schools when these conditions are present. If the team/individual

is unable to arrive to compete on the day of their event, and NFHS playing rules allow the modification, a forfeit

is recorded and that team/individual shall move into the consolation bracket or be dropped from competition,

whichever is applicable to the event.

2) When the number of teams/individuals unable to reach the final site for their scheduled event due to adverse

weather conditions or a clear area-wide emergency exceeds 25% of those participating, the OSAA Executive

Director or OSAA staff designee, shall consider postponement or cancellation of all or part of the event. An

alternative schedule shall be determined by the OSAA Executive Director or OSAA staff designee. Should the need

arise for the schedule of a final site to be altered the next available date, including Sunday, will be used.

3) For the purpose of this policy, the TOTAL number of teams/individuals scheduled to attend the final site for that

classification shall be the number used from which to obtain the percentage of those needed, regardless of the

total number of classifications scheduled to attend the event.

4) Note: For the purpose of this policy, when the percentage used results in a number that is not a whole number,

the number shall be rounded up to the next whole number. For example, if a tournament is being held for 30

teams, 25% of the total would be 7.5 which would be rounded up to 8.

D. Procedures to Follow If Contests at The Final Site Are Rescheduled

1) The OSAA Executive Director or OSAA staff designee has the final authority on final site contest rescheduling.

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2) If contests are rescheduled on the same day as originally scheduled but at a different site, the semifinal and

championship contests will be scheduled at the same time or later than originally scheduled.

3) Time between contests may be shortened. Example: If contests were originally scheduled at two-hour intervals,

they may be rescheduled at one and one half-hour intervals.

4) Individuals/teams shall be granted a minimum of 20 minutes for rest between contests.

5) Whenever possible, contests played on the final day of the tournament shall be scheduled to allow

individuals/teams to return to their home community that day.

6) If during the last scheduled day at the final site, contests are unable to be restarted requiring postponement

overnight, only those individuals/teams still in contention for the championship will continue play.

Individuals/teams not in contention for the championship shall be awarded a tie for the highest placing that could

have been earned if postponement had not been necessary.

E. Ticket revenue might not be refunded in the event the schedule and/or day(s) of the event are changed due to adverse

weather conditions or a clear area-wide emergency.

5. AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES (Revised February 2024)

These guidelines, created in consultation with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Department of

Environmental Quality (DEQ), provide a default policy to those responsible or sharing duties for making decisions

concerning the cancellation, suspension and/or restarting of practices and contests based on poor air quality.

A. Designate Personnel: Given the random behavior of wind and air currents, air quality may change quickly. Schools

shall designate someone who will monitor the air quality prior to and during outdoor activities. While typically due to

wildfires, schools need to also consider non-wildfire situations if the air quality is unhealthy.

B. Areas near DEQ/AirNow Reporting Stations: The Air Quality Index (AQI) should be monitored throughout the day,

and during an event, to have the best data possible to make informed decisions about conducting practices and

competitions. Schools should always defer to the monitor that is the nearest physical distance to the practice or

contest facility. School personnel shall review the AQI information for all regions throughout the state to determine

if action is necessary (see chart below). Schools shall regularly review the AQI throughout events to assess

deteriorating conditions. School personnel shall use the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map at https://fire.airnow.gov.

This map shows circles for DEQ/AirNow monitors and squares for Purple Air monitors. Purple Air monitors have

been calibrated by EPA to provide data comparable to permanent monitors.

C. Areas without Air Reporting Stations: If air monitoring equipment is not available, member schools should utilize the

5-3-1 Visibility Index to determine air quality.

1) 5-3-1 Visibility Index: Making visual observations using the 5-3-1 Visibility Index is a simple way to estimate air

quality and know what precautions to take. While this method can be useful, you should always use caution and

avoid going outside if visibility is limited, especially if you are sensitive to smoke.

(a) Determine the limit of your visual range by looking for distant targets or familiar landmarks such as

mountains, mesas, hills, or buildings at known distances. The visual range is that point at which these targets

are no longer visible. As a rule of thumb: If you can clearly see the outlines of individual trees on the horizon

it is generally less than five miles away. It is highly recommended that schools use pre-determined landmarks

that were established on a clear day to determine their visual range.

(b) Ideally, the viewing of any distant targets should be made with the sun behind you. Looking into the sun or

at an angle increases the ability of sunlight to reflect off of the smoke, thus making the visibility estimate less

reliable.

5-3-1 Visibility Index, etc.).

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D. Act: This chart will help determine the action needed based on the air quality in your area.

E. Additional Resources: Schools may also refer to OHA’s fact sheet regarding School Outdoor Activities During Wildfire

Events at https://apps.state.or.us/Forms/Served/le8815h.pdf.

F. Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Rules: Schools should familiarize themselves with Oregon

OSHA permanent rules adopted in Summer 2022 regarding reducing heat and wildfire smoke outdoor workplace exposure

for employees. OSHA resources can be accessed here for Heat – https://osha.oregon.gov/pages/topics/heat-

stress.aspx and Wildfires https://osha.oregon.gov/Pages/topics/wildfires.aspx

6. ANTI-HAZING (September 2017)

A. Hazing is defined as willful conduct directed at a student that is intended to physically or emotionally intimidate,

punish, embarrass, humiliate, ridicule, or place any student in a disconcerting position for the purpose of initiation,

affiliation, inclusion or membership in any team or organization.

B. The Oregon School Activities Association believes that hazing has no place in education-based activity programs and

poses a significant risk to the physical and mental welfare of students. Hazing obstructs the development of good

citizens, escalates the risks of participation, negates positive contributions, and destroys respect for self, others, and

the environment. Students participating in education-based activity programs have a right to be safe and free from

hazing.

C. Administrators, coaches, and directors at each member school must take an active role in the prevention of all forms of

hazing by adopting and enforcing strict anti-hazing rules and written policies in accordance with Oregon laws.

7. ATTACHED AND UNATTACHED COMPETITION / EXHIBITION (Revised August 2012)

Following is the policy regarding attached and unattached competition:

Air Quality Index

(AQI)

5-3-1 Visibility

Index

Required Actions for Outdoor Activities

51 -100

5-15 Miles

Athletes who are unusually sensitive to air pollution should consider indoor activities

only. Athletes with asthma should have rescue inhalers readily available and

pretreat before exercise if directed by their healthcare provider. All athletes with

respiratory illness, asthma, lung or heart disease should monitor symptoms and

reduce/cease activity if symptoms arise. Increase rest periods as needed.

101 -150

3-5 Miles

Athletes who are unusually sensitive to air pollution should consider indoor activities

only. Athletes with asthma should have rescue inhalers readily available and

pretreat before exercise if directed by their healthcare provider. All athletes with

respiratory illness, asthma, lung or heart disease should monitor symptoms and

reduce/cease activity if symptoms arise. Athletes with asthma or other lung

deseases, heart conditions or diabetes may need additional rest breaks during

practices / contests. Consider rescheduling to a different time and / or an area with

a lower AQI. Schools should consider the impact of elevated AQI lasting for multiple

days and the impact of prologned exposure for athletes and staff on multiple

practice session days when making decisions. Consider moving practices indoors , if

available. Be aware that, depending on a venue’s ventilation system, indoor air

quality levels can approach outdoor levels.

151 -200

1-3 Miles

All outdoor activities (practice and competition) shall be canceled or moved to an

area with a lower AQI. Move practices indoors, if available. Be aware that,

depending on a venue’s ventilation system, indoor air quality levels can approach

outdoor levels.

>200

1 Mile

All outdoor activities (practice and competition) shall be canceled or moved to an

area with a lower AQI. Move practices indoors, if available. Be aware that,

depending on a venue’s ventilation system, indoor air quality levels can approach

outdoor levels.

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A. A high school team shall not compete against an unattached team (e.g., club team).

B. Students representing a high school shall not compete against unattached individuals.

C. Students shall not represent a high school and participate in a competition or exhibition as unattached on the same

day at the same venue/facility.

8. CAMPS – COMMERCIAL SUMMER CAMPS (Revised Summer 2024)

A. Athletics. The Executive Board recognizes the prerogative of parents to determine the activities of their children

during the summer, non-school period. Participation in a commercial summer camp is strictly a volunteer choice of

the parents, and in no way can a student be required to attend regardless of how fees for participation are covered.

Service clubs, school organizations or schools may pay fees for participation according to their own school and/or

district policies.

B. Student Activities (Dance/Drill, Music, Cheerleading, Speech). Service clubs, school organizations or schools may pay

for student activities participants to attend commercial summer camps. Schools may encourage, but not require

student activities participants to attend commercial summer camps.

9. CERTIFICATION – ATHLETIC DIRECTORS AND COACHES http://www.osaa.org/coaches/requirements (Revised May 2024)

Athletic directors and coaches shall achieve certification in the following areas prior to assuming duties as an athletic director

or coach. The high school principal shall be held accountable for verifying that athletic directors and coaches have been

certified. EXCEPTION: Any emergency exception to an OSAA requirement must be authorized in writing by the OSAA.

A. Interscholastic Coaching Course. The OSAA requires that athletic directors and coaches must either complete the

OSAA Beyond the Scoreboard online course or achieve a passing score on the test included with the NFHS

Fundamentals of Coaching course. This is a one-time requirement.

B. Concussion Recognition and Management Training. The OSAA and Oregon State Law (ORS 336.485) requires that

athletic directors and coaches receive training to learn how to recognize the symptoms of a concussion and how to

seek proper medical treatment for a person suspected of having a concussion. The NFHS’s Concussion in Sports free

course satisfies this requirement. This training is required annually.

C. NFHS Heat Illness Prevention. The OSAA requires that athletic directors and coaches must achieve a passing score on

the test included with the NFHS’s Heat Illness Prevention free course. This training is required once every four years.

D. Anabolic Steroids and Performance-Enhancing Substances Training. The OSAA and Oregon State Law (ORS 342.726)

require that athletic directors and coaches receive training on identifying the components of anabolic steroid abuse

and use and prevention strategies for the use of performance-enhancing substances. This training is required once

every four years.

E. OSAA Interrupting and Preventing Discriminatory Acts Training. The OSAA requires all athletic directors and coaches

complete the OSAA Interrupting and Preventing Acts Training to be prepared to work collaboratively and act if

discriminatory or harassing incident occurs during an interscholastic event. This training is a one-time requirement.

F. Spirit Safety Clinic (Cheerleading and Dance/Drill Coaches Only). The OSAA requires that any cheerleading or

dance/drill coach complete OSAA approved spirit safety training prior to assuming coaching duties and to recertify

annually prior to the beginning of each Association year.

G. OSAA Football Certification.

1) All Football Coaches. The OSAA requires that any football coach complete the OSAA Football Certification prior

to assuming coaching duties and to recertify annually prior to the beginning of each Association year.

2) Player Safety Coaches. Each member school sponsoring football is required to identify a Player Safety Coach.

Each Player Safety Coach Is required to attend an in-person clinic biennially prior to the start of the Association

year that is conducted by a OSAA Football Master Trainer in preparation for implementing and overseeing the

primary components of OSAA Football at their school.

3) OSAA Football Certification required courses: http://www.osaa.org/coaches/requirements

a) Concussion Recognition and Management Training (annually).

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b) NFHS Heat Illness Prevention (annually).

c) NFHS Football Tackling Course (annually).

d) Sudden Cardiac Arrest (annually).

H. Tracking. Schools must maintain an updated email address and certification records through the OSAA website’s

Manage Staff feature for athletic directors and coaches prior to the start of each season. This includes each school’s

athletic director and all coaches, paid and volunteer, for the requirements listed above. Schools failing to maintain

this information are subject to fines, forfeitures, and/or other penalties as determined by the Executive Board.

1. Q. Does certification through the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) satisfy the requirement in Rule 1.4?

A. Yes, so long as the athletic director or coach was certified through ASEP prior to August 1, 2007. Thereafter, the

OSAA Beyond the Scoreboard online course or NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching course will satisfy this

requirement unless an exception is granted in writing by the OSAA.

2. Q. When must a coach be certified?

A. All coaches must be certified prior to assuming coaching duties unless an emergency exception is authorized in

writing by the OSAA. This includes cheerleading coaches, dance/drill coaches and choreographers at schools that

do not participate in competitions.

3. Q. Is certification required of volunteer coaches?

A. Yes.

4. Q. Must a “guest” coach be certified?

A. No, but if the coach has contact with students more than three times in a sport season, the coach shall no longer be

considered a “guest” and must be certified. A non-certified “guest” coach may not serve as a coach at a contest.

5. Q. May a school bring in alumni or other non-high school personnel to scrimmage with teams or individuals as “guest

coaches” if those personnel are limited to student contact on no more than three occasions during the sport season?

A. No. The “guest coach” exception is intended to allow a limited number of visits by a guest instructor; it is NOT

intended to allow coaches to bring in coaches or players to participate in drills or scrimmages against teams or

individuals. Any attempt to circumvent the Participation Limitations by calling practice participants “guest

coaches” would be a violation of OSAA rules.

6. Q. In individual sports, may a parent or non-certified coach accompany a participant to a contest as the school

representative if that person is an authorized representative of the principal?

A. Yes, but the authorized representative may not coach the participant unless specific permission has been

granted in writing by the Executive Director.

7. Q. Does the OSAA require high school coaches to have current first aid certification?

A. No. However, coaches should check with their athletic directors as most high schools have this as a requirement.

8. Q. What is required of a Player Safety Coach (PSC) during the year they attend an in-person PSC clinic in order to be

OSAA Football certified?

A. Coaches attending an in-person PSC clinic are required to complete the following online courses to be OSAA

Football certified during the year they attend an in-person PSC clinic: Concussion Recognition and Training; Heat

Illness Prevention; Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

9. Q. What is required of every football coach, including previously certified PSC coaches, not attending an in-person

PSC clinic in order to be OSAA Football certified?

A. Every football coach, including previously certified PSC coaches, not attending an in-person PSC clinic is required

to complete the following online courses to be OSAA Football certified: Concussion Recognition and Training; Heat

Illness Prevention; NFHS Football Tackling Course; Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

10. CHARITABLE CAUSES (Fall 2012)

The OSAA is supportive of charitable initiatives and has developed guidelines regarding an athletic competition being held

in the name of a charitable cause. Schools may host a contest in recognition of a charitable cause under the following

conditions:

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A. Uniform color must be legal under NFHS rules. Example: Breast cancer awareness pink uniforms would not be legal

in sports that require “white and dark” uniforms because pale pink is neither. Pale pink would be a legal color uniform

in sports that require “LIGHT and dark” uniforms.

B. A permanently attached commemorative patch may be worn but must adhere to NFHS rules in each specific sport.

C. Colored game balls may not be used during competition unless they are legal under NFHS rules. They may be used

during any warm-up period prior to the contest, except in softball and baseball.

D. Basketball Only. Pink headbands or wristbands, not legal under NFHS basketball rules unless pink is a school color,

are allowed. Note that all team members must be uniform in color of headbands or wristbands.

E. Officials may use a colored whistle.

11. CHEMICAL HEALTH POSITION (Revised Fall 2015)

A. The Oregon School Activities Association recognizes that the misuse or abuse of chemicals or substances, including

alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, illegal drugs, e-cigarettes or other nicotine delivery products, prescription medications and

dietary/food supplements can harm the educational experience of high school students, having a negative impact on

behavior, learning, achievement, and character development. Furthermore, the OSAA is opposed to the use of

chemicals or substances for the purpose of obtaining an unsportsmanlike competitive advantage.

B. The OSAA recommends that each of its member schools have, and regularly update, policies regarding

chemical/substance use, in consultation with health care professionals, in order to meet the school’s educational

goals/mission while maintaining the fundamental values of health, safety and sportsmanship. To that end, the OSAA

recommends that all student-athletes and their families consult with their primary health care providers before taking

any medication or supplement. No school personnel or coach should dispense any chemical, substance, drug, or

supplement unless specifically permitted to do so by state regulations and/or school district policy.

C. The OSAA abides by all state laws and district policies pertaining to the use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and illegal

drugs. As a general rule, OSAA activities' sites shall be tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and illegal drug free during OSAA

events. All persons in attendance shall refrain from use of such substances at all OSAA activities and are prohibited

from being influenced or impaired by such substances at all event facilities.

12. COED TEAMS (Revised Summer 2016)

A. School districts are encouraged to continue to provide equal opportunity for boys and girls in all sports.

B. Girls may, at the discretion of the local school administration, participate with boys in any interscholastic activity if there

is no girls’ team or equal opportunity for participation. If girls are permitted to participate on a team designated for boys,

the team shall compete against a designated boys’ team and not against a designated girls’ team.

C. A girl who competes on a boys’ team during the regular season in cross country or golf has the option to either

continue to participate as a member of the boys’ team at the district qualifying event or compete as an individual at

the district qualifying event for girls in that sport provided that the school has registered for that sport with the OSAA.

See Executive Board Policies, “Adding a New Sport/Activity” for more information.

D. If boys are permitted to participate on a team designated for girls, the team shall compete against a designated boys’

team and not against a designated girls’ team.

1. Q. May a girl participate on a baseball team even though the school offers softball?

A. Yes, if approved by the local school administration. The OSAA considers softball and baseball to be different sports.

13. COLLECTIVE SPONSORSHIPS (May 2020)

A. For two or more schools to qualify for collective sponsorship they must meet the following requirements:

1) Definition. Schools in a collective sponsorship share resources but students from these schools must compete as

representatives of the school they attend in all competitions, including district and state championships.

2) Scope. Collective sponsorships may be applied for in the following activities: cross country, swimming, wrestling,

speech, golf, tennis, and track & field.

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3) Who May Apply? Only full member schools may apply for collective sponsorship, not families or individuals.

Schools requesting a collective sponsorship should be located in the same geographic area. Schools requesting

collective sponsorship approval should make every effort to collectively sponsor an activity with the nearest

school that also has difficulty supporting the activity by itself.

4) School Board Approval Requirement. The Governing Boards of the schools involved in the collective sponsorship

shall jointly apply for such sponsorship listing specific reasons for the request.

5) Deadline for Application/Dissolution. The deadline for application or for dissolution for a collective sponsorship

shall be the first contest date of the season.

6) Timeline for Approval. The Executive Board will attempt to act on an application at its next regular meeting

following receipt of the application. However, the Executive Director can make a preliminary decision, subject to

approval by the Executive Board.

7) Duration of Approval. Any approved collective sponsorship shall be limited in duration to the remainder of the

time block per application. If an application for collective sponsorship is granted for multiple years and the schools

choose not to collectively sponsor during any year of the agreement, it will be necessary for the schools to reapply

for permission to collectively sponsor during the remaining term of the agreement.

B. Collective Sponsorship Philosophy. The philosophy that will guide the OSAA Executive Board in reviewing and

approving applications for collective sponsorship of activities is as follows:

1) The Executive Board will attempt to increase the number of students who are participating in activities by making

resources available for students that would not be available in their school because of a lack of numbers or

resources if collective sponsorship did not occur. However, students shall compete as representatives of the

school they attend in all competitions, including district and state championships.

2) The Executive Board would prefer to see projects that combine smaller schools for collective sponsorship of an

activity rather than a small school program combining with a larger school when the smaller school lacks resources

to support the activity alone because of a lack of numbers.

3) Agreements are limited in duration to the remainder of the time block but may be terminated by the Executive

Board under the following conditions:

a) Closing of one of the schools.

b) Valid complaints from surrounding schools concerning recruiting.

c) Complaints from parents, Governing Boards, students, etc.

d) Other valid reasons as determined by the Executive Board.

14. CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT (Revised Summer 2020)

(Medical Release – Return to Participation Following a Concussion) (Medical Release – Return to Learn Following a Concussion)

A. Member School’s Responsibilities (Max’s Law, ORS 336.485, OAR 581-022-0421) (Jenna’s Law, ORS 417.875)

(Qualified Health Care Professional, ORS 336.490)

1) Suspected or Diagnosed Concussion. Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a

concussion following an observed or suspected blow to the head or body, or who has been diagnosed with a

concussion, shall not be permitted to return to that athletic contest or practice, or any other athletic contest or

practice on that same day. In schools which have the services of an athletic trainer licensed by the Oregon Board

of Athletic Trainers, that athletic trainer may determine that an athlete has not exhibited signs, symptoms, or

behaviors consistent with a concussion, and has not suffered a concussion, and return the athlete to play. Athletic

trainers may also work in consultation with a Qualified Health Care Professional (see below) in determining when

an athlete is able to return to play following a concussion.

2) Return to Participation. Until an athlete who has suffered a concussion is no longer experiencing signs,

symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion, and a medical release form signed by a Qualified Health

Care Professional is obtained, the athlete shall not be permitted to return to athletic activity. As of July 1, 2020,

ORS 336.490 requires athletes be cleared by one of these Oregon Qualified Healthcare Professionals: Medical

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Doctor (MD), Osteopathic Doctor (DO), Chiropractic Doctor (DC), Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Nurse Practitioner

(NP), Physician Assistant (PA), Physical Therapist (PT), Occupational Therapist (OT) or Psychologist who is licensed

or registered under the laws of Oregon. Before signing any RTP forms, except for MD and DO signers, course

completion certificates from the Oregon Concussion Return-To-Play Education must be obtained by all DC, ND,

PT and OT and, after July 1, 2021, by all NP, PA, and Psychologists.

3) Private Schools Only. (Concussion-Private School Informed Consent)

On an annual basis prior to participation, private schools shall require each athlete and at least one parent or legal

guardian of the athlete to sign the Concussion – Private School Informed Consent form acknowledging the receipt

of information regarding symptoms and warning signs of concussions. Private schools shall maintain a copy of

each athlete’s signed form on file for review at any time by OSAA staff.

B. Official’s Responsibilities.

An official shall remove an athlete from a contest when that athlete exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent

with a concussion due to an observed or suspected blow to the head or body. The official shall document and notify

the head coach or their designee making sure that the head coach or designee understands that the athlete is being

removed for exhibiting signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion as opposed to behavior, a non-

concussive injury, or other reasons. The official is not responsible for evaluation or management of the athlete after

they are removed from play. The official does not need written permission for an athlete to return nor does the official

need to verify the credentials of the Qualified Health Care Professional who has cleared the athlete to return. The

responsibility of further evaluating and managing the symptomatic athlete falls upon the school and an appropriate

Qualified Health Care Professional.

15. COOPERATIVE SPONSORSHIP (Cooperative Sponsorship Application) (Revised May 2022)

For two or more schools to qualify for cooperative sponsorship as permitted in Article 6.5., they must meet the following

requirements:

A. Who May Apply? Only full member schools may apply for cooperative sponsorship, not families or individuals.

Cooperating schools should be located in the same geographic area. Schools requesting cooperative sponsorship

approval should make every effort to co-sponsor an activity with the nearest school that also has difficulty sponsoring

the activity by itself. Cooperative sponsorship shall be considered only for 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A schools.

EXCEPTION: The Executive Board also may approve cooperative sponsorships involving 4A, 3A, 2A or 1A schools with

a 6A or 5A school if the 4A, 3A, 2A or 1A schools are located in an isolated area, are unable to find a closer 4A, 3A, 2A

or 1A school willing to enter into a cooperative sponsorship agreement, or if the two schools are physically housed in

the same building where students take classes together.

B. Classification. Classification placement for the requested activity will be determined by the total combined ADM of

the schools involved per Article 6.3.

EXCEPTION: If the total combined ADM causes the cooperative team to qualify for a higher classification, the schools

requesting permission for a cooperative team may petition the Executive Board for an exception to this provision. To

be considered for an exception, the combined ADM of the schools involved may not exceed 10% above the

classification cutoff of the largest school. Criteria to be considered in an annual review would include roster size,

number of participants from each school, geographic location, number of classifications between participating schools

and the ability for the schools to host their own teams. Any cooperative sponsorship granted an exception by the

Executive Board will be reviewed on an annual basis.

C. School Board Approval Requirement. The Governing Boards of the schools involved in the cooperative sponsorship

shall jointly apply for such sponsorship listing reasons for the request.

D. Regular or Special District Approval Requirement. Cooperative sponsorship applicants shall obtain approval from the

regular or special district in which the proposed cooperative team will participate and submit the approval form with

the Cooperative Sponsorship Application. Regular and special districts are encouraged to consider the philosophy

discussed at the end of this Executive Board Policy when reviewing requests for support of a cooperative sponsorship

application.

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E. Deadline for Application/Dissolution. The deadline for application or for dissolution for a cooperative sponsorship

shall be the first contest date of the season in which the cooperatively sponsored team is to compete.

F. Timeline for Approval. The Executive Board will attempt to act on an application at its next regular meeting following

receipt of the application. However, the Executive Director can make a decision, subject to approval by the Executive

Board.

G. Duration of Approval. Any approved cooperative sponsorship shall be limited in duration to the remainder of the

time block per application. If an application for cooperative sponsorship is granted for multiple years and the

cooperating schools choose not to cooperatively sponsor a team during any year of the agreement, it will be necessary

for the schools to reapply for permission to cooperatively sponsor a team during the remaining term of the agreement

using the most recent ADM figures available.

Cooperative Sponsorship Philosophy

The philosophy that will guide the OSAA Executive Board in reviewing and approving applications for cooperative

sponsorship of activities is as follows:

A. The Executive Board will attempt to increase the number of students who are participating in activities by making

activities available for students that would not be available in their school because of a lack of numbers if joint

sponsorship did not occur.

B. The Executive Board would prefer to see projects that combine smaller schools for sponsorship of an activity rather

than a small school program combining with a larger school when the smaller school cannot support the activity alone

because of a lack of numbers.

C. Improving the quality of a team (e.g., better won-lost record) will not be a valid criterion in deciding whether approval

should be granted.

D. Agreements are limited in duration to the remainder of the time block but may be terminated by the Executive Board

under the following conditions:

1) Closing of one of the schools.

2) Valid complaints from surrounding schools concerning recruiting.

3) Complaints from parents, Governing Boards, students in cooperating schools, etc.

4) Other valid reasons as determined by the Executive Board.

16. EJECTION POLICIES – COACH EJECTED; CONTEST FORFEITED

If a coach is ejected from a contest and that contest is forfeited, such an incident must be reported to the OSAA office by

the schools involved and by the contest officials. If a coach is ejected and the game is not forfeited, it is the school’s

responsibility to be certain that any such person who assumes the coaching responsibilities in such a situation meets the

requirements of the OSAA and that school district.

17. EJECTION POLICIES – EJECTED PLAYER OR COACH (Ejection Report) (Revised Summer 2024)

A. If a player or coach is ejected by an official, the commissioner of officials shall notify the OSAA and the athletic director

of the school of the ejected player/coach by completing the online ejection report by the next workday. Ejected

coaches must leave the contest immediately and shall remain out of “sight and sound” of the team for the duration

of that contest and any other school contests that day. It shall be the responsibility of the school to disallow the

ejected player or coach from participating during the period of suspension specified in the Regulations, regardless of

whether written notification has been received by the school from the commissioner of officials. Should an ejected

player participate, or an ejected coach remain within “sight and sound” of the team during the period of suspension

specified in the Regulations, and no appeal is pending, that action shall be considered use of an ineligible participant

and shall result in forfeiture of that contest and other penalties as determined by the Executive Board.

B. Additional Requirements Regarding an Ejected Player. In addition to the requirements previously listed in this

policy, an ejected player shall be required to complete the online NFHS course, “Sportsmanship”, within seven

calendar days of the ejection report being finalized. Should a player fail to complete the course requirement within

the time limit stipulated in this policy, the ejection suspension shall be reinstated, and the player shall be ineligible

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to play until the requirement has been fulfilled. Should an ejected player participate in a contest during the

reinstated period of suspension specified in the Regulations that action shall be considered use of an ineligible

participant and shall result in forfeiture of that contest and other penalties as determined by the Executive Board.

C. Additional Requirements Regarding an Ejected Coach. In addition to the requirements previously listed in this policy,

an ejected coach shall be required to complete the online NFHS course, “Teaching and Modeling Behavior”, within

seven calendar days of the school being provided a license to take the course by the OSAA. Should a coach fail to

complete the course requirement within the time limit stipulated in this policy, the ejection suspension shall be

reinstated, and the coach shall be ineligible to coach until the requirement has been fulfilled. Should an ejected coach

remain within “sight and sound” of the team during the reinstated period of suspension specified in the Regulations,

and no appeal is pending, that action shall be considered use of an ineligible participant and shall result in forfeiture

of that contest and other penalties as determined by the Executive Board.

D. Appeal Process. If the principal or the Athletic Director of the ejected coach/player and the commissioner of officials

agree that the suspension should be set aside, the principal may appeal to the Executive Director within 48 hours of

the ejection to set aside the next game suspension portion of the penalty. Unless the commissioner agrees that the

suspension should be set aside, the appeal must be denied by the Executive Director as the final ruling.

Implementation of the next game suspension may be postponed during the time that an appeal is pending.

E. Appeal Process at State Championship final sites where the officials’ crew are from different local Associations. If

the principal or the athletic director from the school of the ejected coach/player and the on-site OSAA staff member

agree that the suspension should be set aside, the principal may appeal to the Executive Director within 24 hours of

the ejection to set aside the next game suspension portion of the penalty. Unless the on-site OSAA staff member

agrees that the suspension should be set aside, the appeal must be denied by the Executive Director as the final ruling.

1. Q. When a player is ejected, may the player remain on the bench?

A. Yes. The player is required to sit out the remainder of the contest but may remain on the bench.

2. Q. When a coach is ejected, must the coach leave the playing area?

A. Yes. The coach must leave the confines of the playing area and grandstands and shall be allowed no further

direct or indirect contact with the team until the contest is completed. In order to avoid direct or indirect contact,

the coach must be “out of sight and sound” of the team. “Out of sight” means the ejected coach cannot view

the contest, cannot communicate with their team, and may not be anywhere in the facility where they can be

seen by any participants (player, coaches, officials) until the officials have left the facility. “Out of sound” means

the ejected coach cannot hear or be heard by any participants (player, coaches, officials), including all forms of

direct or indirect communication, until the officials have left the facility.

3. Q. May a player sit on the bench during a period of suspension?

A. Yes, but the player must not be in uniform.

4. Q. May a coach have any contact with a team at a contest following an ejection or at the contest at which the

suspension is served?

A. No. The coach is allowed no direct or indirect contact with the team during the contest following ejection. In

order to avoid direct or indirect contact, the coach must be “out of sight and sound” of the team. Further, the

coach is allowed no direct or indirect contact with the team at the contest at which the suspension is served nor

is the coach permitted to attend the contest at which the suspension is served.

5. Q. May a coach or participant who has been suspended at one level of competition (e.g., varsity) participate in a

contest at another level during the period of suspension?

A. No.

6. Q. May a coach or participant who has been suspended at one level of competition (e.g., varsity) serve the

suspension in a contest at another level?

A. No.

7. Q. When a coach or player is ejected, when and over what period of time are the ejection period and suspension

period?

A. NOTE: If the ejection occurs in the last contest at a particular level, the suspension carries over to the next contest

at any level in that sport in that season. An ejection due to use of discriminatory language and/or fighting will

result in the suspension period being doubled.

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Sport Ejection Period Suspension Period

Baseball Remainder of that day. Sit out through next contest at that level.

Basketball Remainder of that day. Sit out through next contest at that level.

Football Remainder of that day. Sit out through next contest at that level.

Soccer Remainder of that day. Sit out through next contest at that level.

Softball Remainder of that day. Sit out through next contest at that level.

Volleyball Remainder of that day. Sit out through next playing date at that level.

Wrestling Follow NFHS Rules Book. Sit out through next contest at that level.

8. Q. When does the period of suspension begin?

A. The suspension is served after the ejection has been served. The ejection and suspension may not be served

simultaneously.

9. Q. May a coach or participant ejected from a contest serve the one-game suspension at a jamboree?

A. No, the coach or participant may not count a jamboree as a “contest” for the purpose of serving the period of

suspension. The coach or participant must sit out the jamboree and the next contest at that level of competition.

10. Q. May a suspended coach have contact with team members/other coaches of the team during the period of

suspension on a game day that is a school day?

A. A suspended coach may have contact with team members/other coaches of the team during regular school hours.

However, once the regular school day is over, the coach must be “out of sight and sound” of the team

members/other coaches of the team and have no contact with them until the game is over.

11. Q. May a suspended coach have contact with team members/other coaches of the team during the period of

suspension on a game day that is NOT a school day?

A. The suspended coach may have no contact with team members/other coaches of the team until the game is over.

12. Q. May a suspended coach have any contact with other coaches of the team (for example, via mobile phone or

wireless radio) during a game in which a suspension is being served?

A. No. The suspended coach must be “out of sight and sound” of the contest during which a suspension is served.

13. Q. If a player or coach is ejected during the last contest of the season, does the unserved suspension carry forward

to a subsequent season?

A. No.

14. Q. In basketball, does the ejection of a player or coach as a result of receiving two technical fouls result in the player

or coach being suspended through the next contest at that level?

A. Yes, a player or coach who is ejected as a result of receiving two technical fouls is ejected for the remainder of

the day and must sit out through the next contest at that level.

15. Q. Does the contest from which a participant is suspended due to an ejection count against the individual contest

limitation for the participant?

A. Yes.

16. Q. When a player or coach is ejected while acting as a spectator at a contest, but at which they are not serving as a

player or a coach, does a period of suspension still apply?

A. Yes. The ejected player or coach is suspended from all participation for the same period of time as if they had

been a participant in the contest at which the ejection occurred.

17. Q. When a player or coach is ejected in one sport, may the player or coach participate or coach in another sport

during the period of suspension?

A. No.

18. Q. When a player or coach is ejected from an out-of-state contest, does the OSAA ejection policy apply?

A. Yes. It is the responsibility of the school to notify the OSAA of the ejection.

19. Q. When a player or coach is ejected from an out-of-state contest, what appeals process is followed?

A. If the school of the ejected player or coach wishes to appeal to set aside the next game suspension portion of the

penalty for the ejection, it is the responsibility of the school to contact the commissioner of the out-of-state

officials’ association to obtain written information to submit to the OSAA in support of the appeal.

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20. Q. May a forfeited contest that is not actually played count toward the period of suspension for a player or coach?

A. Yes, but only for a player or coach from the team that is receiving the forfeit. It would not count toward the

period of suspension for a player or coach from the team forfeiting the contest.

18. EJECTION POLICIES – FINES (Revised Summer 2024)

A. Schools shall be assessed fines for ejections within specific sports programs. Each sport (e.g., Football, Boys’

Basketball, Softball) shall be tracked as separate and distinct for the purpose of calculating fines. When the first

participant or coach in a sport is ejected, the school that the participant or coach is representing shall be assessed a

$50 fine by the Executive Board. A second ejection in the same sport during the same season shall result in the

assessment of a $100 fine, and each ejection thereafter in that sport during that season shall result in a fine to be

increased by $50 increments for each ejection without limitation.

1) LAST CONTEST/STATE CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYOFF CONTEST: The fine for an ejection in the last contest of the

season or any state championship playoff contest shall be increased by $100 over the greater of the standard

fine described above or the most recent fine for that program.

2) SOCCER PLAYER: A school with a soccer player who is disqualified because they “deliberately handle a ball to

prevent it from going into the goal” or “receives two cautions (yellow cards)” shall not be subject to the fine

specified in this and other OSAA ejection policies but the ejected player shall be subject to the specified

suspension.

3) DISCRIMINATORY LANGUAGE/FIGHTING: A school with a participant (player or coach) who is disqualified due

to use of discriminatory language, entering the field during a fight, leaving the team box, and/or fighting shall

be subject to the fine specified in this and other OSAA ejection policies and the participant shall have their

suspension period doubled.

B. A school receiving three or more ejections in one program or five or more ejections overall during one school year shall

be required to attend an OSAA sportsmanship training class prior to the following school year and submit a written Plan

of Correction to the OSAA, including timelines for implementation of the Plan. A school that reaches either threshold in

consecutive years shall be required to appear in-person before the Executive Board at the next scheduled meeting.

19. EJECTION POLICIES – MULTIPLE EJECTIONS OF INDIVIDUAL (Fall 2012)

A second ejection during the same sport season will result in a two-game suspension. A third ejection during the same

sport season will result in disqualification from further participation in that sport during that sport season.

20. EJECTION POLICIES – PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH OFFICIAL (Revised Summer 2024)

Inappropriate physical contact between a coach/player and an official shall be considered a gross act of unsportsmanlike

conduct. The offending coach/player shall be immediately ejected from the contest, shall be suspended indefinitely until

further notice, and may be required to satisfy other requirements as prescribed by the Executive Board. Both the athletic

director of the school of the offending coach/player and the commissioner of officials shall notify the OSAA in writing of

the incident by the next workday. In addition, the school shall be fined and may receive other penalties as determined by

the Executive Board, and an administrator and the coach/player shall be required to appear in-person before the Executive

Board at the next scheduled meeting.

21. ELIGIBILITY – CHEMAWA INDIAN SCHOOL (Fall 2000)

A student who transfers to the Chemawa Indian School for the first time is immediately eligible for participation in

interscholastic activities for the Chemawa Indian School, even though the student transfers during the school year and/or

does not reside with their parents if the student meets all other eligibility requirements.

22. ELIGIBILITY – DISTRICT COMMITTEE (Revised Fall 2000)

A. A request by a member school superintendent or principal for an eligibility hardship exception involving a transfer

shall be submitted to the school’s local District Committee.

B. The request for an eligibility hardship exception is to be presented on the proper OSAA form and may relate only to

future participation. Any additional materials requested by the District Committee must be submitted prior to any

consideration.

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C. The chairperson of the District Committee shall contact the principal of the previous school of any transfer student

requesting eligibility, and request that the principal provide the Committee members with information from the

previous school, if any, that might assist the Committee in ruling on the eligibility request.

D. The District Committee shall meet prior to each of the three sports seasons to consider requests for eligibility waivers

involving a transfer. However, a District Committee may hear these requests for eligibility hardship exceptions at

times other than those required.

E. If a representative of a school submitting a request for an eligibility hardship exception is a member of the District

Committee that will hear such requests, then said school administrator shall be replaced by a representative of the next

school in alphabetical order not yet represented on the District Committee during consideration of said request.

F. For the consideration of transfer hearing requests for waivers of eligibility, the regular District Committee shall be

composed of three voting members.

23. ELIGIBILITY – HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY STUDENTS (Revised July 2022)

A. Compliance with Oregon Statutory Requirements. In order for a high school equivalency student to represent an

OSAA member school in competition, the student must be enrolled in a high school equivalency program and satisfy

all relevant requirements included in these statutes (ORS 339.450, ORS 339.460) including but not limited to the

following:

1) Meet School District Eligibility Requirements. The high school equivalency student shall meet all school district

eligibility requirements with the exception of:

a) The school district’s school or class attendance requirements, and

b) The OSAA academic eligibility requirements dealing with the number of credits required per grading period.

2) Meet School District Responsibilities and Standards of Behavior and Performance. The high school equivalency

student shall be required to fulfill the same responsibilities and standards of behavior and performance, including

related class or practice requirements, of other students participating in the interscholastic activity of the team

or squad and shall be required to meet the same standards for acceptance on the team or squad. The high school

equivalency student also shall comply with all school requirements during the time of participation.

3) Academic Eligibility Requirement. In lieu of satisfying the OSAA academic eligibility requirements dealing with

number of credits required per grading period, the high school equivalency student shall demonstrate that, prior

to beginning the interscholastic activity each year, the student has passed at least one practice test administered

through the high school equivalency program. A “high school equivalency program” means a program provided

to assist a student earning a certificate for passing an approved high school equivalency test such as the General

Educational Development (GED) test.

4) Effect of Academic Ineligibility. A high school equivalency student who does not maintain academic eligibility is

ineligible to participate in interscholastic activities for the school year in which the student is determined to be

academically ineligible unless –

a) At least 18 weeks have passed from the later of the date the student –

(1) Was determined to have not maintained academic eligibility; or

(2) Became a high school equivalency student; and

b) The student takes and passes at least one of the required practice tests.

B. Compliance with OSAA Deadlines and Regulations. In addition to satisfying the Oregon statutory requirements

summarized above, a high school equivalency student wishing to participate representing a member school must

satisfy the following OSAA deadlines and regulations:

1) Deadlines.

a) Notification of Intent. The high school equivalency student shall notify the local school or ESD prior to the

first day of school of the public or private school at which the student is eligible to participate in order to

represent that school during that school year.

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b) Testing. The high school equivalency student shall demonstrate that each year, prior to beginning the

interscholastic activity, the student has passed at least one practice test administered through the GED

program. The student may participate while awaiting practice test results unless the student is awaiting the

results to restore academic eligibility.

c) Transfer. A transfer by a student to a high school equivalency program is considered to have taken place “in

between school years” if the transfer occurs prior to the first day of school of the public or private school at

which the student is eligible to participate.

2) Other OSAA Regulations. Other OSAA regulations are summarized below. (Please see the Rules section of this

Handbook for more detailed explanation including questions and answers regarding the regulations.)

a) School Representation (Rule 8.5.1.(b)). A high school equivalency student is eligible to represent only a public

or private school located within the public school attendance boundaries of the joint residence of the student

and student’s parents.

b) Transfer Student Eligibility (Rule 8.6.3.). If the transfer to or from the high school equivalency program occurs

in between school years, the student is immediately eligible at the beginning of the school year. If the transfer

to or from the high school equivalency program occurs during the school year, the student is ineligible for the

remainder of that school year unless the student’s school of representation does not change.

c) Duration of Eligibility/Graduation (Rule 8.2.). A student may participate in interscholastic activities for four

consecutive years or eight consecutive semesters after entering the 9th grade.

d) Age Restrictions (Rule 8.3.). A student who becomes 19 before August 15 is ineligible for interscholastic

competition. A student who becomes 19 on or after August 15 remains eligible for that entire school year.

3) Except where the denial of eligibility of a high school equivalency student is based upon Oregon statutory or

regulatory requirements, the District Committee may in individual cases, at its discretion, waive or modify the

eligibility rules regarding transfers involving high school equivalency students when in its opinion there are

circumstances beyond the control of each of the student and the student’s parent(s), or other circumstances

whereby enforcement of the rule would work an undue hardship upon the student. See Rules, Rule 8.5., “School

Representation” for additional information.

24. ELIGIBILITY – HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS (Home School Eligibility Parent Checklist) (Revised July 2022)

A. Compliance with Oregon Statutory Requirements. In order for a home school student to represent an OSAA

member school in competition, the student must satisfy all relevant requirements included in the home school

statutes (ORS 339.030, ORS 339.035, ORS 339.460) including but not limited to the following:

1) Notification of Intent to Home School. The home school student shall notify the local education service district

(ESD) within ten days of withdrawal from the public school and prior to the first day of the school year.

2) Meet School District Eligibility Requirements. The home school student shall meet all school district eligibility

requirements with the exception of:

a) The school district’s school or class attendance requirements, and

b) The OSAA academic eligibility requirements dealing with the number of credits required per grading period.

3) Meet School District Responsibilities and Standards of Behavior and Performance. The home school student

shall be required to fulfill the same responsibilities and standards of behavior and performance, including related

class or practice requirements, of other students participating in the interscholastic activity of the team or squad

and shall be required to meet the same standards for acceptance on the team or squad. The home school student

also shall comply with all school requirements during the time of participation.

4) Academic Eligibility (Testing) Requirement. In lieu of satisfying OSAA academic eligibility requirements, the home

school student shall achieve a minimum score on an examination from the list the State Board of Education adopts

under ORS 339.035. The student must take the examination prior to the beginning of the school year (by August

15) in which the student will participate in an interscholastic activity and for which academic eligibility is being

determined. The minimum, composite test score as determined by the State Board of Education is the 23rd

percentile. The score is used to determine eligibility for the following school year.

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a) Note that test names and availability change frequently. Efforts are made to keep the list of tests current

but in the case where changes are made by the test publisher in name or availability, please work with your

local qualified tester and Education Service District (ESD) contact to assure you are using one of the two most

recent versions of the tests. The list of ODE’s currently approved tests includes the following, with publisher

information as available:

(1) Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills – CTBS Terra Nova 800.538.9547.

(2) Iowa Tests of Basic Skills – Riverside Publishing Co. Common Core Correlation K-12, 2008 Form C – 800.

323.9540 Test of Achievement and Proficiency 800.323-9540

(3) Stanford 9th and 10th Editions are acceptable – Psychological Corp., P.O Box 708912, San Antonio, TX

888.433.8435, Education Home School

b) See Oregon Guidelines for Home Schooling Questions and Answers for additional information.

c) The statute also allows a school district to adopt an alternative requirement to a test, such as submission of

a portfolio of work samples to a school district committee for review to determine whether a home school

student is eligible to participate in interscholastic activities.

5) Effect of Academic Ineligibility. A home school student who does not maintain academic eligibility is ineligible to

participate in interscholastic activities for the school year in which the student is determined to be academically

ineligible unless –

a) At least 18 weeks have passed from the later of the date the student –

(1) Was determined to have not maintained academic eligibility; or

(2) Became a home school student; and

b) The student takes one of the required tests and meets the standard described in ORS 339.460 (minimum

composite test score is the 23

percentile).

B. Compliance with OSAA Deadlines and Regulations. In addition to satisfying the Oregon statutory requirements

summarized above, a home school student wishing to participate representing a member school must satisfy the

following OSAA deadlines and regulations:

1) Deadlines.

a) Notification of Intent to Home School. The home school student shall notify the local ESD prior to the first

day of school of the public or private school at which the student is eligible to participate in order to represent

that school during that school year.

b) Testing. The home school student must have taken an examination from the list the State Board of Education

adopts under ORS 339.035 on or before August 15 in order to participate in OSAA activities during the

following school year. The student may participate while awaiting test results unless the student is awaiting

the results to restore academic eligibility. NOTE: The test is NOT required of students prior to entering the

grade for the first time.

c) Transfer. A transfer by a student to a home school is considered to have taken place “in between school

years” if the transfer occurs prior to the first day of school of the public or private school at which the student

is eligible to participate.

2) Other OSAA Regulations. Other OSAA regulations are summarized below. (Please see the Rules section of this

Handbook for more detailed explanation including questions and answers regarding the regulations.)

a) School Representation (Rule 8.5.1.(a)). A home school student is eligible to represent only a public or private

school located within the public school attendance boundaries of the joint residence of the student and

student’s parents.

b) Transfer Student Eligibility (Rule 8.6.3.). If the transfer to or from the home school occurs in between school

years, the student is immediately eligible at the beginning of the school year. If the transfer to or from the

home school occurs during the school year, the student is ineligible for the remainder of that school year

unless the student’s school of representation does not change.

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c) Duration of Eligibility/Graduation (Rule 8.2.). A student may participate in interscholastic activities for four

consecutive years or eight consecutive semesters after entering the 9th grade.

d) Age Restrictions (Rule 8.3.). A student who becomes 19 before August 15 is ineligible for interscholastic

competition. A student who becomes 19 on or after August 15 remains eligible for that entire school year.

3) Except where the denial of eligibility of a home school student is based upon Oregon statutory or regulatory

requirements, the District Committee may in individual cases, at its discretion, waive or modify the eligibility rules

regarding transfers involving home schools when in its opinion there are circumstances beyond the control of

each of the student and the student’s parent(s), or other circumstances whereby enforcement of the rule would

work an undue hardship upon the student. See Rules, Rule 8.5., “School Representation” for additional

information.

25. ELIGIBILITY – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS (CSIET Advisory List) (International Student Eligibility Checklist) (Revised Fall 2004)

Like all other students, international students living with parents are immediately eligible in the district in which the parents

reside and are immediately eligible when the student enters the beginning year of a four-year high school (9-12). All

international students not living with parent(s) will be treated like a transfer student, except as provided in Rule 8.6.3.(c) for

students on CSIET approved programs. International Student eligibility appeals must go directly to the Executive Director.

26. ELIGIBILITY – OREGON SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF (December 2003)

A. A student who attends Oregon School for the Deaf (OSD) shall be treated as a private school student for the purpose

of school representation eligibility determinations.

B. In addition, a hearing-impaired student who does not attend OSD may make a one-time choice to exclusively

participate at OSD in those sports offered by OSD rather than that student’s resident public school or private school.

A non-OSD student making the one-time choice to represent OSD shall be allowed to participate at the school in which

the student is enrolled in those sports not offered by OSD.

27. ELIGIBILITY APPEAL FILING FEE (Fall 2003)

Any party filing an appeal of a decision by the District Committee to the Eligibility Appeals Board or a decision of the

Executive Director to the Executive Board shall be assessed a filing fee of $100 to defray the costs to the Association of

assembling the respective appeals bodies to hear the appeal.

28. ELIGIBILITY APPEALS BOARD (Revised February 2018)

A. The Eligibility Appeals Board shall consist of 15 members as follows:

1) Five school board members are to be nominated by the Executive Director and approved by the Executive Board.

2) Five school administrators (superintendents, assistant superintendents, principals, assistant principals, athletic

directors) to be nominated by the Executive Director and approved by the Executive Board.

3) Five current OSAA Executive Board members are to be nominated by the Executive Director and approved by the

Executive Board.

B. The length of term shall be three years, and a person may not serve more than two consecutive terms. Initially, terms

shall be staggered on a two-year, three-year basis within each group.

C. The Eligibility Appeals Board shall hear any appeal filed by the involved school’s superintendent or principal, or the

student’s parents regarding the District Committee’s ruling on the athletic eligibility transfer or discrimination hardship

request.

D. The Eligibility Appeals Board shall meet monthly. If no appeals are submitted at least two business days prior to that

month’s meeting date, the Eligibility Appeals Board will not meet that month.

E. When a written appeal is received by the Executive Director, the Executive Director shall appoint three members from

the 15 available members to the Eligibility Appeals Board.

1) An Eligibility Appeals Board meeting is to be closed to the public unless the appealing party requests an open meeting.

2) The student’s previous school may designate a representative to testify at the Eligibility Appeals Board meeting.

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3) Eligibility Appeals Board meetings may be held at the Association office in Wilsonville or virtually, depending on

the circumstances.

4) The Executive Director, or an Assistant Executive Director, shall be present at all Eligibility Appeals Board meetings

and shall process all requests for appeals to the Eligibility Appeals Board.

F. A decision of the Eligibility Appeals Board denying eligibility may be appealed to a Hearings Officer under

Rule 9, “Hearings Officer.”

G. Please see Constitution and Rules, Interpretations, Participation Limitations and Sports Seasons sections of this

Handbook for further clarification.

29. EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN http://www.anyonecansavealife.org (December 2015)

Each full member school shall have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place for responding to life-threatening emergencies

in after-school practices and events. Schools are strongly encouraged to utilize the “Anyone Can Save a Life” program, a

free, turnkey solution that covers all medical emergencies.

30. ENDOWMENT GAMES (Endowment Game Application) (Revised September 2022)

The OSAA and its member schools believe in the fundamental values associated with participation in high school activities

and want to work together to ensure the future of high school activities in the state of Oregon. The establishment of the

OSAA Foundation will help us realize our goal. Endowment Games are a way for member schools and local communities

to be active participants in growing the OSAA Foundation. Endowment Games regulations are as follows:

A. Endowment Games applications must be submitted to the OSAA office by the host school prior to the scheduled contest.

Failure to do so may result in participation limitations violations. Applications may be reviewed prior to approval to ensure

that the host school is able to effectively secure the facility and charge admission (unless noted below).

B. Endowment Games shall not count toward a school’s or an individual student’s season participation limitations for

each activity. Daily and weekly individual participation limitations still apply. Schools should ensure that participants

meet all OSAA eligibility requirements prior to competing in an Endowment Game.

C. Endowment Games tickets will be $8 for adults and $5 for students. No passes shall be accepted except for the OSAA

Media Pass.

D. Upon completion of an Endowment Game, the host school is responsible for submitting the necessary financial report

form and 100% of the gate receipts to the OSAA Foundation for all activities except golf and tennis. The OSAA Foundation

will return 30% of the gross gate receipts to the host school within five business days after receiving the check for gross

gate receipts (except for golf and tennis). Operating expenses for Endowment Games are to be drawn from the 30% of

the gross gate receipts returned to the host school. Financial agreements, if any, between the two participating schools

are at the discretion of the schools.

E. For golf and tennis: due to the nature of the activity and the history of gates not being charged, schools shall remit

$250 to the OSAA Foundation to participate in an endowment contest.

F. Endowment Games are allowed at the varsity level only in the following activities:

1) Volleyball. One additional play date between the first contest date and the cutoff date.

2) Soccer. One additional match between the first contest date and the cutoff date.

3) Cross Country. One additional meet between the first contest date and the cutoff date.

4) Basketball. One additional game between the first contest date and the cutoff date.

5) Wrestling. One additional one-day event between the first contest date and the cutoff date.

6) Swimming. One additional meet between the first contest date and the cutoff date.

7) Baseball. One additional game between the first contest date and the cutoff date.

8) Softball. One additional game between the first contest date and the cutoff date.

9) Track & Field. One additional meet between the first contest date and the cutoff date.

10) Tennis. One additional play date between the first contest date and the cutoff date.

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11) Golf. Two additional nine-hole rounds between the first contest date and the cutoff date.

1. Q. Are Endowment Games required?

A. No, Endowment Games are optional for all member schools.

2. Q. What happens when one basketball team is counting the contest as an Endowment Game, but the other team

has only scheduled 24 games?

A. If either team in a contest is counting the game as an Endowment Game, it is considered to be an Endowment Game.

3. Q. May a school play an Endowment Game doubleheader with its boys’ and girls’ basketball teams against another

school?

A. Yes.

4. Q. May teams play in multiple Endowment Games?

A. Yes, as long as the team does not exceed that sports Participation Limitation by more than one game/contest.

See “Participation Limitations” for additional information.

5. Q. May a school pay a flat fee for endowment games outside of tennis and golf?

A. No, the goal of the Foundation is to educate individuals to the Foundation and its goals. Tennis and Golf normally

do not charge gates as many of the other activities do or can.

31. EXCEPTIONS TO NFHS PLAYING RULES (Fall 2011)

The Executive Director may, in keeping with applicable laws, authorize exceptions to NFHS playing rules to provide reasonable

accommodations to individual participants with disabilities and/or special needs, as well as those individuals with unique and

extenuating circumstances. The accommodation should not fundamentally alter the sport, allow an otherwise illegal piece of

equipment, create risk to the athlete/others or place opponents at a disadvantage.

32. EXCESS REVENUE DISTRIBUTION (Fall 2002)

The Executive Board shall consider the results of the current year’s audit prior to distributing any excess revenues from

the previous year.

33. EXHIBITIONS

Exhibition performances are permitted, providing the student is an eligible athlete at one of the schools participating and

the student does not exceed any participation limitations.

1. Q. School A had two extra eligible wrestlers who did not have the opportunity to wrestle during the meet for whatever

reason. School B also had two extra wrestlers in similar weight classes. These wrestlers were matched against each

other after completion of the meet in non-counting matches. Was this within the rules?

A. Yes, the matches will count toward each individual’s season total (14 matches, 18 weigh-ins and 50 mat

appearances).

2. Q. A school wants to encourage participation by younger students in tennis. Therefore, during a contest with school B,

school A permitted two eighth graders to perform but without counting the scores. Is this within the rules?

A. No, School A and School B are in violation of the exhibition rule. In addition, this could count as one year of

eligibility for each of the eighth-grade students, leaving them with only three years of eligibility in high school.

3. Q. During the 1,600-meter relay event at a dual track meet, there were several open lanes. School A decided to run

a time test for a student who was interested in the 1,500-meter event. Could this student run on the track during

the relay event?

A. Yes, the student could do this, provided they are eligible and do not exceed the track and field participation limitations.

4. Q. During a dual swimming meet, each team entered two teams in the 200-yard medley relay event. If the teams

from School A finish first and second, can the points be counted for both teams?

A. Yes, the National Federation Swimming and Diving Rules Book permits two relay teams per school to score in each

relay event.

5. Q. During halftime of a basketball, football, or soccer contest, non-high school students present entertainment. Is

this a violation of the Exhibition Rule?

A. No, since the entertainment is not during the actual contest but during the halftime provided by the rules book

for each of these sports, it is not a violation of the exhibition rule.

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34. FINANCING OPTIONS (Revised July 2019)

A. The source of funds used by school districts to sponsor their various activity programs is an internal matter of individual

districts. In most cases, these funds are regular district revenues incorporated into the district budget following

prescribed budget law. In these troubling financial times, though, some districts now are utilizing private or donated

funds to help support their programs.

B. By OSAA Constitution, the membership of the Association is limited to high schools within the state of Oregon and

high schools in bordering states that meet additional requirements set forth by the Executive Board, public or private.

Therefore, athletic and other activities provided by high schools under the structure of OSAA governance must be

clearly identified as “school sponsored.” The implication of school sponsorship is that these activities are controlled

entirely by the school district and personnel retained by district school board action. To exercise total control, the

school district shall have control over the funds used to support an activity.

C. When outside or contributed funds are used, they should go to the district where authorized district personnel can

then make responsible decisions on how the funds are spent to achieve the objectives determined for the activity. To

have control of a program, the school district shall retain control over the disbursement of funds. Otherwise,

overzealous booster groups might use funds in a manner that is counterproductive to the goals and objectives of the

school district.

D. Booster groups and other outside organizations may contribute money to a school or a district to help offset the cost of

equipment, transportation, participation fees, etc. However, money cannot be contributed directly to an individual. It is

the school administration’s responsibility to utilize funds as it sees fit to enhance its sponsored program.

1. Q. Under what circumstances may a school accept donations from individuals or corporations in support of activities?

A. There is no limit on contributions from individuals or corporations, whether monetary or in other forms such as

merchandise, so long as the school district retains control over the disbursement of funds. Individual students

representing a school may not receive monetary donations, and non-monetary donations are limited to $500 in

value per association year.

35. FOOTBALL – PLACEMENT IN A DIFFERENT CLASSIFICATION (Placement in a Different Classification – Football Only) (Revised

September 2023)

A. Eligibility. For a member school to be eligible for initial placement in a different classification as permitted in Article

6.2.4. (c), the school must meet at least one of the following criterions:

1) Winning Percentage – Two-Year. The school’s in-classification winning percentage (Colley) in football for the

previous two years shall be 22% or lower.

2) The school has petitioned to play above their assigned classification level.

B. Required Information. A member school that meets the criteria of winning percentage shall provide the Football Ad

Hoc Committee with the following information:

1) Participation numbers by grade level (9-12).

2) Win/loss records, including point differentials, for each level in the program.

3) Listing of any forfeits for each level in the program.

4) Coaching staff continuity for each level in the program.

5) School Administration continuity.

6) Description of off-season programs (team camp, youth camp, 7 on7/lineman challenge, summer weights).

7) Youth program participation numbers by grade level and coaching staff continuity for the past four years.

8) Description of school/community support and action steps taken, or planned, by the school to return the

program to its original classification.

C. Deadline. A member school that meets one of the above criterions shall notify the OSAA of its intent to accept

placement in a lower classification prior to January 15 of each even-numbered year beginning in 2018.

D. Duration of Placement. Approval of placement in a different classification shall apply for two years, except as outlined

below under Annual Evaluation.

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E. Cooperative Sponsorships. Schools involved in a cooperative sponsorship that participated together during the previous

two years that also meet one of the above criteria are eligible for placement in a different classification. Newly formed

cooperative sponsorships shall be subject to Executive Board Policy – Cooperative Sponsorship.

F. Annual Evaluation. Any school placed in a lower classification shall be evaluated to determine if the school should be

returned to their originating classification. The evaluation shall include, but is not limited to, the following criteria:

1) Any school previously playing a lower classification requesting to remain there must have had a two-year in-class

winning percentage of less than 67% and have not won an OSAA playoff game to remain at their current

classification.

2) Any school approved to remain down or has opted to play down that has an in-class winning percentage of 67%

or higher and/or advance beyond Round 1 of any OSAA Football State Championship will automatically be moved

back to their originating classification.

36. FORFEITS AND ADDITIONAL CONTESTS (Revised Fall 2006)

A. If a school cannot meet its contractual obligation for a team contest and the other school is awarded a forfeit team

victory, then the school gaining the forfeit victory may schedule a replacement contest with another school.

B. This in no way would place the school receiving the forfeit victory over the limit of contests for that sport since that

school did not play an extra contest but only received credit for a forfeit victory.

C. This policy does not apply to individual matchups within a team contest such as wrestling, golf, tennis, etc.

37. GENDER IDENTITY PARTICIPATION (Winter 2019)

The OSAA endeavors to allow students to participate for the athletic or activity program of their consistently asserted

gender identity while providing a fair and safe environment for all students. As with Rule 8.2 regarding Duration of

Eligibility / Graduation, rules such as this one promotes harmony and fair competition among member schools by

maintaining equality of eligibility and increase the number of students who will have an opportunity to participate in

interscholastic activities.

This policy was developed in consultation with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). The OSAA recognizes that this

policy will need to be reviewed on a regular basis based on improved understanding of gender identity and expression,

evolving law, and societal norms.

A. Definitions. For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

1) Transgender refers to an individual whose gender identity does not match their assigned birth gender.

2) Gender identity – A person's internal sense of being male, female or some other gender, regardless of whether

the individual's appearance, expression or behavior differs from that traditionally associated with the individual's

sex assigned at birth. Gender identity is distinct from and often unrelated to an individual’s sexual orientation.

3) Transition – The time when a person begins living as the gender with which they identify rather than the gender

they were assigned at birth, which often includes changing one’s first name and dressing and grooming differently.

Transition may or may not also include medical and legal aspects, including taking hormones, having surgery, or

changing identity documents (e.g., driver’s license, Social Security record) to reflect one’s gender identity.

4) Intersex – An umbrella term used for people born with reproductive or sexual anatomy and/or chromosome

pattern that does not seem to fit the typical definition of male or female. Intersex may also be known as Difference

of Sex Development and may not always be known at birth but may be revealed at any stage of a person’s life.

5) Sexual orientation – Means a person’s physical, romantic, emotional, aesthetic, or other form of attraction to

others. Sexual orientation and gender identity are not the same. Although, the Oregon Legislature adopted a

broader definition of “sexual orientation” for purposes of all Oregon statutes to “mean an individual’s actual or

perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality or gender identity, regardless of whether the individual’s

gender identity, appearance, expression or behavior differs from that traditionally associated with the individual’s

sex at birth.”

6) Nonbinary (Also Non-Binary) – Preferred umbrella term for all genders other than female/male or woman/man.

Not all nonbinary people identify as trans and not all trans people identify as nonbinary.

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7) As used herein, "Gender-Specific" activities are those in which only one gender participates, e.g., volleyball and

softball, and "Gender-Segregated" activities are those in which the same activity is offered for both female (girl)

and male (boy) students, e.g., girls basketball and boys basketball.

B. Participation.

For both historical reasons, as well as reasons related to compliance with Title IX, interscholastic athletics and activities

have typically been divided by gender, with a few exceptions. Formulating new processes to address concerns about

participation regardless of a student's gender identity requires a new approach to eligibility, an approach reflected in

these policies. In interpreting these policies, the OSAA recognizes the value of activities and sports for all students

and the potential for inclusion to reduce harassment, bullying and barriers faced by certain students.

1) As is true with all eligibility determinations, the student’s member school will be the first point of contact for

determining the student’s eligibility. When a student registers for athletics or activities the student shall indicate

the student's gender during that registration process, consistent with other school enrollment procedures.

Athletics and activities personnel should refer to member school processes for registration/enrollment

information. Disputes regarding these gender identity determinations will be resolved solely at the member

school level; because of the diversity of private and public school rules that may bear on such determinations,

and gender identity issues being particularly sensitive, the OSAA will not hear any appeal of a member school's

determination made under this section.

2) Subject to section B(1), once a transgender student has notified the student's school of their gender identity (boy

or girl), the student shall consistently participate as that gender for purposes of eligibility for athletics and

activities, provided that if the student has tried out or participated in an activity, the student may not participate

during that same season on a team of the other gender.

3) Subject to section B(1), once a nonbinary or intersex student has notified the student’s school of their gender

identity, the student shall participate as either gender for purposes of eligibility for athletics and activities that

are gender-segregated or gender-specific, provided that If the student has tried out or participated in athletics or

an activity that is gender-specific or gender-segregated, the student may not participate during that same season

on a team of the other gender.

1. Q. If a transgender student is transitioning from one gender to another, what is the procedure for that student to access

athletics and activities?

A. When a student or the student’s parent or guardian, as appropriate, notifies the school administration that the

student will assert a gender identity that differs from previous representations or records, the OSAA will recognize

a school’s decision to modify the student’s eligibility, consistent with the student’s gender identity, subject to

section B(2).

2. Q. What communication or support plans need to be put in place when a transgender or nonbinary student is

participating in athletics or activities?

A. Privately ask the student what is needed for support. All students may ask for privacy in locker rooms and

restrooms as well as possible accommodations when traveling with a team. Schools should refer to their district

policies when developing support plans.

3. Q. What if a nonbinary or intersex student experiences gender fluidity during a season that is documented at school

by pronoun change or is of a transitional nature?

A. As a student transitions, communication should be documented within school registration information consistent

with other school procedures. If the activity in which the student is trying out for is gender-segregated or gender-

specific, then the student shall commit to the team with which they register for the entirety of that season, subject

to section B (3).

4. Q. Can a nonbinary student access more than one sport or activity during the same season?

A. Yes, provided that a student may not participate in gender-segregated and/or gender-specific sports/activities at

the same time but is otherwise eligible to participate in all sports/activities that are not gender-segregated or

gender-specific.

5. Q. What is the procedure for athletics or activities that are not gender-segregated or gender-specific?

A. If a sport or activity is not gender-segregated or gender-specific (for example, speech, football, etc.) students

would not need to elect any specific gender to participate.

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38. HAIR DEVICE / ADORNMENT (Revised July 2022)

The OSAA aims to be inclusive of all students from varying cultural backgrounds to access athletic and activity programs

provided at member schools, while providing a fair and safe environment. This policy was developed inclusive of the

language established in Oregon House Bill 2935 (June 2021) and in collaboration with the OSAA Diversity, Equity, and

Inclusion Committee and other stakeholders. The OSAA recognizes that this policy will need to be reviewed on a regular

basis and continued education to member schools will be required to ensure understanding of this policy. The OSAA

recognizes the value of athletic and activity programs for all students and the potential for inclusion to reduce harassment,

bullying and barriers faced by certain students. The OSAA also recognizes the concerns of students, parents, and coaches

to ensure a fair, equitable, and safe competitive environment.

A. Oregon Revised Statutes Language.

1) ORS 659A.001, amended to read:

a) “Protective hairstyle” means a hairstyle, hair color or manner of wearing hair that includes, but is not limited

to, braids, regardless of whether the braids are created with extensions or styled with adornments, locs and

twists.

b) “Race” includes physical characteristics that are historically associated with race, including but not limited to

natural hair, hair texture, hair type and protective hairstyles.

2) ORS 332.075, amended to read: (1) Any school district board may: (e) Authorize the school district to be a member

of and pay fees, if any, to any voluntary organization that administers interscholastic activities or facilitates the

scheduling and programming of interscholastic activities only if the organization: (A) Implements equity focused

policies that:

a) Address the use of derogatory or inappropriate names, insults, verbal assaults, profanity, or ridicule that

occurs at an interscholastic activity, including by spectators of the interscholastic activity;

b) Prohibit discrimination as defined in ORS 659.850;

c) Permit a student to wear religious clothing in accordance with the student’s sincerely held religious belief

and consistent with any safety and health requirements; and

d) Balance the health, safety and reasonable accommodation needs of participants on an activity-by-activity

basis;

3) ORS 659.850, amended to read: (B) “Discrimination” does not include enforcement of an otherwise valid dress

code or policy, as long as the code or policy:

a) Provides, on a case-by-case basis, for reasonable accommodation of an individual based on the health and

safety needs of the individual; and

b) Does not have a disproportionate adverse impact on members of a protected class to a greater extent than

the policy impacts person generally.

c) “Race” includes physical characteristics that are historically associated with race, including but not limited to

natural hair, hair texture, hair type and protective hairstyles as defined in ORS 659A.001.

B. Athletic and Activity Programs Adhering to NFHS Rules Prohibiting Hair Adornments. Oregon Revised Statute

requires OSAA to implement equity focused policies that balance the health, safety, and reasonable accommodation

needs of participants on an activity-by-activity basis. After careful review, and in alignment with Oregon Revised

Statute and other rule-governing bodies, the OSAA is adhering to NFHS rules prohibiting hair adornments in the

following athletics and activities due to health and safety considerations.

1) Football – Maintain current NFHS rules due to health and safety considerations. Prohibited per NFHS Football

Rule 1-5-3.

2) Wrestling – Maintain current NFHS rules due to health and safety considerations. Prohibited per NFHS Wrestling

Rules 3-1-4b and 4-2-1.

C. Athletic and Activity Programs Already Allowing Hair Adornment per NFHS Rules. OSAA-sanctioned athletics and

activities where hair adornments are already allowed by NFHS or rule-governing bodies.

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Baseball

Basketball

Cheerleading

Cross Country

Dance

Golf

Soccer

Softball

Swimming

Tennis

Track & Field

Volleyball

39. HEAT INDEX (Heat Index Calculator) (Heat Index Record) (Fall 2014)

Schools shall monitor the Heat Index for their geographic area prior to practice. Outlined below are the steps that each

member school shall take to implement this policy. NOTE: Indoor activities where air conditioning is available are not

bound by this policy.

A. Subscribe. Athletic directors and coaches shall subscribe to OSAA Heat Index Notifications at

http://www.osaa.org/heat-index. An OSAA Heat Index Alert is generated for areas where the forecasted high

temperature and relative humidity indicate a forecasted heat index that may require practice modifications. Only

those areas that have a forecasted heat index of 95 or higher receive alerts. Notifications are sent daily via e-mail

and/or SMS to subscribers.

B. Designate. Schools shall designate someone who will take the necessary steps to determine and record the heat index

for their geographic area within one hour of the start of each team’s practice. This is only necessary on days when the

school receives an OSAA Heat Index Alert. Depending on practice schedules, it is possible that the designated person

will have to record the heat index multiple times on the same day.

C. Calculate. Within one hour of the start of each team’s practice on days when the school receives an OSAA Heat Index

Alert, the designated person shall utilize the OSAA Heat Index Calculator to determine the actual heat index.

D. Record. If the actual heat index is 95 or higher, the designated person shall record it using the OSAA Heat Index Record

or by printing out a copy to be kept at the school for inspection at the request of the OSAA. A separate record shall

be kept for each fall sport at each level. Practice modifications, as necessary, shall also be recorded. If the actual heat

index is less than 95, no action is needed.

E. Act. If the actual heat index is 95 or higher, activity should be altered and/or eliminated using the following guidelines:

1) 95˚ to 99˚ Heat Index – OSAA Recommendation: Consider postponing practice to later in the day.

a) Maximum of five hours of practice.

b) Practice length a maximum of three hours.

c) Mandatory three-hour recovery period between practices.

d) Contact athletics and activities with additional equipment - helmets and other possible equipment removed

if not involved in contact or necessary for safety.

e) Provide ample amounts of water.

f) Water shall always be available, and athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.

g) Watch/monitor athletes for necessary action.

2) 100˚ to 104˚ Heat Index – OSAA Recommendation: Postpone practice to later in the day.

a) Maximum of five hours of practice.

b) Practice length a maximum of three hours.

c) Mandatory three-hour recovery period between practices.

d) Alter uniform by removing items if possible - allow for changes to dry t-shirts and shorts.

e) Contact athletics and activities with additional equipment - helmets and other possible equipment removed

if not involved in contact or necessary for safety.

f) Reduce time of planned outside activity as well as indoor activity if air conditioning is unavailable.

g) Provide ample amounts of water.

h) Water shall always be available, and athletes should be able to take in as much water as they desire.

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i) Watch/monitor athletes for necessary action.

3) Above 104˚ Heat Index – OSAA Recommendation: Stop all outside activity in practice and/or play and stop all

inside activity if air conditioning is unavailable.

40. INDEPENDENT STATUS IN A SPORT (Independent Status Petition) (Revised Summer 2024)

A. OSAA member schools shall participate in the league adopted schedule for each sport they sponsor unless an

“Independent Status Petition” has been granted by the OSAA Executive Board. A school granted independent status

in a sport by the Executive Board is not eligible to participate for District or State honors in that sport, regardless of

win/loss record.

B. A member school submitting an “Independent Status Petition” shall provide a letter of league support or non-support

for the proposed independent status to the Executive Board:

C. A member school seeking independent status in a sport shall be required to complete and submit an “Independent

Status Petition” to the OSAA by the first practice date of that sport. A member school seeking independent status is

also responsible for notifying all league members of the “Independent Status Petition” request and pending

consideration.

D. League playoff allocations to OSAA State Championships in a sport may be impacted if a school in a league is granted

independent status by the Executive Board.

41. INTERRUPTED CONTESTS (Revised Fall 2015)

Following is the policy concerning interrupted athletic contests. NOTE: For state championship final site contests, the

OSAA staff shall take jurisdiction and make any decisions rather than the schools involved.

A. Baseball.

1) For darkness and/or weather:

a) If fewer than 4 and 1/2 or 5 innings have been played, the contest shall continue from the point of

interruption.

b) If 4 and 1/2 (home team ahead) or 5 innings have been played and the score is not tied, the contest is declared

an official game.

c) If play has gone beyond five full innings, teams have had an equal number of completed turns at bat and the

score is tied, the contest shall continue from the point of interruption.

d) If play has gone beyond five full innings and is called when the teams have not had an equal number of

completed turns at bat, the score shall be the same as it was at the end of the last completed inning, unless

the home team in its half of the incomplete inning, scores a run (or runs) which equals or exceeds the

opponent’s score, in which case, the final score shall be recorded when the game is called. If the score was

tied at the end of the last completed inning, the contest shall continue from the point of interruption.

e) If the two schools mutually agree or if there is a district policy, the game need not be continued if it has no

bearing on state championship representation.

2) For other reasons, among which include light failure, sprinkler system, etc., the contest shall continue from the

point of interruption unless the teams mutually agree otherwise or there are district rules that apply.

3) Interrupted Contests Procedures. The following procedures shall be followed by the umpires and teams in these

situations:

a) The umpires, both head coaches and both scorekeepers shall gather to document the point of interruption

on the lineup card and in the official scorebook (including inning, score, outs, runners on base, defensive

charged conferences, etc.). The crew chief shall sign the lineup card and the official scorebook to ensure that

there are two copies.

b) The crew chief should then give the signed lineup card to the home coach to be kept with the official

scorebook.

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c) The umpires shall send their game report to their local assigner. If a different umpire crew is assigned, the

local assigner shall send the game report details to the new crew as part of accepting the assignment.

d) The lineup card shall be given to the new or returning umpire crew during the pre-game when the game is to

be continued from the point of interruption.

B. Basketball. Contest shall be continued from point of interruption unless the teams mutually agree otherwise or there

are district rules that apply.

C. Cross Country. Contest shall be continued from point of interruption unless the teams mutually agree otherwise or

there are district rules that apply. If the contest does continue, and the interruption occurred during a race, that race

shall be re-run.

D. Football. Contest shall be continued from point of interruption unless the teams agree to terminate the game with

the existing score, or there are district rules that apply.

E. Golf. Contest shall be continued from point of interruption. In accordance with the game rules, it should, if feasible,

be discontinued after completion of play on a hole. If not feasible, each player shall lift their ball after marking the

spot on which it lies. Play will resume from that spot unless teams mutually agree otherwise or there are district rules

that apply.

F. Soccer. Contest is declared official if at least one complete half of the game has been played. If less than one-half of

game has been played, it is declared “no contest” and is completely replayed unless two teams mutually agree

otherwise or there are district rules that apply.

G. Softball.