Position Statement Promotes Tremendous Value of State High School Athletic/Activity Associations

Earlier this week, the NFHS released a Position Statement on “The Case for State High School Athletic/Activity Associations,” which was adopted by the NFHS Board of Directors as a sign of support for the 51 NFHS-member associations that have been successfully promoting, regulating and directing interscholastic athletic/activity programs for 100 years in many states.

The Position Statement is the latest action on the part of the NFHS to demonstrate the value of these education-based associations in leading the more than 12 million students involved in high school athletics and other activity programs.

Unfortunately, the work of these education-based associations has been called into question by outside groups, which often begins with individuals upset with rulings by state associations. .

The enforcement of rules established by schools in the membership often receives the lion’s share of attention; however, NFHS-member state associations are more about service than governance. And in some states, we are pleased that after a thorough review of the educational focus of these associations, external pressures have lessened.

Certainly, these associations are better suited to prioritize education-based athletic programs over competing external and commercial interests. NFHS-member associations are governed by boards and committees composed of individuals within member schools – superintendents, principals, athletic directors, coaches and others – who have an educational focus to enforcing eligibility, playing and academic rules.

State high school associations exist to serve the member schools in their states so high school students can participate in sports and other activity programs.

These associations provide structure for regular-season competition between schools, including establishing transfer rules that focus on fair play and do not lead to displacement of players at the existing schools. They also establish academic requirements to make sure students prioritize education, and establish length-of-season requirements so that schools have equal seasons and to limit overuse injuries and promote multiple sport participation.

            Other services include:

• promotion of student safety/risk minimization programs

• sportsmanship initiatives

• mental wellness programs

• conducting state championships

• establishing consistent playing rules in concert with the NFHS

• coaches education programs

• recognition and community service programs

• advocacy on key issues. 

As we noted in “The Value of State High School Associations,” the focus of high school sports is unique and must remain unique. It is education-based and must remain with education as the guiding principle. 

From a governance standpoint, the best possible scenario exists across the country when it comes to high school sports. Education-based sports programs are connected to classroom learning every day. And the 51 athletic/activity associations that govern activity programs have adopted eligibility, participation, transfer and academic rules consistent with their member schools and their needs. 

State high school associations are essential for maintaining a structured, equitable and enriching environment for student-athletes. Their focus on safety, fairness, education and community impact ensures that high school sports and other activities remain a valuable and positive part of the educational experience. Without these organizations, schools would struggle to provide consistent and high-quality athletic programs, leaving students without the benefits of organized sports and other activity programs.

The NFHS believes that state high school associations that are education-focused and have been successfully directing high school sports for more than 100 years should continue to direct and operate these programs. The NFHS believes these programs should remain independent of state government involvement, so that the outcomes are not influenced by independent districts apart from the educational objectives of high school sports. Education-based sports programs are connected to classroom learning every day, and the 51 athletic/activity associations that govern activity programs have adopted eligibility, participation, transfer and academic rules consistent with their member schools that apply statewide. These are the only organizations capable of maintaining the educational focus on high school athletics and activity programs.