OSAA - Handbook

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 from the State of Oregon.

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 of 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 on the basis of:

(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.

(c) Demonstrated inability to co-op activities with neighboring schools.

(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.

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

(a) Full Membership Dues. Full Member school dues are $1000, plus $85 for each OSAA sponsored activity in which the school participates, payable on or before October 15 of each school year.

(b) Associate Membership Dues. Associate Member school dues are based on the number of students attending the Associate Member school ($100 for 1-100 students; $250 for 101-500 students; $500 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 persons 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 42 representatives:

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

4.1.2. An athletic director representative elected by the Oregon Athletic Directors Association.

4.1.3. An activities director representative selected by the OSAA Student Activities Advisory Committee.

4.1.4. A school boards representative elected by the Oregon School Boards Association.

4.1.5. A non-voting advisory coach representative elected by the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association.

4.1.6. A non-voting advisory official representative selected by the Oregon Athletic Officials Association.

4.1.7. The Executive Director shall be an 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 advisory Oregon Athletic Coaches Association representative and the advisory 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 (14) 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 (27) of the voting Delegate Assembly members approve, a special meeting shall be called.

4.6.3. Quorum. A quorum shall consist of a majority (21) 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. Public 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 13 elected members and shall consist of one representative from each classification, one 6A/5A/4A at-large representative appointed by the Executive Board, one 3A/2A/1A at-large representative appointed by the Executive Board, a representative of the Oregon School Boards Association, a representative of the Oregon Athletic Directors Association, an activities director representative, a non-voting advisory coach representative of the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association, and a non-voting advisory official representative of the Oregon Athletic Officials Association.

5.1.1. The 6A/5A/4A and 3A/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 representative of the Oregon School Boards Association (OSBA) shall be elected by their organization.

5.1.3. An athletic director representative shall be elected by the Oregon Athletic Directors Association (OADA).

5.1.4. An activities director representative shall be selected by the OSAA Student Activities Advisory Committee.

5.1.5. A coach representative shall be elected by the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association (OACA).

5.1.6. An officials' representative shall be selected by the Oregon Athletic Officials Association (OAOA).

5.1.7. The Executive Director shall be an 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 advisory Oregon Athletic Coaches Association representative and the advisory Oregon Athletic Officials Association representative shall each be currently serving in the role being represented on the Executive Board. There shall be no two 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.

(c) Exercise control over all state championships and approve contest officials and related fees for such.

(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.

(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 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 take action by telephone conference call, by other media.

5.6.1. Six affirming votes (a majority of the voting members of the full Executive Board) shall be required in order for the Executive Board to take action on a main motion regarding policy. For appeal decisions, the Executive Board may take action 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 appointment 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.

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. See Executive Board Policies, “Classification – Emergency Transfer” for additional information.

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” and Executive Board Policies, “Classification – Emergency Transfers” 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 evidence no later than August 31, which evidence will be considered using the criteria set forth in 6.2.2(b). See Executive Board Policies,, “Classification - Playing Up” for additional information.

6.1.3. The Executive Board shall approve or disapprove eachclassification 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 herin. 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;

(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 evaluating a school's petition, the Executive Board will weigh the following criteria:

(1) The extent to which school's enrollment is less than the classification 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 or not 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 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.

(c) After a school has been placed in a classification for a four-year time block based upon a request 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: 1260 or more 4A: 350 to 664 2A: 90 to 205

5A: 665 to 1259 3A: 206 to 349 1A: 10 to 89

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 Lower Classification.

(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 submit a “Petition to Play Down” to the OSAA prior to October 1 preceding the quadrennial October Classification and Districting Meeting.

(2) Sports and Activities Affected. Any “Petition to Play Down” granted by the Executive Board shall apply to all OSAA sports and activities in which the member school participates, except as outlined below.

a) Dominant Team Sport Activity. A points-based system based on state championships success shall be used to determine a dominant team sport activity. Teams reaching a quarterfinals shall earn one point; teams reaching a semifinal shall earn four points; and a team 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 classifiction.

(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 teams 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 in an effort to encourage 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 October 1 preceding the quadrennial December Classification and Districting Meeting.

(2) Sports and Activities Affected. Any “Petition to Play Up” granted by the Executive Board shall apply to all OSAA sports 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.

(c) Placement in a Lower Classification - Football Only.

(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 shall notify the OSAA if it intends to accept that placement per the deadline established by the Executive Board.

(2) Sports and Activities Affected. Any "Placement in a Lower Classification" approved by the Executive Board shall apply to football only.

(3) Duration. Any "Placement in a Lower Classification" approved by the Executive Board shall apply for two years.

(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 Lower Classification" shall be eligible for district or state honors at the lower classification. See Executive Board Policies, “Football – Placement in a Lower 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 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 that 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.

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.

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 in grades 9-12 of the schools involved.

EXCEPTION: If the total combined ADM in grades 9-12 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 Athletic Districts. The high schools of the state shall be divided into six regular athletic districts for 6A, five regular athletic districts for 5A, seven regular athletic districts for 4A, six regular athletic districts for 3A, six regular athletic districts for 2A and eight regular athletic 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

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

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

7.1.2. Special athletic districts may be established or changed by the Executive Board for activities wherein not enough schools participate. See Executive Board Policies, “Special Athletic 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.

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

9.1.3. Term. Members of the Committee shall serve three-year non-renewable terms. The Chair shall also serve a three-year term, but may be a former committee member. A membership rotation schedule for the committee shall be established in which approximately one-third of the members shall be replaced each year.

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.

(c) To make recommendations to the Executive Board regarding classifications and districts and 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.

(e) All schools within a single district that are in the same size classification (including those smaller 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 an 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 insuring 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.

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. Student 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 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, check writing fees, 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 to define 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, which shall allow the opportunity for public input.

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.

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. Equity and Diversity Advisory Committee

9.10.1. Charge. The Committee shall serve in an advisory capacity focusing on ways 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.

9.10.2. Composition. Consists of representatives from member schools including administrators, coaches, teachers, students and community members. A member of 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.

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 Student Advisory Council (SAC) shall serve in an advisory capacity focusing on 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 student-participant well-being, and offering input on the 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 Council shall have 10 members and shall consist of one representative from each classification, one 6A/5A/4A at-large representative, one 3A/2A/1A at-large representative, a representative of the Oregon Association of Student Councils, and one adult member. Other criteria to be considered when selecting members may include, but 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 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 also may sponsor amendments.

10.5.2. The proposed Rule amendment is submitted by a 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.

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 in order 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.

2021-2022 AMENDMENT DEADLINE DATES

In order to be considered at the October 11, 2021, Delegate Assembly Meeting, proposed amendments must be received by the OSAA by September 24, 2021.

In order to be considered at the December 13, 2021, Delegate Assembly Special Session, proposed amendments must be received by the OSAA by November 26, 2021.

In order to be considered at the April 4, 2022, Delegate Assembly Meeting, proposed amendments must be received by the OSAA by March 18, 2022.

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.

1.1.1 NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching. Fundamentals of Coaching

The OSAA requires that athletic directors and coaches must achieve a passing score on the test included with the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching course. This is a one-time requirement.

1.1.2 Concussion Recognition and Management Training. Concussion in Sports

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.

1.1.3 NFHS Heat Illness Prevention. 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.

1.1.4 Anabolic Steroids and Performance-Enhancing Substances Training Anabolic Steroids and Performance-Enhancing Substances Training

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 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?

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

(c) A crime involving a minor child at any time.

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. How will cheerleading judges be selected for competitions in Oregon?

A. Sponsoring organizations shall contact the OSAA for a list of qualified judges.

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

6. 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.

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

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 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 or 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 activites 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 address). Anonymous complaints shall not be considered.

3.5.5. Every effort will be made to complete the investigative 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 OSAA (see 3.5.3. above for guidance) will be returned to the complainant via the contact address provided.

(c) Whenever possible, provide first-hand accounts, with names and contact information of witnesses.

3.6. Sportsmanship Violations/Penalties. When the coaches, players, students, staff or spectator 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 aftger the event as it relates tro trespassing spectators involved, removing player/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 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 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 by 11 inches. "Fathead" type items are considered signs and shall not be larger than 8 1/2 by 11 inches. Spectators are required to wear shirts.

6. Q. May a spectator use 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 backs 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.

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 petition 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 conduct 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 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.

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 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 period as the Executive Board may direct. When an official is on probation, he or she 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

Baseball

Basketball

Cheerleading

Choir

Cross Country

Dance/Drill

Football

Golf

Orchestra

Soccer

Softball

Solo Music

Speech

Swimming

Tennis

Track and Field

Volleyball

Wrestling

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 sports 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.

(c) If approved, the sport/activity will be listed as an emerging sport/activity in the OSAA Handbook 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.

(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.

6.4. 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 16, 2021) and shall end at the end of the day on Memorial Day (May 30, 2022). (“Summer season” activities may begin on the Tuesday following the observance of Memorial Day.)

6.7.2. Fall Sports. Practice shall not start prior to the Monday of Week 7 of the NFHS Standardized Calendar (August 16, 2021). The first contest shall not be played prior to the Thursday of Week 8 of the NFHS Standardized Calendar (August 26, 2021) for all Fall Sports, except Football. The Football first contest shall not be played prior to the Thursday of Week 9 (September 2, 2021) of the NFHS Standardized Calendar.

6.7.3. Winter Sports. Practice shall not start prior to the Monday of Week 20 of the NFHS Standardized Calendar (November 15, 2021). The first contest shall not be played prior to the Wednesday of Week 22 of the NFHS Standardized Calendar (December 1, 2021).

6.7.4. Spring Sports. Practice shall not start prior to the Monday of Week 35 of the NFHS Standardized Calendar (February 28, 2022). The first contest shall not be played prior to the Monday of Week 37 of the NFHS Standardized Calendar (March 14, 2022).

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.

6.7.6. 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 written request, the Executive Director 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.

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 matches

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?

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 fund raising 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 on his school's soccer and football teams 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, but the student must still comply with the minimum nine days of practice in football.

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 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 immediate 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 (2) units equals one (1) 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^th, 11^th or 12^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.

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

(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^rd percentile based on national norms.

(b) Test Deadline. The achievement test must be completed prior to August 15 each school year.

(c) Work Sample Alternative. In the absence of achievement test results submitted by the deadline 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. 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

(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. in order 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. In order for the student to be eligible, the student must successfully carry a full time class load as defined in Rule 8.1.1.

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 a international student after they have completed one transcripted grading period. International students on a CSIET approved programare 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.

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 parent(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 normanl 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 allow 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 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 9th grade primarily due to the lack of English language ability, provided that the student has not already participated for four years in any sport / activity; and

(c) 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.

(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.

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^th 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 General Education Development (GED) program eligible to participate in OSAA activities?

A. Yes, provided that the student is enrolled in a GED 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^th grade students participate in spring tryouts for the high school cheerleading squad or dance team?

A. Yes, but 8^th grade students may not participate in high school competitions.

10. Q. May an 8^th 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.

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. 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 his or her 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;

(c) The student establishes, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Executive Board or Executive 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:

(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 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

(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.

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.

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 abilities, with these exceptions:

8.4.1. A student activities participant may not accept monetary compensation in recognition of activities ability, participation and/or achievement during the Association year. 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 in any association year.

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 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.

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.

2. Q. Is a student limited by OSAA rules in the awards he or she 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. No.

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 fund raising 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 on the basis of the student's fund raising 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 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) General Education Development (GED) Students.

A General Education Development (GED) 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 GED student was enrolled in a program provided by a school district or an education service district to earn a GED certificate prior to the first day of school for the public/private school. See Executive Board Policies, “Eligibility – General Education Diploma (GED) Students" for additional information.

Once a GED student represents a school, that GED 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 GED 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.

(c) Students Attending Full Member Private Schools. A student attending a private 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, provided that both high school principals agree.

(d) Students Attending Full Member Charter Schools. A student attending a 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, charter 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 GED program student represent a member school in interscholastic activities?

A. Yes, providing the home school or GED 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 - General Education Diploma (GED) 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 GED program student during the school year, when is that student eligible to represent School A?

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 GED programstudent, 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 GED programstudent 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 GED 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 GED program student would be eligible only at school B.

6. Q. If a home school or GED 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 GED program student represent?

A. The home school or GED 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 GED program student attended a practice or represented one of the schools, that school would be the only school the home school or GED 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 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 GED 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 GED program student represent different schools in different sports or activities?

A. No. Once the home school or GED program student attended a practice or represented one of the schools, that school would be the only school the home school or GED program student would be eligible to represent. The home school 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 GED program student last represented the initially represented school. EXCEPTION: A home school or GED 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 GED program student’s parents reside, which private school may the home school student represent?

A. The home school or GED program student may represent any of the private schools, but only one.

9. Q. If a home school or GED program student’s parents reside in a public school district that has no private school within its attendance boundaries, may the home school or GED 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 GED program student’s parents reside, the home school or GED program student may only represent the public school within whose attendance boundaries the home school or GED program student’s parents reside.

10. Q. May a home school or GED program student whose parents reside within a multiple high school district select the high school he or she wishes to represent?

A. No. The home school or GED 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.

11. Q. If a student resides within the attendance boundaries of a public school and attends a full member private school outside those attendance boundaries, and the private school does not offer a particular sport, what public school may that private school student represent in that sport?

A. The private school student may represent only the public school in whose attendance boundaries the parents of the private school student reside.

12. Q. If a full member private school student represents the public school within whose attendance boundaries the private school student resides in one sport, may the private school student then represent the private school in another sport?

A. Yes. If the private school student represents a public school because the private school does not offer that particular sport, the private school student may then represent the private school in another sport that is offered. NOTE: A private school student may represent a public school only if the private school does not offer the particular sport.

13. Q. If a student attending a full member private school resides in a multiple high school district, which public school may the private school student represent if the private 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 still must attend the high school in which district their parents reside if that student wishes to be eligible for interscholastic competition. If the student in question moves to another district, in order to be eligible, the student's parents also would have to move to that district.

15. Q. If a full member private 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 must drop a program before the first contest date of that sports season in order for the students to be eligible to participate in that sport at their resident public school.

16. Q. If a 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 in order to compete in that sport?

A. No.

17. Q. If tuition is paid in order 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 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 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 if permitted by the private 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.

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.

1. Q. If a student is allowed to transfer between school years under ORS 339.133 (5)(b) (“Open Enrollment Law”), is the student automatically eligible in the district to which the student transfers?

A. No. The student must also meet OSAA’s eligibility rules.

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).

(c) International students on CSIET approved programs. CSIET List International Student Eligibility Checklist

Rule: An international student from a foreign country 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.

(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: For each international student who arrives at a U.S. high school and promptly plays at the varsity level, there is a lost participation opportunity for a student who has “paid his or her dues” in the hope of one day gaining playing time. An international student who comes to the United States without the accompaniment of his or her parents is analogous to a domestic student who transfers without being accompanied by his or her 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 his or her school of enrollment, a student with an F-1 visa, absent a state association rule, could choose his or her school of enrollment based solely on immediate sports opportunity. The displacement risk to other students would be immediate and irreparable.

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?

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 their move?

A. No, to be eligible at the new school, the student must move at the same time as the parents.

6. Q. If a student living in a non-high school district changes from one high school to another because of the tuition contract arrangements of the non-high school board of directors, how long must the student wait before becoming eligible?

A. The student becomes eligible when properly enrolled and the principal has completed the Eligible Student Transfer Certificate.

(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 9th grade of a four-year high school and then transfers between school years to the 10th 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 his or her parents and the transfer is made between school years.

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 his or her 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, due to the fact that 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 McKenny-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 enrollmentor has missed application 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 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, 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 designated for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodations 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:

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'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 staus, 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

(c) The move of one parent occurs at the time the parent initiates court proceedings seeking legal 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

(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:

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 his or her 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.

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 affliation

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?

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 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 a 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 attend 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 practice with a school team?

A. The answer depends on the nature of the ineligibility. When a school has filed a request for eligibility for a fifth year and/or nineteen-year-old student, the student is ineligible to practice while action on the request or appeal is pending. Other ineligible students may practice, provided local school board policy permits this. 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. Violations 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), and the extent to which the violation may have been knowing, deliberate, or in reckless disregard of the provision of this rule and the commentary that accompanies this rule.

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 purpose of athletic or activities participation

(2) Financial assistance (including free or reduced tuition) provided on the basis of 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 privilage 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 sports 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.

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 the 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 Online Form - Only

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 their 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 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. 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?

3. Q. May an ineligible student sit with a school team on the bench and perform managerial duties?

A. Yes, within the limits any local of 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?

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 forfeited. The Hearings Officer shall cause the appropriate hearing notices to be served the matter heard as a contested case in accordance with ORS 183.411 to ORS 183.470except 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 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. Appeal 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.

OSAA ELIGIBILITY FLOW CHART

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.

6.7. Music events sanctioned by the OSAA may take place throughout the Association Year.

6.9. 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 out-of-stateschools 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 his or her 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.

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 student or Associate Member school 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 performers 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.      A performance by a group or soloist is not considered a music competition if:
      (1) there are no judges/adjudicators present
     (2) judges/adjudicators are present but “comments only” (no score is given)
   (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 (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.

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.

1. 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 host school or school designate.

NOTE: Rule 3, Rule 4 and Rule 5 are the same as stated in the Rules section.

1. Rule 6 – Association Activities

6.6. The Speech year starts 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 his or her school in competitive speech activities are the same as for any other OSAA sport or activity.

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, ethnicity, 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. All meetings will be held in the association office unless approved otherwise by the Executive Director.

E. Frequency of meetings will be limited to a reasonable number in order to accomplish the purpose of the committee.

F. An OSAA executive staff member will be in attendance at all meetings unless approved otherwise by the Executive Director.

G. All correspondence will be directed through the OSAA office.

H. 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 December 2016)

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.

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 in order 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 in order for the school to be eligible for district or state honors in that sport / activityThe OSAA will invoice the school for the activity fee.

3. ADMINISTRATOR WORKSHOP ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT (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 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: 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.

The following steps shall be taken:

1) 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 game the contest will be considered complete. Officials should use the following guidelines when choosing to suspend a contest:

Start Time of Event	8am - 12pm	12:01pm - 3:30pm	3:31pm - 6pm	After 6pm
Maximum Suspension	3 hours	2 hours	1.5 hours	1 hour

2) Modify the event - NFHS rules in most sports 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.

3) 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:

a) Convene a meeting between representatives from participating schools

b) Review and record contest details uo to the point of suspension

c) 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 the future game week (i.e. Friday game, continued on following Tuesday)	See OSAA Executive Board policy for interrupted contest procedures for specific sport/activity.	Upon conclusion result is final
Schools cannot reach agreement on when to reschedule contest.	Contest is suspended.	No result

4) 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 Exevcutive 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 modifications, 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 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.

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.

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 (2) hour intervals, they may be rescheduled at one and one half (1 1/2) hour intervals.

4) Individual/teams shall be granted a minimum of twenty (20) minutes for rest between contests.

5) Whenever possible, contests played on the final day of the tournament shall be scheduled to allow individual/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 competition 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 will 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 August 2021)

These guidelines, created in consultation with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), provide a default policy to those responsible or sharing duties for making decisions concerning the cancelation, 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 With Air 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. School personnel shall review the AQI information for all regions throughout the state on either the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) website at https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map, the Oregon DEQ app "OregonAir", or on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Now website at https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_state&stateid=38 to determine if action is necessary (see chart below). Schools shall regularly review the AQI throughout events to assess deteriorating conditions.

C. Areas Without Air Reporting Stations: Given the random behavior of factors related to the calculation of the AQI levels in different areas of the state (wind speed and direction) member schools not near a reporting station should consult with local state and/or federal authorities to help determine the AQI level in your specific area. 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.

c) Be aware that conditions may change rapidly and always use the more conservative of multiple metrics (AQI, 5-3-1 Visibility Index, etc.).

D. Act: This chart will help determine the action needed based on the air quality in your area.

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	Because they involve strenuous activity for prolonged periods of time, all outdoor *contests* shall be canceled or moved to an area with a lower AQI. *Consider moving* practices indoors, if available. Be aware that, depending on a venue’s ventilation system, indoor air quality levels can approach outdoor levels. Practice shall be no longer than 90 minutes total for the day. Level of activity should be less than “normal” practice session and include rest periods. 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.
151 - 200	1-3 Miles	Because they involve strenuous activity for prolonged periods of time, 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	Because they involve strenuous activity for prolonged periods of time, 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.

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.

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, embarass, 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:

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 – ATHLETIC CAMPS AND TEAM MEALS

A. Athletic camps are permissible only during the defined sports season. Any group meeting for a sport outside the defined sports season during the OSAA year would be considered an athletic camp if any of the following criteria are met:

1) Students, as a team, are housed and/or fed at the school.

2) Students, as a team, are housed, and/or fed away from the school.

3) Students, as a team, are taken on an outing such as to the mountains or to the beach.

B. An athletic team may be fed during the season for a sport, or immediately after the season (awards banquet).

9. CAMPS – COMMERCIAL SUMMER CAMPS (Revised Fall 2002)

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 set their own policies requiring student activities participants to attend commercial summer camps.

10. CERTIFICATION – ATHLETIC DIRECTORS AND COACHES Coaches Requirements (Revised Spring 2019)

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. NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching.

The OSAA requires that athletic directors and coaches must 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.

C. NFHS Heat Illness Prevention.

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. Spirit Safety Clinic (Cheerleading and Dance/Drill Coaches Only).

The OSAA requires that any cheerleading or dance/drill coach receive spirit safety training by achieving a passing score on the test included with the OSAA's online Spirit Safety Clinic. This training is required annually.

F. Heads Up Football Certification.

The OSAA requires that any football coach complete the USA Football Heads Up Certification prior to assuming coaching duties and to recertify annually prior to the beginning of each Association year. Additionally, 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 USA Football Master Trainer in preparation for implementing and overseeing the primary components of Heads Up Football at their school.

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 Coach Education Program “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?

3. Q. Is certification required of volunteer coaches?

A. Yes.

4. Q. Must a “guest” coach be certified?

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 Heads Up Football certified?

A. Coaches attending an in-person PSC clinic are required to complete the following online courses in order to be Heads Up Football certified: Concussion Recognition and Training; Heat Illness Prevention.

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 Heads Up Football Certified?

A. Every football coach, including previously certified PSC coaches, not attending an in-person PSC clinic are required to complete the following online courses in order to be Heads Up Football certified: Concussion Recognition and Training; Heat Illness Prevention: USA Football Tackling and Contact ; Sudden Cardiac Arrest.

11. CHARITABLE CAUSES (Fall 2012)

The OSAA is supportive of charitable initiatives and has developed guidelines in regards to 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:

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.
A permanently attached commemorative patch may be worn but must adhere to NFHS rules in each specific sport.
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.
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.
Officials may use a colored whistle.

12. 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.

1. Q. Does the OSAA have a rule regarding the use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis or drugs by students?

A. The OSAA does not condone the use of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis or drugs, and supports district and/or league policies as well as state laws, which control their use.

13. CLASSIFICATION – EMERGENCY TRANSFER

A. Any school requesting an emergency transfer from one classification to another shall submit its request, together with approval of the local school board, in writing to the Executive Board by October 15.

B. The Executive Board shall make its decision at the December Executive Board meeting.

14. CLASSIFICATION – PLAYING UP (March 2006)

In considering a petition under Article 6.2.4.(b), the same criteria applied to all other classification and districting decisions (See Article 9.2.1(d)) shall be considered with respect to whether to grant or deny the petition, except that where a school has petitioned to “play up” in a classification for larger schools, the weight given to “enrollment” will be less than the weight that “enrollment” would otherwise be given in making classification and districting decisions.

15. 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 contest, or compete as an individual at the district contest 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.

16. COLLECTIVE SPONSORSHIP (May 2020)

A. In order 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 sponsorship may be applied for in the following activities: cross country, swimming, wrestling, speech, golf, tennis, and track & field.

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 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 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.

17. CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT (Medical Release-Return to Participation Following a Concussion) (Medical Release-Return to Learn Following a Concussion) (Revised Summer 2020)

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 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.

18. COOPERATIVE SPONSORSHIP Cooperative Sponsorship Application (Revised Fall 2015)

In order 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 in grades 9-12 of the schools involved.

EXCEPTION: If the total combined ADM in grades 9 through 12 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 cutoff point, and geographic considerations.

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.

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.

19. EJECTION POLICIES – COACH EJECTED; CONTEST FORFEITED

If a coach is ejected from a contest and that contest is forfeited, such incident must be reported to the OSAA office by the schools involved and also 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.

20. EJECTION POLICIES – EJECTED PLAYER OR COACH Ejection Report (Revised May 2020)

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 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.

C. 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.

D. Appeal Process at State Championship final sites where the officials' crew are from different local Associations. If the principal or the athletic director 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 playing area 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.

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.

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 in the same sport in which the coach or player participates, but at which he or she is 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 he or she 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.

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.

21. EJECTION POLICIES – FINES (Revised Fall 2015)

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) EXCEPTION: The fine for an ejection in the last contest of the season shall be increased by $100 over the greater of the standard fine described above or the most recent fine for that program.

2) EXCEPTION: Soccer Player: A soccer player who is disqualified because he or she “deliberately handles 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 shall be subject to the specified suspension.

B. A school receiving five or more ejections during one school year shall be required to attend a sportsmanship training class and submit a written Plan of Correction to the OSAA, including timelines for implementation of the Plan.

22. 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.

23. EJECTION POLICIES – PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH OFFICIAL (Revised February 2011)

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 as provided in the Regulations 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 before the Executive Board at the next scheduled meeting.

24. 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, despite the fact that the student transfers during the school year and/or does not reside with their parents, if the student meets all other eligibility requirements.

25. ELIGIBILITY – DISTRICT COMMITTEE (Revised Fall 2000)

A. A request by a member school superintendent or principal for an eligibility hardship exception to Rule 8, involving transfer or discrimination only (except for age), 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.

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 transfer or discrimination only (except for age). 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 and discrimination hearing requests for waivers of eligibility, the regular District Committee shall be composed of three voting members.

26. ELIGIBILITY – GENERAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT (GED) STUDENTS (July 2021)

A. Compliance with Oregon Statutory Requirements. In order for a General Education Development (GED) student to represent an OSAA member school in competition, the student must be enrolled in a GED program and satisfy all relevant requirements included in the GED statutes (ORS 339.450, ORS 339.460) including but not limited to the following:

1) Meet School District Eligibility Requirements. The GED 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 number of credits required per grading period.

2) Meet School District Responsibilities and Standards of Behavior and Performance. The GED 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 GED 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 GED student shall demonstrate that, prior to beginning the interscholastic activity each year, the student has passed at least one practice test administered through the GED program.

4) Effect of Academic Ineligibility. Any GED student who has been unable to maintain academic eligibility prior to transferring to a GED program shall be ineligible to participate in interscholastic activities as a GED student for the duration of the school year in which the student becomes academically ineligible and for the following year. The student may take the required practice tests at the end of the second year and becomes eligible for the third year.

B. Compliance with OSAA Deadlines and Regulations. In addition to satisfying the Oregon statutory requirements summarized above, a GED student wishing to participate representing a member school must satisfy the following OSAA deadlines and regulations:

1) Deadlines.

a) Notification of Intent. The GED 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.

b) Testing. The GED 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.

c) Transfer. A transfer by a student to a GED 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 GED 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 GED 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 GED 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 GED 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 GED 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.

27. ELIGIBILITY – HOME SCHOOL STUDENTS Home School Eligibility Parent Checklist (Revised Spring 2017)

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:

B. 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.

C. Meet School District Eligibility Requirements. The home school student shall meet all school district eligibility requirements with the exception of:

1) The school district’s school or class attendance requirements, and

2) The OSAA academic eligibility requirements dealing with number of credits required per grading period.

D. 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.

E. Academic Eligibility (Testing) Requirement. In lieu of satisfying the OSAA academic eligibility requirements dealing with number of credits required per grading period, the home school student shall achieve a minimum score on the achievement test required annually at the end of the school year (by August 15) of all home school students wishing to participate in activities. 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.

1) Tests approved for assessment of satisfactory progress by home school students are the two most recent versions of the following tests:

Iowa Tests of Basic Skills	TerraNova 2 / CAT6 (CTBS/TerraNova/CAT)
Stanford 9^th Edition	TerraNova 3 (CTBS/TerraNova/CAT)

2) 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.

F. Effect of Academic Ineligibility. Any home school student who has been unable to maintain academic eligibility prior to transferring to a home school shall be ineligible to participate in interscholastic activities as a home school student for the duration of the school year in which the student becomes academically ineligible and for the following year. The student may take the required tests at the end of the second year and, upon meeting the minimum test score standards described in E. above, becomes eligible for the third year.

G. 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 the annual test 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. NOTE: The test is NOT required of students prior to entering the 9^th 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.

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.

28. ELIGIBILITY – INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS International Student Eligibility Checklist CSIET Advisory List (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.

29. 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.

29. 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.

31. ELIGIBILITY APPEALS BOARD (Revised Fall 2002)

A. The Eligibility Appeals Board shall consist of 15 members as follows:

1) Five school board members to be nominated by the Executive Director and approved by the Executive Board on a geographical basis.

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 on a geographical basis.

3) Five current OSAA Executive Board members 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 schools 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.

3) Eligibility Appeals Board meetings may be held at the Association office in Wilsonville or by telephone conference call, 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. If your question is not answered in one of these sections, please call the OSAA office at 503.682.6722 for an answer.

32. EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN. 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.

33. ENDOWMENT GAMES Endowment Game Application (Revised May 2020)

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 should be submitted to the OSAA office by the host school a minimum of 15 days 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.

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 $6 for adults and $4 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. 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. Operating expenses for Endowment Games are to be drawn from the 30% of the gross gates receipts returned to the host school. Financial agreements, if any, between the two participating schools are at the discretion of the schools.

E. 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.

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.

34. 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 accommodations 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.

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. FINANCING OPTIONS

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.

38. FOOTBALL – PLACEMENT IN A LOWER CLASSIFICATION Placement in a Lower Classification - Football Only (February 2018)

A. Eligibility . For a member school to be eligible for initial placement in a lower classification as permitted in Article 6.2.4. (c), the school must meet at least one of the following criterion:

1) Winning Percentage - Four-Year. The school's in-classification winning percentage (Colley) in football for the previous four years shall be 22% or lower.

2) Winning Percentage - Two-Year. The school's in-classification winning percentage (Colley) in football for the previous two years shall be 22% or lower.

3) Number of In-Classification Games. The school played twelve or fewer in-classification games in football during the previous four years.

4) Enrollment Zone - 11-Man vs. 8-Man. The school's adjusted base number enrollment is between 90 and 120, and the school intends to play 8-Man football.

B. Deadline . A member school that meets one of the above criterion 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.

C. Duration of Placement . Approval of placement in a lower classification shall apply for two years.

D. Cooperative Sponsorship . Schools involved in a cooperative sponsorship that participated together during the previous two-year or four-year period that also meet one of the above criterion are eligible for placement in a lower classification. Newly formed cooperative sponsorships shall be subject to Board Policy - Cooperative Sponsorship.

E. Two-Year Evaluation . Following two years of placement in a lowewr classification a school shall be evaluated to determine if the school should change classification again. The evaluation shall include, but is not limited to, the following criteria: in-classification winning percentage (Colley), league finish, playoff appearances/finish, program participation numbers, and adjusted base number enrollment.

39. 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 match-ups within a team contest such as wrestling, golf, tennis, etc.

40. GENDER IDENTITY PARTICIPATION (Winter 2019)

The OSAA endeavors to allow transgender 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. The OSAA also endeavors to provide fair competition and eliminate competitive advantages and disadvantages in each sport and activity. As with Rule 8.2 regarding Duration of Eligibility / Graduation, rules such as this one promote equality of competition; diminish risks stemming from unequal competition; promote 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 medical understanding of gender identity and expression, evolving law, and societal norms. 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. The OSAA also recognizes the concerns of students, parents, teachers and coaches to ensure a fair and equal competitive environment.

A. Definitions. For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

1) Transgender refers to an individual whose gender identity does not match his or her assigned birth gender.

2) Gender Identity - A person's internal sense or 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.

7) As used herin, "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 and male 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 privacy 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, the student shall be consistently treated 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 be treated 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 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 in order to participate.

41. HAIR ADORNMENT (July 2021)

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 and in collaboration with the OSAA Equity and Diversity 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 athletics and activities 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. House Bill 2935 Language. House Bill 2935 amended , ORS 659A.001, ORS 332.075 and ORS 659.850 relating to discrimination.

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 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 bases;

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. Activities Allowing Hair Adornments as Exceptions to NFHS Rules. House Bill 2935 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 House Bill 2935 and other rule-governing bodies, the OSAA will allow hair adornments in the following activities, despite current NFHS rules prohibiting them.

1) Cheerleading - Currently prohibited per NFHS Spirit Safety Rule: 2.1.5 Situation A.
OSAA Interpretation - Hair must be worn in a manner that is appropriate for activity involved. Hair adornment(s) must be secured.

2) Currently prohibited per NFHS Volleyball Rule 4.1.6.
OSAA I Hair with adornments must be secured so as not to present a safety hazard to the player, teammates, or opponents. If the hair adornment(s) become dislodged prior to or during competition, it must be secured before the participant can return to play.

C. Activities Adhering to NFHS Rules Prohibiting Hair Adornments. House Bill 2935 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 House Bill 2935 and other rule-governing bodies, the OSAA is adhering to NFHS rules prohibiting hair adornments in the following activities due to health and safety considerations.

1) Basketball - Prohibited per NFHS Basketball Rule 3-5 Article 4.

2) Football - Prohibited per NFHS Football Rule 1-5 Article 3.

3) Soccer - Prohibited per NFHS Soccer Rule 4-2 Article 1.

4) Wrestling - Prohibited per NFHS Wrestling Rule 3-1-4b and 4-2-1.

D. Activities Already Allowing Hair Adornment per NFHS Rules.. OSAA-sanctioned activities where hair adornments are already allowed by NFHS or rule-governing bodies

1) Cross Country

2) Dance

3) Baseball

4) Golf

5) Softball

6) Swimming

7) Tennis

8) Track and Field

42. HEAT INDEX Heat Index Calculator Heat Index Record (Fall 2014)

Schools shall monitor the Heat Index for their geographic area prior to practices. Outlined below are the steps that each member school shall take in order 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 your 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 sports 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 sports 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.

i) Watch/monitor athletes for necessary action.

4) 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.

43. INDEPENDENT STATUS IN A SPORT Independent Status Petition (Fall 2015)

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 the following information for consideration by the Executive Board:

1) League record in the sport for the previous three years.

2) Overall record in the sport for the previous three years.

3) Yearly participation numbers in the sport for the previous three years.

4) Coaching history for the previous three years.

5) A letter of league support or non-support for the proposed independent status.

C. A member school seeking independent status in a sport shall be required to complete and submit an “Independent Status Petition” to the OSAA according to the timelines listed below. A member school seeking independent status is also responsible for notifying all league members in writing of the “Independent Status Petition” according to these same timelines:

1) Fall Sports. Prior to the February Executive Board Meeting.

2) Winter Sports. Prior to the May Executive Board Meeting.

3) Spring Sports. Prior to the September Executive Board Meeting.

D. An “Independent Status Petition” in a sport shall be granted by the Executive Board for a minimum of two years.

E. 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.

44. INTERRUPTED CONTESTS (Revised Fall 2015)

Following is the policy concerning interrupted athletic contests. NOTE: For state championship final games, 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 together 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

3) Interrupted Contests Procedures. The following procedures shall be followed by the umpires and teams in these situations:

b) The crew chief should then give the signed lineup card to the home coach to be kept with the official scorebook.

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.

H. Swimming. Contest shall be continued from point of interruption unless teams mutually agree otherwise or there are district rules that apply.

I. Tennis. Match shall be continued from point of interruption. NOTE:

OSAA 2021-22 Handbook