PUBLICATIONS
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
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 obtain classification and geographical balance when appropriate.
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 (Adding a New Sport after the Deadline)
A. Adding a new sport prior to Board adoption of sport specific regular and special athletic districts.
1) Any full member school may add a sport by indicating sponsorship of the sport on the Pre-Selection Survey submitted to the OSAA prior to Board adoption of sport specific regular and special athletic districts.
2) The Board Meetings at which the sport specific regular and special athletic district for the following school year are adopted are:
a) Fall Sports – December Board Meeting.
b) Winter Sports – February Board Meeting.
c) Spring Sports – May Board Meeting.
3) If the OSAA is notified of the addition of the sport prior to the above listed Board meeting for the season of that sport, the school’s team in that sport shall be eligible for district or state honors, and league approval is not required for the addition of the sport.
B. Adding a new sport after Board adoption of sport specific regular and special athletic districts.
1) Should a full member school wish to add a new sport after Board adoption of sport 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 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 prior to the first contest date for that sport.
2) Should a full member school wish to add a new sport after Board adoption of sport 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 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.
(Revised Fall 2008)
1. Q. If a school wishes to add a sport, when must it notify the OSAA office of its intentions?
A. In general, if a school wishes to add a sport and be eligible for district or state honors, it must notify the OSAA office prior to Board adoption. However, if the school has approval from the receiving league/special district, the deadline for sponsorship of a sport is the first contest date of that sport’s season.
2. Q. What is the procedure a school should follow in order to add a sport after the Board adoption, but prior to the first contest date?
A. A school wishing to add sport after the Board adoption, 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’s season in order for the school to be eligible for district or state honors in that sport. The OSAA will invoice the school for the activity fee. (Revised June 2006)
3. Administrator Workshop Attendance Requirement (2008 Workshop Schedule)
Each member school shall ensure that at least one representative participate in one of the annual Administrator Workshops presented by OSAA staff. Roll shall be taken at the Workshops to confirm compliance with this policy.
Should it be determined that a member school failed to have a representative at any of the Administrator Workshops, that school shall be placed on probation during the Association year of non-attendance. The 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. (Fall 2006)
Students attending alternative high schools may be permitted to participate, providing:
A. The alternative school is operated by the same school district or a student is placed in an alternative high school by the home district.
B. The home school district is responsible for maintaining a record of students attending an alternative high school.
C. Students participate only at the high school in whose attendance area they maintain a Joint Residence with their parents.
D. Students must meet all other eligibility requirements.
E. Home schooling is not considered an alternative school. See Rule 8.5., “School Representation” and Executive Board Policy, “Eligibility – Home School Students” for additional information.
5. Athletic Directors and Coaches Recommendations Timeline DELETED DECEMBER 8, 2008
A. The following is the timeline for presentation of recommendations from the Oregon Athletic Directors Association, the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association and the student activities coaches associations to the OSAA Executive Boards:
September Meeting: Second reading for winter sports (action).
December Meeting: First reading for spring sports.
February Meeting: Second reading for spring sports (action).
First reading for athletic directors’ proposals.
First reading for fall sports
First reading for student activities.
May Meeting: Second reading for athletic directors’ proposals (action).
Second reading for fall sports (action).
Second reading for student activities (action).
First reading for winter sports.
B. All recommendations must be submitted on the OSAA Proposal Form. (Revised Fall 2002)
6. Band Festivals, Band Days and Performances
There is no limit on the number of band festivals or band days in which a school may participate other than a limit that may be imposed by a local Board of Education on its high school band(s).
7. 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).
8. Camps – Commercial Summer Camps
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. (Revised Fall 2002)
9. Cheerleading Safety Clinics
The high school principal shall be held accountable for verifying that any cheerleading coach who is solely responsible for coaching the team at any time has attended an OSAA Cheerleading Safety Clinic by November 1 of the Association year in which that person serves as a coach. Should a cheerleading coach fail to attend an OSAA Cheerleading Safety Clinic by November 1, the squad of the non-attending coach shall be prohibited from performing partner stunts or tumbling until the coach has attended a clinic. EXCEPTION: Any emergency exception must be authorized in writing by the OSAA. (Revised Fall 2007)
10. Cheerleading – Squad Size Limitations
A. If a school has more than one varsity cheerleading squad, the cheerleaders representing the school at an event shall be limited to persons who are members of the varsity squad for that sport season.
B. The number of cheerleaders permitted at State Basketball Championships is as follows:
1) 6A, 5A – One advisor and a maximum of 16 members of the varsity cheerleading squad in uniform, including mascots, shall be admitted free of charge.
2) 4A, 3A, 2A, 1A – One advisor and a maximum of 12 members of the varsity cheerleading squad in uniform, including mascots, shall be admitted free of charge.
3) Schools may buy tickets for additional cheerleaders but may not place more than the maximum number cited above on the sidelines at any one time.
C. The number of cheerleaders permitted at Football State Championship contests shall be 20. (Revised Spring 2006)
D. Squad size for routines performed prior to the contest, during time outs and for halftime entertainment may exceed the maximum limit so long as the additional members return to the stands when the contest resumes.
A. The Oregon School Activities Association recognizes that the misuse of chemicals, including alcohol, recreational drugs, and other drugs and food supplements that allegedly enhance performance, is a significant health problem for many adolescents resulting in negative effects on behavior, learning, and the total development of each individual. The misuse and abuse of chemicals for some adolescents affects extracurricular participation and development of related skills.
B. The OSAA recommends that all student-athletes and their parents/guardians should consult with their physicians before taking any supplement product. In addition, school personnel, including coaches, should not dispense any drug, medication or supplement unless specifically allowed by state regulations and/or school district policy. School district policies should be developed in consultation with health-care professionals, senior administrative staff of the school district and parents.
C. The OSAA abides by all state laws and district policies pertaining to the use of tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs. As a general rule, OSAA activities' sites shall be alcohol and tobacco free during OSAA events. All persons in attendance shall refrain from use of tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs at all OSAA activities and are prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs at all event facilities. (Revised Fall 2004)
1. Q. Does the OSAA have a rule regarding the use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs by students?
A. The OSAA does not condone the use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs, and supports district and/or league policies as well as state laws, which control their use.
12. 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 Board meeting.
13. Classification – Playing Up
In considering a petition under Article 6.1.2, 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. (March 2006)
14. Club and Unattached Competition
Following is the policy regarding unattached and club competition with and against high schools:
A. A high school team may not compete against a club team from a high school.
B. Students representing a high school shall not compete against unattached individuals. EXAMPLE: If a track and field meet is scheduled for high schools, everyone competing must represent his/her high school. There can be no unattached individuals entered in any of the events.
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 board, 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 Policy, “Adding a New Sport” for more information. (Revised Fall 2005)
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.
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 contest, or any other athletic contest, on that same day. Until an athlete who has suffered a concussion is no longer experiencing post-concussive symptoms, and a medical release form signed by an appropriate healthcare professional is obtained, the athlete shall not be permitted to return to athletic activity. (Fall 2008)
17. Cooperative Sponsorship (Cooperative Sponsorship Application)
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 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A schools.
EXCEPTION: The Executive Board also may approve cooperative sponsorships involving 1A, 2A, 3A or 4A schools with a 5A or 6A school if the 1A, 2A, 3A or 4A schools are located in an isolated area or are unable to find a closer 1A, 2A, 3A or 4A school willing to enter into a cooperative sponsorship agreement. (Revised Fall 2006)
B. Classification. Classification placement for the requested activity will be determined by the total combined A.D.M. in grades 9-12 of the schools involved.
EXCEPTION: If the total combined A.D.M. in grades 9 though 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 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 A.D.M. exceeds the classification cut-off point, and geographic considerations. (Revised Fall 2006)
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 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. (Revised September 2003)
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 for a maximum of two years per application.
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 (i.e., better won-lost record) will not be a valid criterion in deciding whether approval should be granted.
D. Agreements are for a maximum two-year period 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. (Revised December 2004)
18. Dance/Drill – Pre-Competition Practice
Each dance/drill team shall receive the same amount of time on the floor for practice as is provided for other teams in the division, if practice time is provided. If a team misses its practice time, there will be no opportunity for rescheduling. A school may not independently schedule practice time for its team at the state championships site. (Revised Fall 2005)
19. Dance/Drill – Safety Rules
The “National Federation Spirit Rules Book” shall cover all Dance/Drill activities in Oregon. (Revised December 2006)
20. District and Special District Committees
A. The Executive Board has established District and Special District Committees to assist in the management of the programs and activities of the Association.
B. Each athletic district or special district is represented by a committee of three school representatives appointed annually by the Executive Board. Representation for each athletic district in each classification is listed by school rather than by name of individual serving on each District or Special District Committee. The representative of the first school listed shall serve as chair.
C. Complete plans for each selection of athletic district representatives for state competition in each sport shall be determined by the District or Special District Committee. These plans should include peculiarities of each district not specifically covered by the athletic plan as published by the OSAA.
D. If for some reason the district plan has not covered a particular situation that occurs in determining the district representative to the OSAA State Championships, the District or Special District Committee shall determine the representative (teams or individuals).
E. If the school represented by a member of the District or Special District Committee may be affected by the decision of the Committee, the committee member representing the potentially affected school shall be temporarily replaced. A representative of the next school in alphabetical succession to serve on the Committee shall fill the vacated position until the committee reaches a decision.
F. A District or Special District Committee, in making its determination:
1) May consult all other schools in that athletic district or special athletic district;
2) May not change the final decision or outcome of a particular contest;
3) May not permit extra games or contests after the official published cutoff date for any sport unless an emergency exists and permission has been received from the Executive Board.
G. All ties for qualifying positions shall be settled at the district level. It is suggested that the method for settlement of ties be predetermined and published prior to each district meet for each sport.
H. No athletic district may change its representative(s) in the state championships after the official cutoff date or the official close of entries should a problem exist that precludes a school or an individual from being a district representative to a state championship. For team entries only, any change made following the official cutoff date shall be the decision of the Executive Board. (Revised Fall 2002)
The OSAA appreciates and encourages corporate and individual donations to schools in support of high school activities. These donations, whether monetary or in other forms such as merchandise, must be given directly to the school administration. Individual students representing schools may not receive donations except as allowed by OSAA Rule 8.4.1.
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 those donations are given directly to the school administration. Individual students representing a school may not receive monetary donations, and non-monetary donations are limited to $300 in value per association year.
22. 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 does assume the coaching responsibilities in such a situation meets the requirements of that school district.
23. Ejection Policies – Ejected Player or Coach
A. If a player or coach is ejected by an official for an unsportsmanlike act, both the athletic director of the school of the ejected player/coach and the commissioner of officials shall notify the OSAA by facsimile of the ejection by the next workday. Ejected coaches must leave the contest immediately and shall not be allowed further contact with team members for the duration of that contest. 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 Board. (Revised Fall 2005)
B. 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. If the Executive Director denies an appeal, that denial may be appealed to the Executive Board, which shall hear the appeal at its earliest convenience and issue a final ruling. Implementation of the next game suspension may be postponed during the time that an appeal is pending. (Revised Fall 2002)
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 (i.e. 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 (i.e. varsity) serve the suspension in a contest at another level?
A. No.
7. Q. When a coach or player is ejected, what period of time does the ejection cover?
A. Baseball / Softball - Remainder of that day. (Revised Spring 2006)
Basketball - Remainder of that day.
Football - Remainder of that day.
Soccer - Remainder of that day.
Volleyball - Remainder of that day.
Wrestling - Follow NFHS Rules Book.
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. Once a player or coach has served a period of ejection, when and over what period of time is a suspension served?
A. Baseball / Softball - Sit out through next contest at that level.
Basketball - Sit out through next contest at that level.
Football - Sit out through next contest at that level.
Soccer - Sit out through next contest at that level.
Volleyball - Sit out through next playing date at that level.
Wrestling - Sit out through next event at that level.
NOTE: In unusual circumstances, the Executive Director may modify the period of suspension.
11. 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.
12. Q. In soccer, does the ejection of a player or coach as a result of receiving two yellow cards result in the player being suspended from the following contest?
A. No. Only if a player or coach receives a “hard” red card ejection is suspension from the following contest required.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
A. Schools shall be assessed fines for ejections within specific sports programs. Each sport (i.e., 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.
EXCEPTION: The fine for an ejection in the last contest of the season shall be increased by $100 over the standard fine for the offense. (Revised December 2007)
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 Executive Board, including timelines for implementation of the Plan. (Revised Fall 2002)
25. Ejection Policies – Multiple Ejections of Individual
A second ejection for an unsportsmanlike act during the same sport season will result in a two-game suspension. A third ejection for an unsportsmanlike act during the same sport season will result in disqualification from further participation in that sport during that sport season. (Fall 1999)
26. Ejection Policies – Physical Contact with Official
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 Board. Both the athletic director of the school of the offending coach/player and the commissioner of officials shall notify the OSAA by facsimile of the incident by the next workday. In addition, the school shall be fined up to $1,000 as set by the Board, and an administrator and the coach/player shall be required to appear before the Executive Board at the next scheduled meeting. (Fall 1998)
27. Eligibility – Chemawa Indian School
A student who transfers to the Chemawa Indian School 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 his/her parents, if the student meets all other eligibility requirements. (Fall 2000)
28. Eligibility – District Committee
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. (Revised Fall 2000)
29. Eligibility – Foreign Students (Foreign Student Eligibility Checklist)
Like all other students, foreign 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 foreign 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. Eligibility appeals must go directly to the Executive Director. (Revised / Effective Fall 2004)
30. Eligibility – Home School Students (Home School Eligibility Parent Checklist)
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.
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.
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 the home school occurs in between school years, the student is immediately eligible at the beginning of the school year. If the transfer to the home school occurs during the school year, the student is ineligible for the remainder of that school year.
c) Duration of eligibility / eight semester rule (Rule 8.2). A student may participate in interscholastic activities for four consecutive years or eight 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 both 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 Rule 8.5., “School Representation” for additional information. (Revised Spring 2005)
31. Eligibility – Oregon School for the Deaf
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. (December, 2003)
32. Eligibility Appeal Filing Fee
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. (Fall 2003)
A. The Eligibility Appeals Board shall consist of 30 members as follows:
1) Ten school board members to be nominated by the Executive Director and approved by the Executive Board on a geographical basis selecting two from each of the five United States Congressional Districts.
2) Ten 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 selecting two from each of the five United States Congressional Districts.
3) Ten lay people to be nominated by the Executive Director and approved by the Executive Board on a geographical basis selecting two from each of the five United States Congressional Districts.
B. The length of term shall be three years, and a person may not serve more than two terms. Initially, terms shall be staggered on a two-year, three-year basis within each group.
C. The Eligibility Appeals Board shall hear any appeal filed by the involved school’s superintendent or principal, or the student’s parents regarding the District Committee’s ruling on the athletic eligibility transfer or discrimination hardship request.
D. The Eligibility Appeals Board shall meet when necessary.
E. When a written appeal is received by the Executive Director, the Executive Director shall appoint five members from the 30 available members with not more than two members from each of the three groups making up the five-member 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) Eligibility Appeals Board meetings may be held in various areas of the state or by telephone conference call, depending on the circumstances.
3) The Executive Director, or the Associate 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 may be appealed to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction under OAR 581-021-0035.
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. (Revised Fall 2002)
34. Endowment Games (Endowment Game Application)
The OSAA and its member schools believe in the fundamental values associated with participation in high school activities and want to work together to ensure the future of high school activities in the state of Oregon. The establishment of the OSAA Foundation will help us realize our goal. Endowment Games are a way for member schools and local communities to be active participants in growing the OSAA Foundation. Endowment Games regulations are as follows:
A. Endowment Games applications must be submitted to the OSAA office by the host school 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 insure 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 participation limitations for each activity. 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 school district or league passes will be accepted.
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 50% 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 50% 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) Football – one additional game on or between the Thursday prior to Labor Day and September 30.
2) Volleyball – one additional play date on or between the Thursday prior to Labor Day and September 30.
3) Soccer – one additional match between the Thursday prior to Labor Day and September 30.
4) Cross country – one additional meet between the Thursday prior to Labor Day and September 30.
5) Basketball – one additional game after Thanksgiving but prior to December 24.
6) Wrestling – one additional event after Thanksgiving but prior to December 24.
7) Swimming – one additional meet after Thanksgiving but prior to December 24.
8) Baseball – one additional game prior to April 15.
9) Softball – one additional game prior to April 15.
10) Track & Field – one additional meet prior to April 15.
1. Q. Are Endowment Games required?
A. No, Endowment Games are optional for all member schools.
2. Q. Are all Zero Week football games considered to be Endowment Games?
A. No, Zero Week football games can be but aren’t required to be Endowment Games.
3. 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.
4. Q. May a school play an Endowment Game doubleheader with its boys and girls basketball teams against another school?
A. Yes.
5. 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.
(Revised Fall 2007)
35. Excess Revenue Distribution
The Executive Board shall consider the results of the current year’s audit prior to distributing any excess revenues from the previous year. (Fall 2002)
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 and 40 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 he/she is eligible and does 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. Fall Sports Practice Model (Heat Index Calculator) (Heat Index Record)
During the fall sports season each year, all student-athletes are required to adhere to the following practice regimen.
General Procedures:
A. Someone within the program shall be designated as the person who will take the steps necessary to determine and record the heat index for your area prior to each time period that you will be conducting practice sessions. Depending on practice schedules, it is possible that the designated person will have to record the heat index multiple times on the same day.
B. Within one hour of the practice time, the designated person shall utilize the Heat Index Calculator located on the OSAA website at www.osaa.org/heatindex/ to determine the heat index.
C. The designated person shall record the calculated heat index number from the OSAA Heat Index Calculator on the Heat Index Record provided by the OSAA. A separate Heat Index Record sheet shall be kept for each fall sport at each level. Practice modifications, as necessary, shall also be recorded on the Heat Index Record www.osaa.org/forms/HeatIndexRecord.pdf.
D. The Heat Index Record shall be completed and a copy maintained at the school for inspection at the request of the OSAA.
Sport-Specific Procedures:
A. Football –
1) Practice Requirements
a) Schools may conduct multiple on-field practice sessions but student-athletes shall not engage in more than five hours of on-field practice activities each day.
b) Within one hour of the start of practice, schools must determine the heat index for their area.
c) When the heat index is 95 or above, each practice session will be a maximum of three hours in length and there must be at least three continuous hours of recovery time between the end of the first practice and the start of the next practice that day. During this recovery time, student-athletes may not engage in other physical activities (e.g., weight training, conditioning, 7-on-7). Total on-field practice time combined may not exceed five hours.
d) During the first three days of practice, helmets and shoulder pads shall be the only pieces of protective equipment student-athletes may wear.
e) Beginning on day four, student-athletes may participate in full pads.
2) An individual shall become eligible to participate in a jamboree or interscholastic contest after completing a minimum of nine days of actual on-field practice.
3) All practices shall allow for water breaks and general acclimatization to hot and / or humid weather.
B. Cross Country, Soccer, Volleyball –
1) Practice Requirements
a) Schools may conduct multiple on-field / court practice sessions but student-athletes shall not engage in more than five hours of on-field / court practice activities each day.
b) Within one hour of the start of practice, schools must determine the heat index for their area.
c) When the heat index is 95 or above, each practice session will be a maximum of three hours in length and there must be at least three continuous hours of recovery time between the end of the first practice and the start of the next practice that day. During this recovery time, student-athletes may not engage in other physical activities (e.g., weight training, conditioning). Total practice time combined may not exceed five hours.
2) All practices shall allow for water breaks and general acclimatization to hot and / or humid weather. (May 2005)
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, 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 hold the purse strings. 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.
E. Further questions about innovative methods of financing school activity programs should be referred to the OSAA office.
39. Football – Artificial Limbs
Any school that has a student with an artificial limb who wishes to participate in football must arrange to have an orthopedic surgeon, the OSAA attorney and the Executive Director meet with the athlete, parents and representatives of the school. Using the criteria established by the National Federation as a guideline, a determination will be made on a case-by-case basis concerning the legality and suitability of wearing an artificial limb while participating in football.
In addition to the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty (15 yards) specified by the National Federation Rules Book, a player who wears illegal cleats in excess of 1/2” in length shall be disqualified for the remainder of the contest.
41. Football – 45-Point Rule / Alternative Plan / Running Clock (45-Point Alternative Plan Report)
A. Each 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A, 1A classification shall report to the OSAA which of the following three options listed in B has been adopted by the classification to address football games in which one team leads by 45 or more points at halftime. 1A classification is limited to options one and three. The selected option shall apply to all levels (varsity, JV, sophomore and frosh). The selected option shall remain from year to year until the classification notifies the OSAA of a change. (Revised Fall 2008)
B. In the case of a non-league contest, the option adopted by the athletic district of the host school shall be followed. In the case of 6A, 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A Football State Championship games, the Alternative Plan is in effect and the report from each school shall go directly to the OSAA office. In the case of a 1A Football State Championship game, Option 3 – Running Clock shall be followed.
1) Option 1: 45-Point Rule. A football game is terminated if either team leads by 45 points or more at halftime or at any time thereafter.
2) Option 2: Alternative Plan. A completed “Varsity Football 45-Point Alternative Plan Report” shall be submitted to the District Committee of the winning school by each school involved in any game with a final point differential of 45 points or more.
a) The Reports must be received by the District Committee prior to the winning school’s next contest or within seven days of the contest in question. If the losing school agrees there was no effort to run up the score, there shall be no action by the Committee, except to forward a copy of the forms to the OSAA office. If the losing school reports that the winning school did run up the score, the Committee shall consider the matter within 10 days and send a complete report to the OSAA office.
b) If a majority of the members of the District Committee agree that the winning school did run up the score, the Committee shall meet with the winning school’s administration and coach to seek solutions that will prevent the same from happening in the future.
c) A second offense of running up the score by a school during the same season shall be reported to the OSAA Executive Board. In the event that a school is found by the Board to have run up the score a second time during the same season, the school shall subject to any of the penalties set forth in Rule 5 as determined by the Board.
3) Option 3: Running Clock. If the point differential occurs at halftime or any time thereafter, a running clock shall be used. The running clock shall be started with the ready-for-play signal from the official. Once the running clock is started, it shall be stopped only for the following reasons:
a) For measurement of a possible first down.
b) For a player who appears to be injured.
c) For unusual heat or humidity which may create a health risk to players.
d) For a coach / referee conference concerning the misapplication of a rule.
e) When a TV / radio time out is granted.
f) For a one-minute intermission between the third and fourth periods and following a try, successful field goal, or a safety.
g) A team time out is granted.
h) When a team attempts to conserve or consume time.
i) Any unusual circumstances (dog on field, etc.). (Revised June 2007)
42. Football – League Playoff Prohibition
Leagues shall not use on-the-field procedures such as the “Kansas Plan” to break ties in league football standings at the end of the regular season. Each league shall develop its own standard operating procedure for resolving league ties off the field. (Fall 1999)
43. Football – Practice, Conditioning
A. At the beginning of football practice each year, every participant shall be required to have three days of practice without person-to-person contact. A school shall not permit an individual to participate in a practice involving person-to-person contact unless that individual has had at least three days of practice without person-to-person contact. Contact with another person on the fourth and fifth days should be controlled.
B. The only optional pieces of player equipment that may be worn by individuals during this three-day period are shoes, shoulder pads and helmets. NO OTHER PADS—such as knee, thigh, hip, and rib—are to be worn.
C. An individual shall become eligible to participate in an interscholastic contest or jamboree after completing a minimum of nine days of actual field practice.
D. This rule does not preclude light contact with blocking sleds and tackling dummies on the first three days. However, it is strongly recommended that any such contact be carefully controlled. See Executive Board Policy, “Football – Artificial Limbs” for additional information.
44. Football – Summer Team Contact Camp AMENDED DECEMBER 8, 2008
A. Individual school districts and other member schools of the association have the option of determining whether or not they will allow a school within their district to participate in a summer contact football camp. This decision should take into consideration the inherent liability when a team represents the school district, is supervised by school personnel, uses school district transportation, uses school facilities, and participants using protective equipment owned by the school.
B. It is imperative that local school administrators set guidelines for participation in these camps. Safety of the participants is of the utmost importance; therefore proper fundamental and physical preparation is necessary prior to the participants engaging in any type of person-to-person contact.
C. Prior to participation in the camp, each participant should be required to show proof of insurance and provide documentation of a valid physical examination within the last two years as prescribed by Oregon law. Coaches and other supervisors should have liability insurance.
D. Summer team football contact camps must be completed between the end of the Association year and the first Monday of August. (February 2003)
Each school participating in the Football State Championships shall be required to exchange at least two videos with their next opponent. The opposing coaches choose which videos to receive, and the exchange must be completed by noon on Sunday preceding the game in which the two schools meet.
46. Forfeits and Additional Contests
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. (Fall 2006)
A. All Sports except Basketball. The following criteria are to be used to determine the home team:
1) The team that was designated the home team the least number of times in prior rounds, or
2) if two teams have been designated the home team an equal number of times, the designated home team shall be the team that is the higher league representative, or
3) if two teams have been designated the home team an equal number of times and both have the same league representative position, follow the predetermined “X” on the bracket.
B. Basketball. The following criteria are to be used to determine the home team:
1) The designated home team shall be the team that is the higher league representative, or
2) if two teams have the same league representative position, the designated home team shall be the team that was designated the home team the least number of times in prior rounds, or
3) if two teams have the same league representative position and both have been designated the home team an equal number of times, follow the predetermined “X” on the bracket.
A. If there is inclement weather, the superintendents, or their representatives, of the schools involved shall confer, and if it is determined that conditions are not safe, the contest shall be postponed to be played at a later date. The contest is to be played only if it has a bearing on the representative(s) in that sport to the state championships.
B. If a state championship contest is involved, the OSAA office shall take jurisdiction and make any decision rather than the schools involved.
49. Independent Status in a Sport (Independent Status Petition)
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 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 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 December Executive Board Meeting.
2) Winter Sports – Prior to the February Executive Board Meeting.
3) Spring Sports – Prior to the May 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. (Fall 2007)
Following is the policy concerning interrupted athletic contests. NOTE: For state championship final games, the OSAA office shall take jurisdiction and make any decisions rather than the schools involved.
A. Baseball. (Fall 2008)
1) For darkness and/or weather:
a) If fewer than 4 and 1/2 or 5 innings have been played, the game shall be replayed in its entirety.
b) If 4 and1/2 (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 game is declared no contest and must be completely replayed.
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 game is declared no contest and must be completely replayed.
e) If the two schools mutually agree or if there is an athletic district policy, the game need not be replayed 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 athletic district rules that apply.
B. Basketball. Contest shall be continued from point of interruption unless the teams mutually agree otherwise or there are athletic district rules that apply.
C. Cross Country. Contest shall be continued from point of interruption unless the teams mutually agree otherwise or there are athletic 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 athletic 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 his/her ball after marking the spot on which it lies. Play will resume from that spot unless teams mutually agree otherwise or there are athletic 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 athletic district rules that apply.
G. Softball. (Fall 2008)
1) For darkness and/or weather:
a) If fewer than 4 and 1/2 or 5 innings have been played, the game shall be replayed in its entirety.
b) If 4 and1/2 (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 game is declared no contest and must be completely replayed.
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 game is declared no contest and must be completely replayed.
e) If the two schools mutually agree or if there is an athletic district policy, the game need not be replayed 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 athletic district rules that apply.
H. Swimming. Contest shall be continued from point of interruption unless teams mutually agree otherwise or there are athletic district rules that apply.
I. Tennis. Match shall be continued from point of interruption. NOTE: Previous set(s), game(s), score of game and previous occupancy of courts shall hold unless teams mutually agree otherwise or there are athletic district rules that apply.
J. Track and Field. Contest shall be continued from point of interruption unless teams mutually agree otherwise or there are athletic district rules that apply. NOTE: If contest was interrupted during a running event, the event shall be repeated.
K. Volleyball. Any match interrupted because of power failure or unforeseen circumstances shall be resumed from the point of interruption unless athletic district rules apply otherwise. If resumed, the score and lineup shall be the same as they were at the time of interruption.
L. Wrestling. Contest shall be continued from point of interruption unless teams mutually agree otherwise or there are athletic district rules that apply.
51. Lightning Safety Guidelines (Excerpts from “NFHS Sports Medicine Handbook”)
A. Recognition. Weather can be monitored using the following methods:
1) Monitor Weather Patterns – Be aware of potential thunderstorms by monitoring local weather forecasts the day before and the morning of the practice or competition, and by scanning the sky for signs of potential thunderstorms.
2) Flash to Bang – This method is used to assess how far away lightning is striking. It is determined by counting the number of seconds it takes to hear a clap of thunder after witnessing a flash of lightning. The number of seconds is then divided by five to get the distance, in miles to the lightning flash. Generally, a 30-second or less flash to bang count suggests removal of the athletes from the field to a safe shelter.
3) National Weather Service (NWS) – Weather can also be monitored using small, portable weather radios from the NWS. The NWS uses a system of severe storm watches and warnings. A watch indicates conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop in an area; a warning indicates severe weather has been reported in an area and for everyone to take proper precautions.
B. Management:
1) Evacuation – If lightning is imminent or a thunderstorm is approaching, all personnel, athletes and spectators should evacuate to available safe structures or shelters. A list of the closest safe structures should be announced and displayed on placards at all athletic venues.
2) Thirty-minute rule – Once lightning has been recognized, it is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning is witnessed or thunder is heard. Given the average rates of thunderstorm travel, the storm should move 10-12 miles away from the area. This significantly reduces the risk of local lightning flashes. Any subsequent lightning or thunder after the beginning of the 30-minute count should reset the clock and another count should begin.
C. Prevention. In order to prevent lightning related injuries, it is important to formulate and implement a proactive, comprehensive lightning emergency plan. The plan should include in order:
1) Advance planning.
2) A systematic approach for monitoring local weather conditions.
3) Education of staff to recognize sign of nearby lightning activity.
4) Criteria for suspension and resumption of play.
5) Evacuation plan including nearby safe shelters.
6) Periodic review and practice of the plan by appropriate high school personnel.
52. Membership in the OSAA (Membership Application – Full) (Membership Application – Associate)
A. Any school granted full membership in the OSAA shall be eligible to participate against OSAA member schools immediately upon approval of application.
B. In order for a new member school to be eligible for district and state honors, the Application for Membership must be approved prior to the deadlines listed in Executive Board Policy “Adding a New Sport.” See Executive Board Policy, “Adding a New Sport” for additional information. (Revised Fall 2008)
A seven-day OSAA Moratorium Week shall be in effect for all high school administrators / coaches and students participating in OSAA sanctioned athletics and activities. During the OSAA Moratorium Week, there shall be no high school facility usage by administrators / coaches and students, and no contact between administrators / coaches and students.
Designated OSAA Moratorium Week dates:
2013 July 28-August 3 (Fall 2008)
1. Q. During the Moratorium Week, will coaches be allowed any contact with their athletes?
A. No. This includes team and individual OSAA sanctioned sports and activities.
2. Q. During the Moratorium Week, will schools be allowed to have open facilities?
A. Schools may only host an activity that includes high school students involved in athletics and activities if they have appealed for and been granted permission from the Executive Director prior to the Moratorium Week. Permission shall not be granted for team camps.
3. Q. During the Moratorium Week, will coaches be allowed to have conditioning with their athletes, including working out in the weight room?
A. No, no contact is allowed.
4. Q. During the Moratorium Week, may athletes attend camps, clinics, etc?
A. Yes, so long as no high school coaches are present.
5. Q. Are there any exceptions to this policy?
A. Yes. There will be an appeals process in place for teams, coached by a high school coach, that have been playing together all summer and have qualified for a post-season event that is taking place during all or part of the Moratorium Week. Approval must be granted by the Executive Director prior to the Moratorium Week.
Students transferring to a new school are immediately eligible for participation in athletics only if they transfer to the new school at the time it opens and they maintain a Joint Residence within the attendance boundaries of the school district in which the new school is located. Students transferring to a school after it has opened are subject to the regular transfer rules of the OSAA. (Revised / Effective Fall 2003)
A. The Oregon School Activities Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, age or disability in the performance of its authorized functions, and encourages its member schools, school personnel, participants and spectators to adopt and follow the same policy.
B. In the event any party believes that s/he has been subjected to discrimination by the OSAA or its agents, a written complaint may be submitted to the Executive Board, describing the circumstances of the discriminatory acts and the relief requested. The Executive Board shall schedule a date for a hearing as soon as reasonably possible. The hearing shall be conducted in executive session unless the Executive Board determines that there are in its judgment good reasons to conduct the hearing otherwise. The Executive Board shall make a determination as to the validity of the complaint and take such action as it deems appropriate to remedy any discrimination that is found to exist. The decision of the Executive Board may be appealed to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction under OAR 581-021-0049.
56. Officials – Background Checks
A. All officials who wish to be certified by the OSAA shall submit to a criminal conviction history screening that will determine whether they have engaged in any Prohibited Conduct. Any denial of certification as a result of this screening may be waived or modified by the OSAA Executive Board in individual cases if it determines in its sole discretion that there exist circumstances justifying such a waiver or modification.
B. Cost of this background check shall be included in the cost of certification for the official. (Revised Fall 2006)
57. Officials – Certified Requirement
A. General requirement. Member schools shall secure certified officials from officials’ associations that have been recognized and certified by the OSAA for all interscholastic activities requiring those officials. EXCEPTION: Any request for an exception to this policy must receive the approval of the Executive Director. Exceptions shall be considered only when adherence to this policy presents a financial hardship to the school or when the local officials’ association is unable to service the member school. Any out-of-state official used under this exception in a contest in Oregon shall represent an association whose commissioner was an attendee at the OSAA Rules Interpreters’ Clinic for that year.
OSAA certified officials are required for all sanctioned activities at the varsity and junior varsity levels including jamborees. EXCEPTION: OSAA certified officials are required in baseball and softball at the varsity level only.
Schools, leagues and tournaments are limited to using a maximum of the quantity of officials assigned to State Championship contests unless written permission to exceed that quantity is received from the OSAA Executive Director prior to the event(s).
Schools have the responsibility to request permission from their local associations to use non-certified officials at sub-varsity contests where certified officials are not required.
B. Quantity requirements.
1) Baseball. Two officials are required for varsity contests. One umpire may be used in an emergency situation only. Two officials should be assigned below the varsity level, but one official may be assigned at the rate of 1-1/3 the “per official fee” rounded up to the nearest $ .50 based upon the fee listed in the Officials Fee Schedule.
2) Basketball. Two officials are required for varsity and junior varsity contests. Two officials should be assigned below the junior varsity level, but one official may be assigned at the rate of 1-1/3 the “per official fee” rounded up to the nearest $ .50 based upon the fee listed in the Officials Fee Schedule.
3) Football. Five officials are required for 6A and 5A classification varsity contests. Five officials are recommended but at least four are required for 4A, 3A, 2A and 1A varsity contests. Four officials are recommended but at least three officials are required for all other junior varsity and sophomore contests. (Revised Fall 2006)
4) Soccer. Two officials are required for varsity and junior varsity contests. One referee may be used in an emergency situation only.
5) Softball. Two officials are required for varsity contests. One umpire may be used in an emergency situation only. Two officials should be assigned below the varsity level, but one official may be assigned at the rate of 1-1/3 the “per official fee” rounded up to the nearest $ .50 based upon the fee listed in the Officials Fee Schedule.
6) Volleyball. Two officials are required for varsity and junior varsity contests. Two officials should be assigned below the junior varsity level, but one official may be assigned at the rate of 1-1/3 the “per official fee” rounded up to the nearest $ .50 based upon the fee listed in the Officials Fee Schedule.
7) Wrestling. An official is required for varsity and junior varsity matches. (January 2005)
58. Officials – Host School Responsibilities
A game manager shall be designated by the host school for all varsity contests in sports that use certified officials, and is recommended for contests at all levels. A member of the coaching staff of the home team is not eligible to serve as game manager during a contest at which he or she is coaching. The game manager shall wear easily recognizable identification, and shall be responsible for:
· Designating reserved parking for officials as close as possible to the contest site;
· Designating dressing facilities for officials where available if requested by the commissioner of the Local Association providing the officials;
· Monitoring and responding to inappropriate crowd conduct during and after the contest; and
· Providing an escort to the designated dressing facilities or vehicle for officials following each contest unless that offer is declined. (Fall 2008)
59. Practice – Fifth Year / Age
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.
A. Philosophy. The following statements outline the philosophy of the OSAA regarding in-season and out-of-season sports.
1) The mission of OSAA member schools is to foster well-rounded individuals. The purpose of interscholastic athletics is to help educate boys and girls and not to prepare students for college athletics, which is a by-product of interscholastic competition available to a very small percentage of high school athletes.
2) For most students, specialization in a single athletic activity is not in their best long-term interests.
3) Students should be encouraged by coaches, administrators, and parents to participate in a variety of school activities, including more than one sport during the school year.
4) Schools should not allow use of school equipment and facilities by non-school organizations that promote a philosophy contrary to the above statements.
5) There should be no promotion or publicity within a school for non-school programs, which promote a philosophy contrary to the above statements.
B. Preface. The spirit of the Practice Limitation Rule is that every school and participant shall have the same opportunity to practice prior to the first contest. Practice is defined as the involvement of individuals from a member high school in any program, demonstration, instruction, or participation conducted in part or in its entirety by a person or a group of people who are or who have been involved in the coaching of any of these athletes in that sport at the high school, including volunteer coaches. Unless a person has been approved by the school district as a member of the coaching staff, that person may not practice against a team or a team member (example- throwing batting practice or working against a basketball post player). (Revised December 2004)
C. Team Sports Limitation. Schools may conduct practices and/or compete in contests in team sports (baseball, basketball, football, softball, soccer, volleyball) only during the designated OSAA sports seasons as outlined in Rule 6. It shall be a violation of the rule if there is any attempt during the Association year to gather more than two members of the same high school program together per day outside the OSAA defined season to receive specialized athletic instruction from any coach associated with the participating athletes’ high school program. Attempts to circumvent the rule by encouraging team members to attend out-of-season practices or camps during the Association year other than through general dissemination of information or brochures shall be considered a violation of this rule.
D. Individual Sports Limitation. Schools may conduct practices and/or contests in individual sports (cross country, golf, swimming, tennis, track & field, wrestling) only during the designated OSAA sports seasons as outlined in Rule 6. Local school districts and/or leagues should establish their own policy restricting the involvement of their individual sports coaches in out-of-season programs.
E. Open Facility. The intent of an open facility is to provide an opportunity for a recreational activity to occur. The facility is provided so that any student in the school has an opportunity to participate. (See Team Sports Limitation listed above for additional information.)
F. Conditioning. Conditioning is defined as a session where students work on physical fitness and conditioning by use of weights, running, and/or exercises. Conditioning does not allow for the use of individualized and specialized sports equipment or apparatus, including but not limited to: balls, bats, protective equipment, blocking dummies, batting cages, charging sleds, and other implements related to specific OSAA activities. Participation in conditioning activities must be optional.
1. Q. Does the Practice Limitation Rule apply during the summer?
A. No. The Board Policy is only in effect during the Association year, which starts on the first day of fall practice and ends on May 26th.
2. Q. May a school or an individual student compete in an indoor track meet?
A. The OSAA does not have a season designated for indoor track. Therefore, indoor track is not an OSAA sanctioned activity. Since track and field is an individual sport, it falls under the Individual Sports Limitation. A participant in indoor track must do so unattached and may not represent his/her high school. No school uniforms, equipment or transportation may be used.
3. Q. Is the Practice Limitation Rule a new concept?
A. While this is a new policy for the OSAA and all of its member schools, several individual school districts have already adopted similar policies.
4. Q. What are the penalties if a high school coach violates the Practice Limitation Rule by coaching more than two members of his or her team in an out-of-season program?
A. Rule 5, “Violations of Regulations – Penalties” - outlines violations of rules and penalties. As outlined in Rule 5.2., violations of any rule of the OSAA could include probation, forfeiture, fines, suspension, or expulsion from the Association. The Executive Board would determine the penalty.
5. Q. Is a school in violation of the Practice Limitation Rule if an unpaid volunteer coach coaches both the high school team and the out-of-season team during the OSAA year?
A. Yes, this would be a violation.
6. Q. Under the Practice Limitation Rule, may two high school coaches “trade” teams and coach each other’s teams in an out-of-season program, or may a person coach a high school team and then have his/her spouse coach the out-of-season club team?
A. No. According to the team sports limitation policy, “It shall be a violation of the rule if there is any attempt to gather more than two members of the same high school program together to receive specialized instruction. Attempts to circumvent the rule by encouraging team members to attend out-of-season practices or camps during the Association year, other than general dissemination of information or brochures, shall be considered a violation of this rule.” The intent of the rule is to prevent the high school coach from directly or indirectly pressuring players from the high school team to play on an out-of-season club team. If the high school coach organizes the high school team members to congregate on the same out-of-season club team and then secures someone else to coach them, i.e., spouse, parent, another high school coach, etc., he or she would violate the intent of the rule and it would be considered a violation.
7. Q. Under the Practice Limitation Rule, may the high school boys basketball coach work with the girls basketball club team?
A. Yes. Boys and girls programs at a high school in the same sport are considered separate sports for the purpose of the Practice Limitation Rule.
8. Q. May high school team members belong to the same club team?
A. Yes, if the high school team members independently try out and/or belong to the same club team through no influence or direction from the high school coach, then no violation would occur.
9. Q. Is it a violation of the Practice Limitation Rule if a high school coach works at a YMCA, “The Hoop,” “Sports Nation,” etc., during the Association year?
A. No, as long as the high school coach is not involved in directly coaching more than two players from his or her high school team on any given day.
10. Q. Under the Practice Limitation Rule, may the local golf pro coach the high school team and still give lessons to team members outside the high school season?
A. The Individual Sports Limitation Rule would allow this if allowed by the local school district and/or league.
11. Q. A coach of a high school team allows a parent to coach that same team in an out-of-season program. Is this legal under the Practice Limitation Rule?
A. Yes, as long as the high school coach does not organize or require members of the high school team to participate on the out-of-season team coached by the parent.
12. Q. Under the Practice Limitation Rule, may a high school coach work with a group of 9th graders before they turn out for a sport?
A. No. A coach may work with no more than two players (or potential players) outside the designated sports season.
13. Q. Under the Practice Limitation Rule, may a high school coach work with 8th grade students before they enter high school?
A. Yes. OSAA rules govern students in grades 9-12 only.
14. Q. Under the Practice Limitation Rule, may a high school coach work with two students at a time, rotating the students every half-hour?
A. No. A high school coach may work with no more than two students from his or her program on any given day.
15. Q. Under the Practice Limitation Rule, may a high school coach work with two students at one basket, then two different students at another basket, etc.?
A. No. A high school coach may work with no more than two students from his or her program on any given day.
16. Q. Under the Practice Limitation Rule, may the head coach work with two students, the assistant coach work with two other students, the JV coach work with two other students, etc.?
A. No. All coaches in a program are collectively allowed to work with no more than two students from that program on any given day.
17. Q. Are open gyms still permissible under the Practice Limitation Rule?
A. Yes. The terminology has been changed to “open facility” and is applicable to gymnasiums, fields, tracks, etc. The basic philosophy of an open facility is that it is a recreational opportunity open to anyone and that no instruction is occurring. A coach may not be “at the other end” of an open facility working with two students.
18. Q. Are batting cages considered open facilities?
A. Yes, if a batting cage is open to anyone and no coaching is taking place. If the high school coach is working with athletes in the batting cage, then the cage is no longer an open facility and the coach is limited to working with no more than two athletes from his or her team on any given day.
19. Q. A high school baseball/softball coach wants to run a hitting camp for players prior to the first practice date for spring sports. Is this legal under the Practice Limitation Rule?
A. No. The high school coach may coach no more than two of his or her players on a given day outside of the OSAA designated sports season.
20. Q. Under the Practice Limitation Rule, may a school have an “open gym” or “open field” where baseball/softball players play catch to get their arms in shape?
A. Yes, provided that no coaching is taking place.
21. Q. Under the Practice Limitation Rule, may a high school coach include graduating seniors on an out-of-season club team after the high school season in that sport has been completed?
A. Yes. Once seniors have completed their sports season, they are no longer considered to be team members or potential team members for that sport.
22. Q. Under the Practice Limitation Rule, may a high school wrestling coach be involved with his wrestlers in AAU, Greco-Roman and/or freestyle wrestling?
A. Yes. Under the Individual Sports Limitation Rule, local school districts and/or leagues may establish their own policy regarding the high school coach’s involvement in individual sports such as wrestling.
23. Q. Under the Practice Limitation Rule, may a high school coach conduct club team try-outs prior to the end of the association year?
A. No.
24. Q. Under the Practice Limitation Rule, may students attend a clinic at which their school coach is making a presentation?
A. No more than two students from the coaches’ school may attend a presentation by their coach at a clinic.
25. Q. May a coach participate in an open gym with more than two members of his/her school program?
A. Yes, so long as no instruction takes place.
26. Q. May a coach participate on an organized team with more than two members of his/her school’s program?
A. No.
27. Q. Under the Practice Limitation Rule, may a coach own a club on which there are teams which include more than two members of his/her school program?
A. Yes, but the coach may not personally coach a team with more than two members of his/her school program. (December 2006)
It shall be the policy of the Association to maintain school records and records concerning student eligibility for a period of five years, after which time they shall be destroyed unless a need exists to maintain records of a particular matter or case for a longer time period. (Fall 2000)
62. Sanctioning of Contests (Sanctioning Request Procedures (Non-Bordering States)
A. Introduction. It is the philosophy of the Oregon School Activities Association Executive Board that interscholastic activities shall not be used as a pawn during negotiations between school boards and employee bargaining units. All school districts are urged to plan ahead so that no misunderstandings will occur as a result of school closures resulting from strikes.
B. Notice. Be it hereby made known, as a matter of public information that the Oregon School Activities Association recognizes that school closure due to a personnel strike (withholding of services) under the provisions of ORS 243.650 through 243.762 will have an impact on students, communities, local schools, and OSAA athletic districts and/or leagues.
C. Authority.
1) Under the authority delegated to the local school districts and within the framework of ORS 332.072 through 332.107, district-sponsored interscholastic programs in grades 9 through 12 shall be governed in accordance with the constitution, by-laws, and administrative rules of the OSAA.
2) Nothing in this delegated authority abridges the right of the local districts to retain final authority regarding the implementation of local interscholastic programs.
D. Definitions.
1) Strike: A strike occurs when members of a local district bargaining unit withhold services on a day(s) or during a portion of a day, which previously was designated as a school day on the school calendar adopted by the local school board.
2) School Closure: A school closure occurs when, as a result of the withholding of services by members of a local bargaining unit, school(s) within the affected district ceases to operate.
E. Policy. During the period(s) of school closure as a result of a legal strike resulting from a labor dispute under the provisions of ORS 243.650 through 243.762, the following rules will govern interscholastic competition and practices:
F. Practices. Practice sessions may be held during the period of school closure under the following criteria:
1) Practices must be conducted in the same length and frequency that they would if school was in regular session.
2) Practices must be conducted by appropriately qualified personnel who may be members of the regular school staff, qualified substitutes, or qualified temporary replacements.
3) The practices must be conducted in such a manner to assure the health and safety of the participants.
G. Contests.
1) Notice of school closure, and the decision as to whether the school will play contests during the closure, shall be communicated to the OSAA by the superintendent as early as possible and prior to any regularly scheduled interscholastic activity.
2) In the event of school closure or delayed opening as a result of a strike, the local school district shall determine whether or not to participate in interscholastic events. If the local school district decides not to play a regularly scheduled contest, the contest will be canceled, declared a forfeit, and a win shall be credited to the offended school. There shall be no provisions for making up contests so canceled.
3) If a school already has entered district playoffs, or a state championship and the school district decides not to play the scheduled contest(s) because of a school closure, the contest(s) shall be declared a forfeit and the win shall be credited to the offended school.
4) In the event that two competing schools, which are simultaneously closed as a result of a strike and have a scheduled contest with each other during the closure, and both decide not to play, the contest shall not be played nor rescheduled and neither team shall be credited with a win or a loss.
5) In the event an otherwise eligible team is unable to the enter state championships due to a local school district decision not to play because of a school closure, the athletic district may, by its own criteria, select another member school as a replacement providing the selection is made prior to 4 p.m. on the cutoff date for that state championship.
6) When schools continue to play contests during a legal strike resulting from a labor dispute under the provisions of ORS 243.650 through 243.762, schools may, at the option of the local school board, participate in all regularly scheduled interscholastic activity events providing that:
a) Declaration of the school’s intent to participate shall be communicated to the OSAA by the superintendent prior to the scheduled events.
b) Fully qualified personnel who may be members of the regular school staff, qualified substitutes, or qualified temporary replacements are assigned the full responsibility normally assigned to coaches, athletic directors, and other regular school staff.
c) Plans and precautions are established to assure the safety and welfare of the participants and staff. (Revised / Effective February 2003)
64. School Delayed Opening or Early Closure – Financial
A. Delayed opening. If a school delays the fall opening because of financial reasons, the school may participate in OSAA sponsored activities through the third Saturday after Labor Day. If the school remains closed after that day, the school may petition the OSAA Executive Board to receive permission to continue to participate.
B. Early Closure. If a school closes early because of financial reasons, the school may continue to participate in OSAA sponsored activities during the period of closure at the discretion of the local school board. It should be kept in mind that under the OSAA “State Championships – School Unable to Compete” Board Policy, a substitute league representative is not permitted if a school must drop out of the state championships after the cutoff date for that sport.
C. Requirements to participate during periods of delayed opening or early closure due to financial reasons:
1) Declaration. A declaration of intent to participate shall be communicated to the OSAA by the Superintendent prior to the scheduled events.
2) Personnel. Fully qualified personnel who may be members of the regular school staff, qualified substitutes, or qualified temporary replacements are assigned the full responsibility normally assigned to coaches, athletic directors, and other regular school staff.
3) Safety. Plans and precautions are established to assure the safety and welfare of the participants and staff.
4) Practices. Practice sessions may be held during the period of school closure or delayed opening under the following criteria.
a) Practices must be conducted in the same length and frequency that they would if school was in regular session.
b) Practices must be conducted by appropriately qualified personnel who may be members of the regular school staff, qualified substitutes, or qualified temporary replacements.
c) The practices must be conducted in such a manner to assure the health and safety of the participants. (Revised / Effective February 2003)
1. Q. If a school is closed because of a strike on the last regularly scheduled school day before spring vacation, can student representatives of the school compete in contests, regularly scheduled or not, during spring vacation?
A. Participation would be up to the discretion of the local school district.
2. Q. May a school that is scheduled to host a competition involving itself and more than one other school host the event during a strike caused school closure or during a Saturday, Sunday, holiday or vacation period described in question 1?
A. Yes, but participation would be up to the discretion of the local school district.
3. Q. What would demonstrate that an in-service day was “school board approved”?
A. School Board minutes.
65. Special Athletic Districts – Inclusion of All Member Schools in Schedule
If a competition schedule is created for any schools in a special district, all schools that have been assigned to that special district and wish to participate shall be included in the competition schedule. (Spring 2006)
66. Special Athletic Districts – Placement
A. The following criterion shall be considered when placing schools in Special Athletic Districts:
1) League balance.
2) Geography.
3) Maintenance of regular athletic district alignments.
B. The above list is not in any particular order.
67. Spectator Conduct at OSAA Sanctioned Events ADDED Q & A's December 8, 2008
In addition to the general expectations included in the OSAA Constitution, Rule 3, that school officials“…shall take all reasonable measures to ensure that the school’s students and supporters maintain a sportsmanlike attitude toward all events…” the following specific expectations regarding spectator conduct at all OSAA sanctioned events, including regular and post season competition, are provided: (Revised Fall 2008)
A. All cheers, comments and actions shall be in direct support of one’s team. No cheers, comments or actions shall be directed at one’s opponent or at contest officials. Some examples of inappropriate conduct or actions that are not permitted are: turning backs, holding up newspapers or jeering at cheerleaders during opposing team introductions; disrespecting players by name, number or position; negative cheers or chants; throwing objects on the floor. (Revised Fall 2008)
B. Spectators are not permitted to have signs or banners (larger than 8 ½ by 11 inches), confetti, balloons or glass containers. Spectators are required to wear shirts.
C. Spectators are not permitted to have artificial noisemakers. Some examples of artificial noisemakers are Thunder Stix, cowbells, clappers and air horns.
D. Spectators shall not be permitted to use vulgar/offensive or racially/culturally insensitive language. Spectators shall not be permitted to engage in any racially / culturally insensitive action. (Revised Fall 2008)
E. Spectators who fail to comply with Association or site management spectator conduct expectations may be expelled from the contest. (Revised Fall 2008)
1. 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.
2. Q. May visiting schools bring signs and/or banners to hang at the host school’s venue?
A. No.
3. Q. Are “run through” signs allowed?
A. Yes, so long as the message is positive/supportive.
4. 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.
5. Q. May spectators use small, handheld megaphones?
A. Yes, but only cheerleaders are allowed to use large megaphones. Neither cheerleaders nor spectators may use megaphones for banging on the floor or bleachers.
6. 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.
68. Sportsmanship – Criticism of School Representatives or Officials
A. It shall be considered an act of unsportsmanlike conduct if school representatives (coaches, administrators, player or other school personnel) make comments to the media that criticize or disparage the officiating of any contest. Whether or not a violation occurred and the appropriate penalty shall be determined by the school which employs the school representative.
B. It shall be considered an act of unsportsmanlike conduct if officials or commissioners make comments to the media that criticize or disparage school representatives. Whether or not a violation occurred and the appropriate penalty shall be determined by the Local Association to which the official or commissioner belongs. (Fall 2007)
69. State Championships – Adding a Championship in a New Sport or Adding / Deleting a Championship in a Current Sport
The OSAA may add a championship in a new sport or add/delete a championship in a current sport by applying the following threshold levels and criteria:
A. Threshold levels for adding championships.
1) If 50% or more of the schools within a particular classification participate in a given sport, a state championship may be held in that sport.
2) If the quantity of member schools participating in a sport is greater than 30% of the combined quantity of 6A/5A/4A/3A/2A schools in the Association, a state championship may be offered in that sport.
3) Stipulations.
a) Schools in a cooperative sponsorship shall count as only one school for the purpose of determining whether the threshold quantity for a separate state championship has been reached.
b) A school which participates only at the sub-varsity level in a particular sport shall not be counted for the purpose of determining whether the threshold quantity for a separate state championship has been reached in that sport.
B. Threshold levels for reducing or deleting championships.
1) If fewer than 50% of the schools in any classification compete in any sport, the championship in that sport for that classification shall be combined with other classifications.
2) Sponsorship of a state championship by the OSAA may be discontinued if the quantity of member schools participating in the sport falls below 30% of the combined quantity of 6A/5A/4A/3A/2A schools in the Association.
C. Criteria.
The following criteria (listed in no order of priority) are among those, which the State Championship Committee and Executive Board may choose to consider when evaluating possible modifications in OSAA Championship formats:
1) Support by superintendents of member schools.
2) Maintenance of comparable opportunities for boys and girls.
3) Maintenance of equity of opportunity by student population all classifications.
4) Equitable treatment of all sports/activities.
5) Avoidance of additional loss of class time.
6) General financial status of school districts in the state.
7) Financial impact upon the association, as determined by the OSAA staff.
8) Continued reimbursement at the current level provided by the OSAA.
9) Effect on the length of the season.
10) Scheduling in such a way as to produce maximum spectator attendance.
11) Availability of appropriate site(s).
12) Administration and management.
13) In individual sports, an increase in the number of athletic districts or classifications.
(Revised Fall 2005)
70. State Championships – Baseball Tiebreaker
During the Baseball State Championships final game, if the score is tied after the completion of a legal game, and the game can no longer continue (i.e., rain, darkness, etc.), then co-champions shall be declared. (Fall 1999)
71. State Championships – Basketball Halftime Entertainment
A. Schools participating in the Basketball State Championships will be given first choice to entertain during halftime intermission of all basketball games. Other schools will be considered in order of application received.
B. All halftime entertainment must be approved by the State Championship Director.
C. Each group will be admitted free to the session at which it performs. (A session is two games). However, cheerleading squads of participating schools in the Basketball State Championships choosing to perform at halftime still are required to pay admission beyond the varsity complimentary passes available.
D. Individuals or groups shall provide their own tape and tape recorder for music accompaniment. (It shall be understood that schools not participating in the state championships shall not bring a band.)
E. Total halftime entertainment shall not exceed eight minutes.
F. Participating schools are to mutually agree on how the eight-minute halftime is to be shared.
G. The facilities will not be blacked out nor will fire of any nature be permitted for entertainment.
H. Individuals or groups must wear appropriate gym floor shoes.
I. Questions concerning halftime entertainment shall be directed to the State Championship Director.
72. State Championships – Individual Sport Substitutions
A. The following shall be the policy for substitutions in individual sport State Championship events.
B. Cross Country (Revised Spring 2007)
1) Individuals: If any individual qualifier drops out of the state championship by 4 p.m. two business days prior to the state championships, the district may substitute the next eligible individual qualifier not a member of a qualifying team.
The district must notify the OSAA office of any such substitution by 4 p.m. at least two business days prior to the state championship.
2) Team: Substitutions on qualified teams may be made up to 30 minutes prior to the start of the state championship race at that classification. A team may enter a maximum of seven participants with its top five finishers counting toward team standings.
C. Golf (Revised Spring 2007)
1) Individuals: If an individual qualifier drops out of the state championship by 4 p.m. two business days prior to the state championship, the district may substitute the next eligible individual qualifier not a member of a qualifying team.
(1) The district must notify the OSAA office of any such substitution by 4 p.m. two business days prior to the state championship.
2) Team: Substitutions on qualified teams may be made up to one hour prior to the start of each round of the state championship. A team may enter a maximum of five participants with its top four finishers counting toward team standings.
D. Swimming (Revised Spring 2007)
1) Multiple Event Qualifiers and Relays. This deadline is for a participant withdrawing from the championship in one event but remaining in others and for submission of up to eight names for a relay team.
a) Multiple Event Qualifiers: Except as indicated below, participants who qualify in more than one event shall participate in all the events for which they qualify from preliminaries to finals.
(1) If a District Meet Director notifies the OSAA of a change prior to 4 p.m. on the Monday preceding the state championship, an individual may drop from one or more events in which he/she is qualified. The next place winner at the District Meet in the respective event or events is eligible as a substitute.
(2) If the OSAA has not been notified of a change prior to 4 p.m. on the Monday preceding the state championship, the participant who has qualified in multiple events must compete in all qualified events or he/she shall be scratched from all events in which the participant has qualified.
b) Relay Event Entries: Qualifying teams may enter the names of up to eight individuals in relay events.
(1) Qualifying relay teams failing to enter eight individuals may not add individuals to the state championship meet after the established Monday deadline.
(2) Any four of the listed individuals may compete and it shall count as an event only for the four who compete. It is not necessary to use the same four swimmers in the finals that participated in the preliminaries, but any substitution must already be entered into the meet.
2) Single or Multiple Event Qualifiers Dropping All Events or Substitutions only on Relays. This deadline is for a participant dropping out of the state championship and being replaced by another participant or participants.
a) If a District Meet Director notifies the OSAA by 4 p.m. two days prior to the first day of the state championship that a single event or multiple event qualifier is dropping all events, a substitution or substitutions may be made.
b) The next place winner at the District Meet in the respective event or events is eligible as a substitute.
E. Tennis (Revised Spring 2007)
1) Singles: Any substitutions for singles qualifiers may be made until 4 p.m. two business days prior to the first day of the state championships.
If a singles player is replaced after the start of the seeding meeting for the state championships, the replaced person is not eligible to replace someone else on a doubles team.
2) Doubles: Any changes in doubles qualifiers may be made until 4 p.m. two business days prior to the first day of the state championship.
A doubles player may be replaced only by another team member who is no higher on the team ladder than the player he/she is replacing.
F. Track and Field (Revised Spring 2007)
1) Event Limitation. NFHS rules allow an athlete to be entered in four events, excluding relays. Coaches of athletes entered in four events and both relays have until 4 p.m. on the Monday preceding the state championship to notify the OSAA of the four events in which the athlete will compete in at the state championship. Failure to notify the OSAA by the indicated deadline shall result in the athlete being scratched first from the 4x100 Relay and then from the 4x400 Relay, if needed.
2) Multiple Event Qualifiers and Relays. This deadline is for a participant withdrawing from the championship in one event but remaining in others and for submission of up to six names for a relay team.
a) Multiple Event Qualifiers: Except as indicated below, participants who qualify in more than one event shall participate in all the events for which they qualify from preliminaries to finals.
(1) If a District Meet Director notifies the OSAA of a change prior to 4 p.m. on the Monday preceding the state championship, an individual may drop from one or more events in which he/she is qualified. The next place winner at the District Meet in the respective event or events is eligible as a substitute.
(2) If the OSAA has not been notified of a change prior to 4 p.m. on the Monday preceding the state championship, the participant who has qualified in multiple events must compete in all qualified events or he/she shall be scratched from all events in which the participant has qualified.
b) Relay Event Entries: Qualifying teams may enter the names of up to six individuals in relay events.
(1) Qualifying relay teams failing to enter six individuals may not add individuals to the state championship meet after the established Monday deadline.
(2) Any four of the listed individuals may compete and it shall count as an event only for the four who compete. It is not necessary to use the same four runners in the finals that participated in the preliminaries, but any substitution must already be entered into the meet.
3) Single or Multiple Event Qualifiers Dropping All Events or Substitutions only on Relays. This deadline is for a participant dropping out of the state championship and being replaced by another participant or participants.
a) If a District Meet Director notifies the OSAA by 4 p.m. two days prior to the first day of the state championship that a single event or multiple event qualifier is dropping all events, a substitution or substitutions may be made.
b) The next place winner at the District Meet in the respective event or events is eligible as a substitute.
G. Wrestling (Revised Spring 2007)
1) Individuals: Substitutions may be made by the District Meet Director until 4 p.m. two business days prior to the first day of state championship competition.
2) A one point team penalty shall be assessed to any team failing to bring a participant who has qualified through the District Meet to the state championships, unless that participant was replaced prior to the substitution deadline. This penalty applies to each participant failing to appear at the state championships.
73. State Championships – Pep Band Expectations
A. The purpose of performances by pep bands at athletic events is to entertain, promote school spirit and support cheerleaders in providing positive crowd participation activities. All members of the band are expected to exhibit the highest standards of good sportsmanship.
B. Amplified instruments are permitted at basketball contests unless the State Championship Director determines that space availability or distance to an electrical outlet precludes its use. The State Championship Director has the authority to control the volume of any amplified instrument.
C. Musical selections may be performed only during the following times:
1) Prior to the game.
2) During time outs.
3) Between quarters or at halftime.
4) Following the game.
5) Exceptions:
a) No musical selections may be performed during injury time outs.
b) Rhythmic percussion cadences in support of cheerleaders promoting positive crowd participation are acceptable during the game except during free throws or injury time outs.
D. If two pep bands are playing at an athletic contest, the groups shall alternate performances and split the half time. In football, the performance time after a touchdown or point after goes to the band representing the school that has scored regardless of which band performed last. The directors of the two groups shall meet prior to the contest to confirm how the time will be shared for that particular event. (Fall 2000)
74. State Championships – Radio, Television and Internet Broadcasts
The OSAA owns the rights to and coordinates any radio, television and/or Internet broadcasts for state championship events, first round through championship final. Media outlets that wish to broadcast any state championship event must contact the OSAA for permission and/or to negotiate a rights fee well in advance of the event. The OSAA shall contact the host school athletic director if a media outlet has been granted permission to broadcast an early round event. If the OSAA has not contacted the host school athletic director to confirm that permission has been granted, the broadcast shall not be allowed. It shall be the responsibility of the media outlet to make all necessary arrangements with the host school athletic director and to pay for any phone line charges or installation fees for any early round event. The OSAA will coordinate arrangements with media outlets at all final sites. (Revised Fall 2007)
75. State Championships – Softball Tiebreaker
A. The softball tiebreaker shall be implemented beginning in the tenth inning of all state championship games, first round through championship final:
B. Place the ninth hitter due up in that inning on second base at the beginning of the inning.
C. If the state championship final game is tied after the completion of a legal game, and the game can no longer be continued (i.e., rain, darkness, etc.), then co-champions shall be declared. (Revised Fall 2005)
76. State Championships – Support Group Policies
Following are the support group policies as adopted by the Executive Board regarding state championships:
A. Basketball. Band members will be given complimentary admission from game management for their session.
1) Amplified instruments are permitted unless the championship director determines that space availability or distance to an electrical outlet precludes its use. The championship director has the authority to control the volume of any amplified instrument.
2) Bands may play: 1-Prior to game; 2-During time-outs; 3-Between quarters and following the game. Bands may not play while the game is in progress.
B. Football. The following halftime procedure shall be utilized:
1) Band halftime entertainment shall be approved by game management.
2) If special announcer is required for support group performances, previous arrangements shall be made with game management in order to gain access to public address system.
3) Advisor of the support group shall give exact number of seats needed to game management.
4) Support group members shall be in uniform to be admitted.
5) Total halftime entertainment shall not exceed 14 minutes (See below).
6) The game clock shall be in operation during half time and shall be started at the conclusion of the first half. Clock will show 15 minutes (See below).
7) The visiting school support group shall perform first (unless the two schools mutually agree otherwise) and shall be prepared to start performance within 30 seconds after end of first half. Performance by visiting school support group may not exceed seven minutes, including time to get on and off the field. EXCEPTION: If game management wishes to extend the halftime entertainment according to the National Federation Rules Book, two minutes shall be added to each performance (total time of 18 minutes instead of 14 minutes) and clock will show 20 minutes at start of halftime.
8) The second support group shall be prepared to start performance within 30 seconds after the first support group clears the field. The second support group performance may not exceed seven minutes, including time to get on and off the field (See below).
9) The field shall be cleared for mandatory three-minute warm-up drills by the two teams.
10) Delaying the start of the second half shall be subject to reprimands and/or penalties by the Executive Board.
11) If game management wishes to extend the halftime entertainment according to the National Federation Rules Book, two minutes shall be added to each performance (total time of 18 minutes instead of 14 minutes) and clock will show 20 minutes at start of halftime.
C. Soccer: Same as for football, except total time for entertainment at halftime is eight minutes (four minutes for each school support group). (Revised Fall 2002)
77. State Championships – Team Size
The following limitations shall apply to replacement players and maximum team sizes for team sport State Championship events, first round through championship final.
Penalties for excessive team size: Suiting up or playing too many players shall be considered a gross act of unsportsmanlike conduct punishable by fines, forfeiture and / or other penalties as determined by the OSAA Executive Board. (Revised Fall 2006)
A. Baseball. Team: Replacement of players applies to each game. A player replaced on the roster may be reinstated to the roster in subsequent rounds. Maximum in uniform: 6A - 20; All other classifications – 18. (Revised Fall 2008)
B. Basketball. Team: Replacement of players applies to each game. A player replaced on the roster may be reinstated to the roster in subsequent games. Maximum in uniform: 6A – 14; All other classifications – 12. (Revised Fall 2008)
C. Football. Team: Replacement of players applies to each game. A player replaced on the roster may be reinstated to the roster in subsequent games. Maximum in uniform: 6A-60, 5A-50; 4A-40; 3A-33, 2A-33; 1A-24. (Revised Fall 2008)
D. Soccer. Team: Replacement of players applies to each game. A player replaced on the roster may be reinstated to the roster in subsequent games. Maximum in uniform: 6A – 22; All other classifications – 20. (Revised Fall 2008)
E. Softball. Team: Replacement of players applies to each game. A player replaced on the roster may be reinstated to the roster in subsequent games. Maximum in uniform: 6A – 20; All other classifications – 18. (Revised Fall 2008)
F. Volleyball. Team: Replacement of players applies to each match. A player replaced on the roster may be reinstated to the roster in subsequent matches. Maximum in uniform: 6A – 14; All other classifications – 12. (Revised Fall 2008)
78. State Championships – Team Unable to Compete
A. If a school’s team qualifies for a bracketed state championship (volleyball, soccer, football, basketball, baseball, softball) and then that team is unable to compete in the state championship for any reason, the following policy is in effect:
1) If it is determined prior to midnight on the cutoff date for determining state championships team entries, an athletic district may substitute another school’s team in that position.
2) If it is determined after midnight on the cutoff date for determining state championships team entries, that particular position is vacant, and it shall be considered a forfeit victory for the scheduled opponent.
B. This applies to any reason for not being able to compete—strike, financial, illness, etc. (Revised Fall 2005)
79. State Championships – Videotaping
Any school or spectator may videotape state championships from the stands, providing they do not obstruct the view of others or require extra space. Use of a tripod in the stands is prohibited for safety reasons. When a school films its own team during a state championship, the official school representative will be granted the privilege of filming from the designated area established by the OSAA. NOTE: Videotaping or filming is for private use only. Televising, including live or delayed broadcasts and cable, is prohibited unless a contract is signed with the OSAA.
The Oregon School Activities Association recognizes that it does not have authority over Oregon’s high school students, personnel, facilities and equipment outside the Association Year with the exception of undue influence / participation on affiliated team and when school practice may start. The responsibility for and control of summer activities rests with the local school districts.
OSAA upholds sportsmanship in all interscholastic activities and expects its member schools to deal swiftly and firmly in addressing taunting. Taunting is any behavior, which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean. In all interscholastic activities, school personnel, game officials, and coaches are to enforce and follow the regulations described in the current National Federation Rules Books.
82. Tobacco Use By Coaches and Officials
A. The use of tobacco products by contest officials at interscholastic events in Oregon is prohibited.
B. If a contest official is reported to be using a tobacco product during an interscholastic event that contest official is subject to having his/her certification as an official invalidated.
C. It also is strongly recommended that local school districts prohibit members of their coaching staffs from using tobacco products at any time the coach is involved in coaching, be it a practice or a contest.
83. Withdrawal During a Competition
A. If a coach removes his/her team from competition prior to completion of that competition, it shall be considered a gross act of unsportsmanlike conduct.
B. In such a case the school shall forfeit the contest and an administrator and the coach responsible for the action shall appear before the Executive Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting. See Executive Board Policy, “Withdrawal from State Championships” for additional information.
84. Withdrawal from State Championships
By entering participants in a state championship meet, contest or tournament, each member school certifies that, barring injury, illness or unforeseen events, or a withdrawal to avoid violating the religious convictions of team members, the team or individuals representing the school will participate in every game or competition, that is part of that championship event, until the final conclusion of the meet, contest or championship. Any withdrawal or intentional forfeiture for reasons other than those specified shall be considered a sportsmanship violation, and shall be subject to reprimand and/or other penalties as determined by the Executive Board. See Executive Board Policy, “Withdrawal During a Competition” for more information. (Revised/Effective Fall 2008)
