Band

Baseball

Basketball

Cheerleading

Choir

Cross Country

Dance

Football

Golf

Orchestra

Soccer

Softball

Solo Music

Speech

Swimming

Tennis

Track and Field

Volleyball

Wrestling

6.2.        The Delegate Assembly may consider adding a championship in a sport/activity where no championship is currently provided by the Association if the quantity of member schools sponsoring the sport is equal to at least 75% of the quantity of 6A classification schools.

6.3.        Deleting a Sport/Activity.  The Delegate Assembly may consider deleting a sport/activity if the quantity of member schools participating in the sport/activity falls lower than 75% of the quantity of schools in the 6A classification.

6.4.        Adding a championship event in a Sport/Activity where one or more championship events are currently offered by the Association.  The Delegate Assembly may consider adding a championship event in a sport/activity where one or more championship events are currently provided by the Association if the quantity of member schools sponsoring the sport in the classifications to be served by the proposed championship event is equal to at least 75% (50% at the 1A classification) of the quantity of schools in the highest classification which will participate in the proposed championship event.

6.5.        Deleting a championship event in a Sport/Activity where one or more championship events are currently offered by the Association.  The Delegate Assembly may consider deleting a championship event in a sport/activity, and adding the classifications participating in the deleted championship to a higher classification event, if the quantity of member schools sponsoring the sport in the classifications served by the championship event being considered for deletion is below 75% (50% at the 1A classification) of the quantity of schools in the highest classification participating in the championship event.

6.6.        Stipulations regarding above threshold levels.

6.6.1.        Cooperative Sponsorships.  Schools in a cooperative sponsorship shall count as only one school for the purpose of determining whether the threshold quantity has been reached.

6.6.2.        Sub-Varsity Participation Only.  A school which participates only at the sub-varsity level in a particular sport/activity shall not be counted for the purpose of determining whether the threshold quantity has been reached in that sport/activity.

6.7.        Criteria.

The following criteria (listed in no order of priority) are among those, which the Delegate Assembly may choose to consider when evaluating possible modifications in OSAA Championship formats:

6.7.1.        Support by superintendents of member schools.

6.7.2.        Maintenance of comparable opportunities for boys and girls.

6.7.3.        Maintenance of equity of opportunity by student population all classifications.

6.7.4.        Equitable treatment of all sports/activities.

6.7.5.        Avoidance of additional loss of class time.

6.7.6.        Financial impact upon member schools.

6.7.7.        Financial impact upon the association.

6.7.8.        Continued reimbursement at the current level provided by the OSAA.

6.7.9.        Effect on the length of the season.

6.7.10.    Scheduling in such a way as to produce maximum spectator attendance.

6.7.11.    Availability of appropriate site(s).

6.7.12.    Administration and management.

6.7.13.    In individual sports, an increase in the number of athletic districts or classifications.

6.8.        Association Year, Practice, Contests – Starting, Ending Dates.

6.8.1.        Association Year.  The Association Year shall start with the first day of practice for fall sports (August 24, 2009) and shall end on May 26.  (“Summer season” activities may begin on May 27.)

6.8.2.        Fall Sports.  Practice shall not start prior to the second Monday (August 24, 2009) prior to the first contest date.  The first contest shall not be played prior to the Thursday (September 3, 2009) preceding Labor Day.  See Executive Board Policy, “Endowment Games” for additional information.

6.8.3.        Winter Sports.  Practice shall not start prior to Monday (November 9, 2009) of the first football playoff week.  The first contest shall not be played prior to the Monday (November 30, 2009) following Thanksgiving Day.  See Executive Board Policy, “Endowment Games” for additional information.

6.8.4.        Spring Sports.  Practice shall not start prior to the first Monday (February 22, 2010) following the Swimming State Championships.  The first contest shall not be played prior to the first Monday (March 15, 2010) following the 6A Basketball State Championships.  See Executive Board Policy, “Endowment Games” for additional information.

6.8.5.        During the Association year, practice in a sport shall not be held after the conclusion of a school's sport season in that sport as defined in Rule 6.8.6.

6.8.6.        The season for a school in a sport shall end when a school has completed its regular season contests and all state championship contests.

6.9.        Cultural Exchange Exception.  Upon written request, the Executive Director may permit a school to play an additional contest before, during, or after the regular season as part of a Cultural Exchange Program.  This contest shall not count as part of the allowable game or match limit specified for each sport.

6.10.     Contest limitations, exclusive of any varsity district playoffs and state championships, are as follows:

Baseball                     26 games

Basketball                  24 games

Cross Country           12 meets

Football                      9 games

Golf                             20 9-hole rounds

Soccer                        14 games

Softball                       26 games

Swimming                  12 meets               NOTE: If more than 10, two shall be invitational meets consisting of more than two schools.

Tennis                        16 matches

Track                          12 meets

Volleyball                   18 playing dates / 36 matches

Wrestling                   14 events / 40 mat appearances

6.11.     If a school district adopted calendar ends before any state championship, that school district is allowed to complete its playing schedule and to participate in the state championship.

1.       Q.    May a student or a team of a member school participate in an organized practice or contest against a student or a team of a college, university, community college, non-high school club or alumni in contact sports (football, wrestling and soccer)?

A.    No.

2.       Q.    May a student or a team of a member school participate in an organized practice or contest against a student or a team of a college, university, community college, non-high school club or alumni in non-contact sports?

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

3.       Q.    Is a contest between the alumni and the high school students considered a contest?

A.    Yes, it is considered a contest and counts in the limitation of contests permitted.  NOTE:  Approval for such contests must be granted in writing by the Executive Director and the contest must be during the season for that sport.  Approval will not be granted in contact sports - football, wrestling, and soccer.

4.       Q.    Does participation in a faculty game jeopardize the eligibility of a student?

A.    Contest participation between coaches and players within each individual school for fund raising or entertainment purposes will not jeopardize the eligibility of any high school student.  Such a contest shall be considered to be intramural.  However, such participation shall not be held in contact sports.

5.       Q.    When may "summer teams" begin competition?

A.    Summer teams may begin competition on May 27, the first day after the end of the Association Year. 

6.       Q.    If four schools compete in an 18-hole golf match and score it not only as a four-way match but also as three different dual matches for each school, how many rounds are counted toward each school's limit of 20 9-hole rounds?

A.    Two 9-hole rounds (18 holes were played) are counted against each school.  It does not matter how many different ways a match is scored.  Each school played only 18 holes (interpreted to be two 9-hole rounds) toward the limit of 20.

7.       Q.    If three schools compete in a track and field meet and score it not only as a triangular meet but also as two separate dual meets for each school, how many meets are counted toward each school's limit of 12 meets?

A.    One meet is counted against each school.  It does not matter how many different ways the meet is scored.

8.       Q.    May a school participate in a contest after the regularly scheduled official close of its school year?

A.    Yes.  It is permitted to complete its regular season playing schedule and, if qualified, to participate in any OSAA State Championship.

9.       Q.    May non-school students or alumni participate in an organized practice with a school team?

A.    No.  If this occurs, the practice is considered a contest and will count against the participation limitations for that sport.

10.   Q.    May a student or a team of a member school participate in an organized practice or contest against a coach?

A.    Yes, as long as that coach has been approved by the local school district.

11.   Q.    May a student participate on his school's soccer and football teams during the same season?

A.    Yes.  OSAA rules place no limitation on the number of teams on which a student may participate during the same sports season.

12.   Q.    If a school is lacking in facilities for an activity, may it utilize a neighboring school's facilities for practices and workouts along with students of the neighboring school?

A.    Under normal conditions it is desirable for a school to have its own facilities.  However, there are circumstances where this might not be possible, and if one school wishes to utilize another school's facilities, a request must be sent to the OSAA office for permission to do so.  NOTE:  Students from different schools may not "compete" against each other during shared practices or workouts.

13.   Q.    May a high school team practice in a facility at the same time as a club team?

A.    Only if the high school and club team students do not practice against each other, do not share equipment or lanes and specific permission has been granted by the OSAA due to unusual circumstances.

14.   Q.    May a "common coach" be employed by two school districts?

A.    Under normal conditions it is desirable for each school to employ a coach for an activity.  However, there are circumstances where this might not be possible.  If this is the case, schools wishing to employ a "common coach" must secure permission to do so from the OSAA office.  NOTE:  Students from different schools may not "compete" against each other during shared practices or workouts.

15.   Q.    In unusual circumstances may an 8th grader practice with the high school team?

A.    Yes, but only if permission is specifically granted in writing from the Executive Director.

16.   Q.    Is there a basketball contest limitation for any given seven day period during the season?

A.    No, schools may individually determine the appropriate number of contests to be played during any seven-day period.

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

7.1.        Out-of-season festivals, meets, contests or championships shall not be permitted during the school year involving member schools of this Association unless special authorization is given by the Executive Board.

7.2.        A member school or official representative of a member school shall not participate, either directly or indirectly, in the promotion, management, supervision, player selection, coaching or officiating of an all-star contest involving high school students during the Association year.

7.3.        No member school or official representative of a member school shall condition participation in high school athletics on participation in a non-school athletic event, including, but not limited to camps, leagues, and any form of organized summer competition.  Further, no member school may give consideration to such participation when determining membership on, or participation in, high school competitive athletics.

1.       Q.    May a coach require participation on a non-school team including summer teams or use participation on a non-school team as a factor in selecting members of a school team or allowing full participation in team activities?

A.    No to both questions.  Participation on a non-school team is a personal choice of the student and his/her parents, and may not be required or even considered when selecting school team members or allowing full participation in team activities.

2.       Q.    May a coach require participation in summer workouts as a factor in selecting members of a school team or allowing full participation in team activities?

A.    No.

8.       Rule 8 – Individual Eligibility                                                                                                                                         

The purpose of Rule 8 is to preserve harmony among member schools and school districts by preventing not only actual proselytizing, professionalism and participation by other than regular students in good standing, but conduct or circumstances, which may give rise to the appearance thereof.  Exceptions to the general rules herein will be narrowly construed to serve that purpose.

8.1.        Academic Eligibility.

Rule:  An eligible student must be enrolled full time and making satisfactory progress as defined in this rule.

Rationale:  The objective of the academic eligibility rule is to complement member schools’ curriculum programs in recognition of the fact that interscholastic activity programs are an extension of the classroom.  Academic standards help ensure a balance between activities and academic performance, promote the objective of graduation from high school, ensure that student participants are truly representing the academic mission of the institution, and allow the use of interscholastic participation as a motivator for academic excellence.  It is in the interests of the member schools and the students participating in athletics and interscholastic activities that these objectives be promoted during the entire school year.

8.1.1.        Full Time Enrollment.  For purposes of this rule, a full time student is one who is enrolled in high school, attending regularly and passing in courses offered by a high school, college, work experience or other school-approved educational activities (including summer school or night school) equivalent to at least the quantity listed on the appropriate line of the chart below. In addition, a full time student shall have been enrolled in school, attended regularly and passed subjects equivalent to at least the quantity listed on the appropriate line of the chart below during the immediate preceding transcripted grading period. 

Number of Classes Offered                    Minimum Number Passed

4                                                                              3

5                                                                              4

6                                                                              5

7                                                                              5

8                                                                              5

EXCEPTION:  The requirement for immediately preceding transcripted grading period credit is inapplicable to a student who has not previously enrolled in any high school offering the 10^th, 11^th or 12^th grades.

8.1.2.        Satisfactory Progress Toward Graduation.  In addition to the specific credit requirement identified in Rule 8.1.1., to be scholastically eligible, a student must be making satisfactory progress towards the school's graduation requirements by earning a minimum of the quantity of credits indicated on the chart below for the specified year.

Minimum Satisfactory Progress Requirements                                                               (Expanded Chart)

Credits to Graduate	24	25	26	27	28	29	30
Credits Per Year	6	6	6.5	6.5	7	7	7.5
(70%) - Prior to Grade 10	4	4	4.5	4.5	4.5	5	5
(80%) - Prior to Grade 11	9.5	10	10	10.5	11	11.5	12
(90%) - Prior to Grade 12	16	16.5	17.5	18	18.5	19.5	20

8.1.3.        Home School Student Academic Eligibility

(a)     Minimum Test Score.  A home school student who transfers to a public or private school may establish initial academic eligibility by achieving a minimum score on any adopted achievement test pursuant to ORS 339.035.  The student shall achieve a minimum composite test score that places the student at or above the 23^rd percentile based on national norms.

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

(c)      Work Sample Alternative.  In the absence of achievement test results submitted by the deadline of August 15 each school year, a school district may adopt alternative requirements including but not limited to a requirement that a student submit a portfolio of work samples to a school district committee for review to determine whether a student is eligible to participate in interscholastic activities.

8.1.4.        Hardship Exceptions to this Rule.  The Executive Director, in individual cases may, at his/her discretion and upon terms and conditions he/she may impose, waive or modify this rule when in his/her opinion there are circumstances beyond the control of the both the student and the student’s parents whereby enforcement of the rule would work an undue hardship upon the student.

Factors which may be considered by the Executive Director include the following:

(a)           Forced absence due to illness or injury as certified in writing by a licensed physician, shall excuse regular attendance for the period of such forced absence, and where such forced absence entirely prevents completion of the semester, shall excuse completion of the required subjects.

(b)           Any student with an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) who, primarily because of the student’s disability,

(1)           did not pass the appropriate number of classes, per Rule 8.1.1., in the immediately preceding transcripted grading period,

(2)           is not currently enrolled in and passing the appropriate number of classes, per Rule 8.1.1., and/or

(3)           has not been attending school regularly, may still be eligible to participate if the student's IEP team determines that the student is making adequate educational progress towards meeting the student’s IEP goals and objectives.

A decision of the Executive Director may be appealed to the Executive Board.  A decision of the Executive Board may be appealed to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction under OAR 581-021-0035.

1.       Q.    What is passing work?

A.    Each school must determine what passing work is.  The Association does not establish academic standards for schools.  A school establishes its own academic standards.

2.       Q.    What is passing work during the current semester?

A.    Passing work is such that if on any given date a student should transfer to another school, work of a passing grade would immediately be certified to the school to which the student transfers.

3.       Q.    A student in a full year subject gets a grade of 85% the first semester and then a grade of 65% at the end of the second semester.  But the teacher, in computing the grade for the year since it is a year subject, credits the student with a full unit.  May the student be considered to have passed the subject at the end of the second semester?

A.    If a school shows that the student has earned and had recorded a full unit at the close of the second semester, the Association will have no interest in determining how the school computed the mark.

4.       Q.    Is a student who is expelled from school one semester eligible the following semester?

A.    The student is eligible if the student satisfies all OSAA Regulations.  However, the school district may have additional rules or policies beyond those set by the OSAA.

5.       Q.    Is a "conditional" or an "incomplete" considered a "pass" by the Association.

A.    No.  The Association considers a "pass" to mean that all work has been completed and has been made a matter of final record in the principal's office at the end of the grading period or semester.

6.       Q.    May a student who has failed in a subject make up the work by attending summer school or by having a private tutor?

A.    Yes.  Any course work that is accepted by the school and for which credit is granted at the school may be applied toward eligibility.

7.       Q.    May a student who has more than enough credits to graduate participate in interscholastic activities while enrolled in courses equal to less than full time as defined in Rule 8.1.?

A.    No.  Even though a student has more than enough credits to graduate, the student must still be enrolled in and passing courses that are equivalent to full time as defined in Rule 8.1. in order to be eligible to participate in interscholastic activities.

8.       Q.    If a student is not eligible during the first grading period, is the student eligible to compete in an athletic or activities contest on the night of the last day of that grading period?

A.    No.  The student is not eligible until the opening day of the second grading period.

9.       Q.    When does a student become ineligible after failing to pass the quantity of classes necessary to be considered full time as defined in Rule 8.1.1.?

A.    The student becomes ineligible when the school receives the official grade notices.

10.   Q.    Does any class taken, regardless of the number of credits associated with the class, count as one of the minimum number required to be considered enrolled full time under Rule 8.1.1.?

A.    No.  For the purposes of satisfying the “full time enrollment” requirements of Rule 8.1.1., each class must generate at least one credit per year, or one-half credit each traditional semester, in order to be counted against the minimum.  For example, if a student passed five out of six classes during the previous semester, but earned only 2.25 credits, the student would be ineligible the following semester.

11.   Q.    A student needs only two subjects to graduate.  May the student take only two classes and still be eligible to participate in high school activities?

A.    No.  In order for the student to be eligible, the student must successfully carry a full time class load as defined in Rule 8.1.1.

12.   Q.    May a student who is ineligible practice with a school team?

A.    The answer depends on the nature of the ineligibility.  When a school has filed a request for eligibility for a fifth year and/or nineteen-year-old student, the student is ineligible to practice while action on the request or appeal is pending.  Other ineligible students may practice, provided local school board policy permits this.  OSAA rules prohibit any ineligible student from participating in or dressing for an interscholastic contest.

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

A.    Yes, within the limits of any local school board policy.  But the student is prohibited from appearing on the team bench in uniform.

14.   Q.    Must OSAA academic eligibility standards be met by members of cheerleading squads and dance teams which serve a support function in the school (i.e. perform at games), but will not be participating in competitions?

A.    No, only those groups that will be competing are required by the OSAA to meet OSAA academic eligibility standards.

15.   Q.    If a student is taking college classes for which high school credit is being granted, and the college classes do not start until after the start of the high school competitive season, is the student allowed to participate while awaiting the start of the college classes?

A.      Yes.

15.   Q.    If a student is ineligible at the beginning of the school year due to having recorded too few credits to meet the “Minimum Satisfactory Progress Requirements”, does the period of ineligibility cover the entire school year?

A.      Yes.  The only circumstance under which a student could regain eligibility during the school year would be if the Executive Director granted eligibility in response to the submission of an “Eligibility Request Form” by the school.

16.   Q.    If the quantity of credits recorded at the end of the first transcripted grading period added to the credits recorded prior to the start of the school year exceeds the “Minimum Satisfactory Progress Requirements” necessary prior to that grade level, does the student become eligible for participation during the second semester?

A.      No.

17.   Q.    If a student is granted a hardship waiver to allow participation despite having recorded too few credits to meet the “Minimum Satisfactory Progress Requirements”, what period of time does the waiver cover?

A.      Assuming that there are no other eligibility issues regarding the student, the student is eligible for the full school year during which the appeal was granted.

18.   Q.    If a school enters grades/credits on the official transcript each trimester (or quarter), what is the period of ineligibility if insufficient credits were earned during the previous trimester or quarter?

A.      The student becomes ineligible when the school receives the official grade notices, and remains ineligible until a trimester (or quarter) is completed in which a sufficient number of credits have been earned by the student.

8.2.        Duration of Eligibility / Graduation.

Rule:  A student may participate in the interscholastic program for four consecutive years (eight semesters or the equivalent) after entering the 9th grade, EXCEPT AS INDICATED LATER IN THIS RULE.

SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE EXCEPTION.:   If a student attends a school in a foreign country in the southern hemisphere prior to the start of the Oregon school year and then transfers to attend an Oregon high school, the time attending school prior to the start of the Oregon school year shall not be considered for the purpose of computing duration of eligibility under this rule.

Rationale:

The objective of the Duration of Eligibility / Graduation Rule is to ensure that the student’s educational performance reflects progress towards graduation, and to ensure fair competition between schools and between individual students.  As students grow older, they become bigger, quicker and stronger, which translates into an athletic advantage.  Greater maturity may also provide a competitive advantage in non-athletic activities.  Rules such as this one allow for safety of competition between competing students, and allow for fair competition between students in the same school vying for a particular spot on a particular team.  Further, through the application of this rule, participation in athletics and activities is an incentive to the achievement of that minimum standard of academic performance.

This rule: promotes timely progress toward graduation by discouraging students from delaying or interrupting their high school education; disallows students to enroll for one semester each school year to increase maturity, athletic ability and skill; promotes equality of competition; diminishes risks stemming from unequal competition; and places emphasis on the academic mission of the school.

This rule: promotes harmony and fair competition among member schools by maintaining equality of eligibility; and provides each student with the same number of semesters of eligibility, which increases the number of students who will have an opportunity to participate in interscholastic activities.

8.2.1.        A student entering the 9th grade for all or part of a school year has used a full year of eligibility for the purpose of computing duration of eligibility under this rule.

8.2.2.        A student who begins participation prior to entering the 9th grade is only eligible for four consecutive years beginning the year the student first participated for all or part of the year.

8.2.3.        A student becomes ineligible upon graduation from high school.

8.2.4.        Fifth Year Hardship Appeals Procedure.  The Executive Board, or as it may provide, the Executive Director, may in individual cases, upon written request, declare eligible for one year a student who would otherwise be ineligible under Rule 8.2., “Duration of Eligibility/Graduation” because more than eight semesters have passed after the student entered the 9th grade if the student has not previously been granted eligibility based upon a fifth year or age hardship appeal and all of the following conditions are met:

(a)            the student has not graduated from high school;

(b)           the student establishes, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Executive Board or the Executive Director, as the case may be, either:

(1)     that the student’s Individualized Education Program Team has determined that the student has a  “disability” (as defined below), and that the student was meeting the requirements of the student’s I.E.P., yet was unable to graduate from high school within eight semesters after entering the 9th grade primarily because of the disability; or

(2)     due to circumstances beyond the control of both the student and the student’s parent(s), there has been both a significant absence from school (not less than one semester) and an inability to obtain academic credit during that period of absence; and

(c)            the student establishes, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Executive Board or Executive Director, as the case may be, that the student’s participation would not constitute an undue risk to the health or safety of other participants.

(d)           Without limiting the evidence that may be considered, the Executive Board or Executive Director, as the case may be, may consider the following in determining whether the student’s participation would constitute an undue risk to the health or safety of other participants:

(1)     whether the student has presented a report from a physician regarding the student’s height, weight and whether the student is likely to pose an undue risk to the safety and health of other participants; the student shall submit to an independent medical examination by a physician selected by and paid for by the Association at the request of the Executive Board or Executive Director; and

(2)     whether the sport is a contact or a non‑contact sport.

(e)           Should an otherwise ineligible student who has already been granted a year of eligibility under the provisions of this rule apply for eligibility for a subsequent year, the Executive Board, or as it may provide, the Executive Director may consider the following factors in addition to those previously stated in this rule:

(1)     Whether the student has previously participated in the sport for which eligibility is sought, or a similar sport; and

(2)     Whether the student’s skill level in the sport for which eligibility is sought is such that the student was ever a member of a starting team or was the recipient of league or other honors as a result of participation in the sport; and

(3)     Whether the student has participated in a prior state championship competition (either in an individual sport or a team sport).

For purposes of this Rule 8.2.4, “disability” shall have the meaning provided in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1401(a).

The Executive Board or the Executive Director may grant eligibility as to one sport and deny it as to another sport.

A decision of the Executive Director may be appealed to the Executive Board. A decision of the Executive Board may be appealed to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction under OAR 581‑021‑0035.  See Executive Board Policy, “Practice – Fifth Year / Age” for additional information.

1.       Q.    Does enrollment in a non-member school count against the eight consecutive semesters of participation permitted?

A.    Yes.  Each semester enrolled in grades 9 through 12 will count against the eight consecutive semesters permitted regardless of where enrolled.

2.       Q.    Is a student who has attended high school for six consecutive semesters and then who left school for a year (two semesters) eligible if that student then returns to high school?

A.    No.  A student is eligible for eight consecutive semesters only.  In this case, the student would not be eligible since he/she attended six consecutive semesters and then was not in school during what would have been his/her 7th and 8th semesters.

3.       Q.    May a student participate in activities if the student has earned more credits than necessary but has not graduated?

A.    Yes, provided that the student has earned them within the eight consecutive semester limit.

4.       Q.    How many years of eligibility are counted against junior high school students?

A.    Only one year (the 9th grade) is counted because students are permitted four years of high school participation, regardless of how housed by the local administration.  However, if a 7th or 8th grader should play on a 9th grade team, squad or competitive performance group, regardless of how the student is housed (7-9, 9-12), then each year of participation or a part thereof shall count as one of the allowable four consecutive years of participation.

5.       Q.    If a student is enrolled in grades 9-12 but does not participate in activities for one semester, does that semester count against the eight consecutive semesters permitted?

A.    Yes.

6.       Q.    If a student travels to a foreign country after entering high school, does the time spent in the foreign country count against the eight consecutive semesters permitted?

A.    Yes.

7.       Q.    Is a student who has received a G.E.D. eligible to participate in OSAA activities?

A.    Yes.  The G.E.D. certificate has no significance under OSAA rules.  It cannot be used for credit nor does it mean that student is considered to have graduated.  Credit for actual course work for classes taken to prepare for a G.E.D. may be granted at the discretion of the local school district.

8.       Q.    Does playing on a school team other than the "first team" count as participation?

A.    Yes.  All participants representing their schools in OSAA sponsored activities are governed by OSAA rules, regardless of the level.

9.       Q.    May 8th grade students participate in spring tryouts for the high school cheerleading squad or dance team?

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

10.   Q.    In unusual circumstances may an 8th grader practice with the high school team?

A.    Yes, but only if permission is specifically granted in writing from the Executive Director.

11.   Q.    Is a student who receives a “Modified Diploma” considered to have graduated under OSAA regulations?

A.    Yes.

8.3.        Age.

Rule:  A student who becomes 19 before August 15 shall become ineligible for interscholastic competition.  A student who becomes 19 on or after August 15 shall remain eligible for that entire school year.

Rationale:  To ensure equality of competition and opportunity, a standard must be established at some point to determine the cut-off date for age eligibility.  Use of a specific cut-off date gives notice to all parties involved in interscholastic activities and maintains equality of participant eligibility among schools.

An age limitation requirement: provides commonality among student participants and schools in interscholastic competition; inhibits “redshirting”; provides more opportunity for participation of younger and less experienced students; enhances the opportunity for more students to participate; promotes equality of competition; avoids over-emphasis on competition; and helps to diminish the inherent risk of injury associated with participation in interscholastic athletics.

The objective of the establishment of a maximum age for participation in athletic and scholastic competition is: to discourage students from delaying their education to gain maturity; to prevent over-zealous coaches from engaging in redshirting to gain a competitive advantage; and, to protect the safety of younger, smaller, less experienced athletes.  The term “red-shirting” means the practice of delaying a student’s academic pace and postponing his or her participation in order to permit him or her to gain maturity before beginning or during the period of eligibility for competitive activities.

The objective of discouraging students from delaying their education, is not based solely on delays associated with seeking a competitive activities advantage.  There is also an educational interest in encouraging parents to enroll their children in school at an appropriate age.  Children benefit from starting school at the traditional age; their education is advanced both academically and socially.  This rule encourages parents to enroll their children in school at an appropriate age even if it is the intent of the parents that their children merely participate, not excel, in Association activities.

8.3.1.        Age Hardship Appeals Procedure.  The Executive Director, may in individual cases, upon written request, declare eligible for one year a student who would otherwise be ineligible under Rule 8.3. (regarding age) if the student has not previously been granted eligibility based upon a fifth year or age hardship appeal and all of the following conditions have been met:

(a)           the student has not graduated from high school;

(b)           the student establishes that the student’s Individualized Education Program Team has determined that the student has a  “disability” (as defined in Rule 8.2.4);

(c)            the student establishes, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Executive Board or Executive Director, as the case may be, that the student entered school later than others of the student’s age or was retained primarily because of the disability; and

(d)           the student establishes, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Executive Board or Executive Director, as the case may be, that the student’s participation would not constitute an undue risk to the health or safety of other participants.

(e)           Without limiting the evidence that may be considered, the Executive Board or Executive Director, as the case may be, may consider the following in determining whether the student’s participation would constitute an undue risk to the health or safety of other participants:

(1)     whether the student has presented a report from a physician regarding the student’s height, weight and whether the student is likely to pose an undue risk to the safety and health of other participants; the student shall submit to an independent medical examination by a physician selected by and paid for by the Association at the request of the Executive Board or Executive Director; and

(2)     whether the sport is a contact or a non‑contact sport.

(f)            Should an otherwise ineligible student who has already been granted a year of eligibility under the provisions of this rule apply for eligibility for a subsequent year, the Executive Board, or as it may provide, the Executive Director may consider the following factors in addition to those previously stated in this rule:

(1)     Whether the student has previously participated in the sport for which eligibility is sought, or a similar sport; and

(2)     Whether the student’s skill level in the sport for which eligibility is sought is such that the student was ever a member of a starting team or was the recipient of league or other honors as a result of participation in the sport; and

(3)     Whether the student has participated in a prior state championship competition (either in an individual sport or a team sport).

The Executive Board or the Executive Director may grant eligibility as to one sport and deny it as to another sport.

A decision of the Executive Director may be appealed to the Executive Board. A decision of the Executive Board may be appealed to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction under OAR 581‑021‑0035.  See Executive Board Policy, “Practice – Fifth Year / Age” for additional information.

8.4.        Awards. A student becomes ineligible for one calendar year after the date of the report of the violation to the OSAA if at any time the student accepts or enters into any agreement for the purpose of later accepting any compensation or thing of value for or in recognition of athletic or activities abilities, with these exceptions:

8.4.1.        A student activities participant may not accept monetary compensation in recognition of activities ability, participation and/or achievement during the Association year.  A student may accept non-monetary compensation or items of value solely in recognition of activities ability, participation and/or achievement if the total value of such non-monetary compensation or items of value, including the actual value of any gift certificates (so long as they are not convertible to cash), discounts, coupons, etc., does not exceed $300 retail value in any association year.

NOTE: For the purposes of this rule, “non-monetary compensation or items of value” does not include customary awards of a symbolic nature without resale value such as the school’s athletic letter, medals, ribbons, certificates, plaques, trophies and other emblems.  This rule does not regulate or prohibit compensation received by a student for ability, participation and/or achievement in a non-OSAA sport or activity, nor does this rule prohibit the acceptance of college scholarships by students.

8.4.2.        A coach or director is responsible for reporting to the school’s athletic/activities director all compensation or items of value received by the students on that coach/director’s team within one month of the receipt of the compensation or items of value.  Principals are responsible for verifying to the association that the total sum of compensation or items of value received by each student participant at that school does not exceed $300 retail value for each participant.

8.4.3.        A student participating without compensation as a contestant, coach or similar participant in athletic or other activities may accept the use of necessary equipment and incidental services customarily furnished amateur participants in such activities, may accept reimbursement for direct and necessary expenses for participation (including mileage where the student must drive), and where participation requires absence from home, may accept necessary meals and lodging. 

1.       Q.    Does compliance with OSAA rules mean that NCAA rules are also satisfied?

A.    No.  NCAA amateurism rules differ from OSAA rules.  Consult a collegiate compliance officer for answers to questions about NCAA rules.

2.       Q.    Is a student limited by OSAA rules in the awards he or she may accept in activities not sponsored by the OSAA, i.e. bowling league, rodeo, and water polo?

A.    No because these are not activities sponsored by the Association.

3.       Q.    If a student coaches, teaches, or officiates an athletic contest for pay, is the student in violation of the amateur rule?

A.    No.  The rule refers exclusively to actual playing.  An individual may be paid for services performed.

4.       Q.    If a student receives an award, may the school hold that award until the student graduates and then return it to the student?

A.    No.  The award applies toward the $300 retail value per year personal limit during the association year that it is received.

5.       Q.    Does the awarding of a letter count toward the $300 retail value per association year award limit?

A.    No.  The awarding of ribbons, medals, certificates, emblems indicating State champions, plaques and trophies is permitted.  However, these awards are to have no intrinsic value.

6.       Q.    May a student accept an award such as a free hamburger or free use of clothes for being named "Athlete of the Week"?

A.    Yes.  However such awards count against the $300 retail value per association year award limit.

7.       Q.    A student who is a member of a high school cross country team participates in a cross country race during the high school cross country season and receives a T-shirt instead of a medal or a trophy for finishing in a certain place (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.).  Does this count against the $300 retail value per association year award limit?

A.    Yes.  A T-shirt is a merchandise award as are other items such as golf bags, tags, caps, towels, etc.

8.       Q.    T-shirts are presented as a memento of the race to every contestant who enters regardless of performance.  Each contestant pays an entry fee to be in the race, and part of that entry fee is used for the purchase of the T-shirts.  Does this count against the $300 retail value per association year award limit?

A.    No.  In this case, the student is not receiving an award for his/her performance.  Therefore, the T-shirt is acceptable, and it does not count against the limit.

9.       Q.    Do association awards limits apply to awards received outside of the association year?

A.    No.

10.   Q.    May a student participate in a "jog-a-thon," a "swim-a-thon" or other ".thon" activity and receive cash or merchandise prizes for his/her fund raising effort?

A.      Yes, provided no such prize is presented for the student's athletic performance per se.  Prizes are acceptable only if they are presented exclusively on the basis of the student's fund raising achievements.

11.   Q.    May a student receive a college scholarship in recognition of the student’s performance in a particular contest?

A.      No.  A college scholarship is one granted by an institution or organization not in recognition of a student’s performance in any particular contest, but based on the student’s performance over the student’s high school career.

12.   Q.    May a music student receive payment for a musical performance that is not a competition?

A.    Yes.

8.5.        School Representation                                                                  (School Representation Eligibility Certificate)

8.5.1.        A student who competes in a sport or activity representing a school other than the one in which the student has been enrolled becomes ineligible for that sport or activity for the remainder of its season.  EXCEPTIONS:

(a)           Home School Students.                                              (Home School Eligibility Parent Checklist) A home school student who meets the eligibility standards established by Oregon law may represent a public or private school located within the public school attendance boundaries of Joint Residence of the student and student’s parents provided that the home school student was enrolled in the home school prior to the first day of school for the public/private school.  See Executive Board Policy, “Eligibility – Home School Students” for additional information. 

Once a home school student represents a school, that home school student may not represent another school for one calendar year after last representing the original school without a change in Joint Residence.

(b)           Students Attending Member Private Schools, Non-Member Charter Schools or Alternative Schools.  A student attending a private school that is a member of the Association, a charter school that is not a member of the Association, an alternative school run by a public school district, or a private alternative school that is registered with the State Department of Education, and the school does not offer a particular activity may represent the public school of Joint Residence of the student and student’s parents, provided that both high school principals agree.

(c)            Students Attending Oregon Full-Member Charter Schools.  A student attending an Oregon charter school that is a full member of the Association may participate on teams representing the full member charter school only.

(d)           Students Attending Associate Member Private Schools.  A student attending a private school that is an associate member of the Association may represent the public school of Joint Residence of the student and student’s parents, provided that both high school principals agree.

1.       Q.    May a high school student who is a member of a high school team also compete on a non-school, organized athletic team or as an unattached individual in that sport during the Association Year?

A.    Yes.

2.       Q.    May a high school baseball/softball team member (a) practice or (b) play a game with a summer team during the Association year, but after the high school baseball season?

A.    Yes.  So long as the summer team is not coached by the school team coach, a high school baseball/softball team member may practice or play with a summer team during his/her high school's baseball/softball season.

3.       Q.    May a home school student represent a member school in interscholastic activities?

A.    Yes, providing the home school student meets all necessary requirements and represents the public high school or the private high school in which district the student’s parents reside.  See Executive Board Policy, “Eligibility – Home School Students” for additional information.

4.       Q.    If a student living in School A’s attendance area attends School B and then becomes a home school student during the school year, when is that student eligible to represent School A?

A.    The student is eligible to represent School A at the beginning of the school year following the date the student becomes a home school student, providing all other eligibility requirements are met.

5.       Q.    If a student who lives in School A’s attendance area attends School B and then becomes a home school student and represents School A, can that student return to School B as a regularly enrolled student and be eligible?

A.    No.  If this occurs, the student in question would be eligible at School B one calendar year from the date of return to School B.

6.       Q.    If a home school student’s parents reside in School A's attendance area and the student's parents move to School B's attendance area, how does this affect the eligibility of the student?

A.    The home school student would be eligible only at school B.

7.       Q.    If a home school student’s parents reside in a public school district that also has a private school within its attendance boundaries, may the home school student represent either the public or the private school?

A.    Yes.  If the home school student wished to represent another school within the district where the home school student’s parents reside, the home school student would be ineligible for one calendar year after representing the first school.

8.       Q.    If there is more than one private school within the public school boundaries where a home school student’s parents reside, which private school may the home school student represent?

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

9.       Q.    If a home school student’s parents reside in a public school district that has no private school within its attendance boundaries, may the home school student represent a private school in an adjacent public school district?

A.    No.  If there is no private school within the public school attendance boundaries in which the home school student’s parents reside, the home school student may only represent the public school within whose attendance boundaries the home school student’s parents reside.

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

A.    No.  The home school student is eligible only at the public school within whose attendance boundaries the student’s parents reside, or at a private school located within those same attendance boundaries.

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

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

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

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

13.   Q.    If a student attending a private school resides in a multiple high school district, which public school may the private school student represent if the private school does not offer a particular sport?

A.    That student may represent only the high school in whose attendance area the student’s parents reside within the multiple high school districts.

14.   Q.    May a student from an associate member school represent a full member school in competition?

A.    Yes, but only if that full member school is the public school in whose attendance boundaries the parents of the associate member school student reside, both high school principals agree and the student meets all other school and OSAA requirements.

15.   Q.    Are emancipated minors eligible?

A.    Even though a student is emancipated, that student still must attend the high school in which district his/her parents reside if that student wishes to be eligible for interscholastic competition.  If the student in question moves to another district, in order to be eligible, the student's parents also would have to move to that district.

16.   Q.    If a student's parents do not reside in the district and the student is a tuition-paying non-resident, is he/she eligible?

A.    No.  Payment of tuition is not a factor in determining eligibility.

17.   Q.    If a private school or charter school drops a sport after the first contest date of a sports season, may those students participate in that sport at the public school in whose attendance boundaries the parents of the student reside, providing both high school principals agree?

A.    No.  The private school or charter school must drop a program before the first contest date of that sports season in order for the students to be eligible to participate in that sport at their resident public school.

18.   Q.    If a public school does not offer a particular sport, may a public school, private school or home school student who resides in the public school’s attendance boundary and who wishes to participate in that sport participate at another school in order to compete in that sport?

A.    No.

19.   Q.    If tuition is paid in order for a student to attend a public high school outside the attendance area of Joint Residence, is the student eligible?

A.    No.  The student is not eligible for a period of one year, unless the student enrolled in the school to which tuition is paid prior to initial enrollment in the 9th grade.

20.   Q.    May an individual student who attends a public school that does not offer a school team in a given sport participate in practice sessions at a neighboring school which does offer a school team in that sport?

A.    No.

21.   Q.    At what point does a student become ineligible once the student has withdrawn from a school?

A.    The student becomes ineligible the day following the student’s withdrawal from a school.

8.6.        Transfer

8.6.1.        Fundamental Rule. 

Rule:  It is a Fundamental Rule of the Association that a student must attend the high school in the high school attendance boundary within which the Joint Residence of the student and the student’s parents is located.  Exception to this Fundament Rule are to be narrowly construed.

Rationale:  A transfer/residency requirement: assists in the prevention of students switching schools in conjunction with the change of season for athletic or activities purposes; impairs recruitment; and reduces the opportunity for undue influence to be exerted by persons seeking to benefit from a student athlete or activities participant’s prowess.

A transfer/residency requirement: promotes stability and harmony among member schools by maintaining the amateur standing of high school activities participants; by disallowing individuals other than enrolled students to participate; and by upholding the principle that a student should attend the high school in the district where the student’s parent(s) reside.

In addition, a transfer/residency requirement: prohibits foreign students, other than students who are participants in an established foreign exchange program accepted for listing by the Council of Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), from displacing other students from athletic and activities opportunities.

8.6.2.        Eligible Student Transfer Certificate.                                        (Eligible Student Transfer Certificate) In connection with any student who has transferred but is eligible under the Rules of the Association, the school shall complete an Eligible Student Transfer Certificate in the form prescribed by the Association, properly signed by the superintendent, assistant superintendent, or principal of the high school the student enters, and maintain it at the school for inspection at the request of the Association.

1.       Q.    If a student transfers to a school, when is the principal required to file an Eligible Student Transfer Certificate?

A.    The principal of the school to which the student transfers shall complete an Eligible Student Transfer Certificate and a copy maintained at the school for inspection at the request of the OSAA prior to the student's participation in interscholastic activities.

2.       Q.    Where should a transfer eligibility request be filed for a student in a sport divided into special districts?

A.    The transfer eligibility request should be submitted by the school the student wishes to represent to the regular District Committee for that school.

8.6.3.        Exceptions to Fundamental Rule. 

(a)           Entering 9th grade students.  Notwithstanding the provisions of sub-paragraph (c) below, a student is eligible to participate at a school other than the high school in the high school attendance boundary within which Joint Residence of the student and the student’s parents is located when the student first enters the 9th grade.

(b)           Students who are wards of the court.  A student who is otherwise eligible does not become ineligible by virtue of being made a ward of the court and placed by the court in a residence in a different attendance boundary, except a student made a ward of the court under ORS 419C.555 (Juvenile Code).

(c)            Foreign students on CSIET approved programs.        (Foreign Student Eligibility Checklist) A student from a foreign country who is on a CSIET approved program is eligible for one year from the date of enrollment if the following criteria are met:

(1)     The student is attending a school in the attendance boundary where the host family resides.

(2)     The student satisfies the OSAA age requirement.

(3)     The student has not completed the equivalent of twelve years of education (excluding kindergarten).

(4)     The student has not previously attended a high school in the United States.

(5)     Neither the school the student attends nor any person affiliated with the school has had any input in the selection of the student.

(6)     The host family is not a member (paid or voluntary) of the school’s athletic department nor the coach/director of the non-athletic activity.

(7)     The student is not a “direct placement”.  A student is considered to be a “direct placement” for the purposes of this rule if the student was placed in a specific high school and/or with a specific host family as a result of a request from the student or the student’s family.

(8)     The student has not been terminated from the CSIET program.

1.       Q.    May a school administrator provide general assistance and information to assist CSIET approved programs in the placement of students in the administrator’s school district?

A.    This board policy is intended to prohibit undue school influence in the placement of foreign student-athletes at the school.  Administrative input to CSIET approved program coordinators regarding such issues as available host families, number of placements available at the school and other input would not be a violation of the spirit of this policy so long as the input is unrelated to athletic participation.

(d)           Students whose parents are divorced, legally separated or unmarried.  A student who does not maintain a Joint Residence with both parents is eligible when:

(1)     The student moves to reside with a parent in a different high school attendance area at the time the parent initiates legal separation or divorce proceedings; or

(2)     Between school years, the student moves to reside with the other parent and transfers to the school within whose attendance boundaries the other parent resides.

1.       Q.    When the parents of a student legally separate and take up residence in different high school attendance areas, what is the eligibility status of the student?

A.    At the time a student's parents legally separate and initiate divorce proceedings, the student may reside with either parent and be immediately eligible in the high school attendance area in which the parent resides.  The student also retains eligibility for any transfer back to the other parent, so long as the transfer occurs between school years. 

2.       Q.    If a student transfers from one high school to another high school, how long must that student attend the second high school before the second high school principal is not required to complete an Eligible Student Transfer Certificate?

A.    The student shall be in attendance for one calendar year before it would not be necessary to complete an Eligible Student Transfer Certificate.  Once an Eligible Student Transfer Certificate is completed for a student, another need not be completed for another sport if the student has attended the school less than one year.

3.       Q.    If a student moves with his/her parents from one high school district to another, when will the student become eligible in his/her new school?

A.    The student will become eligible when the student's parents physically move into and jointly occupy their new residence with the intent to reside there indefinitely and terminate all occupancy of their previous residence, and when the student is properly enrolled and the principal has completed the Eligible Student Transfer Certificate.

4.       Q.    When does a student become eligible if the student transfers in advance of his/her parents?

A.    If a student transfers to a high school in advance of the anticipated change of residence of the student's parents, the student shall become eligible at his/her new school when the parents physically move into and occupy the residence in that school district and the principal has completed the Eligible Student Transfer Certificate, or one year after enrolling in the new school.

5.       Q.    If a student's parents move in advance of the student to another school district, is the student eligible at the new school when he/she moves?

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

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

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

(e)           Students who reside on campus at a member boarding school.  Unless the student was previously eligible under Rule 8.6.3 (c) “Foreign Students on CSIET Approved Programs”, a student who transfers to reside on campus at a member boarding school between school years is eligible.

(f)            Students who transfer between school years.  A student who transfers between school years is eligible if: 

(1)     The student transfers to a member private school, charter school or home school and maintains a Joint Residence.  See Rule 8.6.7., "Definitions" for additional information.

(2)     The student transfers to the public school within the attendance boundaries of Joint Residence and maintains a Joint Residence.

(3)     The student transfers within a multiple high school district with the approval of the administration of the multiple high school districts and maintains a Joint Residence.

(4)     The student transfers between Oregon school districts under the terms of a reciprocal transfer agreement and maintains a Joint Residence.

1.       Q.    When a student transfers under the terms of a reciprocal agreement during the school year, at what date does the student become eligible?

A.    The student becomes eligible at the beginning of the next school year following the transfer.

2.       Q.    If a student enrolls in the 9th grade of a four-year high school and then transfers between school years to the 10th grade of a three-year high school, is that student eligible at the second school?

A.    No, unless a corresponding move is completed by the student and his/her parents or the transfer is under a reciprocal transfer agreement.

3.       Q.    May a student who is attending a public high school transfer to a private high school without loss of eligibility if there is no corresponding move by the student's parents?

A.    Yes, if the student continues to maintain a Joint Residence with his or her parents and the transfer is made between school years.

4.       Q.    May a student who is attending a private high school transfer to a public high school without loss of eligibility if there is no corresponding move by the student's parents?

A.    Yes.  The answer is the same as for previous question but with one more requirement: the public high school is located within the high school attendance boundary in which the Joint Residence of the student and the student’s parents is located or the student transfers to another school district under the terms of a reciprocal transfer agreement.

5.       Q.    If a student not maintaining a Joint Residence with his/her parents has been granted eligibility by an athletic district committee, would that student remain eligible if the student were to transfer to another school between school years under the terms of a reciprocal transfer agreement?

A.    No.  The student would be ineligible because the transfer would not satisfy the reciprocal transfer eligibility requirement that the student must maintain a Joint Residence with his/her parents.

8.6.4.        Continuity Requirement.  A student who is otherwise eligible under the Rules of the Association loses eligibility for one calendar year when one or both of the student’s parents move from the attendance area of the high school the student is attending unless:

(a)        The student was enrolled in the high school at the beginning of the freshman year and the student’s parents move during the freshman year,

(b)        Continuity of enrollment is maintained by the student and the student has been enrolled in and attending the high school for at least the lesser of one full school year or one calendar year immediately preceding the move of the parents,  or

(c)         The move of one parent occurs at the time of the initiation of legal separation or divorce proceedings.

8.6.5.        Transfers to a school with which a non-school team is affiliated or with which an instructor is affiliated.  Despite compliance with the other provisions of these Rules, a student who attends, participates or was eligible to participate for a school, and then transfers to another school is ineligible for one calendar year under any of the following circumstances:

(a)        The student transfers from a public, private or charter school within one calendar year after:

(1)     Participating in non-school athletics (e.g. AAU, American Legion, club team, or other non-school teams) on a team affiliated with the school to which the student transfers, AND/OR

(2)     Receiving athletic or activities instruction from a person affiliated with the school to which the student transfers.

(3)     EXCEPTION:  The eligibility of a private or non-member charter school student who transfers to a public or private school at which the student has previously been a participant in a school sport or activity is not affected by this rule.

(b)        The student transfers from a home school within one calendar year after:

(1)     Participating in non-school athletics (e.g. AAU, American Legion, club team, or other non-school teams) a team affiliated with the school to which the student transfers, AND/OR

(2)     Receiving athletic or activities instruction from a person affiliated with the school to which the student transfers.

EXCEPTION:  The eligibility of a home school student who transfers to a public or private school at which the student has previously been a participant in a school sport or activity or was eligible to participate in a school sport or activity is not affected by this rule.

1.       Q.    At what point is a student considered a member of a non-school affiliated team?

A.    If a student participates in a practice or contest, that student is considered a team member and is a part of the roster.

2.       Q.    What constitutes a majority of a non-school affiliated team?

A.    A majority is one more than half the number of students on a team roster.

3.       Q.    Who is considered to be a part of the school coaching staff?

A.    A coach (paid or volunteer) is anyone who at any time for any reason is, or could be, solely responsible for coaching a team.

4.       Q.    Does Transfer Rule 8.6.5. apply to incoming 9th graders?

A.    No, all students are eligible when they enter the beginning year of a four-year (grades 9-12) high school for the first time.

5.       Q.    How may a student document that the transfer process was initiated prior to participating on a non-school team associated with the school to which the student is transferring?

A.    The student should obtain a written, dated document from the administrator or other school representative with whom the student (or parents) corresponded prior to participation at the school to which the student is transferring, and a copy of the document is provided to the school from which the student is transferring.

6.       Q.    If a student receives instruction from a coach, then the coach moves to a different school, may the student transfer to the “new” school of the coach without jeopardizing his or her eligibility?

A.    No.  The student’s eligibility may be in jeopardy if the student transfers to the school where that coach currently coaches regardless of whether the coach’s current school is where the coach was employed at the time of the instruction.  The student’s potential ineligibility is linked to the coach from whom instruction was received, not to the school of the coach at the time of the instruction.

7.       Q.    Does receiving athletic instruction or attending a camp or clinic at which a person affiliated with the school to which a student transfers place the student’s eligibility in jeopardy under Rule 8.6.5?

A.    Yes. Further, any time a student and coach attend the same camp, instruction is considered to have taken place.

8.       Q.    If less than one calendar year has passed since a student received instruction from a coach and the student transfers to the school of that coach, is the student eligible?

A.    No.  The period of ineligibility for a student who transfers to a school with which an instructor is affiliated (or with which a non-school team is affiliated) is one calendar year from the last time the student received instruction from the coach (or played for the school).  For example, if the student transfers to the school within one calendar year of receiving instruction, the student is ineligible until one calendar year has passed since the last date of instruction.

9.       Q.    If a student is ineligible for one year because the student participated on a non-school team associated with a school prior to transferring to that school, may the student file a hardship appeal to regain eligibility?

A.    If application of the rule will work an undue hardship upon the student due to circumstances beyond the control of the student or the student’s parents, the school at which the student wishes to participate may submit an Eligibility Request Form to the District Committee to petition for reinstatement of eligibility.

8.6.6.        Mid-Year Transfers.  A student who transfers during the school year without a move of the student’s parents is ineligible for one calendar year unless the student becomes eligible at an earlier date based upon an exception listed in Rule 8.6.3.

8.6.7.        Definitions.  For purposes of these Rules, the following definitions apply:

(a)           "Joint Residence" is the place where both the student and the student's parents reside (or, if the student is a ward of the court, where the student resides pursuant to court order).  The student and the student's parents reside in a place when they occupy a dwelling for all purposes, with the intent to live there indefinitely and terminate all occupancy of their previous residence.  If a student has only one parent, that student’s Joint Residence is the residence of that student and his/her parent.

(b)           A “home school student” is a student described in ORS 339.030(3), who has met the requirements established under ORS 339.035.

(c)            A student “resides on campus at a member boarding school” when the student lives on the school grounds, or in residence halls used in connection with the school, of a school that provides room and board for resident students.

(d)           A student “transfers” if the student attended classes (or studied at a home school) or participated in any practices or interscholastic activities at another high school.

(e)           “Legal separation” or “divorce proceedings” occur when a petition has been filed with the court.

(f)            “Between school years” is after the end of an Association Year and before a student participates in practice or attends classes during the next Association Year.

(g)           A team is considered to be “affiliated with the school” if:

(1)     The team is organized by and/or coached by any coach, booster, teacher, administrator, parent or any other person associated with that school, and/or

(2)     The majority of the members of the team are students who attend that school or who represent that school in that team’s activity.

(h)           A person is considered to be “affiliated with the school” if that person is a coach, booster, teacher, administrator, parent or any other person associated with that school.

8.6.8.        Period of Ineligibility.  Except as otherwise provided in the Rules of the Association, any transfer resulting in ineligibility of the student renders the student ineligible for one calendar year.

8.6.9.        Transfer Hardship Appeals Procedure.  The District Committee may in individual cases, at its discretion, waive or modify the eligibility rules regarding transfer, other than transfers involving home schools (except in the circumstances described below), foreign students or alleged undue influence, 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 Executive Board Policy, “Eligibility – District Committee” for additional information.

Except where the denial of eligibility of a home school student is based upon Oregon statutory or regulatory requirements, the District Committee may in individual cases, at its discretion, waive or modify the eligibility rules regarding transfers involving home schools when in its opinion there are circumstances beyond the control of 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.

Other eligibility considerations, including academic eligibility, shall be considered by the District Committee when ruling on transfer eligibility requests.

Transfer cases that involve fifth year eligibility, age requests, foreign student eligibility or alleged undue influence must go directly to the Executive Director.  See Executive Board Policy, “Practice – Fifth Year / Age” for additional information.

In the case of a foreign student attending a member school under the auspices of a non-CSIET approved program, the Executive Director may consider whether the program is a long-standing school or community exchange program when ruling upon the appeal.

Decisions of the District Committee, which deny eligibility, may be appealed to the Eligibility Appeals Board.  See Executive Board Policies, “ Eligibility Appeal Filing Fee” and “Eligibility Appeals Board” for additional information.

A decision by the Eligibility Appeals Board may be appealed to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction under OAR 581‑021‑0035.

1.       Q.    When a student transfers to a new school at the time it opens or to a school that becomes coeducational at the time it becomes coeducational, is that student eligible?

A.    Yes.  The student is eligible provided the student maintains a Joint Residence within the attendance boundaries of the school district in which the new school is located.

2.       Q.    A school drops an activity from its program, so a student transfers to another school that has the activity.  The parents do not move from one school district to another in connection with the transfer.  What is the student's eligibility status?

A.    This student will be ineligible for a period of one year from the date of his/her transfer. 

3.       Q.    How does legal guardianship apply to OSAA eligibility?

A.    Historically, guardianships have frequently been used to attempt to avoid the Fundamental Rule of the OSAA that a student attend school only in the district in which the student’s parents reside.  Consequently, the appointment of a legal guardian alone is not recognized as an exception to the fundamental rule.  If a student resides with anyone other than the student’s parents, and eligibility is sought in any district other than the one in which the student’s parents reside, the school must apply for eligibility for the student by submitting an Eligibility Request Form to the District Committee, setting forth the circumstances justifying a hardship exception to the fundamental rule.  Under no circumstances will the appointment of a guardian be tolerated as a device to circumvent the eligibility rules of OSAA.

4.       Q.    May a student who is ineligible practice with a school team?

A.    The answer depends on the nature of the ineligibility.  When a school has filed a request for eligibility for a fifth year and/or nineteen-year-old student, the student is ineligible to practice while action on the request or appeal is pending.  Other ineligible students may practice, provided local school board policy permits this.  OSAA rules prohibit any ineligible student from participating in or dressing for an interscholastic contest.

5.       Q.    At what point is a student considered to have transferred to another school?

A.    A student is considered to have transferred to another school if the student attends classes (or studies at a home school) or participates in any practices or interscholastic activities at another high school.  See Rule 8.6.7.d “Definitions.”

8.7.        Undue Influence

Rule:  Despite compliance with the other provisions of these Rules, any student who attends a member high school as a result of undue influence as defined in these Rules is thereafter ineligible and the high school is subject to the penalties set out in Rule 5.

For purposes of this Rule, "undue influence" is the attempt by any person (including but not limited to coaches, boosters, teachers, administrators, parents, alumni) to induce the attendance of a student at a public or a private member school for purposes of athletic or activities participation.  Undue influence includes, without limitation, contacting a student with the intent of recruiting the student to a particular school for purposes of athletic or activities participation or promising employment or any other pecuniary benefit to the student or any member of the student's family to induce the attendance of the student at a particular school for purposes of athletic or activities participation.  It shall not be considered undue influence for authorized representatives of a private high school to contact students attending private feeder schools to induce their attendance at the private high school or for authorized representatives of public high schools to so contact students within that public high school's attendance boundaries.

Rationale:  The objective of the Undue Influence rule is to prevent member schools, and persons affiliated with a member school, from exerting an undue influence on students with a goal of securing or retaining a student for athletic or activities purposes.  This rule serves the substantial interests of Association members of prioritizing academics over competition, protecting young students from exploitation, ensuring an even playing field among competing schools, providing for equitable competition in Association sports and activities, and protecting the physical welfare of students engaging in contact sports.

1.       Q.    Does the undue influence rule apply only during the Association year?

A.      No.  The undue influence rule applies at all times.

2.       Q.    Does the undue influence rule apply prior to attending high school?

A.      Yes.

3.       Q.    Is it considered undue influence to initiate contact with a student from another school at any game or contest for the purpose of discussing athletic or activities programs?

A.    Yes.  Any contact initiated by a coach or other school representative with a student from another school for the purpose of athletic or activities recruitment is considered undue influence.

4.       Q.    Is it considered undue influence for a school to send recruiting letters to students who already are enrolled in a high school?

A.    Yes.

5.       Q.    Is it considered undue influence for a private school to send general information letters to students enrolled in public middle schools?

A.    Yes.  Private schools are only allowed to send general information letters to large groups of students in their own feeder systems.  Private schools are not allowed to send a general information letter to a student currently enrolled in a public feeder school unless the family of the student has specifically requested information about the private school.

6.       Q.    Is it considered undue influence for a school representative to discuss that school's athletic or activities program with a visiting student?

A.    It would not be considered undue influence if the student had contacted the school first to request information about the athletic or activities program.

7.       Q.    Is it considered undue influence for a school representative to contact an athlete or activities participant in a multiple high school district about enrolling in another school in that district primarily for the purpose of athletics or activities?

A.    Yes.

8.       Q.    What are other examples of undue influence?

A.    If selected individuals are offered free transportation, invited to attend practice or games, or offered or awarded any privileges or considerations not offered to other students, whether athletes or non-athletes, those offers or awards would be examples of undue influence.

9.       Q.    What are some allowable practices that would not be considered undue influence?

A.    1) Visits to junior high and/or middle schools by invitation, conducted by approved school representatives.  2) Open houses.  3) Broad-based informational mailings to students in that school’s feeder system.  4) Sports clinics with open registration.

10.   Q.    Is it permissible for a school to have “Sports Night” or a similar event at which all members of youth teams in that school’s feeder system are allowed free entry to athletic contests at the school?

A.    So long as the free entry is afforded to ALL team members and not limited to selected athletes, such an event would not be considered a violation of the Undue Influence rule.

11.   Q.    Is it considered undue influence if a private school sends information to individual elementary/middle school athletes or activities participants?

A.    Yes.  Informational materials may be sent by a private school to ALL the team members and/or participants in that school’s feeder system, but may not be sent only to an individual athlete or activities participants unless the family of the student has specifically requested information about the private school.

8.8.        Misrepresentation. Misrepresentation, such as an incorrect address, or participating under an assumed name in any interscholastic contest, shall make the student ineligible for the remainder of that sport season and for any additional period of time determined by the Executive Board, and in addition, the school shall be subject to any further penalty under Rule 5 the Executive Board may impose.

8.9.        Hardship (Eligibility Request Form)

8.9.1.        Transfer.  SEE Rule 8.6.9  Transfer Hardship Appeals Procedure.

8.9.2.        Fifth Year.  SEE Rule 8.2.4  Fifth Year Hardship Appeals Procedure.

8.9.3.        Age.   SEE Rule 8.3.1  Age Hardship Appeals Procedure.

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

The Executive Director, in individual cases may, at his/her discretion, and upon terms and conditions as he/she may impose, waive or modify any eligibility rule, except the transfer, fifth year and age rules, when in his/her 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.

A decision of the Executive Director may be appealed to the Executive Board. A decision of the Executive Board may be appealed to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction under OAR 581-021-0035.

1.       Q.    Will hardship requests involving future eligibility be considered by the Executive Board or a District Committee (transfer and discrimination only)?

A.    No.  The student must actually be in an ineligible status before any hardship request will be considered.

2.       Q.    May a student who is ineligible practice with a school team?

A.    The answer depends on the nature of the ineligibility.  When a school has filed a request for eligibility for a fifth year and/or nineteen-year-old student, the student is ineligible to practice while action on the request or appeal is pending.  Other ineligible students may practice, provided local school board policy permits this.  OSAA rules prohibit any ineligible student from participating in or dressing for an interscholastic contest, including pre-game warm-ups.

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

A.    Yes, within the limits of any local school board policy.  The student is prohibited from participating in pre-game warm-ups or appearing on the team bench in uniform.

4.   Q.   May the District Committee (DAC) or the Executive Director consider a hardship appeal from a home school student who is ineligible under OSAA transfer rules?

A.    Neither the DAC nor the Executive Director may consider a home school student's hardship appeal if the ineligibility is as a result of requirements set out in Oregon law or Administrative Rules adopted by the Department of Education, e.g., the student seeks to participate for a school in whose attendance boundaries the student does not reside, or the student does not achieve a composite test score that places the student at or above the 23rd percentile based on national norms.  See ORS 339.460.  However, the DAC or the Executive Director may consider a home school student's hardship appeal if the ineligibility is as a result of an OSAA regulation that is not required by Oregon law or Administrative Rules, e.g., a mid-year transfer to a home school.

5.       Q.    May a second hardship appeal be brought to either the DAC or the Executive Director based on the same set of facts?

A.    No.