Welcome to the 2019 20 School Year! - Ohsaa
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Welcome to the 2019‐20 School Year!
• The Ohio Department of Education and Ohio Revised
We are so pleased your school has elected to be a Code requires all interscholastic coaches (paid or
member of the Ohio High School Athletic unpaid) to obtain and hold a current Pupil Activity
Association (OHSAA) for the 2019‐20 school year. Coaching Permit and complete training in Sudden
Please know we are here to serve you! Included in Cardiac Arrest – Lindsay’s Law.
this packet are various items we believe you will
need in order to have a successful start to the • All coaches (paid or unpaid) shall be approved by your
school year. Included in this packet are: Board of Education or similar governing body.
4 OHSAA Pocket Calendar (2)
• The building principal at each school is required to sub‐
4 OHSAA Wall Calendar (2)
mit ballots for annual District Board Elections and
4 “Working with the Media” Brochure
Referendum Voting.
4 Student Eligibility Summary Sheet
4 2019‐20 Competitive Balance Update • Each member school must sponsor a minimum of two
4 Eligibility Guide for School Counselors OHSAA recognized sports each sport season and par‐
4 myOHSAA User Guide/myOHSAA Checklist ticipate in at least 50% of the maximum allowed regu‐
4 Pupil Activity Permit Requirement Summary lar season contests in that sport.
4 Production & Mailing Information
4 Board of Directors Pass Explanation • If a student or coach is ejected from a contest, they are
4 “Who to Contact” Sheet immediately ineligible to participate/coach until the
penalty for the ejection has been served.
In addition to these documents, you will also be • OHSAA tournament divisions are determined by sport
receiving two copies of the 2019‐20 OHSAA and the school’s base enrollment for grades 9‐11, as
Handbook within the next couple days. Please con‐ provided by the Ohio Department of Education bi‐
tinue reading this handout for some additional annually, is used in determining the tournament divi‐
important information. sions. Additional enrollment may be added for com‐
Thank you for your attention to this information, petitive balance sports based on the roster of students
and best wishes for a successful 2019‐20 school submitted by the school.
year!
Contests With Out‐Of‐State Schools
Students MAY NOT MISS SCHOOL TIME to participate in
a school sporting event that is located outside Ohio,
Jerry Snodgrass, Executive Director unless the state is contiguous with Ohio. Failure to
Ohio High School Athletic Association adhere to this bylaw will result in removal from the
OHSAA tournament in the sport in which the out‐of‐state
travel occurred. Please check all athletic schedules, par‐
ticularly baseball and softball, to ensure your teams are
Did You Know? not missing school time to travel to contests in a non‐
• Students who do not attend your school are not eligible contiguous state. There is only one exception to this
to participate in an OHSAA recognized sport at your bylaw (See Bylaw 9‐2‐1). Also, school‐sponsored teams
school unless the student meets one of the exceptions and individuals may not travel out of state for practice
to the enrollment and attendance bylaw or is permitted purposes. There are two exceptions to this rule (See
a participation opportunity in accordance with state law. Bylaw 9‐2‐2).
• State law mandates students that attend a non‐OHSAA
member school that is designated as a STEM school by Rules Interpretation Meetings
the Ohio Department of Education have athletic partic‐ General Sports Regulation 2 indicates that any school
ipation opportunities at a school within their district of sponsoring a sport recognized by the OHSAA in which a
residence only. state tournament is held must have the head varsity
• Each student participating in the school’s athletic pro‐ coach, assistant varsity coach or athletic administrator
grams must meet all OHSAA eligibility requirements. attend or participate (online) in an OHSAA‐sponsored
state rules interpretation meeting in that sport by the
• Students in grades 6 or lower may not practice or partic‐ communicated deadline date. The deadline to complete
ipate in sports programs with 7th & 8th grade students. an online state rules interpretation meeting without
penalty is prior to the start of the sport’s first regular sea‐
• Students in grades 7 & 8 may not participate in sport‐
son contest. There is also a later deadline for completion
ing contests with 9‐12 grade students.
with a monetary penalty. Please be aware of this regula‐
• A signed copy of the OHSAA Eligibility and tion and ensure it is completed as failure to attend will
Authorization Statement, in conjunction with a current result in your school’s ineligibility to participate in the
Pre‐Participation Physical Examination Evaluation, OHSAA‐sponsored tournament in that sport.
must be on file at the school for each student partici‐
pating in the school’s athletic programs. Please Turn Over for More Information
OHSAA Welcome — Page 2 of 2
Non‐Interscholastic Competition etc., is located toward the front of the OHSAA Handbook
and posted online. If you would like to print an 8 1/2 x 11
A student is considered a member of a school team once copy for your office, the High School and Middle School
he/she participates in an interscholastic contest. Once a .pdfs are located at:
student’s status as a team member has been established, https://ohsaa.org/Portals/0/Calendar/ReadyRefDates/ReadyReferenceHS.pdf
the student may NOT participate in an athletic contest, a https://ohsaa.org/Portals/0/Calendar/ReadyRefDates/ReadyReferenceMS.pdf
tryout or any type of team or group training or practices
(including open gyms/fields) with a non‐school team in
that same sport during the school team’s season. There
are waivers, which must be applied for in advance, to
Mandatory Preseason Meetings
allow for certain non‐interscholastic participation during Bylaw 3‐1‐4 indicates that your school is required to con‐
the sports season in the sports of golf and tennis. The duct a mandatory, preseason meeting with all student‐
penalty for a violation of this non‐interscholastic rule will athletes who wish to participate in the upcoming sports
result in a period of ineligibility for the athlete, and seasons, their parents and booster club officer(s) no later
potentially require forfeitures for your school’s team. than two weeks after the beginning of each sports sea‐
Additionally, each sport has a non‐interscholastic date by son. The OHSAA has developed sample agendas,
which all non‐interscholastic competition must cease in PowerPoints, cover letters, etc. which can be used to
order for the student to be eligible for the postseason assist you with developing your meeting. These samples
tournament. So, if a student decides to join a team late are located under the “OHSAA Preseason Meeting
(common in gymnastics, tennis, etc.), please ensure they Information” section at:
have not participated in a non‐interscholastic contest https://ohsaa.org/School‐Resources
past the non‐interscholatic date. Please familiarize your‐
self with these non‐interscholastic dates, which are also After you have completed your school’s preseason meet‐
outlined in the Ready Reference Sports Calendar refer‐ ing, you are required to enter the completion date into
enced later. your school’s myOHSAA account so you are not subject
to a $500 penalty (General Sports Regulation 5).
Instructions on how and where to enter your preseason
meeting date can be located here:
Competitive Balance https://ohsaa.org/Portals/0/SchoolResources/PreSeaso
nMeetings/PreseasonParentMeetingInstructions.pdf
Competitive Balance is the process the OHSAA uses to
place schools into tournament divisions in the team
sports of football, volleyball, boys and girls soccer, boys
and girls basketball, baseball and softball. Your obliga‐
tion as the school administrator is to input your respec‐
Additional OHSAA Publications
tive rosters for the aforementioned sports into your If you would like to order additional OHSAA handbooks
school’s ArbiterGame account. We want to make sure ($10), pocket calendars ($6) or wall calendars ($9),
you are receiving help with this process if it is needed. please send a check or money order made payable to the
The OHSAA website has a comprehensive Competitive OHSAA to:
Balance Resource Center that includes help for a variety Andrea Heiberger, OHSAA Office
of situations (www.ohsaa.org/CompetitiveBalance.htm). 4080 Roselea Place
Columbus, OH 43214
For specific answers to questions that you could not find Your two complementary copies of the handbook, pock‐
within the Competitive Balance Resource Center, please et calendar and wall calendar are recommended to be
contact the following staff members in the OHSAA distributed to your school athletic administrator and
Office: principal.
Rostering/Tiering Questions – Public Schools:
Kristin Ronai (kronai@ohsaa.org) The OHSAA Magazine is published two times per year by
Rostering/Tiering Questions – Non‐Public Schools: the OHSAA. A complementary copy is mailed to superin‐
Bob Goldring (bgoldring@ohsaa.org) tendents, principals and athletic administrators of all
Technical Questions on Using ArbiterGame for Rostering: member schools. Annual subscriptions may be pur‐
Jacki Windon (jwindon@ohsaa.org) chased for $15 and single copies are available for $10.
The OHSAA also produces an annual School Directory
and a Year in Review publication. School administrators
can expect to receive the School Directory on or around
Ready Reference Sports Calendar October 1 and the Year in Review on or around October
The Ready Reference Sports Calendar, which is simply a 15. An online school directory is always available through
summary of information for each sports’ first practice your school’s myOHSAA account, or the public directory
date, first contest date, the number of regular season is available at:
contests permitted, the tournament draw/seed date, officials.myohsaa.org/Outside/SearchSchool.
Your Guide to myOHSAA
What is myOHSAA?
myOHSAA is the shared database through which each member school provides the OHSAA with required
information to ensure compliance with the OHSAA Constitution, Bylaws and Sport Regulations. Each
member high school (grades 9‐12) and each member 7th & 8th grade school has a separate myOHSAA
account, even if grades 7‐12 share the same building.
Each member school’s account can be accessed and maintained by the school principal, athletic adminis‐
trator(s), and athletic secretary. In addition, sport coaches have access to view and complete information
required of them for the school.
The school’s myOHSAA account must be accurate at all times. The information you provide allows the
OHSAA Office to effectively communicate with your school and the correct persons at your school. It
allows your school to receive the proper sport mailings, covers your athletes with the OHSAA catastrophic
insurance and permits participate in our tournaments. Therefore we suggest that you check the school’s
account at least twice a month using the myOHSAA MONTHLY Checklist printed on the back of this card.
Frequent checks of these important links on the school’s myOHSAA account will allow you to stay current
on all communications and easily meet required deadlines.
Who, What, When, Where?
Who is your school’s building principal, athletic administrator(s), and superintendent/head of school?
What sports do you offer and who are your coaches? Do you want to participate in the OHSAA tourna‐
ments? Has your school held the required pre‐season parent meetings, completed the required state rules
meetings or completed the required tournament official’s process? Has your principal submitted the
school’s ballots for referendum voting and OHSAA District Athletic Board elections? All of these items are
maintained through the school’s myOHSAA account. Therefore, access to the account is essential for the
athletic administrator(s) and school principal. You don’t have access to your school’s account? Contact
OHSAA Membership Services today!
Need Help?
NO WORRIES!
“How to” videos are available. Just click the “How To myOHSAA” link at the bottom of the left column.
In addition, OHSAA Membership Services is always ready to help with any question you have. Contact us
at: membershipservices@ohsaa.org.
Please Turn Over for Monthly my OHSAA Checklists for High Schools and 7th‐8th Grade Schools
Your Guide to myOHSAA
MYOHSAA MONTHLY CHECKLIST- HIGH SCHOOLS MYOHSAA MONTHLY CHECKLIST- 7th &8th Grade
2019-20 School Year 2019-20 School Year
Sports Offered (2019-20) Sports Offered (2019-20)
D All sports approved by my Board of Education or governing body are checked. a All sports approved by my Board of Education or governing body are checked.
Non-Competitive Cheer is checked under Non-Recognized Sports if my school has uniformed
a cheerleaders DarHdpatiriR at OHSAA recognized or emerging sporting events. a
Non-Competitive Cheer is checked under Non-Recognized Sports if my school has uniformed
cheerleaders participating at OHSAA recognized or emerging sporting events.
'Toymament Entry (2019-20)
Tournament Entry (2019-20)
a Tournament Entry is accurately set for all OHSAA Tournaments.
a Tournament Entry is accurately set for the OHSAA state track and field tournaments
.Staff Management
Staff (Vlanagement
a The Building Principal is correctly listed under Staff and has a myOHSAA account.
The Building Principal is correctly listed under Staff and has a myOHSAA account.
The HEAD coach of each OHSAA tournament sport is correctly listed under Staff and has a
a
D myOHSAA account. The 8th grade coach of each OHSAA sport is correctly listed under Staff and has a myOHSAA
a account.
: View State Meeting Attendance
There are NO "red flagged" sports which indicates my school has NOT received credit for the Pre-Season Parent IVIeeting
a required state rules meeting.
a The dates of our school's pre-season parent meetings are entered in myOHSAA for ail sports.
Pre-Season Parent Meeting
(Vly School
a The dates of our school's pre-season parent meetings are entered in myOHSAAforall sports.
D The addresses, phone numbers and other information listed is accurate.
My School
My District
a The addresses/ phone numbers and other information listed is accurate.
The name, email and phone numbers of our Superintendent or Head of School is accurate.
My District a NOTE: Email corrections/updates to membershir)services@>ohsaa.org.
The name, email and phone numbers of our Superintendent or Head of School is accurate.
a NOTE: Email corrections/updates to membersh)Dservices@)ohsaax>rg.
My Facilities (New for 2019-20}
The address of my school's home facilities are accurately listed. NOTE: This information will
My Facilities (New for 2019-20) a be used to direct fans and officials for OHSAA tournaments.
The address of my school's home facilities are accurately listed. NOTE: This information will
be used to direct fans and officials for OHSAA tournaments. Emergency Contact Form (2019-20) (New for 2019-20)
Emergency Contact Form (2019-20) (New for 2019-20) The Emergency Contact form for each OHSAA tournament sport has been submitted. NOTE:
The Emergency Contact form for each OHSAA tourn.ament sport has been submitted. NOTE: This information will be used by OHSAA Tournament managers.
This information will be used by OHSAA Tournament managers.
Tournament Officials Voting
I have submitted the tournament officials voting ballot far my 9-12 grade school. One ballot
per school per required sport.
Fall Sports deadline without penalty is November 1. (FH, FT, SO,VB)
Winter Sports deadline without penalty is April 1, (BK, !H, WR}
Spring Sports deadline without penalty is June 1. (BB,BLAX, GIAX, SB)
Your Guide to the
Ohio Department of Education
Pupil Activity Coaching Permit
http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Teaching/Licensure/Audiences/Coaching‐Permits
Ohio law requires coaching or pupil activity permits for individuals (paid or unpaid) who will direct, supervise or coach a stu‐
dent activity program that involves athletics, routine or regular physical activity or activities with health and safety consid‐
erations. School districts determine which staff members need to have a permit. Those who wish to apply for a permit
through the Ohio Department of Education’s Office of Educator Licensure must complete the requirements outlined here.
Types of Pupil Activity Coaching Permits
1. A three‐year permit is for persons with no other educator credential or an educator credential other than one of those
listed below.
2. A four‐year permit is for persons with either a four‐year resident or alternative resident educator license
3. A five‐year permit is for persons with either a five‐year professional, senior professional or lead professional license.
Prior to applying for the Coaching Permit through the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), all the
requirements below will need to be met:
1. Contact the school district for which you are employed.
Your first step is to complete the hiring process for serving as a coach at the school or district where you wish to coach.
Be sure to notify the school or district as the superintendent or a credentialed e‐signer will need to electronically sign
your application.
2. Background check ‐ Make sure you have an up‐to‐date background check on file.
3. Complete the training requirements below.
There are five categories of training below. Applicants are to: a) check with their school districts about preferences and
procedures related to each category; and b) provide documentation to their districts that they met requirements.
Coaches are encouraged to keep record of any expiration dates for their training sessions so that they can re‐take
them before they expire (dates vary).
1. Fundamentals of Coaching (https://nfhslearn.com/courses/61113/fundamentals‐of‐coaching) ‐ The National
Federation of State High School Associations presents this series of online modules. (One‐time training)
2. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training ‐ Fulfill this requirement through a course approved by the school
district.
3. First Aid for Coaches ‐ Fulfill this requirement through one of the four categories of options outlined below:
A. Ohio Department of Education‐approved pupil activity program. A full list of approved programs is available
through the link posted at the top of this document.
B. Nationally approved programs listed below (Select one):
• Red Cross (First Aid Health and Safety for Coaches): https://www.redcross.org/take‐a‐class;
• Human Kinetics Coach Education Center: http://www.asep.com/asep_content/org/OHSAA.cfm;
• National Federation of State High School Associations:
https://nfhslearn.com/courses/26/first‐aid‐health‐and‐safety
C. College or university courses: Courses must be completed within the past three years and be related to first aid
or athletic training.
D. Medical licenses: The licenses MD, DO, DC, PA, RN, EMT, ATC and SCS fulfill the first aid training requirement.
4. Concussion Training ‐ Complete one of the hour‐long courses that are free if you follow directions on the Ohio
Department of Health website:
https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know‐our‐programs/child‐injury/youthconcussions/youthconcussions. The
online courses are each valid for three years. Other related resources are located on the ODE’s web site.
5. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training ‐ Each year, coaches must review the Ohio Department of Health's new video and
related fact sheet: https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know‐our‐programs/Lindsays‐Law/Lindsays‐Law.
Although districts may choose how they will verify completion, the Department encourages use of its Learning
Management System (LMS):
http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Teaching/Professional‐Development/Learning‐Management‐System‐LMS.
See the ODE’s website for complete information.2019‐20 Update on Competitive Balance
Introduction Basic Principles of Tiering
With the membership approving the four referendum issues that are Tier 0 = each student on a particular team’s roster meeting the criteria
related to Competitive Balance in May 2019, we wanted to provide of this factor, multiplied by 0 (so that number will always be 0).
you with a few reminders:
1.) The only issue approved by the membership that became effec‐ Tier 1 = each student on a particular team’s roster meeting the criteria
tive immediately is the Tier for non‐enrolled students (at public of this factor, multiplied by 1 (so that number will always be 1).
schools) being lowered from Tier 2 to Tier 1. This means the
roster data entered during the 2018‐19 school year will reflect Tier 2 = each student on a particular team’s roster meeting the criteria
Tier 1 for non‐enrolled students for use in determining division‐ of this factor, multiplied by the sport specific factor (Football = 3;
al assignments for schools during the 2019‐20 school year. Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, & Softball = 7).
Therefore, NO ACTION from member schools is needed. NOTE: These factors were modified based on the referendum
2.) The other three modifications become effective when roster voting in May 2019.
data is entered during the 2019‐20 school year. Since roster
data is used in arrears, this means the impact of the other Tier 1 Non‐Enrolled = each student on a particular team’s roster
changes will not be seen until the 2020‐21 school year. meeting the criteria of this factor (so that number will always be 1).
3.) Due to the roster submission changes, schools (particularly for NOTE: Tier 1 Non‐Enrolled was new beginning with 2018‐19
the sports of football and soccer) are highly encouraged to roster data entry (previously was Tier 2 Non Enrolled).
work with coaches in developing procedures for determining if
a student participated in a contest.
4.) Check the OHSAA website (www.ohsaa.org) for updated guid‐
ance on Competitive Balance in a PowerPoint Summary pre‐
sentation (via a PDF).
Roster Submission Deadlines*
NOTE: Beginning with the 2019‐20 school year there is only ONE
roster entry period.
Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball,
• FALL SPORTS •
Baseball and Softball (Football, Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Volleyball)
4 In the sports of soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball and soft‐ Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019 ‐ Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019
ball, all students who are listed on your OHSAA tournament ros‐
ter, plus any student who played in a varsity regular season con‐ • WINTER SPORTS •
test (including students who played but later were not part of (Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball)
the team due to injury, transfer, move, quit, dismissal, etc.), Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020 – Wednesday, Apr. 1, 2020
MUST annually be entered in the rostering system and assigned
a specific tier. • SPRING SPORTS •
NOTE: This is a change from past practice when all students in (Baseball, Softball)
grades 9 through 12 were entered. Friday, May 1, 2020 – Monday, June 1, 2020
• The tournament roster limits are 22 for soccer, baseball and
softball and 15 for basketball and volleyball. * Schools are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to begin entering roster data
• Some schools will be below that number. when the roster submission date begins and only save the ending date
• Some schools will be above that number due to: for making any updates.
— Rotating players in and out of their tournament rosters,
and/or
— Including students who were not on the tournament ros‐
ter but who played in a regular season contest.
Additional Competitive Balance
Football Assistance
4 In the sport of football, all students in grades 10 through 12 list‐
ed on ANY roster, plus any ninth‐grade student who played in a We want to make sure you are receiving help if it is needed.
varsity regular season contest, MUST annually be entered in the The OHSAA website has a comprehensive Competitive
rostering system and assigned a specific tier. Balance Resource Center that has help for a variety of situa‐
NOTE: This is a change from past practice when all students in tions (www.ohsaa.org/CompetitiveBalance.htm) including a
grades 9 through 12 were entered. video for tiering students through ArbiterGame:
• It does not matter on what team the students in grades 10 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiP5qvuOtRQ&t=1s
through 12 are listed (varsity, junior varsity, reserve, Gold For specific answers to questions that could not be found
squad, Black squad, etc.). Each of those students in grades 10 within the Competitive Balance Resource Center, please con‐
through 12 MUST be entered (including students who were tact the following OHSAA staff members:
on the roster but later were not part of the team due to
injury, transfer, move, quit, dismissal, etc.). Only enter ninth‐ Rostering/Tiering Questions – Public Schools:
grade students if they played in a varsity regular season con‐ Kristin Ronai (kronai@ohsaa.org)
test (including ninth‐graders who played but later were not
part of the team due to injury, transfer, move, quit, dis‐ Rostering/Tiering Questions – Non‐Public Schools:
missal, etc.). Bob Goldring (bgoldring@ohsaa.org)
• Any ninth‐grade student who participates in one play in a
varsity contest shall count as having played in a contest (a Technical Questions on Using ArbiterGame for Rostering:
play nullified due to penalty does not count). Ron Sayers (rsayers@ohsaa.org)
NOTE: Counting whether a freshman played in a contest for
Competitive Balance purposes in football is different than the
regulation on counting whether he/she played in a quarter.Overview of Bylaw 4, Student Eligibility,
For Participation In High School Athletics
Bylaw 4-1, Eligibility Bylaw 4-6, Residence
Each student shall meet all requirements in Bylaw 4, Student If a student’s parent(s) or legal guardian live outside of Ohio then
Eligibility, in order to be eligible to participate in interscholastic he/she is ineligible for interscholastic athletics. There are several
athletic competition at an OHSAA member school. exceptions to this bylaw.
Bylaw 4-2, Age Limitation Bylaw 4-7, Transfers
When a high school student (grades 9-12) turns 20 years of age, If a student transfers at any time after the fifth day of the student’s
he/she becomes ineligible for interscholastic athletics. There is an ninth grade year or after having established eligibility prior to the
exception to this bylaw for a “child with a disability.” start of school by playing in a contest (scrimmage,
preview/jamboree, Foundation game or regular season/tournament
Bylaw 4-3, Enrollment & Attendance contest), the student shall be subject to the transfer consequence of
In order for a student to be eligible at your school, he/she must be sitting out beginning with the second half of the maximum allowable
enrolled and attending your school fulltime. There are six exceptions varsity regular season contests, including the OHSAA tournament, in
to this bylaw. Exception 6, which is in accordance with state law, any sport in which the student participated during the 12 months
permits certain non-enrolled students (home educated, non-public, immediately preceding his/her transfer. There are numerous
community school, STEM students) to have participation exceptions to this bylaw. Additionally, if a student transfers in the
opportunities at the public high school located in the parents’ middle of a season after having already participated in a regular
residential district or attendance zone for multiple high school season contest in a specific sport at his/her former school, the
districts. There is an additional option for home-educated and non- student will likely not be permitted to resume participation in the
public school students. Please contact the OHSAA if you have any same sport during that same sports season.
questions about which non-enrolled students can play at your
school. Furthermore, after establishing ninth-grade eligibility, a Bylaw 4-8, International and Exchange Students
student is permitted only eight semesters of athletic eligibility taken If a student is not a United States citizen then he/she is ineligible for
in order of attendance regardless of whether the student interscholastic athletics. There are several exceptions to this bylaw.
participates or not. There are exceptions to this bylaw.
Bylaw 4-9, Recruiting
Bylaw 4-4, Scholarship A student may be declared ineligible if he/she is recruited by a
In order to be eligible for the first grading period upon entrance into person or group of persons to transfer to or enroll in a high school
grade 9, a student must have received passing grades in a minimum for athletic purposes. This may include a student transferring to a
of five (5) of the classes in the immediately preceding grading school at which one of his/her former school coaches has been
period. Thereafter, in order to maintain eligibility, a student must hired. In addition, any attempt by a student to recruit a prospective
have received passing grades in a minimum of five (5) one credit student-athlete for athletic purposes is also prohibited. A violation
courses, or the equivalent, in the immediately preceding grading may also affect the eligibility of the school team.
period. In addition, summer school, College Credit Plus and other
educational options (e.g. work permitted after the conclusion of the Bylaw 4-10, Amateurism
grading period) may not be used to bring a student into compliance A student must be an amateur in the sport in which he/she desires to
with scholarship bylaws, nor can they be used to compensate for participate in interscholastic athletics. However, an athlete may
lack of courses taken in the preceding grading period. Those taking receive awards valued at $400 or less from any source as a result from
postsecondary school courses, including College Credit Plus, must participation in any sport in which he/she is an interscholastic athlete,
comply with OHSAA scholarship regulations. The eligibility or but a cash award may never be accepted. A form is available at
ineligibility of a student continues until the start of the fifth school www.ohsaa.org for a student to maintain his/her amateur status if
he/she competes in an event where expenses for travel, meals and
day of the next grading period, at which time the grades from the
lodging are provided as long as these reimbursements are available
immediately preceding grading period become effective.
to all participants and they are not contingent upon the student’s
finish.
Bylaw 4-5, Conduct, Character, Discipline
In matters pertaining to personal conduct in which athletic contests In accordance with Bylaw 3-6-1, at the beginning of each sports
and their related activities are not involved, the school itself is to be season each school MUST complete an eligibility certificate for
the sole judge as to whether the student may participate in each team to keep on file at the school listing only those students
athletics. In matters pertaining to personal conduct in which athletic eligible under OHSAA rules. The recommended certificate is
contests and their related activities are involved, the principal and available at this link:
game officials shall file a report and the Executive Director’s office https://ohsaa.org/Portals/0/Eligibility/OtherEligibiltyDocs/eligcert.pdf
shall have jurisdiction to determine additional penalties including
whether or not the student may participate in athletics. Please contact a member of the compliance staff if you have any
questions about these bylaws: OHSAA Office Phone: 614-267-2502
Dr. Deborah Moore (dmoore@ohsaa.org), x115
Ms. Roxanne Price (rprice@ohsaa.org, x114
Ms. Kristin Ronai (kronai@ohsaa.org), x132Ohio High School Athletic Association
Eligibility Checklist
For High School Students Enrolled and/or Participating at an OHSAA Member School (Updated 5/1/19)
Before you play, you must be eligible. Please review the following checklist with your parents. Unchecked
boxes may mean you are NOT eligible. For questions, see your principal or athletic administrator.
I am officially enrolled in an OHSAA member high school or participating in accordance with state law.
I am enrolled in at least five one credit courses or the equivalent, each of which counts toward graduation.
I received passing grades in at least five one credit courses or the equivalent, each of which count toward graduation,
during the immediately preceding grading period.
I have a biological and/or adoptive parent who lives in Ohio.
I have not changed schools without a corresponding move by my parents or legal guardian or by qualifying for one of
the exceptions to the OHSAA transfer regulation.
If I have changed schools (transferred), I have followed up with my new school to ensure that all proper forms (if
applicable) have been submitted to the OHSAA Office.
I understand I am permitted only eight semesters of eligibility taken in order of attendance, whether I play or not,
once I have become eligible for athletics at the high school level by entering grade 9 or playing as a 15 year-old.
I understand I will become ineligible once I turn 20 years old.
I have not received an award, equipment or prize in a sport in which I compete interscholastically valued at greater
than$400 per item per source.
I was born in the United States, or I have been approved for eligibility under Bylaw 4-8, International Students.
I am competing under my true name and have provided my school with my correct home address.
I have not competed in a mandatory open gym/facility, conditioning or instructional program outside the school season.
I have not been coached or provided instruction by a school coach in a team sport in which I participate other than
during my sport season, during an instructional period approved by the OHSAA outside the season observing the 50%
roster limitation, or for no more than 10 days between June 1 and July 31.
I am not competing on a non-school team or in non-school competition as an individual during my school team’s
season in the same sport.
I have not been recruited for athletic purposes to attend this school.
I am not using anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.
I have had a physical examination within the past year and it is on file at my school.
My parents and I attended a preseason meeting at my school which the OHSAA requires to be held no later than two
weeks after the beginning of each sports season. We viewed a presentation prepared by the OHSAA to review key
eligibility issues, healthy lifestyles and sporting behavior.
My school also reviewed with my parents and me its concussion management protocol, we reviewed and signed the
Ohio Department of Health’s “Concussion Information Sheet” prior to participation and we reviewed a short
presentation on concussions available at no cost at www.nfhslearn.com.
My school also reviewed with my parents and me the Sudden Cardiac Arrest video, and we reviewed and have signed
the Ohio Department of Health’s “Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information Sheet” prior to participation and we reviewed
a short presentation on Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
My parents and I have signed the OHSAA Authorization Form and the OHSAA Eligibility and Authorization Statement,
and they are on file at my school.
Student Printed Name Parent/Guardian Printed Name
Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature
Student Date Parent/Guardian Date
NOTE: This form has been provided as a service to the OHSAA membership for schools to utilize with stu-
dent-athletes and their parents/guardians. Use of this form is at the sole discretion of each member school.Overview of Bylaw 4, Student Eligibility, For
Participation In 7th and 8th Grade Athletics
Bylaw 4-1, Eligibility Bylaw 4-6, Residence
Each student shall meet all requirements in Bylaw 4, Student If a student’s parent(s) or legal guardian live outside of Ohio then
Eligibility, in order to be eligible to participate in interscholastic he/she is ineligible for interscholastic athletics. There are several
athletic competition at an OHSAA member school. exceptions to this bylaw, so please review these contact the
OHSAA if you have any questions.
Bylaw 4-2, Age Limitation
A student who turns 15 before August 1 of the school year in Bylaw 4-7, Transfers
which he/she desires to participate is not eligible for seventh and The transfer bylaw only applies to students in grades 9-12, There
eighth grade athletics. There are two exceptions to this bylaw (see is no transfer consequence for students at the 7th and 8th grade
Bylaw 4-2-2), so please review these and contact the OHSAA if you level.
have any questions.
Bylaw 4-8, International and Exchange Students
Bylaw 4-3, Enrollment & Attendance
If a student is not a United States citizen then he/she is ineligible
In order for a student to be eligible at your school, he/she must
for interscholastic athletics. There are several exceptions to this
be enrolled and attending your school fulltime. There are six
bylaw, so please review these and contact the OHSAA if you have
exceptions to this bylaw. Exception 6, which is in accordance with
any questions.
state law, permits certain non-enrolled students (home educated,
non-public, community school, STEM students) to have
Bylaw 4-9, Recruiting
participation opportunities at the public high school located in the
A student may be declared ineligible if he/she is recruited by a
parents’ residential district or attendance zone for multiple high
person or group of persons to transfer to or enroll in a high school
school districts. There is an additional option for home-educated
for athletic purposes. This may include a student transferring to a
and non-public school students. Please contact the OHSAA if you
school at which one of his/her former school coaches has been
have any questions about which non-enrolled students can play
hired. In addition, any attempt by a student to recruit a
at your school. Furthermore, after a student completes the sixth
prospective student-athlete for athletic purposes is also
grade and before entering ninth grade, he/she is permitted
prohibited. A violation may also affect the eligibility of the school
athletic eligibility for a period not to exceed four semesters taken
team.
in the order of attendance, whether he/she participates or not.
This relates in concept to the eight-semester limit regulation that
Bylaw 4-10, Amateurism
is in place for high school students. There is one exception to this
A student must be an amateur in the sport in which he/she desires
bylaw, so please review it and contact the OHSAA if you have any
to participate in interscholastic athletics. However, an athlete may
questions.
receive awards valued at $400 or less from any source as a result
from participation in any sport in which he/she is an
Bylaw 4-4, Scholarship
interscholastic athlete, but a cash award may never be accepted.
In order to maintain eligibility for grades 7 and 8, a student must
A form is available at www.ohsaa.org for a student to maintain
have received passing grades in a minimum of five (5) classes in
his/her amateur status if he/she competes in an event where
the immediately preceding grading period. There are exceptions
expenses for travel, meals and lodging are provided as long as
to this bylaw, so please review these and contact the OHSAA if you
these reimbursements are available to all participants and they
have any questions. Additionally, summer school and other
are not contingent upon the student’s finish.
educational options may not be used to bring a student into
compliance with scholarship bylaws, nor can they be used to
In accordance with Bylaw 3-6-1, at the beginning of each sports
compensate for lack of courses taken in the preceding grading
season each school MUST complete an eligibility certificate for
period. In order to be eligible for the first grading period upon
each team to keep on file at the school listing only those
entrance into grade 9, a student must have received passing
students eligible under OHSAA rules. The recommended
grades in a minimum of five (5) classes in the immediately
certificate is available at this link:
preceding grading period.
https://ohsaa.org/Portals/0/Eligibility/OtherEligibiltyDocs/eligcer
tJH.pdf
Bylaw 4-5, Conduct, Character, Discipline
In matters pertaining to personal conduct in which athletic
Please contact any member of the compliance staff if you have
contests and their related activities are not involved, the school
any questions about student eligibility:
itself is to be the sole judge as to whether the student may
participate in athletics. In matters pertaining to personal conduct
OHSAA Office Phone: 614-267-2502
in which athletic contests and their related activities are involved,
the principal and game officials shall file a report and the
Dr. Deborah Moore (dmoore@ohsaa.org), x115
Executive Director’s office shall have jurisdiction to determine
Ms. Roxanne Price (rprice@ohsaa.org, x114
additional penalties including whether or not the student may
Ms. Kristin Ronai (kronai@ohsaa.org), x132
participate in athletics.Ohio High School Athletic Association
Eligibility Checklist
For 7th-8th Grade Students Enrolled and/or Participating at an OHSAA Member School (Updated 5/1/19)
Before you play, you must be eligible. Please review the following checklist with your parents.
Unchecked boxes may mean you are NOT eligible. For questions, see your principal or athletic
administrator.
I am officially enrolled in an OHSAA member high school or participating in accordance with state law.
I received passing grades in at least five subjects during the immediately preceding grading period.
I have a biological and/or adoptive parent who lives in Ohio.
I did not turn 15 before August 1 of the school year in which I desire to participate.
I understand I am only permitted four semesters of eligibility whether I play or not once I have enrolled in grade seven
and before entering grade 9.
I have not received an award, equipment or prize valued at greater than $400 per item per source.
I was born in the United States, or I have been approved for eligibility under Bylaw 4-8, International Students.
I am competing under my true name and have provided my school with my correct home address.
I have not competed in a mandatory open gym/facility, conditioning or instructional program outside the school season.
I have not been coached or provided instruction by a school coach in a team sport in which I participate other than
during my sport season, during an instructional period approved by the OHSAA outside the season observing the 50%
roster limitation, or for no more than 10 days between June 1 and July 31.
I am not competing on a non-school team or in non-school competition as an individual during my school team’s
season in the same sport.
I have not been recruited for athletic purposes to attend this school.
I am not using anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.
I have had a physical examination within the past year and it is on file at my school.
My parents and I attended a preseason meeting at my school which the OHSAA requires to be held no later than two
weeks after the beginning of each sports season. We viewed a presentation prepared by the OHSAA to review key eligibility
issues, healthy lifestyles and sporting behavior.
My school also reviewed with my parents and me its concussion management protocol, we reviewed and signed the
Ohio Department of Health’s “Concussion Information Sheet” prior to participation, and we reviewed a short
presentation on concussions available at no cost at nfhslearn.com.
My school also reviewed with my parents and me the Sudden Cardiac Arrest video, and we reviewed and have signed
the Ohio Department of Health’s “Sudden Cardiac Arrest Information Sheet” prior to participation and we reviewed a
short presentation on Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
My parents and I have signed the OHSAA Authorization Form and the OHSAA Eligibility and Authorization Statement,
and they are on file at my school.
Student Printed Name Parent/Guardian Printed Name
Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature
Student Date Parent/Guardian Date
NOTE: This form has been provided as a service to the OHSAA membership for schools to utilize
with student-athletes and their parents/guardians. Use of this form is at the sole discretion of each
member school.Guidelines for Student Athletic Eligibility
Produced by The Ohio High School Athletic Association
For School Counselors – 2019-20
Revised 4/1/2019
Virtually every scholarship appeal that comes to the OHSAA office places sole responsibility on you, the school counselor, for a student’s failure
to meet the requirements of the applicable scholarship bylaws found in 4-4. Even though that notion is fundamentaly incorrect and OHSAA rules
make reference to the fact that scholastic success is a shared responsibility with parents and students expected to shoulder most of the load, the
Executive Director’s Office has prepared this document to inform you of the crucial information that you need to know in order to advise students
appropriately.
IMPORTANT ITEMS TO KNOW
HIGH SCHOOL
1. All high school students MUST be enrolled in and earn passing grades in a minimum of five one-credit courses (or the equivalent) each
and every grading period to have continuing eligibility.
2. Participate in every effort to ensure that all students are fully scheduled in a minimum of five one-credit courses each grading period.
3. If a student comes to you and asks to drop a course, ask the following questions:
a. Are you a student athlete?
b. What sports do you play?
c. Have you visited with your athletic administrator or principal to determine if dropping this course will affect your eligibility
to play a sport?
4. Do not allow the student to drop a course which reduces his/her course load below five one credit courses unless you receive a form
from a senior administrator a template of which can be accessed here. (http://www.ohsaa.org/Portals/0/Eligibility/forms/SuggestedScheduleChangeForm.pdf)
5. The required Physical Education Course is not a full credit course. Do not count this course as one of the five full credit courses.
6. Always contact your principal or athletic administrator if you have any questions.
7. The OHSAA has no minimum grade point (GPA) requirement, thus issues regarding eligibility when only the GPA is of concern are
strictly a local school district matter and not an OHSAA matter
Grades 7-8
1. All 7-8th grade students MUST be enrolled in and earn passing grades in a minimum of five courses each and every grading period to
have continuing eligibility.
2. Participate in every effort to ensure that all students are fully scheduled in a minimum of five courses each grading period.
3. If a student comes to you and asks to drop a course, ask the following questions:
a. Are you a student athlete?
b. What sports do you play?
c. Have you visited with your athletic administrator or principal to determine if dropping this course will affect your eligibility
to play a sport?
4. Do not allow the student to drop a course which reduces his/her course load below five courses unless you receive a form from a senior
administrator a template of which can be accessed here. (http://www.ohsaa.org/Portals/0/Eligibility/forms/SuggestedScheduleChangeForm.pdf)
5. Always contact your principal or athletic administrator if you have any questions.
NOTE: “Grading period” is defined as your school’s board-adopted calendar. In most school districts, this is a nine-week period, while some districts use
six- or 12-week periods or semesters. It should also be noted, however, that interim, biweekly or weekly evaluations are not considered “grading periods,”
and restoration of eligibility is NOT permitted after such evaluations.
In addition, students who have not met the high school or 7-8th scholarship requirement are not “substantively eligible;” and a student who
fails to register for enough credit hours, fails a class(es) or drops a class that lowers the student below the requisite number of credits,
always has a shared responsibility for this shortcoming thus disqualifying such shortcoming from the “due solely to an administrative
error” category. Therefore; the administrative error bylaw shall never be used in conjunction with Bylaws 4-4-1 or 4-4-5.
Examples of Determining Student Eligibility – Grades 9-12
Passing grades must be received in a minimum of five one-credit courses, or the equivalent, in the immediately preceding grading period. To
determine credit equivalency, multiply full-year courses by a factor of 1; semester courses by a factor of 2; twelve-week courses by a factor of
3; and nine-week courses by a factor of 4.
Example 1: 1st Nine-Week Grading Period
Subject Grade Credit & Duration Factor Credit Equivalency (Must Equal 5 Units or Equivalent)
English 10 C 1 - all year 1 1 x 1 =1
Spanish I D 1 - all year 1 1 x 1 =1
Health B 1/2 - semester 2 1/2 x 2 = 1
Algebra F 1 - all year 1 0
Computers C 1/2 - semester 2 1/2 x 2 = 1
Social Studies C 1/2 - semester 2 1/2 x 2 = 1
Total Credits 5 = eligible for 2nd grading period
Example 2: 4th Nine-Week Grading Period
Subject Grade Credit & Duration Factor Credit Equivalency (Must Equal 5 Units or Equivalent)
English C 1 - all year 1 1 x 1 =1
O.W.E. F 2 - all year 1 0
O.W.E. D 1 - all year 1 1 x 1 =1
History B 1 - all year 1 1 x 1 =1
Health B 1/4 - semester 2 1/4 x 2 = 1/2
Typing C 1/4 - 4th 9 weeks 4 1/4 x 4 = 1
Total Credits 4 1/2 = ineligible for 1st grading period of next school year
Post-Secondary Option – College Credit Plus
Note: If a student is taking all course work at the post-secondary institution under the College Credit Plus program, the calculation of equivalency has
changed. Please note that in order for a CCP class to be used for determining eligibility for Bylaw 4-4-1, the class must count toward HS graduation.In addition, students electing to enroll in CCP must be certain that 1.) The faculty members at the post-secondary institution understand that they will need
to provide grades or a progress report at the time when the high school’s grading period is over, and 2.) The student-athlete is taking enough course work
at the post-secondary institution exclusively or between the post-secondary institution and the high school combined to be equivalent to five one-credit
courses. Calculating equivalency of credits in the post-secondary institution is conducted in the same manner as in the high school, based on the Carnegie
unit. College courses for which three or more semester hours of credit are earned shall be awarded one Carnegie unit. Fractional Carnegie units
will be awarded proportionately. This means that courses which are four, five, six or even seven hours of credit receive just one Carnegie unit. Examples of CCP
options:
-1-
Example 1: 1st Nine-Week Grading Period
Subject School Credit & Duration Credit Equivalency (Must Equal 5 Units or Equivalent)
History High 1 (year course) 1 x 1 =1
Literature CCP 3 semester hours 1 x 2 =2
Calculus CCP 5 semester hours 1 x2 =2
Biology CCP 3 semester hours 1x2=2
Total Credits 7 = eligible for 2nd grading period provided all courses passed
The factor of 2 is used for post-secondary institutions that are on the semester system.
Example 2: 4th Nine-Week Grading Period
Subject School Credit & Duration Credit Equivalency (Must Equal 5 Units or Equivalent)
French CCP 5 semester hours 1 x 2 =2
Sociology CCP 3 semester hours 1 x 2 =2
Computers CCP 2 semester hours .67 x 2=
Geology CCP 3 semester hours 1x2=2
Total Credits 7.34 = eligible for 1st grading period of next school year
provided all courses passed
The factor of 2 is used for post-secondary institutions that are on the semester system. Note that this student is taking all courses at the
post-secondary institution, which is acceptable.
Block Scheduling
Block scheduling or double blocking of courses does not change the calculation of credit equivalencies as required in OHSAA bylaws. Courses
taken over one semester or one quarter (9-week period) carry a factor of 2 and 4, respectively. Therefore, if a student takes an English course
during the first semester only and receives one credit for passing that course, that class carries an equivalency of 2 (1 credit x the factor for a
semester course (2) = 2). Examples of block scheduling:
Example 1: 1st Nine-Week Grading Period
Subject Grade Credit & Duration Factor Credit Equivalency (Must Equal 5 Units or Equivalent)
English 10 C 1 - semester 2 1 x 2 =2
Spanish 2 C 1 - semester 2 1 x 2 =2
Health B 1/4 - 1st 9 weeks 4 1/4 x 4 = 1
Total Credits 5 = eligible for 2nd grading period
Example 2: 3rd Nine-Week Grading Period
Subject Grade Credit & Duration Factor Credit Equivalency (Must Equal 5 Units or Equivalent)
Calculus B 1 - semester 2 1 x 2 =2
French C 1 - semester 2 1 x 2 =2
Phys. Ed A 1/4 - semester 2 1/4 x 2 = 1/2
Total Credits 4 1/2 = ineligible for 4th grading period
Examples of Determining Student Eligibility – Grades 7-8
Passing grades are required in a minimum of five subjects in which enrolled in the immediately preceding grading period. All courses,
regardless of how many times per week the course meets, in which a student receives a grade count toward this eligibility requirement.
Example 1: 1st Nine-Week Grading Period
Subject Grade
English F
Math B
Home Economics B
Computers C
Music C
Health F
Credits Passed 4 of 6 classes = NOT eligible for 2nd grading period
Example 2: 3rd Nine-Week Grading Period
Subject Grade
English F
Math D
Industrial Arts C
Music B
Computers B
Physical Education B
Credits Passed 5 of 6 classes = eligible for 4th grading period
NOTE:
For additional information, contact:
Ohio High School Athletic Association
4080 Roselea Place, Columbus, Ohio 43214
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Telephone: (614) 267-2502 • Fax: (614) 267-1677 • Website: ohsaa.org
The complete text of the Bylaws and Regulations is published in the OHSAA Handbook, which is mailed to your school each summer and is
posted on the OHSAA website.Flash Photography
Authorized news media representatives, who have been approved for
unless the photographer is at such a distance away from the player that
no audible noise can be heard by the player. In the sports of volleyball,
bowling, track and field, swimming and tennis, contest officials have
2019-20 OHSAA
Working with
credentials by contest managers or the OHSAA, shall be permitted
additional authority to decide where photographers may position them-
to use electronic lighting equipment (includes both strobe lights and
selves based on the layout of the facility or competition area.
flashes mounted to cameras) throughout the course of a given activity
in all sports EXCEPT bowling, gymnastics and diving (including warm-
ups). In addition, electronic lighting is NOT permitted to be used in the Special Access and Photo Sales
the Media
following situations: in basketball in the free throw lane area (behind 1. Individual credentialed media personnel and spectators may not sell
the background); in golf during and a few seconds before the swing; photos from OHSAA state tournaments. Furthermore, credentialed
and in swimming immediately before the start of a race so as to not media may not give photos to current student-athletes (or their par-
interfere with the starter’s signal. ents or legal guardians) or post galleries of their photos from state
tournaments. (A gallery is defined as more than five photos displayed
Additional Photography Note: In the sport of volleyball, electron- on one webpage.) If a credentialed media photographer posts a The OHSAA’s Guide for Coaches, Student-Athletes,
ic lighting is not permitted at any time during OHSAA tournament photo on his/her personal webpage, it may not be made available for
contests, and electronic lighting is only allowed during regular-season
Administrators and Tournament Managers
high-resolution download.
contests in gymnasiums that do not meet the minimum lighting stan- 2. In team sports (field hockey, soccer, volleyball, football, team wres-
dards of 1600 ASA (film speed) at 500th of a second at an aperture of tling, ice hockey, basketball, softball, baseball and lacrosse), one
f2.8. If those lighting conditions apply, flash photography may be used, school-designated photographer (student or adult) may be creden-
but not when a student-athlete is serving. During regular-season vol- tialed for OHSAA tournament contests if approved by the school’s
leyball contests, photographers must work with school administrators athletic administrator. The school-designated photographer may only
anytime prior to the start of a match to test equipment and have the give his/her photos to the school (athletic director, principal or head
light meter reading verified. The reading can then be used for future coach) for the school’s use. Photos may not be sold or posted online
matches in the same facility in the same season without retesting. in galleries (see previous note) and may not be posted so they are
available for high-resolution download.
Photographer Positioning 3. Bona fide newspapers, as determined by the OHSAA, may sell
photos from OHSAA tournament contests via the newspaper’s office
In basketball, photographers and videographers are prohibited to
or official website. Permission is granted because newspapers have
position themselves behind the backboard (within the free-throw lane
always been permitted to fill the photo requests of their readership,
area) unless approved by the OHSAA.
and photo sales is not their primary purpose for covering a contest.
1. The first violation of this policy shall result in a warning from contest
4. School officials have the authority to permit or deny freelance pho-
managers or the OHSAA, and the second violation of this policy shall
tographers (including parents) from having special access at their
result in the removal of the photographer from the contest facility by
regular-season athletic contests.
contest managers or the OHSAA.
5. School officials have the authority to permit or deny the sale of
2. Photographers may position themselves along the baseline outside
photos from their regular-season contests.
the lane area of the court (and are permitted to use electronic lighting
6. Freelance photographers who are granted a media credential for
as specified in Section 6-c).
sectional, district and regional tournament games (and state semi-
3. The use of remote-operated cameras behind a basket is permitted
final games in the sports of football, soccer and lacrosse) may sell Ohio High School Athletic Association
(without flash) so long as the guidelines listed above are followed. Phone 614-267-2502 | Fax 614-267-1677
photos from the contest as long as the photographer is affiliated with
4. In soccer, photographers are permitted between the team benches
only if approved by the head official (who may consult with both head
a specific school and can produce a written or on-site verbal show of www.OHSAA.org
support from that school’s athletic director. However, said photog-
coaches, if needed).
raphers may not set up booths or tables, distribute promotional
material or request that public address announcements be read that
Photographers for other sports shall be placed in positions in accor-
advertise their services.
dance with National Federation of State High School Associations
7. Freelance photographers who are not affiliated with a bona fide
National Rules. In the sport of football, field hockey and soccer,
media outlet will not be credentialed for state tournament contests.
photographers shall be positioned behind the restraining line, which
Photos taken from spectator viewing area at state tournament con-
is two or more yards from the sidelines and end zones. In volleyball,
tests are for personal use only and may not be sold.
photographers shall not be positioned in an area that could be “in
play.” When a soccer match goes to penalty kicks (after overtime),
photographers may position themselves on the field in the midfield
area if approved by the site manager or media coordinator. In addition,
Use of Drones
The use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), most commonly re-
photographers shall not be positioned in the team boxes between the ferred to as drones, is not permitted anywhere within the entire athletic
25-yard lines. In baseball, photographers are prohibited from being in facility during any OHSAA tournament contest, beginning one hour
live ball areas unless a photographer’s area (typically with a paint or before the contest is scheduled to begin. This includes both indoor and Edited and Endorsed by the OHSAA Media Advisory Committee,
chalk line) has been established by the game manager and approved outdoor contests. The facility includes both the area above the playing
by the officials before the game. The OHSAA requests that at least the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association and the
surface itself, and the areas above the surrounding surfaces that are Ohio Newspaper Photographers Association
one area be designated for photographers that provides an unob- a part of the facility, including, but not limited to, bleachers and other
structed view of the field. In softball, no such photographers area is seating areas, parking lots, sidewalks, running/walking track, adjacent
permitted inside live ball areas. athletic fields, etc.
1. The use of UAS at regular-season contests is permitted pending ap-
Officials have the authority to remove any member of the media for proval from the host institution, which accepts all liability and confirms
not staying in or keeping their equipment in designated dead ball ar- that the UAS complies with local, state and federal regulations.
eas. In the sport of golf, photographers are not permitted to take pho-
tos while a player is addressing his/her ball and during his/her swing
Photography Regulations Continued on Back PageYou can also read
