The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced on May 18 that its member schools approved 11 out of 12 proposed amendments to the organization’s Constitution and Bylaws during the annual referendum voting period, which ended May 15.
The referendum allows OHSAA’s member schools to vote on policy changes that impact eligibility, transfer rules, and other governance issues affecting student-athletes. The results show broad support for most proposals but also reflect debate over specific policies.
Eight of nine high school-related issues passed, as did all three items concerning seventh and eighth grade students. High school issue 2B was the only proposal not approved; it would have permitted students at public schools without a particular team sport to participate in that sport at another nearby public school with approval from both superintendents. This measure failed by a vote of 416 to 358, with 29 abstentions. “A simple majority of votes cast by member school principals is required for a proposed amendment to be adopted,” according to the association.
Other approved measures include clarifications regarding what constitutes sponsoring a sport, adjustments to hardship exceptions for academic eligibility, updates on residency requirements for students whose parents live outside Ohio, exemptions related to transfer bylaws under certain circumstances, and changes addressing name-image-likeness (NIL) agreements. For example, Issue 8B adds new language allowing students to enter into marketing agreements with athlete agents as defined by state law if disclosed within two weeks; this takes effect May 16.
In addition to constitutional revisions, members elected representatives for expiring positions on their respective District Athletic Boards; these terms begin August 1. The OHSAA is described as “a voluntary, unincorporated, and nonprofit membership organization” regulating interscholastic athletics for more than eight hundred high schools and over seven hundred middle-grade institutions across Ohio.
The OHSAA conducts championship tournaments in twenty-four sports each year while promoting sportsmanship and character development through athletics according to the official website. The organization also provides scholarships annually for outstanding student-athletes pursuing higher education and collaborates with state educational groups according to the official website.
Approved changes will take effect August 1 unless otherwise noted in individual amendments.
