OSSAA’s Exception to Residence Eligibility Rule

By David Jackson

This school year, a significant change was made to the rules for providing an exception to athletic eligibility requirements. The new exception became effective July 1, allowing a member school to request an exception to the rules of eligibility for a student, provided:

■ The student is accepted on transfer or placed on a waiting list prior to July 15.

■ The student must be enrolled by July 15 if returning to the district of residence.

■ The student continues to reside with their parents or legal guardians.

■ The student has not established eligibility at more than one school since entering 9th grade.

■ The student is in good standing at the former school.

Our staff anticipated an increase in requests, preparing over the summer to handle the intake. From July 1 to September 12, the staff handled 777 requests; 721 requests were approved, resulting in 93% of all requests being approved. Over the same period one year ago, the staff received 301 requests, approving 72%.

The results of this change in making exceptions to eligibility rules are yet to be determined. To date, while we have seen a significant increase in mobility for students, the rate of change as it relates to urban or more rural areas does not differ significantly. There do not seem to be any indicators that socioeconomic status affects students’ desire to change schools, and the distance between schools is sometimes significant, indicating that travel is not as much an issue as we thought.

The mission of the OSSAA is to serve member schools by providing leadership in the development, supervision, and conduct of education-based activities for secondary level students, working cooperatively with member school administrations to enhance the achievement of desired educational goals.

To keep in touch with the mission, sometimes changes need to be made. Those changes are not without challenge. The OSSAA staff and Board of Directors work cooperatively with various groups of coaches, athletic administrators, and school administrations to serve the best interests of the students participating in education-based activities. All parties agree – there is no substitute for what a school can offer, and the lifetime benefits are immeasurable.

The OSSAA staff, Board of Directors, and member schools will continue to promote the mission and keep students at the forefront of every decision. ■

David Jackson is the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA).

Heating Systems Preparedness

Oklahoma winters may not have extended cold spells, but it’s still crucial to ensure heating systems are in top condition.

■ Regular Inspections: HVAC systems, furnaces, and boilers should be inspected early in the fall. Given the sporadic cold fronts, having a heating system that can efficiently respond to sudden temperature drops is essential. This includes inspecting filters, burners, and ductwork for any potential issues.

■ Energy Efficiency: In Oklahoma, where winter temperatures fluctuate, it’s wise to invest in programmable thermostats. These allow heating systems to run efficiently during cold days and conserve energy on warmer winter days. Proper insulation throughout the building can also help maintain temperature without overworking heating units.

■ Backup Heating Solutions: Oklahoma can experience freezing temperatures overnight, even when daytime temperatures are moderate. Ensure that backup heating sources, like portable heaters, are available for any areas that may need extra warmth, such as classrooms far from central heating units.