About the KSHSAA

What is the KSHSAA?

A private/non-profit association of accredited member schools, whose purpose is to administer a program of interscholastic activities, festivals, clinics and contests among member schools. The KSHSAA offers state championships in 11 boys and girls sports, and ten additional championships in music activities, debate, speech and drama, and scholars bowl. Of particular importance are efforts to elevate standards of good sportsmanship and to encourage growth of good citizenship among students and spectators.

Who makes up the KSHSAA?

The Association is comprised of more than 350 senior high and 408 middle/junior high member schools. Member schools must be accredited by the KSDE and are both public and private schools.

What is the history of the KSHSAA?

The Kansas State High School Activities Association was formed in 1937 and incorporated in 1956. As early as 1910, Kansas schools organized the statewide Debate League and Athletic Association governed by high school principals. The Athletic Association started as a small voluntary group of fewer than 50 schools and grew to more than 500 schools by the 1920s. Out of necessity, member schools adopted eligibility and participation rules and established authority for a Board of Control to assess penalties against schools for violations. In 1927 the Board of Control employed the first full time Executive Secretary. To date, seven individuals have served as Executive Director.

What are Classifications?

Each September the KSHSAA collects student enrollment data from member high schools for grades 9 - 12. The total enrollment count of each school is listed in descending order of all member high schools. The largest 36 schools are classified as 6A, the next 36 are 5A, the next 36 are 4A, the next 64 are 3A, the next 64 are 2A and the remaining schools are classified as 1A. New enrollment counts are obtained each year and schools are reclassified accordingly on an annual basis. Football is an exception as this sport is classified on a two year cycle based on enrollment counts of grades 9 - 11. The football classifications are also structured differently than the general classifications.

How is the KSHSAA structured?

The Association has a three-branch system of governance. The Executive Board (9 - 14 members) meets six times annually and is charged with making policy, conducting hearings and managing the affairs of the organization. Legislative authority to make rules and bylaws changes is vested in the 70 plus member Board of Directors. Members are school administrators, educators and local board of education members from throughout the state. Two members of the Kansas State Board of Education also serve. The Appeal Board acts as an impartial hearing panel in matters pertaining to rule interpretations.

How does the KSHSAA keep schools and communities informed?

The Association publishes a quarterly magazine, the KSHSAA Activities Journal which is circulated to all member school administrators and coaches, school district superintendents, school board presidents and registered officials. The KSHSAA also communicates via various electronic mediums including the Association's website at www.kshsaa.org, email notifications and multiple social media platforms.

Is Kansas different from other states?

Yes and no. Every state has an athletic or activities association. Kansas is unique in the range of activities offered. The KSHSAA oversees Student Council programs and has a service/leadership program unlike any other in the nation. The Kansas Association for Youth (KAY) is active in more than 150 schools. The KSHSAA is only the second state association in the country to establish a student advisory team, comprised of a boy and girl from two schools in each of the six classes. This group gives direct student input to the staff and Executive Board. Through summer leadership camps in KAY, Student Council, and spirit and dance activities, the KSHSAA has more direct contact with students than any other state association in the nation.