title-127•Title 127 W. Va. C.S.R.
Secondary School Activities Commission Secondary School Activities Commission
Series 01 Constitution
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-1 General
1.1. Scope. -- These rules establish the organization and duties of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission.
1.2. Authority. -- W. Va. Constitution, Article XII, §2, and W. Va. Code §§18-2-5, 18-2-25, 18‑2‑25a, and 18‑2‑25b.
1.3. Filing Date. -- August 12, 2026.
1.4. Effective Date. -- September 11, 2026.
1.5. Repeal of Former Rule. -- This legislative rule amends W. Va. 127CSR1, West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Series 1, Constitution, filed July 9, 2025, and effective August 8, 2025.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-2 Name
2.1. The name of this organization shall be the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (sometimes hereinafter referred to as “WVSSAC” or “Commission”), a voluntary organization. Extracurricular activities of the students in the member secondary schools are controlled pursuant to W. Va. Code §18‑2‑25, and authority for the delegation of such control to the Commission is granted by statute.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-3 Goals
3.1. This Commission, through the employment of the instrumentalities hereinafter established, shall supervise and control interscholastic athletics and band activities among member schools.
3.2. In the performance of these functions it shall be the aim of the Commission:
3.2.a. To stress the cultural values, appreciations, and skills involved in these interscholastic activities, and to promote cooperation and friendship;
3.2.b. To limit these interscholastic activities in both character and quantity so that these activities and events may be looked upon as promoting the objectives of secondary education, and as such shall not interfere with nor abridge the regular program of teachers and students in the performance of their duties;
3.2.c. To encourage economy in expenses of these interscholastic activities; and
3.2.d. To establish minimum standards of conduct for both active and spectator participants, coaches, and all other school personnel at all interscholastic activities approved, sponsored, or controlled by this Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-4 Membership
4.1. The WVSSAC shall be composed of the principal or designee of those member secondary schools which have certified in writing to the State Superintendent of Schools of West Virginia (State Superintendent) that they have elected to delegate the control, supervision, and regulation of their interscholastic athletic and band activities.
4.2. Membership in the Commission shall be predicated upon accepting the following conditions:
4.2.a. The principal or designee is and shall be the sole representative of the school in all matters pertaining to the constitution, bylaws, rules and regulations of the Commission;
4.2.b. The principal or designee is and shall be responsible for conducting interscholastic athletic and band activities of the school in accordance with the constitution, bylaws, rules and regulations of the Commission which have been adopted by the Board of Control of the Commission for the governing of such activities;
4.2.c. The principal or designee shall abide by and support the constitution and the rules and regulations of the Commission.
4.2.d. A member school shall sponsor one sport per gender during each season - fall, winter, and spring.
4.2.e. At the annual meeting of the Board of Control, the Executive Director shall announce the names of the principals whose schools have become new members.
4.2.e.1. A middle school shall be a school so designated and approved by the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE).
4.2.e.2. A senior high school consists of grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, established by law, and so designated and approved by the WVDE.
4.2.f. The first year of membership will be a probationary year with the school not being allowed participation in WVSSAC sponsored tournaments.
4.2.g. A one-time membership fee of $1,500.00 will be afforded senior high schools, $500.00 to middle schools, or $2,000.00 to combined middle/senior high schools.
4.2.h. Secondary schools seeking membership that are created as a result of consolidation or splitting of existing member schools shall be exempt from the provisions in subsection 4.2.f.
4.3. A school, through its principal, coach, or other official, is not permitted to enter into an agreement with any other school to waive the standards of eligibility of students or waive or change any other requirement established in these regulations.
4.4. Any member violating the regulations of this Commission and refusing to abide by the decision of the Board of Directors or the Review Board shall be subject to the penalties set forth in W. Va. §127CSR6, Violations of the Rules (Rule §127CSR6).
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-5 Administration
5.1. The administration of the WVSSAC shall be vested in the secondary school principal and who shall constitute a Board of Control. The Board of Control shall determine the regulation of interscholastic athletic and band activities among the member schools and shall have charge of all Commission funds.
5.1.a. In order to expedite the regulations of activities and funds, the Board of Control shall delegate authority to the Executive Director to interpret and enforce these regulations and management of funds.
5.1.b. In order to expedite the regulations of activities and funds, the Board of Control shall delegate to the Board of Directors and the Board of Trustees working with the Executive Director, the power and authority to hold title to and manage the property owned by the Commission, and authority to interpret and enforce the regulations of the Commission.
5.2. These regulations of the Commission shall be the articles, rules, explanations, and interpretations which have been voted upon and approved by a majority vote of the members of the Board of Control present at the annual meeting of the Commission.
5.2.a. Fifty members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business.
5.2.b. If the result of a vote by the Board of Control has a margin of five or less, an immediate recount will occur.
5.2.c. At the annual or called meetings of the Board of Control of the WVSSAC each member shall have one vote on each question or proposition under consideration. A member may appoint, by a written statement to the president of the Commission, the assistant principal or other member of the faculty to represent the school at meetings of the Board of Control, but no such appointment shall absolve the member of responsibility as defined in these regulations.
5.3. The Board of Control of the WVSSAC shall, at its annual meetings, elect officers of the Commission and define their duties as provided in §127-1-6. The officers so elected shall be members of the Board of Directors of the WVSSAC with the powers and duties assigned to it by §127-1-8. The Board of Directors shall be the executive body of the Commission and shall administer the regulations of the Commission. Further, the Board of Directors shall enforce the provisions of these regulations through the application of penalties provided under Rule §127CSR6, section 2. Adjudication of disagreements and disputes among members of the Commission shall be one of the chief duties of the Board of Directors. Such adjudication may, however, be appealed to the Review Board.
5.4. The Board of Control of the WVSSAC shall delegate to the Board of Directors, hereinafter constituted, the authority to define, devise, and/or create five administrative districts in the State of West Virginia:
5.4.a. Effective July 1, 1971, and until such time as it is necessary to change the boundaries of such districts, the five administrative districts shall be as follows:
5.4.a.1. First District: Brooke, Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Hancock, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Ohio, Taylor, Tyler, and Wetzel.
5.4.a.2. Second District: Barbour, Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Monongalia, Morgan, Pendleton, Preston, Randolph, Tucker, and Upshur.
5.4.a.3. Third District: Boone, Braxton, Clay, Kanawha, Lewis, Nicholas, Putnam, and Roane.
5.4.a.4. Fourth District: Cabell, Jackson, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Pleasants, Ritchie, Wayne, Wirt, and Wood.
5.4.a.5. Fifth District: Fayette, Greenbrier, Mercer, Mingo, McDowell, Monroe, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Summers, Webster, and Wyoming.
5.4.b. Any change in the boundaries of the administrative districts adopted by the Board of Directors shall be submitted for approval to the Board of Control at the annual meeting. Any change requires a two-thirds affirmative vote of the members present and voting at the annual Board of Control meeting.
5.4.c. Any adopted and approved changes in the boundaries of the administrative districts shall not be cause for reducing the length of the regular term of office of an incumbent officer member.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-6 Officers and Duties
6.1. There shall be five elected officer-members of the WVSSAC, each of whom shall be a principal of a secondary school in West Virginia.
6.1.a. The elected officer-members shall constitute the Board of Directors and also the Board of Trustees of the WVSSAC.
6.1.b. One officer-member shall be elected to a regular term each year at the annual meeting of the Commission. The runner-up candidate in each election shall be declared the alternate‑officer‑member and shall serve any portion of the officer-member’s unexpired term which may occur. In the event there is not a runner-up candidate, the vacancy is filled in accordance with §127-1-8.4. If the alternate‑officer-member is not thus determined, then a separate election shall be held to do so. Both the officer-member and alternate-officer-member shall be from the same administrative district.
6.1.c. The regular term of an elected officer-member shall be a period of five years and the term shall begin on Monday of Week 40 of the NFHS Calendar, following the member's election.
6.1.d. An elected officer-member shall be eligible to serve two regular five year terms in succession. Upon completion of the two successive terms, a former officer-member shall not be appointed to, nor elected to fill, a vacancy of an unexpired term during the five year period immediately following the expiration of a regular term. Serving more than one half of an unexpired five year term shall constitute one of the two permitted successive terms.
6.1.e. The election shall be by ballot when more than one candidate from the same administrative district is nominated for officer-member. When more than two candidates from the same administrative district are nominated for officer-member, the balloting shall continue until one candidate receives a majority of the votes cast. The candidate with the least number of votes on each ballot shall be dropped from each subsequent ballot.
6.1.f. At the first meeting of the Board of Directors following the close of the annual meeting of the Commission, the Board of Directors shall elect one of its officer members to serve as president and one to serve as vice president.
6.2. Two or more members serving as principals of secondary schools located in the same administrative district shall be ineligible to serve as officer-members simultaneously.
6.3. The term of an officer-member shall end immediately upon their agreement to accept a position that would make them ineligible to hold office in this Commission. However, in the event that a director ceases to meet the qualifications for their position but remains in good standing in the last year of their term, such director shall be given the option to remain in their position for the remainder of the assigned term. The vacancy would then be filled at the next annual Board of Control meeting.
6.4. The honorarium of each of the officer-members shall be $100 per meeting attended.
6.5. The Executive Director shall act as treasurer and shall pay out monies from the funds belonging to this Commission in payment of bills only upon order of the president.
6.6. The president shall furnish bond in the amount of $20,000. The Executive Director shall furnish bond in the amount of $100,000. The premium for both of these bonds shall be paid by the Commission.
6.7. The Board of Directors may submit questions for discussion and ascertain sentiment of the schools by means of questionnaires. No vote to alter these regulations shall be taken except at the annual meeting of the Commission, except that the Board of Directors may, in case of emergency, with the consent of the Board of Directors, enact and adopt all necessary rules and regulations, whether by deletion, amendment, revision, or addition, and which emergency rules and regulations shall be filed with the Secretary of State and thereafter submitted at the next annual meeting of the Commission for formal adoption or rejection.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-7 Meetings
7.1. The annual meeting of the WVSSAC shall be planned by the Executive Director and the Board of Directors of the Commission.
7.2. Special meetings may be called by order of the president of the Board of Directors. Fifty members constitute a quorum to transact business.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-8 Board of Directors
8.1. The Board of Directors shall have authority to administer the regulations of the WVSSAC.
8.2. The State Superintendent or representative designee, a representative from the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE), a representative selected by the West Virginia School Boards Association, a representative selected by the West Virginia School Administrators Association, and a representative selected by the West Virginia Athletic Directors Association, shall serve as appointive members of the Board of Directors. These members shall be accorded full voting privileges but shall be ineligible to be elected or to serve as an officer of WVSSAC.
8.3. The Board of Directors shall have authority to appoint an Executive Director, except as hereinafter provided, and such additional assistance as may be necessary to assure efficient functioning of the work of the WVSSAC. Furthermore, the Board of Directors shall have authority to fix and pay salaries to the Executive Director and to other personnel appointed to assist the Executive Director. The Board of Directors shall also have authority to devise a plan of retirement benefits for the Executive Director and other full-time personnel appointed to assist the Executive Director.
8.3.a. At least one of the personnel appointed to assist the Executive Director shall have the status of Assistant Executive Director. The appointment of the Assistant Executive Director shall be made by the Board of Directors only upon the nomination and recommendation by the Executive Director. In case the Board of Directors fails to appoint the person nominated, the Executive Director shall nominate and recommend another person and submit the name to the Board of Directors at such time as the Board may direct. The length of the contract term of office of the Assistant Executive Director shall be the same as that prescribed for the Executive Director in §127-1-11.1 and 11.2. No Assistant Executive Director shall be removed during the contract term of office except for just and reasonable cause as prescribed in §127‑1-11.3.
8.3.b. All other personnel to assist the Executive Director shall be recommended by the Executive Director before being considered for employment by the Board of Directors.
8.3.c. The Board of Directors will annually evaluate the performance of the Executive Director. It shall be the responsibility of the Executive Director to evaluate Assistant Executive Directors. The Executive Director must submit a list of areas of concern to be addressed. From that list, a plan of improvement would be implemented by the Executive Director. Failure on the part of the Assistant Executive Director and other personnel to comply with the plan of improvement could result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
8.4. The Board of Directors shall have power of appointment to fill vacancies in its membership until the vacancies are filled regularly at the next annual meeting of the Commission.
8.5. The Board of Directors shall have power to decide all cases of eligibility of students and participants in interscholastic athletic and band activities. The Board may also exercise discretionary powers it may deem necessary for the furtherance of education and interscholastic athletic and band activities in the secondary schools of West Virginia.
8.6. The Board of Directors shall appoint Deputy Board Members who will serve at the will and pleasure of the Board of Directors.
8.7. At the request of the Board of Directors, a Deputy Board Member may investigate matters of eligibility and other violations of the rules and regulations of the WVSSAC. The Deputy Board Member shall submit to the Board of Directors a written report of findings and recommendations for disposition of the case(s).
8.8. The Board of Directors shall have the power to investigate through the Deputy Board Member, or in such other manner as may be found advisable, matters of eligibility and other violations of rules when the Board deems it advisable to do so on the basis of information furnished, even though a formal protest is not filed.
8.9. The Board of Directors shall approve the state regions for the purpose of administration and for tournaments or meets of any interscholastic athletic or band activity.
8.10. The Board of Directors shall hold hearings and render decisions in all contested cases.
8.11. Five (5) officer-members present and eligible to vote at any meeting of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum to transact all business.
8.12. The minutes of regular and special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be published.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-9 Funds
9.1. The Board of Directors may initiate the amount of annual dues of the members for any year.
9.2. The Board of Directors is authorized to levy entry fees and assessments for the conducting of any interscholastic athletic or band activity when the activity is not self-supporting. Fees and assessments from one activity division shall not be used for the support of another.
9.3. The Commission shall determine the expenditures of money, but superseding power is given to the Board of Directors to use funds as are necessary to carry on its work.
9.4. The fiscal year of this Commission extends from July 1 to June 30. All monies derived from any contest or other event sponsored by the Commission shall be subject to an annual audit by the West Virginia Tax Commissioner. A written summary of the audit shall be a part of the annual report of the Executive Director to the Board of Control.
9.5. In case of dissolution of the WVSSAC, all funds of the Commission shall be prorated equally and distributed to the County Boards of Education or governing bodies of the members of the Commission. Provided, however, that governing boards of those schools that become members of the Commission subsequent to January 1, 1968, shall be entitled to a prorated share of only that portion of the Commission’s fund which has been collected, earned, and accumulated between the inception of such membership and the actual dissolution of the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-10 Amendments
10.1. The articles, bylaws, rules, and regulations of the WVSSAC may be amended as provided in this section.
10.2. A Constitution and Bylaws Committee, consisting of five members of the Commission, shall be appointed by and shall serve at the will and pleasure of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall designate one of the members so appointed to serve as the chairman of such committee.
10.3. The Board of Directors shall give due consideration to maintaining a balance of representation by programmatic level as defined in §127-1-4.2 when making new appointments to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee. However, an incumbent member of the committee shall not be ruled ineligible to continue to serve on the committee solely because they become principal of a secondary school different from that from which they were originally appointed.
10.4. It shall be the function and purpose of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee to provide continuity and cohesion in the rules and regulations governing the interscholastic athletic and band activity programs in West Virginia. Further, it shall be the function and purpose of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee to address what it considers, as needed, interim constitutional rule changes for possible Board of Directors’ consideration.
10.5. Expenses for authorized meetings of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee shall be defrayed from the funds of the WVSSAC.
10.6. Proposed changes to these regulations may be submitted by any member of the WVSSAC. Such proposed changes, whether by revision, addition, or deletion, shall be postmarked or received by the WVSSAC office by January 15 of each year in order to permit the Constitution and Bylaws Committee to study such proposed changes and to submit them, by email, to the membership 30 days prior to the annual meeting of the Commission.
10.7. At the annual meeting of the WVSSAC each proposed change received by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and those interim emergency rules and regulations enacted by the Committee, shall be presented to the membership of the Commission for discussion and formal adoption or rejection. The Committee may accompany each presentment with an explanation of the effect of the proposed change upon present rules and objectives of the Commission. The Committee may also recommend adoption or rejection of the proposal along with the Committee numerical vote for the recommendation.
10.8. The president of the Commission shall appoint a parliamentarian to serve at the meetings of the Commission to decide questions of procedure during the meetings. Robert‘s Rules of Order shall be followed in conducting the annual meeting and all other meetings.
10.9. An amendment to the regulations of the WVSSAC shall become effective following the annual meeting at which such amendment was adopted and such adoption is formally approved by the WVBE in accordance with W. Va. Code and such other rules and regulations promulgated by the WVBE.
10.10. Nothing in these regulations shall be construed as limiting or in any way affecting the validity of emergency rules and regulations which have been duly approved by the Board of Directors in accordance with §127-1-6.7. Emergency rules and regulations will be effective upon the date they are filed with the Secretary of State of the State of West Virginia and remain in effect until the next meeting of the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-11 Executive Director
11.1. The Board of Directors shall employ the Executive Director and Assistant Executive Director. At the discretion of the Board of Directors these positions will be given from one year to four year contracts. These contracts may be renegotiated prior to expiration. If a new contract is not to be negotiated, individuals in these positions will be notified in writing six months prior to the end of the contract period.
11.2. If a vacancy occurs in the office of the Executive Director or Assistant Executive Director position during any contract period, the Board of Directors shall fill such vacancy. The exception will be that if a person serving as a Board of Directors member or one who has served in that capacity within the preceding one year prior to the vacancy becomes a candidate for one of the positions, the authority to fill the vacancy of the position shall be vested in the Constitution and Bylaws Committee.
11.3. The Executive Director shall not be removed during the term of office contract period except for just and reasonable cause. Reasonable cause may include, but not be limited to the following: immorality, incompetency, cruelty, insubordination, intemperance, willful neglect of duty, unsatisfactory performance, the conviction of a felony or a guilty plea or a plea of nolo contendere to a felony charge.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-12 Duties of the Executive Director
12.1. The Executive Director shall carry on the work incident to the efficient functioning of the Commission. The general management and administration of the program of officiating for the interscholastic athletic activities sponsored by this Commission is considered a proper function of the Commission.
12.1.a. The Executive Director shall be responsible for assigning general areas of responsibilities and directing the activities of the Assistant Executive Directors as such responsibilities relate to the work of the Commission.
12.1.b. Based on employee evaluations and/or employee performance, the Executive Director shall make the appropriate recommendation of the employment status of all other employees.
12.2. The Executive Director shall receive complaints and make investigations concerning the eligibility of member school students who participate in athletic and band activities. The Executive Director shall also receive complaints and make investigations concerning violations of the rules of the Commission.
12.3. The Executive Director shall render decisions and impose penalties in athletic eligibility and other disputes subject to review by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall have the discretion to grant exceptions to the rules based upon previous Board of Directors’ decisions on cases of a similar nature. Appeals of rendered decisions by the Executive Director shall be filed within 30 days of the decision unless otherwise stated.
12.4. It shall be the duty of the Executive Director to make a full and complete written report to the county board of education or governing body regarding any disciplinary action taken by the Board of Directors against a member school which is located in the county in which the board of education or governing body has jurisdiction.
12.5. The Executive Director may attend state meetings of the secondary principal organizations, and report, when requested by the principals, on the work of the Commission office.
12.6. The Executive Director shall attend the meetings, when practicable, of the National Federation of State High School Associations and bring meeting reports to the attention of the Commission and the Board of Directors.
12.7. The Executive Director shall devote full time to the work assigned by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall hold no other remunerative office or position and shall not officiate at any interscholastic contest.
12.8. The Executive Director shall represent West Virginia in conferences and controversies involving other states.
12.9. The Executive Director shall exercise all rights and privileges pertaining to eligibility and to representation with the National Federation of State High School Associations granted to members by the Board of Directors and principals by these regulations.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-13 Review Board
13.1. A Review Board (sometimes referred to herein as “Review Board”) is hereby established.
13.1.a. The Review Board shall consist of seven members to be appointed by the WVBE upon recommendation by the State Superintendent. No person, other than a county superintendent of schools, and a representative of the West Virginia Athletic Directors Association, shall be appointed or shall serve who is employed by the WVBE or any county board of education. All members of the Review Board shall be residents of the State of West Virginia.
13.1.b. Each of the following associations shall be requested to present three nominations to the State Superintendent for membership on the Review Board:
13.1.b.1. West Virginia State Bar;
13.1.b.2. West Virginia Association of School Administrators;
13.1.b.3. West Virginia State Medical Association;
13.1.b.4. West Virginia Sportswriter Association;
13.1.b.5. West Virginia Athletic Directors Association;
13.1.b.6. West Virginia Association of Retired School Employees; and
13.1.b.7. State Superintendent’s Designee.
13.1.c. Members of the Review Board need not be members of the association which submitted their names in nomination and shall be appointed for a term of five years. Prior to the expiration date of the term of each member of the Review Board, the respective association will nominate three representatives to the State Superintendent who shall subsequently recommend one to the WVBE.
13.1.d. The term of office of each member of the Review Board will begin upon the acceptance of the appointment and will expire on June 30 of the year in which the term expires. A member shall hold over and continue to serve as a member until a successor is appointed and begins service.
13.1.e. All members shall annually elect by majority vote in good standing to serve as its chairperson. Each appointed member of the Review Board shall have equal voting privileges.
13.1.f. In the same manner as prescribed in §127-1-13.1.a through 13.1.c, the WVBE shall have power to fill any vacancy which occurs in the membership of the Review Board. Such appointments shall be made at the next regular or called meeting of the WVBE following the existence of a vacancy, and shall be for the unexpired term of the position vacated.
13.1.g. Members of the Review Board shall serve without pay but shall be reimbursed for actual expenses incident to the performance of their duties upon presentation to the West Virginia Department of Education (sometimes referred to herein as “WVDE”) an itemized sworn statement thereof. Costs shall be taxed by the Review Board at its discretion, not to exceed the actual expenses incurred, against the party who fails to prevail, and the Review Board may, in its discretion, if it so desires, require any appealing party to post security for costs with the State Superintendent in the sum of $200.
13.1.h. The Review Board will sit for hearings within a reasonable time after the aggrieved party having a matter for review files an appeal, but not longer than 40 days after such appeal is filed and received by the State Superintendent, and at such other times as the Review Board may determine, at the State Capitol in Charleston, or in such other place as the Chair of the Review Board may elect.
13.2. The WVDE shall make available adequate and competent secretarial services to record the proceedings and transactions of each meeting of the Review Board and assist, if requested by the Chairperson, to prepare the official written order, required in these regulations, on each decision rendered by the Review Board.
13.3. Any decision of the Board of Directors involving a penalty, protest, or interpretation of the rules and regulations of this Commission governing interscholastic athletic or band activities may be appealed to the Review Board in the manner hereinafter described. Such appeal may be made by any member of the aggrieved party directly affected by the decision of the Board of Directors and aggrieved by such decision of the Board of Directors.
13.3.a. Appeals must be filed with the State Superintendent within 15 days after receiving any final order or decision of the Board of Directors of the WVSSAC. An email notification of the final decision may be made by the Commission by email to a known address or by U.S. Mailing First Class to the aggrieved party, and the date of the email or postmark shall be considered the first day of the said 15-day period to appeal. The petition shall state whether the appeal is taken on questions of law or questions of fact, or both.
13.3.b. Upon receipt of any appeal, the State Superintendent shall immediately notify each member of the Review Board of the appeal and the Chair of the Review Board shall set a date, time, and place for hearing and shall immediately notify all interested parties, including the aggrieved party, in writing, which may be made by use of a valid email address, of the same.
13.3.c. The filing of any appeal shall not stay enforcement nor act to supersede the prior ruling or decision of the Board of Directors. However, pending the hearing of any appeal, at its discretion, the Board of Directors may grant a stay of enforcement upon such terms as it deems proper.
13.4. A copy of the petition for appeal shall also be served upon the WVSSAC or its Executive Director and all other parties of record by email or registered or certified mail.
13.4.a. Within 15 days after receipt of a copy of the petition by the WVSSAC or within such further time as the Review Board may allow, the Commission or the Executive Director shall transmit to the Review Board, the original or a certified copy of the entire record of the proceedings under review, including a transcript of all testimony and all papers, motions, documents, evidence, and records as were before the Commission, all Commission staff memoranda submitted in connection with the case, and a statement of matters officially noted; but, by stipulation of all parties to the review proceedings, the record may be shortened. Upon demand by any party to the appeal, the Commission shall furnish, at the cost of the party requesting same, a copy of such record. In the event the complete record is not filed with the Review Board within the time provided for in this section, the appellant may apply to the Review Board to have the case docketed, and the Review Board shall order such record filed. Failure of the Commission to file the record within the time stipulated shall automatically stay the enforcement of the order or decision of the Board of Directors, in that particular case, and such stay shall continue until such record is filed.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-14 Rules and Regulations
14.1. The constitution and bylaws of the WVSSAC are the rules and regulations of the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-1-15 Board of Trustees
15.1. The Board of Directors shall appoint a five-member Board of Trustees. Each trustee shall be a principal of a member school and shall serve at the will and pleasure of the Board of Directors. Two or more members serving as principals of secondary schools located in the same administrative district shall be ineligible to serve as trustees at the same time.
15.2. The Board of Trustees and their lawfully appointed successors shall hold title to all real estate and other property owned by the WVSSAC except as shall be directed otherwise by the Board of Control.
15.3. The Board of Trustees shall elect from the membership thereof, to hold office for a term of one year or until a successor shall be elected, a Chair and, if need requires, a Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.
15.4. The Board of Trustees shall serve without pay or honorarium.
15.5. If it so elects, the Board of Control shall direct the Board of Trustees to incorporate in accordance with the pertinent laws of West Virginia and in such manner as will fully protect and exempt from any and all legal liability the individual officers and members, jointly and severally, of the WVSSAC for an account of the debts and other obligations of every kind and description of the Commission.
15.6. Should a trustee withdraw from membership of the Commission or be excluded therefrom, that trusteeship therein shall automatically cease from the date of such withdrawal or exclusion.
15.7. Should a trustee refuse, within five days from the receipt thereof, to execute a legal instrument relating to any property of the Commission, when directed to do so by the Board of Control or the Board of Directors, and when all legal requirements have been satisfied with reference to execution, the Board of Directors may declare that membership on the Board of Trustees vacated.
15.8. The Board of Control and/or the Board of Directors may direct the trustees with respect to the purchase, sale, mortgage, encumbrance, construction, repairing, remodeling and maintenance of any and all property, real and personal, as may be committed to the trustees by the Board of Control or Board of Directors.
Series 02 Athletics, Provisions Governing Eligibility
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-1 General
1.1. Scope. -- These rules establish the provisions governing student eligibility to participate in interscholastic athletics.
1.2. Authority. -- W. Va. Constitution, Article XII, §2, and W. Va. Code §18-2-5 and §18-2-25 et seq.
1.3. Filing Date. -- August 12, 2026.
1.4. Effective Date. -- September 11, 2026.
1.5. Repeal of Former Rule. -- This legislative rule amends W. Va. 127CSR2, West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Series 2, Athletics, Provisions Governing Eligibility, filed July 9, 2025, and effective August 8, 2025.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-2 Waivers
2.1. The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC/Commission) Board of Directors (Board of Directors) is authorized to grant a waiver to a rule when it determines the rule fails to accomplish the purpose for which it is intended or when the rule causes extreme and undue hardship upon the student.
2.2. Speculative loss of college scholarship is not considered a basis for granting a waiver to these rules.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-3 Enrollment and Team Membership
3.1. To be eligible for participation in interscholastic athletics,
3.1.a. a student must be enrolled full‑time in a member school and meet all other eligibility rules that apply. Enrollment must be continuous after the student has enrolled in the school, or
3.1.b. a student must comply with W. Va. Code §18-2-25, section (d), and meet all other eligibility rules that apply, or
3.1.c. a student must comply with W. Va. Code §18-2-25, section (e), and meet all other eligibility rules that apply.
3.2. A waiver, as pursuant to §127-2-2, may be granted by the Board of Directors as follows:
3.2.a. for students from the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (WVSDB) to participate at Hampshire High School or Romney Middle School (only in sports not available at WVSDB).
3.2.b. Member schools containing grades 6 and/or 7 and/or 8 may combine students from two or more schools within the county or regional area to form one interscholastic team in a sport. Individual sports can co-op if the individual sport has less than enough to make up a team. Requests for permission to combine students from two or more schools in the same private/parochial or public school system must be submitted annually to the WVSSAC in writing by the superintendent of the private/parochial or public school system. Schools which are combining to form one team must be feeder schools for the same high school, and at least one school must have sufficient numbers for a team. If more than two schools are involved, principals are to evaluate the number of available participants in each school and shall combine schools to provide as many teams as sufficient numbers allow. Sufficient numbers will be defined as the number of a starting line-up plus 50% (for odd number line-ups, round up) for football, boys basketball, girls basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball, girls soccer, and boys soccer. For wrestling, a school with fewer than seven weight classes would not be eligible to apply for a co-op with another school meeting all other co-op requirements that has seven or more weight classes represented.
3.2.c. Sixth grade students of a K-6 elementary feeder school may participate on their middle school team if granted permission by the county board of education or governing body of a private/parochial school and the school principals involved.
3.2.d. Students at a middle feeder school who are not provided the opportunity to participate because of age may move up to their high school if granted permission by the county board of education or governing body of a private/parochial school and the school principals involved.
3.3. A student academically ineligible by rule may begin practicing 15 school days immediately prior to the date of regaining full eligibility provided all other eligibility requirements are met.
3.4. Students enrolled in the following grades in member schools will be eligible for middle school participation.
3.4.a. Grades 6, 7, and 8 may compete with and against schools/teams of the same configuration.
3.4.b. Stand-alone 9th grade programs at a high school may compete with and against schools/teams of the same grade configuration. An 8th grade student not provided the opportunity to participate at their member school because the sport is not offered may choose to participate on a stand‑alone 9th grade team at their feeder high school, provided the student is otherwise eligible.
3.5. Sixth grade students are eligible to participate in all interscholastic sport teams, including football, in the middle/feeder elementary school in which they are enrolled.
3.6. Students who are enrolled in a grade below the 9th are not eligible for a high school team. Students enrolled in a grade below the 6th will not be eligible for a middle school team.
3.7. Twelfth grade students will be eligible for spring sports until the close of the school’s season.
3.8. Schools may sponsor separate teams for members of each sex where selection for such teams is based upon competitive skill. If a school sponsors a team in a particular sport for members of one sex but sponsors no such team for members of the other sex, and athletic opportunities for members of that sex previously have been limited, members of the excluded sex must be allowed to try out for the team offered. For example, because overall athletic opportunities for females have previously been limited, females will be allowed to try out for baseball, but males will not be allowed to try out for volleyball or softball.
3.9. Students enrolled at West Virginia School for the Deaf will be allowed to participate in sports at the West Virginia School for the Blind. Students from the West Virginia School for the Blind will be allowed to participate in sports at the West Virginia School for the Deaf.
3.10. Boarding students at member schools, with the exception of students at the WVSDB, are not eligible. (Definition: A boarding student is one who receives room and board that is provided by the school unless such residence is based on Court Order or State Action.)
3.11. A homeschooled student receiving home instruction pursuant to W. Va. Code §18-8-1(c), a Hope Scholar, a micro school student, and/or a learning pod student, shall be considered eligible for participating in interscholastic athletic events and other extracurricular activities of the public secondary school serving the attendance zone in which the student resides with their parents or as allowed by §127‑2-7.2.e and §127-2-7.2.f who:
3.11.a. has demonstrated satisfactory evidence of academic progress for the immediately preceding academic year (see W. Va. §127CSR3, Provisions Governing Contests, Glossary, for the definition of academic year); as defined by an average stanine of a four or higher in all content areas on a nationally normed assessment;
3.11.b. is otherwise eligible to participate as a result of being subject to all other eligibility rules applicable to non-homeschooled students; and
3.11.c. has received all vaccinations as required for school attendance by West Virginia state code.
3.12. A student attending a member or non-member private school or a charter public school may participate in extracurricular activities in a member school in the attendance area in which the student resides with their parents if the private school or charter public school does not offer the extracurricular activity. The student is required to show evidence of a 2.0 GPA. This provision does not guarantee membership on the team; but rather an opportunity to try out just like all other students. 3.13 A student expelled from any public, private, charter public, or other school entity in West Virginia or transferring to West Virginia from another state where the student was expelled will not be eligible for participation in extracurricular activities until the expiration of the assigned expulsion.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-4 Age
4.1. A student in high school who becomes 19 before July 1 and a student in middle school who becomes 16 before July 1 shall be ineligible for interscholastic competition.
4.2. A student in grade 8 or below who becomes 15 before July 1 shall be ineligible for interscholastic competition at that level.
4.3. A student in grade 8 or below who becomes 15 on or after July 1 shall remain eligible for the entire academic year at that level.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-5 Semester and Season
5.1. A student may have the privilege to participate in the interscholastic program seven consecutive years (14 consecutive semesters) after enrollment in 6th grade. Semesters of eligibility beginning with the 2025-2026 school year and thereafter: 6th grade – 14, 7th grade – 12, 8th grade – 10, 9th grade – 8, 10th grade – 6, 11th grade – 4, 12th grade – 2.
5.2. The number of semesters of athletic eligibility of a student is determined by semesters of enrollment and/or attendance and not by semesters of participation. This applies for students in grades 6-12.
5.3. A student whose eligibility expires with the end of a semester shall not become ineligible until report cards are issued or five school days into the next semester, whichever occurs first. The student will be considered eligible any days between the two semesters.
5.4. Any part of a contest or interscholastic event in which a student competes shall be counted as a season for that sport and a semester of participation in grades 6-12.
5.5. The Board of Directors is authorized to grant a waiver to the Semester and Season Rule when it determines the rule fails to accomplish the purpose for which it is intended and/or when the rule causes extreme and undue hardship upon the student. Waivers may be granted in the following circumstances:
5.5.a. The Board of Directors is authorized to consider cases in which a student did not stay in continuous enrollment because of personal illness, or no school was available, or because of other undue hardship reasons ascertained through investigation.
5.5.b. The Board of Directors is authorized to release from the continuous enrollment restriction provided no participation has occurred during the semester(s) in question.
5.5.c. In no event may a student be allowed to participate for more than seven seasons or fourteen semesters in any one sport in grades 6-12.
5.6. The Board of Directors is authorized to assess appropriate penalties to the student or to the school if the Board of Directors determines through its investigation that the student or the school tried to evade the rule by subterfuge.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-6 Scholarship
6.1. The official school transcript will be used to determine a student’s eligibility and will be regarded as final.
6.2. In accordance with W. Va. §126CSR26, Policy 2436.10, Participation in Extracurricular Activities (C Rule) (Policy 2436.10), students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average to participate in interscholastic athletics.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-7 Residence-Transfer
7.1. Part A - Residence - This residence rule applies to all students enrolled in grades 6-12 in all member schools.
7.1.a. A student shall be eligible in the school located in the attendance zone in which the student’s parents reside. Public secondary school attendance zones shall be established by official action by each county board of education. The attendance zones of a private/parochial member school shall be identical with the attendance zone of the public school in which the private/parochial member school is located. In the event of overlapping attendance zones, a student shall be eligible at the school in which the student first chooses to enroll upon entering the 9th grade.
7.1.b. When a town or city is located in two counties and only one public secondary school is located in the town or city, students living in the town or city may attend this secondary school if mutually agreed upon by the two county boards of education and approved by the Board of Directors. A student shall be eligible at the school in which the student first chooses to enroll upon entering 9th grade.
7.1.c. A student who is in the care of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) shall be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics as a member of the athletic teams of the secondary school in the zone in which the WVDHHR places the student in a home, provided the student is otherwise eligible.
7.1.d. A student entering a school as an "unaccompanied youth" under the conditions of the federal McKinney-Vento Act, provided the student is otherwise eligible.
7.1.e. A student may be eligible outside the specified zone of attendance if the student has been in attendance in that zone the immediately preceding year (365 days). There can be no change of residence involving change of attendance zone during the immediately preceding year (365 days).
7.1.f. A student who has started participation in a sport, which would include practice or contest, that the student was participating in at the former school, may not participate in that sport for that sport season at the WVSSAC member school to which they transferred.
7.1.g. Foreign exchange students, attending a member school under the auspices of a Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET) student exchange program, shall be considered eligible regarding residence for a maximum period of one calendar year. A foreign exchange student may not be a graduate of the secondary school of the home country and must maintain eligibility in a member school. A foreign exchange program must assign students to schools by a method which ensures that no student, school, or other interested party may influence the assignment for athletic purposes.
7.1.h. A student returning from an approved foreign exchange program may resume interscholastic competition in the member school in which the student was enrolled at the point of interruption, provided the student does not fulfill graduation requirements while participating in the exchange program and provided the student meets all requirements relative to age and semesters of eligibility.
7.1.i. Any international student enrolling in a member school who does not meet the criteria of §127-2-7.1.h shall only be eligible to participate at the junior varsity level in any sport for the duration of the time the student is enrolled.
7.2. Part B - Transfer.
7.2.a. In addition to those transfers permitted by any other rule, a student shall be eligible for a one-time transfer during 9th or 10th grades, subject to below, and shall retain their immediate eligibility following the transfer. Eligibility will be granted immediately if the transfer is completed on or before September 1. This also applies to Hope Scholars, homeschool students, micro school students, learning pod students, and charter public school students. When the transfer occurs during a season in which the student has participated in any capacity within a WVSSAC established sports season as set forth and published by the WVSSAC Standardized Calendar for the applicable academic year, at any previous secondary school, the student will be eligible for all sports except for that sport. Any transfer made outside the scope of this rule may file for a waiver with the WVSSAC Board of Directors as permitted by these rules.
Further, a student would be eligible upon a bona fide change in residence, defined as follows:
7.2.a.1. The original residence must be abandoned as a residence; in that the original residence is sold, rented, or disposed of as a residence, and must not be used as a residence by the immediate family;
7.2.a.2. The change is being made with the intent that the move is permanent;
7.2.a.3. The entire family must make the change;
7.2.a.4. Documentation of connection of utilities to the residence (e.g., power, water, waste, sewer);
7.2.a.5. Change of voter’s registration, driver’s license, mailing address, etc.;
7.2.a.6. If a student returns to a previously abandoned residence, the student shall be ineligible for 365 days from the date of enrollment.
7.2.b. Transfer Back. A student in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grades, subject to below, will be entitled to one transfer back from a school located outside of their attendance zone where the student resides into a member school located within the attendance zone where the student’s parents reside. The school must be the “home” school originally identified or selected as the “home” school in the initial enrollment in the out of attendance zone school. Eligibility will be granted immediately if the transfer is on or before September 1, subject to below.
If the transfer occurs during the remainder of the academic year, the student will be ineligible for the remainder of that academic year and will gain eligibility after the end of that academic year, providing they meet the specified GPA requirements. If the transfer back occurs on or before September 1 of that academic year in which the student has participated in any capacity within a WVSSAC established sports season as set forth and published by the WVSSAC standardized academic calendar, at the previous school, the student will be eligible for all sports except for that sport. Any transfer made outside the scope of this rule may have the ability to file an appeal for a waiver with the WVSSAC Board of Directors as permitted by these rules.
Students who are ineligible under this rule may practice during the period of ineligibility, given they meet all other factors of eligibility outlined in Policy 2436.10, Section 4. Eligibility.
7.2.c. If the transfer is from a home school or non-member school to a member school in the zone where the student’s parents reside, a student is eligible providing: (1) the student is enrolling in a member school for the first time, (2) the principals of both the non‑member and member schools involved concur that undue influence is not involved with the transfer, and (3) meet all other eligibility rules that apply. If a student leaves a public or private member school at the end of the academic year and becomes a homeschooled student for the first time, the student must provide evidence of a 2.0 GPA from the second semester from the public or private member school in order to be eligible for extracurricular activities the next year. For each additional year, the student would follow provisions outlined in §127‑2‑3.11. A student who leaves a public or private member school anytime during the academic year to become a homeschooled student will be ineligible for extracurricular activities for the remainder of the semester. To gain eligibility, the student must provide evidence of satisfactory progress as defined by an average stanine of 4 or higher on a nationally normed assessment.
7.2.d. A student may be transferred from one attendance zone to another zone within the same county by a county board of education and maintain eligibility. The transfer must be initiated by county board of education personnel to fulfill certain special education program(s) not available in the attendance zone from which the student is transferred. Upon the completion of the special program, the student must return to the attendance zone of the student’s residence.
7.2.e. For the purpose of athletic eligibility, the Commission does not recognize emancipated minor status as it relates to transfer.
7.2.f. If a member middle school student is released and accepted by formal actions of county board of education or governing body of a private/parochial school, the student will be granted immediate eligibility provided all other rules are met. The transfer must occur at the beginning of the academic year with the student enrolled on or before the eleventh instructional day of the beginning of the academic year and provided that the student is residing with the parents. This also applies to homeschool students, Hope Scholars, micro school students, learning pod students, and charter public school students. If the transfer occurs during a season in which the student has participated in any capacity within a WVSSAC established sports season (including, but not limited to summer participation) as set forth and published by the WVSSAC, the student will be eligible for all sports except for that sport.
7.2.g. After establishing initial residency with one parent, all subsequent transfers will follow §127-2-7.2.a. unless a change of residency is decreed by the court.
7.2.h. Any homeschooled student participating in interscholastic athletics pursuant to W. Va. Code §18-2-25(d) who leaves a member school during the school year is subject to the same rules/protocols that apply to non-homeschooled student transfers.
7.2.i. A student not residing in West Virginia who transfers to any WVSSAC member school in grades 6-12 is not eligible for participation in extracurricular activities. A student not residing in West Virginia who attends a member school or member school feeder for the preceding 365 days is considered to have established eligibility in that attendance zone and is therefore eligible.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-8 Adoption/Guardianship/Custody
8.1. A student shall be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics and activities only if: (1) residing with one or both of the parents; (2) residing with a testamentary guardian following the death of the parents; or (3) residing in a location where the student was placed by the WVDHHR pursuant to §127‑2-7.1.c.
8.2. The residence of a testamentary guardian shall constitute the residence of the ward when, and only when: (1) the testamentary guardian has been duly appointed by the last will and testament of the student’s last surviving parent; (2) the testamentary guardian has duly qualified as such before the proper tribunal in West Virginia; and (3) the student is actually residing in the household of the testamentary guardian at the time of the student’s sport participation.
8.3. Notwithstanding any other provision of the WVSSAC rules and regulations, any student residing with a guardian/custodian other than a testamentary guardian may not compete for a school in any sport on the varsity level but may compete at the junior varsity level. If a student elects to participate at the junior varsity level pursuant to this rule, the student may not participate at the varsity level even after being enrolled at the school for 365 days. However, if a student elects to participate at the junior varsity level pursuant to this rule, and then commences to reside with a custodial parent, the student may participate at the varsity level notwithstanding the fact that the student had previously participated at the junior varsity level pursuant to this rule.
8.4. Notwithstanding any other provisions of WVSSAC rules and regulations, legal guardian/custodian may not be changed for athletic reasons. A transfer for athletic reasons is defined in §127-2-7.2.a.1-4. 8.5 The eligibility of a student whose parents are divorced or legally separated is determined by court decree of competent jurisdiction establishing residency with one parent.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-9 Undue Influence - Recruiting
9.1. The use of influence by a person or group, connected or not connected with the school, to secure or retain a student for athletic participation is not permitted and may cause the student to be ineligible and may cause certain sanctions to be placed against the member school.
9.2. An employee of the school system shall not initiate any communication regarding athletic participation or enrollment with a student, parent of a student, guardian, or family member, in person or through a third party, prior to enrollment. This does not include the introduction of athletic programs to students at feeder schools.
9.3. A student, parent of a student, or guardian shall not be offered for the purpose of encouraging enrollment in a school or participation in an athletic program any inducement, such as free tuition, jobs, supplies, uniforms, other than that which is provided for all students.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-10 Non-school Participation
10.1. During a WVSSAC established sport season and while a member of a WVSSAC school team, a student may participate in, including but not limited to, showcases, clinics/camps, tryouts, fund-raising activities, and similar activities (hereafter “events”) in the same sport outside of the WVSSAC school team activities, however, the student may not compete for a non-WVSSAC school, team, club, or similar structured organization in their formally organized competition/contest/match/game/practice in the same sport. For the identified non-WVSSAC events which are allowed during the sport season, approval for participation shall be obtained from the student's WVSSAC school/principal. The WVSSAC school/ principal shall have discretion in approving the requested approval, but such shall not be unreasonably withheld. If approved the principal/school may set reasonable limitations therein for all matters which reasonably conflict with the WVSSAC school’s practice and game/contest schedule including all regular and post season events taking into consideration that the WVSSAC sport season competition/contest/ match/game/practices have priority over the non-WVSSAC school participation request.
10.1.a. Notwithstanding the provisions as contained in §127-2-10.1, a student may participate during the sport season as a member of a national team (and the actual, direct tryouts thereof) which is defined as:
10.1.a.1. one selected by the national governing body of the sport;
10.1.a.2. while representing the National Federation in an International School sport Federation;
10.1.a.3. as a representative of the United States in recognized national or international events;
10.1.a.4. a qualifier for the West Virginia Golf Association's Amateur Championship or the United States Golf Association's United States Amateur Championship; or
10.1.a.5. the USA Swimming Junior National Championship.
10.2. A student who has participated in a game/contest and/or practice on a non-WVSSAC school/ team/club or similar structured organization or as an individual unattached in formally organized competition/contest/match /game/practice in the same sport after the WVSSAC established start date of the sport season will be ineligible for participation on that school team for that sport season in that particular sport except as provided by §127-2-10.1 and §127-2-10.2.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-11 Amateur
11.1. A student who represents a school in an interscholastic sport shall be an amateur in that sport. An amateur athlete is one who engages in athletic competition solely for the physical, mental, social, and pleasure benefits derived therefrom. An athlete forfeits amateur status in a sport by:
11.1.a. competing for money or other monetary compensation (allowable travel, meals, and lodging expenses may be accepted);
11.1.b. receiving any award or prize of monetary value which has not been approved by the WVSSAC;
11.1.c. capitalizing on athletic fame by receiving money or gifts of monetary value (scholarships to institutions of higher learning are specifically exempted);
11.1.d. signing a professional playing contract in that sport.
11.2. Accepting a nominal, standard fee or salary for instructing, supervising, or officiating in organized youth sports program or recreation, playground, or camp activities shall not jeopardize amateur status. “Organized youth sports program” includes both school and non-school programs. Compensation for giving private lessons is permissible if approved by the WVSSAC.
11.3. A student who loses amateur status may apply to the WVSSAC for reinstatement in the interscholastic program after a waiting period of one complete high school season (starting practice date through state tournament or end of season) for that sport.
11.4. A senior student may participate in a professional tryout either during or after the season of that sport provided that:
11.4.a. it does not occur on the day of a school contest of that sport; and
11.4.b. it meets with the principal’s approval.
11.5. No school or anyone employed by a member school, including coaches and administrators, may be involved with a student athlete’s use of their NIL. No one associated with or acting at the direction of a member school, such as booster clubs, alumni, or collectives, may use the promise of NIL opportunities to entice student athletes to transfer to or attend their school.
11.6. Student athletes are prohibited from making any reference to a member school or the WVSSAC when engaging in any NIL activity. Student athletes may not endorse or promote any third party entities, goods, or services during team activities. Student athletes may not wear the apparel or display the logo, insignia, or identifying mark of an NIL partner during any team activities. Student athletes are prohibited from participation in an NIL club that is based on their affiliation with a member school or a member school’s interscholastic tea, or an NIL club that references a member school or a member school’s interscholastic team.
11.7. Student athletes are prohibited from engaging in any NIL activities involving the following categories of products and services:
11.7.a. Adult entertainment products and services
11.7.b. Alcohol products
11.7.c. Tobacco and nicotine-related products
11.7.d. Cannabis products
11.7.e. Controlled dangerous substances
11.7.f. Prescription pharmaceuticals
11.7.g. Casinos and gambling, including sports betting, the lottery, and betting in connection with video games, online games, and mobile devices; and
11.7.h. Weapons, firearms, and ammunition
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-12 Participation as an Ineligible
12.1. Any student who participates in an interscholastic athletic contest as an ineligible, either knowingly or inadvertently, shall be ineligible for a period not to exceed 365 days as determined by the WVSSAC Executive Director.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-13 Practice
13.1. Only students enrolled and eligible to be listed on the eligibility certificate for that sport in the specific member school are allowed to participate in that school’s practices. Exceptions are §§127‑2‑3.2, 127‑2-3.5, and 127-2-13.6.
13.2. The frequency and length of practice is at the discretion of each member school.
13.3. Member schools of the WVSSAC may practice on any day of the year with the exception of Sunday practice. §127-3-14.2 further clarifies Sunday practice.
13.4. Individual players of a team must have practiced:
13.4.a. on five separate days before participating in an interscholastic scrimmage.
13.4.b. on 12 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, before participating in an interscholastic contest. The following sport(s) is exempted from the provisions of this rule: golf.
13.4.c. a student athlete who is absent from practice with their team for non-medical reasons, and not under a doctor's care, for more than 14 consecutive days must have the required 12 separate practice days before resuming participation in a contest. Students participating in football must follow the practice progression as set forth in §127-3-23.
13.5. A student shall not be permitted to engage in interscholastic practice until that student has filed with the principal a completed Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physician’s Certificate Form. §127‑3‑3 further explains this required form.
13.6. A student academically ineligible may begin practicing 15 school days immediately prior to the date of regaining full eligibility. (All other ineligible students may not practice.)
13.7. If a student has established eligibility in a sport requiring 12 separate days of practice and is continuing to participate in that sport or no school days have lapsed from one sport to another sport in a same season, the student may participate in another sport of the season after completing five separate days of sport specific practice in the second sport.
13.8. Students participating in a sport(s) in one season must have practiced 12 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, to be eligible to participate in a sport in the next season with the following exception: the student has continued to practice or participate in tournament play without an interruption of school days. The student must complete five separate days of sport specific practice in the second sport.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-14 Concussion
14.1. Pursuant to W. Va. Code §18-2-25a, member schools are to provide information in the format approved by the Board of Directors to appropriate school administrators, coaches, interscholastic athletes, and their parents or guardians describing the nature and risk of concussion and head injury, including the risks of continuing to play or practice after a concussion or head injury. Annually, all interscholastic athletes and their parents are required to sign and return a statement that they have read the information provided to them prior to the interscholastic athlete beginning practice or competition for that scholastic year. (See, WVSSAC, Sports Medicine tab, Sports Medicine Packet: Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physician’s Certificate Form (Physical Exam Form), A Parent’s Guide to Concussions (Information to parents), available on the WVSSAC website at http://www.wvssac.org.)
14.2. Each head coach of member schools is required annually to complete a concussion and head injury recognition and return-to-play protocol course approved by the WVSSAC. (See, WVSSAC, Sports Medicine tab, Sports Medicine Packet: Coach’s Course, available on the WVSSAC website at http://www.wvssac.org.)
14.3. An interscholastic athlete suspected of a concussion or head injury by a licensed health care professional or by the head coach or athletic trainer shall be removed from play or practice and not return‑to-play or practice until the athlete is evaluated by a licensed health care professional trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and receives written clearance to return-to-play and practice from the licensed health care professional. (See, WVSSAC, Sports Medicine tab, Sports Medicine Packet: available on the WVSSAC website at http://www.wvssac.org.)
14.4. Any of the following who have appropriate training in the evaluation and management of head injuries shall be considered as the licensed health care professional enumerated in this rule:
14.4.a. Medical Doctor (MD);
14.4.b. Doctor of Osteopathy (DO);
14.4.c. Doctor of Chiropractic (DC);
14.4.d. Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP);
14.4.e. Physician Assistant (PA-C);
14.4.f. Registered Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC/R); or
14.4.g. Licensed Physical Therapist.
14.5. Member schools must submit Part I of the concussion report form to the WVSSAC within seven days and Part II within 30 days of an interscholastic athlete suffering or being suspected of suffering a concussion or head injury in a practice or game. (See, WVSSAC, Sports Medicine tab, Sports Medicine Packet, available on the WVSSAC website at http://www.wvssac.org.)
14.6. The WVBE shall be notified if any of the documents referred to in this section of the rule are revised, amended, or altered as to form or content. The documents shall include but not be limited to: Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physician’s Certificate Form (Physical Exam Form); A Parent’s Guide to Concussions (Information to Parents), Coach’s Course, Return to Play Protocol, Concussion Report form. All forms are found in the WVSSAC Sports Medicine Packet and are available under the Sports Medicine tab, Sports Medicine Packet on the WVSSAC website at http://www.wvssac.org.)
W. Va. Code R. § 127-2-15 Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
15.1. Effective December 31, 2017, each member school shall adopt and submit to the WVSSAC and to the county board of education an EAP for athletics, designed to respond to athletic injuries that occur on school property during school-sponsored athletic practices and events.
15.2. Each EAP shall include:
15.2.a. Implementation of the EAP for every sport at every level. The EAP shall discuss how it is to be implemented with the participation of the school’s principal and athletic director (if any), coaches, and athletes.
15.2.b. Training. The EAP shall include any necessary training for any person designated as responsible for any portion of the implementation of the EAP. Training may be in person or online, as may be available to the school.
15.2.c. Protocol for summoning emergency medical assistance. The EAP shall discuss how the school’s sports teams will assign responsibility for summoning emergency medical assistance in the case of an emergency during a practice or event.
15.2.d. Protocol for beginning Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The EAP shall discuss how the school’s sports teams will assign responsibility for beginning CPR in the event it is necessary. Each sports team must have individuals trained in CPR. The school shall provide proper training to any individual assigned responsibility for performing CPR.
15.2.e. Protocol for the use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Each member school will have an accessible AED on the school or event grounds during the duration of all athletic events and practices. The EAP must address how the school’s sports teams will assign responsibility for retrieving and using an AED in the event it is necessary. Each sports team must be instructed on the location of the nearest AED to any practice or event facility. The school shall provide proper training to any individual assigned responsibility for using an AED.
15.2.f. Protocol for the treatment of heat stroke. The EAP must address how the school’s sports teams will prepare for and treat heat stroke. Each sports team that practices outdoors is recommended to have available an emersion tub, and must have water, ice, and towels, to be used for the treatment of heat stroke. The EAP must address how the school’s sports teams will assign responsibility for obtaining these items and preparing them before a practice or game begins.
15.2.g. Written records. The EAP shall require that each of the school’s sports teams assign responsibility for the items discussed above at the beginning of each season, and record those assignments on a written record, which record shall be retained by the sports team and the school.
15.2.h. Symptoms and risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest. The EAP shall require that schools train athletes, coaches, and volunteers about the symptoms and risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest.
15.2.i. Coordination with local Emergency Medical Systems. The EAP shall require that schools coordinate with their local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, notifying EMS personnel of the availability of AEDs at the school, and notifying EMS personnel of the EAP adopted by the school.
15.2.j. Follow up retraining. The EAP shall require that school sports teams that respond to an emergency incident meet to discuss their response after the incident has passed. Discussion shall center on the team’s response to the incident, areas for improvement, and retraining that may be necessary, and any counseling that may be required for the individuals involved.
15.3. Schools may, but are not required to, adopt the Anyone Can Save a Life Program (available at www.anyonecansavealife.org), which meets all of the requirements of this rule, to be implemented as that schools EAP in compliance with this rule.
15.4. Each EAP adopted pursuant to this rule shall be provided to the county board of education and shall be retained by the county board of education until the EAP is superseded by a revised EAP.
Series 03 Provisions Governing Contests
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-1 General
1.1. Scope. -- These rules govern the conduct of athletic contests.
1.2. Authority. -- W. Va. Constitution, Article XII, §2, and W. Va. Code §§18-2-5, 18-2-25, 18-2-25a, and 18‑2‑25b.
1.3. Filing Date. -- August 12, 2026.
1.4. Effective Date. -- September 11, 2026.
1.5. Repeal of Former Rule. -- This legislative rule amends W. Va. 127CSR3, West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Series 3, Provisions Governing Contests, filed July 9, 2025, and effective August 8, 2025.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-2 Duties and Responsibilities of the Principal
2.1. The principal of each member school is recognized as the school representative and as such is accountable to the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC/Commission) for conduct of the athletic programs of that school.
2.2. The principal or designee shall notify coaches and faculty (§127‑3-6) of the rules and regulations of this Commission. It shall be that individual’s responsibility to notify those students participating in WVSSAC activities. Failure of the principal in performing this responsibility will not prevent the Commission from enforcing its rules and regulations.
2.3. The principal shall have the authority to delegate responsibilities or duties; however, such delegation shall not relieve the principal of responsibility for any infraction of the rules and regulations of this Commission by coaches and faculty.
2.4. The principal has the authority to designate a member of the faculty who must supervise all interscholastic activities.
2.5. The principal is responsible for adequate team and crowd control measures at home contests in which the school participates, assuring that the school’s participants and fans conduct themselves in a proper manner, and assuring that all fans and officials are provided adequate protection. In situations where contests are played on neutral sites, the responsibilities will be shared by participating school principals.
2.6. The principal has the right to exclude a contestant who would not represent the school in an appropriate manner, a student who fails to maintain a satisfactory scholastic standing, or a student who has been excluded for a serious illness or injury.
2.7. The principal will be responsible for signing all game contracts, seeking sanctioning of necessary events, and signing all certificates of eligibility prior to student participation.
2.8. The principal may designate the assistant principal or other faculty member to provide representation and/or to participate in all voting matters at a Board of Control meeting which is further explained in the Constitution.
2.9. The principal shall have such other powers as will encourage the growth, development and expansion of the athletic program for the welfare of the students, the school, and the WVSSAC.
2.10. The principal, assistant principal, and athletic director of each member school shall be admitted to any WVSSAC sanctioned event. Vocational principals and assistant principals shall also be admitted. This admittance will be by presentation of the WVSSAC Courtesy Card and a photo identification.
2.11. The principal and assistant principal of each member school, who upon retirement is a member in good standing with the WVSSAC, shall receive a WVSSAC permanent Courtesy and Identification Card. This card shall allow admittance to any WVSSAC sponsored event. This admittance will be by presentation of the WVSSAC Courtesy Card and photo identification. Spouses of deceased principals and assistant principals shall have a WVSSAC permanent Courtesy and Identification Card with the same admittance stipulations transferred to them upon request to the WVSSAC.
2.12. WVSSAC Courtesy and Identification Cards shall be honored at all events involving WVSSAC member schools with the exception of state tournaments.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-3 Physical Examination -- Parental Permission
3.1. The Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physician’s Certificate Form allows for annual updates rather than a complete physical examination.
3.2. A student shall not be permitted to engage in interscholastic practice or participate in an interscholastic contest until that student has filed with the principal a completed Athletic Participation/Parental Consent/Physician’s Certificate Form. This form must be signed by all parties: student, parent(s), physician. Consent and approval for sport(s) in which a student is requesting participation must be approved by both parent and physician.
3.3. A physical examination form must be completed no earlier than May 1 for an upcoming year. The physical is valid until completion of the last WVSSAC state tournament during the next academic year.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-4 All-Star Participation
4.1. Only a graduating senior, or any student completing athletic eligibility at the end of the current academic year because of age or completion of semesters of eligibility, may play in two All-Star games upon conclusion of each season without loss of athletic eligibility for the balance of that year.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-5 Awards
5.1. Only a member school or a school sponsoring a sanctioned event may give the following awards to a student or team: medal, trophy, cup, certificate, ribbon, plaque, unattached letter, unattached chevron, or any similar award.
5.2. A student may accept on an individual or team basis the above specified awards in the following situations:
5.2.a. from a member school for participation;
5.2.b. in a sanctioned event;
5.2.c. in a non-sanctioned event, at any time in the following sports: cheerleading, cross country, golf, swimming, tennis, track, or wrestling;
5.2.d. in a non-sanctioned event, but not during the school sports season for the following sports: football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, lacrosse, softball, or soccer.
5.3. A student may not receive the following awards with a retail value that exceeds $100.00:
5.3.a. Apparel - sweaters, jackets, jerseys, shoes, etc.
5.3.b. Equipment - radio, televisions, etc.
5.3.c. Athletic goods - batons, tennis rackets, bats, golf bag, tennis or golf balls, etc.
5.3.d. Money (scholarships to institutions of higher learning are exempted.)
5.4. Purchase of an item as identified in §127-3-5.3, whereby any portion is donated by a school, booster club, auxiliary agency, or any other group or organization, cannot exceed the specified limit.
5.5. Nothing in §127-3-5 shall be interpreted to affect the recognition of scholarship or scholastic achievements.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-6 Coaches
6.1. A member of a school faculty, substitute teacher, or student teacher, with West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) Authorized Certification, shall be allowed to coach an athletic team. A member of a private/parochial school faculty, substitute teacher, regardless of WVDE certification status, shall be allowed to coach an athletic team. An authorized certified individual may coach if they meet all of the requirements in §127-3-6.4.
6.2. A public school substitute teacher is defined as a person who has met the licensure requirements as specified by the West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) and has been approved as a substitute teacher of that county board of education. Private/parochial school substitutes must meet requirements of respective governing bodies.
6.3. A college student fulfilling teacher training responsibilities as a student teacher may be assigned certain coaching responsibilities during that period of training. This assignment will be administratively consistent with the student teacher’s role in the classroom and shall be approved by the county board of education or the governing body of a private/parochial school. The student teacher will work directly under the supervision of the appointed coach or assistant coach.
6.4. An authorized certified coach must meet the following requirements:
6.4.a. The coach is employed under a contract with a county board of education which specifies a rate of pay equivalent to the rate for professional educators who accept similar duties as extra duty assignments and which provides for liability insurance associated with the activity;
6.4.b. The coach has successfully completed WVSSAC-approved training: Sport Science, Sport First Aid, and WV Component (14 hours of instruction and test) and has received WVDE Authorization;
6.4.c. Coaching authorizations are for one year.
6.5. The head coach shall be required to attend any sports rules clinic in the coaching assignment which is sponsored by this Commission. Schools failing to have a head coaching position filled at the time of the clinic will be required to have a school representative present at the rules clinic.
6.6. All coaches, athletic directors, and band directors of member schools who, upon retirement from a full time teaching, school service, or administrative position at a member school, have at least 20 years of service as a coach, athletic director, band director, or combination thereof shall receive a lifetime WVSSAC Courtesy and Identification Card. This card shall allow admittance to any WVSSAC sponsored event. This admittance will be by presentation of the WVSSAC Courtesy and Identification Card and photo identification. Spouses of deceased coaches, athletic directors, and band directors shall have a WVSSAC permanent Courtesy and Identification Card with the same admittance stipulations transferred to them upon request to the WVSSAC.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-7 Out-of-Season Coaching
7.1. Philosophy -- A student should have the opportunity to engage voluntarily in school athletic activities provided that the student is eligible, that such activities do not interfere with the student’s educational development and their activities do not conflict with the principles of wholesome amateur athletics. The WVSSAC discourages the exploitation of students by overzealous individuals and organizations who attempt to impose an obligation or pressure on the student. Athletic participation should be used for the pleasure and satisfaction that is derived from athletic competition in a variety of experiences.
7.2. With principal approval, each sport program may use 32 flex-days from Monday of Week 49 through Friday of Week 48 of the next academic year. A flex-day is a day, outside the regular season and when a coach may have sport-specific contact with student athletes in the school. Flex-days shall not be used during the first week of each high or middle school sport season. Use of any part of a day for an activity will count as a full day of activity. Eighth grade students from a feeder middle school may participate in flex days at the feeder high school once they have completed their 8th grade season in that same sport.
7.2.a. These flex days shall be combined with all varsity and sub-varsity sports by teams. (A flex day used by a sport counts for all levels of that sport per school.) Participation must be open to all students, voluntary, and not required directly or indirectly for membership on a school team. Additionally, the (Sunday-Saturday) of July 4th and two weeks surrounding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (Sunday-Saturday) shall also be eliminated from flex day use.
7.3. A coach or principal designee of each sport or activity may be present as an observer, lecture participant, staff member, or in any capacity at any summer camp.
7.4. A coach or designee shall not work with individuals in any form of drills or practice of the grade level coaching assignment and preceding grade level except during those dates specified as the season for that specific sport or as designated in §§127-3-7.2, 127-3-7.2.a, and 127-3-7.3.
7.5. Coaches may participate in a formal development program of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) involving students of the same sport as their coaching assignments. The formal development program shall follow the guidelines of the USOC through the National Governing Body (NGB) of the said sport. The NGB shall provide in writing to the WVSSAC evidence that coaches will receive formal orientation guarding against recruitment or inappropriate influence on students.
7.6. Conditioning/Recreation Programs -- Throughout the academic year, students who are not participating in a school’s athletic program may voluntarily participate in an off-season conditioning program. This program also may occur during the summer, subject to county board of education or governing body approval and the following provisions:
7.6.a. Participation in the program must be open to all students enrolled in the school providing the program.
7.6.b. Participation is voluntary and is not required directly or indirectly for membership on a school team.
7.6.c. Students will provide their own clothing (sweatsuit, shoes, etc.).
7.6.d. Activities will be limited to running, weight training, and stretching exercises. Agility drills that do not involve specific skills of a given sport are permitted.
7.6.e. Specific equipment pertaining to a given sport may not be used. This includes such items as footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, wrestling mats, discuses, etc.
7.6.f. In cases where schools schedule all students into the last period of the school day, the guidelines in §§127-3-7.6.c, 127-3-7.6.d, and 127-3-7.6.e shall apply unless the class is considered a part of the physical education program and credit is earned. There shall be no teaching of sport specific skills in this case unless those same skills and course of study are taught in all physical education classes at this same time of the academic year.
7.6.g. The county board of education may choose to compensate the supervisor or director. of conditioning/recreation programs.
7.7. Coaches may not promote, initiate, organize, supervise, or participate in out-of-season events involving students of the same sport as the grade level coaching assignment and preceding grade level except as specified in §§127-3-7.2, 127-3-7.2.a, and 127-3-7.3 until the student has aged out of the coach’s assignment. A middle school coach may coach an 8th grade student in the same sport after the conclusion of the season. A high school coach may coach an athlete once the student has completed the senior season. The county board of education shall be authorized to approve a coach to organize and/or supervise a recreation program for students. However, this type assignment must be recreational in nature, include a variety of activities, and comprise no coaching or instruction of that same sport as the school coaching assignment. In addition to the above, gymnasiums or facilities opened for recreational activities must use the following requirements:
7.7.a. The gymnasium or field is open to all students for participation.
7.7.b. Various activities are available to students and are not limited to one sport or activity on a given day.
7.7.c. Supervisor or director must be approved by the county board of education or governing body.
7.7.d. There is no coaching or instruction in the skills and technique in any sport.
7.7.e. Comparable opportunities are provided both sexes.
7.7.f. Participation is voluntary and is not required directly or indirectly for membership on a school team.
7.8. The principal is responsible for adherence to these requirements.
7.9. Involvement in community-based youth league athletic programs (i.e. serving on a youth league board, serving as a director, booster, etc.) is permitted.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-8 Forfeit and Restitution
8.1. A written request for investigation of an eligibility issue in any sport may be filed by a member school principal with the WVSSAC Executive Director. Individual and/or team awards will not be affected if the request is filed more than 42 calendar days past the conclusion of the State Championship in that sport.
8.2. When a student is declared ineligible subsequent to competing as an individual, or a penalty has been imposed or action taken by the WVSSAC, the student’s performance shall be stricken from the records and the points contributed to the team total deleted. The team standings will be adjusted accordingly, and any awards received shall be returned.
8.3. When a student is declared ineligible subsequent to representing the school in team competition or a penalty has been imposed by the WVSSAC, the contest(s) may be forfeited. If the contest is forfeited, then team standings, and individual awards will be adjusted, and the team awards and individual awards will be returned.
8.4. If a team, or student participating in an individual contest, leaves the playing area in protest and fails to complete the contest, the contest is forfeited and the school principal or designee and the violator may be required to appear before the WVSSAC Executive Director to indicate why additional action should not be taken.
8.5. If a coach is ejected from a contest and an assistant coach or assigned school representative is not available to continue as coach, the contest is terminated and forfeited to the opponent.
8.6. If a student is deemed ineligible under WVSSAC rules, but participates in interscholastic competition in accordance with the terms of a court order or injunction, and the order or injunction ultimately otherwise adjudicated so that injunctive relief is/was not warranted, any one of the following actions may be taken in the interest of fairness or restitution to the competing schools.:
8.6.a. Require that individual or team performance records achieved during participation by such ineligible student shall be vacated or stricken; or
8.6.b. Require that team or individual victories be forfeited to opponent(s); or
8.6.c. Require that team or individual awards earned by such individual or team be returned to the Commission.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-9 Game Officials
9.1. All officials utilized in interscholastic games and contests in West Virginia must be registered with the WVSSAC, except in the case of emergency, §127-3-9.4 may be invoked. A game officials’ registration plan shall be established by the WVSSAC Board of Directors (Board of Directors).
9.2. Officials for interscholastic contests shall be agreed upon mutually by the competing schools at least two weeks before the scheduled date of contest. Coaches or other persons connected with competing schools shall not officiate at the contest unless all competing consent.
9.3. The host school initiates the selection of game officials. It is highly recommended that the host school contract officials for all interscholastic contests.
9.4. The WVSSSAC Executive Director shall be empowered to authorize the use of non-registered officials for athletic contests where registered officials are not available and scheduled athletic contests risk cancellation.
9.5. All officials registered with the WVSSAC are subject to and required to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in these rules and the “West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Officials’ Handbook”, which is revised and published yearly. WVSSAC registered officials are provided the same opportunity for appeal of any decisions as set forth in the rules.
9.6. The official shall:
9.6.a. Attend a state WVSSAC rules clinic in the sport for which the official is registered. Failure to comply will result in suspension for that year.
9.6.b. Attend four local Officials’ Board meetings. Failure to comply will result in suspension for that year.
9.6.c. Take the NFHS Rules Examinations in the sports where specified. Failure to take the exam will result in suspension the following year.
9.6.d. Abstain from consuming intoxicating beverages on the day of the assigned contest prior to and during the contest, and after, in the vicinity of the playing area of the contest.
9.6.e. Abstain from the use of smokeless or any other forms of tobacco in the vicinity of the playing area of the contest.
9.6.f. Abstain from the use of illegal drugs.
9.6.g. Be fair, impartial, unbiased, professional, and competent in officiating.
9.6.h. Be in and maintain proper physical and mental condition as verified by the physical examination form submitted to the WVSSAC; dress and appearance must be appropriate.
9.6.i. Be at the site of the contest in adequate time to care for necessary pre-contest duties or as specified in the NFHS Rules.
9.6.j. Maintain self-control under all conditions.
9.6.k. Refrain from commenting upon or discussing a team, play, game situation, or fellow official.
9.6.l. Conduct the game so as to enlist the cooperation of students, coaches, and spectators in the interest of good sportsmanship.
9.6.m. Comply with any WVSSAC rule, regulation, Constitution, or directive, and particularly those regulations pertaining to filing Special Reports and Official Ratings of Schools.
9.6.n. Honor all existing officiating contracts with member schools unless a valid reason is presented and accepted by the involved school. Accepting a game involving a higher level of competition is not a valid reason to cancel a contract.
9.6.o. Comply with local board rules as set forth in board regulations.
9.7. The WVSSAC Executive Director shall have the power to penalize for violations of these rules. Any official penalized under these rules shall have the right to appeal to the Board of Directors. The WVSSAC Executive Director shall inform fully a penalized official of appeal rights.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-10 Classification
10.1. Each member high school shall be classified as either AAAA, AAA, AA, or A based on the total enrollment in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 using the West Virginia Department of Education enrollment figures at the end of the second school month of the year preceding classification. 10.1.a Sports shall be classified using the following model: AAAA – Enrollment of 1050 or more; AAA – Enrollment of 625-1049; AA – Enrollment of 351-624; A – Enrollment of 350 or less.
10.2. Classification of member high schools shall be determined every four years and will remain in effect for a four-year period unless the school experiences a 20% change in enrollment using WVDE enrollment figures at the end of the second school month. Classification changes due to a 20% change in enrollment becomes effective next academic year (Effective 2027-2028 school year).
10.3. A school may choose to compete in WVSSAC tournaments in any class above its classification providing proper notification is made to the WVSSAC prior to Friday of week 27 after classification has been approved by the Board of Directors. Approval of this option will be for a two-year period and will be effective for individual sports sponsored by the school.
10.4. The Board of Directors may structure the WVSSAC tournament series in each sport by classification (AAAA-AAA-AA-A). Each sport will be structured according to the level of interest and accommodation for tournament alignment. The WVSSAC will conduct a survey of the membership prior to any change of structure of any given sport.
10.5. If a consolidation of two or more member schools occurs during the classification period, the new member school will be reclassified based on the total score given by the classification model that considers the factors of enrollment.
10.6. No member school shall, based on the classification, be compelled to play more than one class up from where it would be classified in a four class system based strictly on enrollment.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-11 Exchange of Eligibility Certificates
11.1. Commission approved eligibility certificates are required at the beginning of the season of each sport and prior to the first contest.
11.2. The principal is responsible for the proper completion of the certificate.
11.3. The names of the students on all middle school, 9th grade, junior varsity and varsity teams shall be submitted on the school’s master eligibility.
11.4. Student additions to the team must be certified immediately on an eligibility certificate submitted to the WVSSAC.
11.5. Principals will verify student eligibility using birth certificates to confirm a student’s age. Disputed cases shall be reviewed and approved by the WVSSAC Executive Director prior to participation.
11.6. Changes to a student’s age, number of semesters of attendance or semester credits on an eligibility certificate must be reported to and approved by the WVSSAC prior to participation.
11.7. Schools that fail to send the required eligibility information to the WVSSAC prior to the first contest will be assessed a fine of $25.00 payable to the WVSSAC.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-12 Legal Opponents
12.1. WVSSAC member schools shall not participate against any public, private, or parochial secondary school whose status has not been recognized by that group’s governing body.
12.2. WVSSAC member schools shall not participate against schools that have been placed under a specified sanction, including member schools and out‑of‑state schools.
12.3. WVSSAC member schools shall not participate in any interscholastic contest or practice against non-school teams or involving alumni participants.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-13 Contracts
13.1. All interscholastic contest contracts shall be prepared in duplicate on forms furnished by the WVSSAC. Contracts should include specific dates, financial guarantee provisions, adequate forfeiture stipulations, and all other items listed on the contract.
13.2. In order for a contract between two schools to be binding, it must be signed by the principal or designee of both schools.
13.3. Contracts between both schools may be canceled in the following situations:
13.3.a. If either principal or designee fails to sign the contract.
13.3.b. If either school is forced to suspend its school schedule.
13.3.c. If one school fails to return the signed contract to the other school within 30 days of receipt.
13.3.d. Upon written mutual consent of the contracting parties.
13.3.e. The Board of Directors may annul a contract when deemed necessary for the furtherance of interscholastic athletics in West Virginia, or when provisions of the contract are contrary to Commission rules.
13.4. Contracts executed by the principal are binding on the principal’s successor.
13.5. A school will forfeit an athletic contest during regular season or scheduled tournament play if cancellation is caused by teachers, support personnel, or school patrons acting as a striking body. If both participating schools are affected by a strike, cancellation shall be considered no contest. Regular season cancellation may be rescheduled during that same season by agreement of the involved parties and the Board of Directors.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-14 Sunday Contests
14.1. WVSSAC member schools shall not engage in any practice, contest, meet, or tournament on Sunday. However, in case of emergency, State Championship finals may be played on Sunday after 1:00 p.m.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-15 Sports Rules -- Game Protests
15.1. The current edition of official High School Rules published by the NFHS are the official rules used in contests, meets, and tournaments played by WVSSAC schools. The Board of Directors may modify such rules as provided by the NFHS. Any modified rules published in special bulletins or “The Interscholastic” shall apply.
15.2. In the absence of published NFHS rules, the Board of Directors may authorize competition under prevailing rules and regulations as modified for amateur competition.
15.3. Contests shall not be protested. Accordingly, the Board of Directors is not authorized to order contests replayed.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-16 Sanctioning and Travel
16.1. A member school shall not enter a contest/competition which requires sanctioning until it is approved by the WVSSAC.
16.2. All applications for sanctioning must be submitted to the WVSSAC 30 days prior to the event, with the exception of international events.
16.3. Events requiring NFHS approval are:
16.3.a. Co-sponsorship Sanction Requirement: Any interstate event involving two or more schools, which is co-sponsored by or titled in the name of an organization outside the high school community (e.g., a university, a theme park, a shoe company), in addition to being sponsored by a member school, an approved school, or a state association, shall require sanction of the NFHS office.
16.3.b. Non-bordering State Sanction Requirement: Each state association shall sanction through the NFHS office interstate competition by a member school involving either:
16.3.b.1. More than eight schools, at least one of which is from a state that does not border the host state; or
16.3.b.2. Five or more states, at least one of which does not border the host state.
16.3.c. International Event: Each member state association shall approve and receive NFHS approval for competition by a member school against a school from a foreign country, except for two school and three school competition with a school or schools from Canada or Mexico which necessitates a round trip of less than 600 miles.
16.3.d. International Event: Games against Canadian or Mexican schools involving travel of greater than 600 miles, or an event involving more than three schools, one or more of which are from Canada or Mexico, requires a request to the NFHS for international sanction and notice to and sanction by the appropriate National Governing Body.
16.4. Bordering state events requiring approval are:
16.4.a. Any interstate event in which four or more schools participate and at least one of the states participating requires sanctioning. (All schools from bordering states.)
16.4.b. Any interstate event which involves schools from three or more state high school associations.
16.5. The WVSSAC may assess a fine and/or other penalties against the participating school for violations of the sanction provisions.
16.6. A member school shall not enter an event that involves travel of more than 600 miles round trip unless it is approved by the member school’s county board of education.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-17 WVSSAC Tournaments
17.1. Participation in Commission sponsored and directed sectional, regional and state tournaments exclusively shall be limited to WVSSAC member schools.
17.2. The state shall be divided into regions for the purpose of determining championships in Commission sponsored sports. The Board of Directors shall direct and arrange for tournaments, meets, and contests leading to and including state championships. The WVSSAC will provide member school principals the opportunity to review and comment on the alignment prior to the presentation to the Board of Directors.
17.3. All net earnings from tournaments conducted under the supervision of the Board of Directors shall be turned over to the Commission unless otherwise specified by the Board of Control. Sectional or regional assessments may be charged to cover the cost of a tournament trophy furnished by the WVSSAC.
17.4. The Board of Directors may approve participation by member middle schools in county, league, or conference tournaments. Tournament play on the state level for member middle schools is prohibited.
17.5. State tournaments conclude only after all games, matches, or events are complete.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-18 Season Regulations
18.1. The Commission uses the NFHS standardized calendar to schedule all activities. Each sport season shall have an established beginning and ending date for practice and interscholastic contests based on a standardized calendar.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-19 Baseball
19.1. Rules: Baseball rules published by the NFHS are the official rules for all interscholastic competition unless otherwise provided by Commission modifications.
19.2. Organized Team Practice: Organized team practice will begin Monday of Week 35, and the first contest may be played on Wednesday of Week 37.
19.3. Length of Season: The baseball season ends for each team by WVSSAC tournament elimination.
19.4. Maximum Team Contests: A baseball team is permitted to play no more than 32 games exclusive of regional and state tournament contests.
19.5. Scrimmages: Teams may conduct two baseball scrimmages with another high school. (See Glossary.)
19.6. Individual students of a team must have practiced on 12 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, before participating in an interscholastic contest.
19.7. Student Participation:
19.7.a. A student may not play or practice on a non-school baseball team while a member of the school team.
19.7.b. A student shall not participate in more than 32 games in one season, exclusive of regional and state tournament contests. Serving as a “courtesy or pinch runner” is not considered “participation” in a game.
19.8. During the sport season, a student may accept awards only in WVSSAC sanctioned events. Awards must comply with §127-3-5. Outside the sport season, students may accept only compliant awards in non-sanctioned events.
19.9. Middle Schools -- The above will apply for middle schools with following adaptations:
19.9.a. Baseball middle school teams may play 20 games. Tournament exception does apply. Schools may play no more than three extra games during the end of season conference/county tournament.
19.9.b. Middle school season will be completed by Saturday of Week 45.
19.9.c. Middle school teams are permitted one scrimmage. (See Glossary.)
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-20 Basketball
20.1. Rules: Basketball rules published by the NFHS are the official rules for all interscholastic competition unless otherwise provided by Commission modification.
20.2. Organized Team Practice: Organized team practice for girls will begin on Monday of Week 19 and Monday of Week 20 for boys. The first contest for girls may be played on Tuesday of Week 22 and Tuesday of Week 23 for boys.
20.3. Length of Season: The boys’ and girls’ basketball seasons will end for each team at tournament elimination.
20.4. Maximum Team Contests: A varsity or junior varsity basketball team will be permitted to play no more than 22 games in the regular season exclusive of regional and state tournament contests.
20.4.a. The maximum number of quarters for a student in one season is 132 exclusive of regional and state tournament contests.
20.4.b. A student can play only six quarters in one day.
20.4.c. Participation in a quarter, regardless of time, will be considered one quarter.
20.4.d. Overtime is considered as an extension of the fourth quarter.
20.5. A high school basketball team is permitted to participate in a preview and a scrimmage or two scrimmage games. (See Glossary.)
20.6. Individual students of a team must have practiced on 12 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, before participating in an interscholastic contest.
20.7. A student may not play or practice on a non-school basketball team while a member of the school team.
20.8. During the sport season a student may accept awards only in WVSSAC sanctioned events Awards must comply with the §127-3-5. Outside the sport season, students may accept only compliant awards in non-sanctioned events.
20.9. Middle Schools -- The above rules will apply for middle schools with the following adaptations:
20.9.a. Girls may begin practice on Monday of Week 18 and boys on Monday of Week 19. The first contest for girls may be played on Wednesday of week 21 and Wednesday of week 22 for boys.
20.9.b. The girls basketball season will end on Saturday of Week 33 and Saturday of Week 34 for boys.
20.9.c. Tournament play on the state level shall be prohibited.
20.9.d. Boys and girls basketball teams will be permitted to play no more than 20 games. Tournament exception does apply. Schools may play no more than three extra games during the end of season conference/county tournament.
20.9.e. All middle students may play a maximum of 120 quarters for one season.
20.9.f. All middle students may play a maximum of six quarters per day.
20.9.g. A member school sponsoring games involving teams which combine students in 7th and 8th grades must play those games in quarters of six minutes.
20.9.h. Middle schools are not permitted to play an alumni game.
20.9.i. Scrimmages: Middle school teams are permitted one scrimmage. (See Glossary.)
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-21 Cheerleading
21.1. Rules: Cheerleading rules published by the NFHS are the official rules for all interscholastic competition unless otherwise provided by Commission modification.
21.2. Organized Practice: Organized team practice will begin on Monday of Week 5.
21.3. Length of Season: The high school spirit and competitive season will begin Monday of Week 5. The competitive season will end for each team at their cheer tournament elimination. The high school spirit season will end on the last day of the Girls’ State Basketball Tournament or Boys’ State Basketball Tournament.
21.4. Individual students of a team must have practiced on 12 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, before participating in an interscholastic contest.
21.5. A student may accept awards in WVSSAC sanctioned events and non-sanctioned events during the entire year. These awards must be consistent with the items specified in §127-3-5.
21.6. Middle Schools -- The above rules will apply for middle schools with the following adaptations:
21.6.a. Organized Team Practice: Organized team practice will begin on Monday of Week 6.
21.6.b. The middle school spirit and competitive cheer season will begin Monday of Week 6. The competitive season will end Saturday of Week 18. The middle school spirit season will end on the last day of the middle school girls’ or boys’ basketball season.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-22 Cross Country
22.1. Rules: Cross country rules published by the NFHS are the official rules for all interscholastic competition unless otherwise provided by Commission modification.
22.2. Organized team practice will begin on Monday of Week 5, and the first meet may be held on Saturday of Week 7.
22.3. Length of Season: The cross country season will end for each team or individual at tournament elimination.
22.4. Maximum Team Contests: A cross country team will be permitted 16 meets exclusive of regional and state contests.
22.5. Scrimmages: Schools may conduct two cross country scrimmages with another high school may be conducted. (See Glossary.)
22.6. Individual students of a team must have practiced on 12 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, before participating in an interscholastic contest.
22.7. A student may accept awards in WVSSAC sanctioned events and non-sanctioned events during the entire year. These awards must be consistent with the items specified in §127-3-5.
22.8. Middle Schools. The above rules will apply to middle schools with the following adaptations:
22.8.a. Organized team conditioning practice will begin on Monday of Week 5, and the first meet will be held during Week 7.
22.8.b. Maximum Team Contests: A middle school cross country team will be permitted 14 meets.
22.8.c. Length of Season: The middle school cross country season will end on Saturday of Week 16.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-23 Football
23.1. Rules: Football rules published by the NFHS are the official rules for all interscholastic competition unless otherwise provided by Commission modification.
23.2. Organized Team Practice: Organized team conditioning practice will begin on Monday of Week 5, and the first contest may be played during Week 8.
23.2.a. The following table establishes for high school the equipment/contact level, earliest date for scrimmage or Grid‑O‑Rama, date for first contest, and date season must be completed.
Year Organized Practice Helmets Only No Contact Helmet & Shoulder Pads Soft Equipment Contact (Bag, Shields, Sleds, Tackling Wheel, etc.)
Full Pads Soft Equipment Contact (Bag, Shields, Sleds, Tackling Wheel, etc.)
Full Pads Full Contact Earliest Scrimmage or Grid-O-Rama after 4:00 p.m.
First Contest Date Season Must Be Completed Aug. 3 and 4 Aug. 5 and 6 Aug. 7 Aug. 8 Aug. 14 Aug. 24 Nov. 7 Aug. 2 and 3 Aug. 4 and 5 Aug. 6 Aug. 7 Aug. 13 Aug. 23 Nov. 6 July 31 and Aug. 1 Aug. 2 and 3 Aug. 4 Aug. 5 Aug. 11 Aug. 21 Nov. 4 July 30 and 31 Aug. 1 and 2 Aug. 3 Aug. 4 Aug. 9 Aug. 20 Nov. 3 Aug. 5 and Aug. 6 Aug. 7 and 8 Aug. 9 Aug. 10 Aug. 15 Aug. 26 Nov. 9 Aug. 4 and 5 Aug. 6 and 7 Aug. 8 Aug. 9 Aug. 14 Aug. 25 Nov. 8 Aug. 2 and 3 Aug. 4 and 5 Aug. 6 Aug. 7 Aug. 13 Aug. 23 Nov. 6 Aug. 1 and 2 Aug. 3 and 4 Aug. 5 Aug. 6 Aug. 12 Aug. 22 Nov. 5 July 31 and Aug. 1 Aug. 2 and 3 Aug. 4 Aug. 5 Aug. 11 Aug. 21 Nov. 4 July 30 and 31 Aug. 1 and 2 Aug. 3 Aug. 4 Aug. 10 Aug. 20 Nov. 3
23.2.b. Individual students of a team must have practiced on 12 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, before participating in an interscholastic contest.
23.2.c. In season football camps sponsored by a member school or by other school related organizations where football coaching and instruction are given are not permitted.
23.2.d. The use of football uniforms, protective equipment, tackling or blocking dummies, charging sleds, or similar devices are strictly prohibited during the conditioning program. During the date of pads no live contact, the use of sleds, shields, and blocking dummies is allowed to permit gradual adaptation of the students to carrying the weight of their pads and adjusting to temperature variation.
23.3. Length of Season: The football season will end for each team at the end of the regular season or by play-off elimination.
23.4. Maximum Team Contests: A football team will be permitted to play no more than 10 games exclusive of the play-off games.
23.4.a. The total number of quarters for a student in one season is 50 exclusive of the play-off games.
23.4.b. A student may only play four quarters in one day.
23.4.c. Any student who participated in one or more downs in one quarter shall be charged with one quarter of play. Downs in which the football teams are in a free kick formation, or the offensive team is in a scrimmage kick formation, as defined in the NFHS Football Rule Book, will not count as a down.
23.4.d. Overtime is considered as an extension of the fourth quarter.
23.4.e. Interscholastic practice game in which teams representing a member school play against alumni or others is not allowed.
23.5. A football team is permitted to participate in a Grid-O-Rama and one preseason scrimmage or two preseason scrimmages. (See Glossary for definitions of Grid-O-Rama and Scrimmage.)
23.6. Special Regulations:
23.6.a. All rules and regulations of these bylaws pertaining to football are also applicable to six‑man and eight-man football.
23.6.b. A student may not play or practice on a non-school football team while a member of the school team.
23.7. A student may accept awards for WVSSAC sanctioned and non-sanctioned events during the entire year. These awards must be consistent with the items specified in §127-3-5.
23.8. The Board of Directors is authorized to adopt a point rating system and overall procedure for determining a state champion in each class.
23.9. Middle Schools: The above rules will apply for middle schools with the following adaptations:
23.9.a. Organized team conditioning practice will begin on Monday of Week 6, and the first game played during Week 9.
23.9.b. The following table establishes, for middle schools, the equipment/contact level, earliest date for a scrimmage, the date for first contest, and the date the season must be completed.
Year Organized Practice Helmets Only.
No Contact Helmet and Shoulder Pads. Soft Equipment Contact (Bag, Shields, Sleds, Tackling Wheel, Etc.)
Full Pads.
Soft Equipment Contact (Bag, Shields, Sleds, Tackling Wheel, Etc.)
Full Pads Full Contact Earliest Scrimmage First Contest Date Season Must be Completed Aug. 10, 11, and 12 Aug. 13, 14, and 15 Aug. 17 and 18 Aug. 19, 20, 21, and 22 Aug. 24 Aug. 31 Oct. 31 Aug. 9, 10, and 11 Aug. 12, 13, and 14 Aug. 16 and 17 Aug. 18, 19, 20, and 21 Aug. 23 Aug. 30 Oct. 30 Aug. 7, 8, and 9 Aug. 10, 11, and 12 Aug. 14 and 15 Aug. 16, 17, 18, and 19 Aug. 21 Aug. 28 Oct. 28 Aug. 6, 7, and 8 Aug. 9, 10, and 11 Aug. 13 and 14 Aug. 15, 16, 17, and 18 Aug.20 Aug. 26 Oct. 27 Aug. 12, 13, and 14 Aug. 15, 16, and 17 Aug. 19 and 20 Aug. 21, 22, 23 and 24 Aug. 26 Sept. 1 Nov. 2 Aug. 11, 12, and 13 Aug. 14, 15, and 16 Aug. 18 and 19 Aug. 20, 21, 22, and 23 Aug. 25 Aug. 31 Nov. 1 Aug. 9, 10, and 11 Aug. 12, 13, and 14 Aug. 16 and 17 Aug. 18, 19, 20, and 21 Aug. 23 Aug. 29 Oct. 30 Aug. 8, 9, and 10 Aug. 11, 12, and 13 Aug. 15 and 16 Aug. 17, 18, 19, and 20 Aug. 22 Aug. 28 Oct. 29 Aug. 7, 8, and 9 Aug. 10, 11, and 12 Aug. 14 and 15 Aug. 16, 17, 18, and 19 Aug. 21 Aug. 27 Oct. 28 Aug. 6, 7, and 8 Aug. 9, 10, and 11 Aug. 13 and 14 Aug. 15, 16, 17, and 18 Aug. 20 Aug. 26 Oct. 27
23.9.c. The football season will end on Saturday of Week 17.
23.9.d. Not more than eight interscholastic football games shall be played, excepting one league playoff game. There shall be a nine game limit, even if league playoff games are used, and the extra game is limited to two teams. Leagues choosing to have the extra playoff game may participate in a two quarter Grid-O-Rama in place of a scrimmage game, if agreed to before the start of the season.
23.9.e. The total number of quarters for a middle school student in one season is 40, exclusive of the playoff game in §127-3-23.4.
23.9.f. A middle school football team is allowed one preseason scrimmage under the following conditions:
23.9.f.1. Scrimmage will not be played under game conditions.
23.9.f.2. Scrimmage must be played prior to the first game of the regular season.
23.9.f.3. Admission may be charged.
23.9.f.4. Registered officials may be used.
23.9.g. Middle school football teams shall play overtime periods in regular season games. Overtime periods will be played until a winner is determined in accordance with the NFHS Football Rules “20 yard line overtime procedure.”
23.9.h. Middle school game ball: The football used involving only students in the 8th grade and below shall be the youth football.
23.9.i. Length of Quarters: For teams composed of students in any combination of 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, the length of quarters shall be eight minutes.
23.9.j. A 9th grade team in a high school program will follow the rules provided for high school.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-24 Golf (Boys and Girls)
24.1. Rules: Golf rules published by the United States Golf Association are the official rules for all interscholastic competition unless otherwise provided by WVSSAC modifications.
24.2. Organized Team Practice: Organized team practice will begin on Monday of Week 5, and the first contest may be played on any day after the first day of the season.
24.3. Length of Season: The golf season will end for each team or individual at tournament elimination.
24.4. Maximum Team Contests: A high school golf team will be permitted to play no more than 20 varsity matches, 20 JV matches, and 20 girls' JV matches. A male or female participant may play no more than a total of 20 matches exclusive of regional and state tournament contests between the varsity, JV, and girls’ JV matches. Girls who participate on school teams who do not have a minimum of three female participants may participate as individuals in girls' JV matches as long as the total number of matches they play between varsity, JV, and girls' JV does not exceed 20. Each interscholastic contest counts as one, whether it is nine or 18 holes, and regardless of the number of opponents.
24.5. Scrimmages: Not permitted.
24.6. A student may accept awards in WVSSAC sanctioned events and non-sanctioned events during the entire year. These awards must be consistent with the items specified in §127-3-5.
24.7. Middle School Golf: The above will apply for middle schools with the following adaptations:
24.7.a. Middle school teams are permitted to play no more than 14 matches.
24.7.b. There shall be one season for golf in middle school, either fall or spring; however, the season selected shall be no longer than ten weeks.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-25 Soccer
25.1. Rules: Soccer rules published by the NFHS are the official rules for all interscholastic competition unless otherwise provided by Commission modifications.
25.2. Organized Team Practice: Organized team practice will begin on Monday of Week 5, and the first contest may be played on Wednesday of Week 7.
25.3. Length of Season: The soccer season will end for each team by WVSSAC tournament elimination.
25.4. Maximum Team Contests: A soccer team will be permitted to play no more than 20 matches exclusive of regional and state tournaments.
25.4.a. The maximum number of halves for a student in one season will be 50, exclusive of regional and state tournaments.
25.4.b. A student shall not be permitted to participate in more than three halves during any one day. Play in any part of a half counts as one half. In an overtime game, the overtime shall be considered an extension of the second half.
25.5. A high school soccer team is permitted to participate in a soccer-o-rama and one preseason scrimmage or two preseason scrimmages. (See Glossary.)
25.6. Individual students of a team must have practiced on 12 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, before participating in an interscholastic contest.
25.7. A student may not play or practice on a non-school soccer team while a member of the school team.
25.8. A student may accept awards only in WVSSAC sanctioned events during the season of that sport. These awards must be consistent with the items specified in §127-3-5. Students may accept only this same type of award in non-sanctioned events outside the sport season.
25.9. Middle Schools: The above will apply for middle schools with the following adaptations:
25.9.a. Middle school teams may play 14 matches. Tournament exception does apply. Schools may play no more than three extra games during the end of season conference/county tournament.
25.9.b. Organized team practice will begin on Monday of Week 6, and the first contest may be played on Monday of Week 9.
25.9.c. Middle school season will be completed by Saturday of Week 17.
25.9.d. The maximum number of halves for a student in one season will be 28.
25.9.e. Middle school teams are permitted one scrimmage. (See Glossary.)
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-26 Softball
26.1. Rules: Softball rules published by the NFHS are the official rules for all interscholastic competition unless otherwise provided by Commission modifications.
26.2. Organized Team Practice: Organized team practice will begin on Monday of Week 35, and the first contest may be played on Wednesday of Week 37.
26.3. Length of Season: The softball season will end for each team by WVSSAC tournament elimination.
26.4. Maximum Team Contests: A softball team will be permitted to play no more than 32 contests exclusive of regional and state contests.
26.5. Scrimmages: Two softball scrimmages with another high school may be conducted. (See Glossary.)
26.6. Individual students of a team must have practiced on 12 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, before participating in an interscholastic contest.
26.7. Student Participation:
26.7.a. A student may not play or practice on a non-school softball team while a member of the school team.
26.7.b. A student shall not participate in more than 32 games in one season, exclusive of regional and state tournament contests. Serving as a “courtesy or pinch runner” is not considered “participation” in a game.
26.8. During the sport season, a student may accept awards only in WVSSAC sanctioned events. These awards must be compliant with §127-3-5. Outside the sport season, students may accept only compliant awards in non-sanctioned events.
26.9. Middle Schools: The above will apply for middle schools with the following adaptations:
26.9.a. Softball middle school teams may play 20 games. Tournament exception does apply. Schools may play no more than three extra games during the end-of-season conference/county tournament.
26.9.b. Middle school season will be completed by Saturday of Week 45.
26.9.c. Middle school teams are permitted two scrimmages. (See Glossary.)
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-27 Swimming
27.1. Rules: Swimming rules published by the NFHS are the official rules for all interscholastic competition unless otherwise provided by Commission modification.
27.2. Organized Team Practice: Organized team practice will begin on Monday of Week 17, and the first contest may be on Wednesday of Week 19.
27.3. Length of Season: The swimming season will end for each team or individual by WVSSAC tournament elimination.
27.4. Maximum Team Contests: A swimming team will be permitted 16 contests exclusive of regional and state contests.
27.5. Scrimmages: Two swimming scrimmages with another high school may be conducted. (See Glossary.)
27.6. Individual students of a team must have practiced on 12 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, before participating in an interscholastic contest.
27.7. A student may accept awards in WVSSAC sanctioned events and non-sanctioned events during the entire year. These awards must be consistent with the items specified in §127-3-5.
27.8. The above will apply for middle schools with the following adaptations:
27.8.a. Middle school teams will be permitted 14 meets.
27.8.b. There shall be one season for middle school swimming, either winter or spring. However, the season selected shall be no longer than 12 weeks.
27.8.c. Middle school season will be completed by Saturday of Week 31.
27.8.d. Middle school teams are permitted one scrimmage. (See Glossary.)
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-28 Tennis
28.1. Rules: Tennis rules published by the United States Tennis Association are the official rules for all interscholastic competition unless otherwise provided by Commission modification.
28.2. Organized Team Practice: Organized team practice will begin on Monday of Week 35, and the first contest may be played on Wednesday of Week 37.
28.3. Length of Season: The tennis season will end for each team or individual at tournament elimination.
28.4. Maximum Team Contests: A tennis team will be permitted 22 matches exclusive of regional and state contests.
28.4.a. Dual, triangular, and quadrangular matches count as one match. Matches in which five or more schools participate count as two matches.
28.5. Scrimmages: Two tennis scrimmages with another high school may be conducted. (See Glossary.)
28.6. Individual students of a team must have practiced on 12 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, before participating in an interscholastic contest.
28.7. A student may accept awards in WVSSAC sanctioned events or non-sanctioned events during the entire year. These awards must be consistent with the items specified in §127-3-5.
28.8. Middle Schools: The above will apply for middle schools with the following adaptations:
28.8.a. Middle school teams may play 16 matches including tournaments sanctioned by the WVSSAC.
28.8.b. Middle school teams are permitted one scrimmage. (See Glossary.)
28.8.c. There shall be one season for tennis in middle school, either fall or spring; however, the season selected shall be no longer than 12 weeks.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-29 Track and Field
29.1. Rules: Track and Field rules published by the NFHS are the official rules for all interscholastic competition unless otherwise provided by Commission modification.
29.2. Organized Team Practice: Organized team practice will begin on Monday of Week 35, and the first contest may be on Wednesday of Week 37.
29.3. Length of Season: The track and field season will end for each team or individual by WVSSAC tournament elimination.
29.4. Maximum Team Contests: A track and field team will be permitted 16 meets exclusive of regional and state contests.
29.5. Participation Limitations: Maximum of four events per participant per meet.
29.6. Scrimmages: Not permitted.
29.7. Individual students of a team must have practiced on 12 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, before participating in an interscholastic contest.
29.8. A student may accept awards in WVSSAC sanctioned events and non-sanctioned events during the entire year. These awards must be consistent with the items specified in §127-3-5.
29.9. Middle Schools -- The above will apply for middle schools with the following adaptations:
29.9.a. Middle school teams will be permitted 14 meets and only two meets per week.
29.9.b. Middle school season will be completed by Thursday of Week 46.
29.9.c. Participation limitation: Middle school students, regardless of grade levels (6, 7, or 8), may compete in a maximum of four events, of which only three may be running events, including relays.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-30 Volleyball (Girls)
30.1. Rules: Volleyball rules published by NFHS are the official rules for all interscholastic competition unless otherwise provided by Commission modification.
30.2. Organized Team Practice: Organized team practice will begin on Monday of Week 5, and the first contest may be played on Wednesday of Week 7.
30.3. Length of Season: The volleyball season will end for each team by WVSSAC tournament elimination.
30.4. Maximum Team Contest: A volleyball team will be permitted no more than 22 playing dates exclusive of sectional, regional, and state contests.
30.4.a. Dual, triangular, and quadrangular matches count as one playing date. Matches in which five or more schools participate count as two playing dates.
30.5. In dual competition, a student may participate in a maximum of four games against the same opponent if a match is two of three games and six games if the varsity match is three of five games.
30.6. Scrimmages: Two volleyball scrimmages with another high school or one scrimmage and one preview may be conducted. (See Glossary.)
30.7. Individual students of a team must have practiced on 12 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, before participating in an interscholastic contest.
30.8. A student may not play or practice on a non-school volleyball team while a member of the school team.
30.9. A student may accept awards only in WVSSAC sanctioned events during the season of that sport. These awards must be consistent with the items specified in §127-3-5. Students may accept only this same type of award in non-sanctioned events outside the sport season.
30.10. Middle Schools: The above will apply for middle schools with the following adaptations:
30.10.a. Middle school teams will be permitted 18 playing dates. Tournament exception does apply. Schools may play no more than two extra dates during the end-of-season conference/county tournament.
30.10.b. Organized team practice will begin on Monday of Week 6, and the first contest may be played on Wednesday of Week 8.
30.10.c. Middle school season will be completed by Saturday of Week 17.
30.10.d. Middle school teams are permitted one scrimmage. (See Glossary.)
W. Va. Code R. § 127-3-31 Wrestling (Boys)
31.1. Rules: Wrestling rules published by the NFHS are the official rules for all interscholastic competition unless otherwise provided by Commission modification.
31.2. Organized Team Practice: Organized team practice will begin on Monday of Week 20, and the first contest may be played on Wednesday of Week 22.
31.3. Length of Season: The wrestling season will end for each team or individual at tournament elimination.
31.4. Maximum Team Contest: A high school wrestling team will be permitted to have no more than 18 varsity weigh-ins, and 18 girls’ JV weigh-ins. A male or female participant may participate in no more than a total of 18 weigh-ins exclusive of the state duals qualifier and state duals tournament as well as the regional and state tournament contests between the varsity, JV, and girl’s JV matches.
31.4.a. Triangular and quadrangular weigh-ins count as one weigh-in. Weigh-ins in which five or more schools participate count as two weigh-ins. A dual meet, in which only two teams compete, shall only count as one-half of a weigh-in point.
31.5. Scrimmages: Two wrestling scrimmages with another high school may be conducted. (See Glossary.) One of the scrimmages can be a multi-team event, and the other scrimmage shall be with one other team.
31.6. Individual students of a team must have practiced on 12 separate days, exclusive of the day of a contest, before participating in an interscholastic contest.
31.7. A student may accept awards only in WVSSAC sanctioned events during the season of that sport. These awards must be consistent with the items specified in §127-3-5. Students may accept only this same type of award in non-sanctioned events outside the sport season.
31.8. Middle Schools: The above will apply for middle schools with the following adaptations:
31.8.a. Organized Team Practice: Organized team practice will begin on Monday of Week 19, and the first contest may be played on Wednesday of Week 22.
31.8.b. Middle school teams may have 16 weigh-ins excluding any conference tournament.
31.8.c. Middle school teams are permitted one scrimmage under the same conditions as a high school.
31.8.d. Middle school season will be completed by Saturday of Week 33.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
ACADEMIC YEAR - the period of time occurring between the first day of July and ending on the 30th day of June, during which a student must meet the educational requirements equivalent to an instructional term as provided in W. Va. Code §18-8-1.
COACH - county board/governing body contracted or approved facilitator of any secondary school athletic team.
COMMISSION/WVSSAC - West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission CONTEST or GAME – one or more of the following conditions are present: previous agreement, advertisement, score and/or time kept, spectators present, regulation or modified rules used, coverage appearing in local media, sufficient number of students to form teams, admission charged, and/or contest officiated by registered officials.
ENROLLMENT – the date on which a student makes official notice to enroll in a school, as established by the local county board of education. Official notice, as a minimum, is defined as an intent to enroll form that is signed by both the parent/guardian and the principal/principal/designee. Unless official notice is provided as set forth above, the day after a student completes the last day of elementary school and/or middle school, he/she is considered enrolled at the feeder middle/high school for purposes of interscholastic athletic eligibility.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES - nonacademic activities such as interscholastic athletics, student government, class officers, marching band that is not a part of the curricular band, and clubs which are not closely related to identifiable programs/areas of study.
FACULTY MEMBER - one who has a full-time teacher permit as defined by W. Va. 126CSR136, Policy 5202, Minimum Requirements for the Licensure of Professional/Paraprofessional Personnel and Advanced Salary Classification.
FEEDER SCHOOL - the school(s) designated by the county board of education/governing body as the school of attendance prior to entrance into the high school.
GRID-O-RAMA/SOCCER-O-RAMA – must adhere to rules of Preview and Scrimmage (see definitions).
IMAGE – means a picture or video of the student athlete LIKENESS - means a physical, digital, or other depiction or representation of the student athlete.
MEMBER SCHOOL - a school that is a member of the WVSSAC.
NAME - the first, middle, last name, or nickname of the student athlete when used in a context that reasonably identifies the student athlete with particularity, which may include a team member, symbol, logo, or brand.
PARTICIPATION – Attending and/or participating in any manner during a WVSSAC established sport season, including, but not limited to: practice, a try out, dressing by not entering a contest, etc.
PRACTICE - A sport specific, organized activity under the supervision of a county board of education approved coach within a WVSSAC established sport season.
PRINCIPAL - the individual charged with supervision, management, and control of a secondary school.
PROMOTION – Students are considered promoted to the next grade level immediately upon completion of the instructional term as defined by the county board of education’s/private school governing organization’s approved school calendar.
SCRIMMAGE - after five days of practice; prior to the first contest.
SEMESTER - a block of instructional time that is equivalent to at least one-half of the academic year. (See W. Va. 126CSR42, WVBE Policy 2510, Assuring the Quality of Education: Regulations for Education Programs.)
SECONDARY SCHOOL - a high school or middle school as registered with the WVDE.
STUDENT - a male or female participant in interscholastic athletics or band activities.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER - a person in a public school who has met the requirements as specified by the WVBE and has been approved as a substitute teacher of that county board of education, or a person who has met the requirements of the governing body of a private/parochial school.
VARSITY - primary representative team of a high school.
Series 04 Provisions Governing Conduct
W. Va. Code R. § 127-4-1 General
1.1. Scope. -- These rules govern conduct for active and spectator participants, coaches, and all other school personnel at interscholastic athletic events.
1.2. Authority. -- W. Va. Constitution, Article XII, §2 and W. Va. Code §18-2-5 and §18-2-25 et seq.
1.3. Filing Date. -- August 12, 2026.
1.4. Effective Date. -- September 11, 2026.
1.5. Repeal of Former Rule. -- This legislative rule amends W. Va. 127CSR4, West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Series 4, Provisions Governing Conduct, filed July 9, 2025, and effective August 8, 2025.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-4-2 Sportsmanship
2.1. Member schools are required to conduct all relations with other schools in a spirit of good sportsmanship. Acts which are prima facie evidence of failure to abide by this rule are those which are noted below and others of similar nature which violate the accepted code of good sportsmanship.
2.2. It shall be the responsibility of the host schools to take proper steps and precautions to ensure that crowd and spectator control is handled reasonably at all interscholastic athletic contests including all post season athletic contests whether home or away. In addition to the spectators, attention must be directed to the safety, comfort, and security of the coaches, officials, and students. Their seating accommodations should protect them from spectator interference.
2.3. It shall be the responsibility of all member schools to use every means at its disposal to impress upon its faculty, student body, team members, coaching staff, officials, and spectators the values of sportsmanship in preparation for the conduct and management of interscholastic contests.
2.4. It shall be the responsibility of an administrator, spectator, student, and coach to follow those directions provided for in the Code for Interscholastic Athletics.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-4-3 Code for Interscholastic Athletics
3.1. The school administrator shall:
3.1.a. Encourage and promote friendly relationships and good sportsmanship throughout the school by requiring courtesy and proper decorum at all times, by acquainting students and others in the community with ideals of good sportsmanship. These concepts and attitudes shall be publicized so that all members of the school and community can understand their meaning.
3.1.b. Ensure full compliance with all rules and regulations of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission, hereinafter referred to in this rule as the WVSSAC.
3.1.c. Secure WV registered officials for all contests.
3.1.d. Ensure adequate safety provisions for all activities, for both participants and spectators.
3.1.e. Approve activities and schedules which are educationally and physically sound for the student.
3.1.f. Encourage all to judge the success of the athletic program on the basis of the education goals and the attitude of the participants and spectators, rather than on the basis of the number of games won or lost.
3.1.g. Ensure that the students exemplify the highest standards of good sportsmanship as a means of inculcating desirable spectator attitudes.
3.1.h. Provide adequate hygienic, sanitary, and appropriately maintained facilities for the dressing and housing of visiting teams and officials.
3.1.i. Review with staff the Sportsmanship Rule.
3.2. The coach shall:
3.2.a. Demonstrate good sportsmanship in personal behavior and demand the same standards of the students.
3.2.b. Recognize that the purpose of competition is to promote the physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being of the students and that the most important values of competition are derived from playing the game fairly.
3.2.c. Accept adverse decisions without public display of emotion or of dissatisfaction with the officials.
3.2.d. Cooperate with the school administrator in the planning, scheduling, and conduct of sports activities.
3.2.e. Utilize appropriate educational methods in coaching, giving all students an opportunity to use and develop initiative, leadership, and judgment.
3.2.f. Monitor the physical condition and well-being of the students by refusing to jeopardize the health of an individual for the sake of improving the team’s chances to win.
3.2.g. Prohibit gambling, profanity, abusive language, and similar violations of good sportsmanship.
3.2.h. Refuse to disparage an opponent, an official, or others associated with athletic activities and discourage gossip and questionable rumors concerning them.
3.2.i. Properly supervise students under their immediate care and specifically observe a coach’s responsibilities in conjunction with state interscholastic contests.
3.3. The spectator shall:
3.3.a. Realize that they represent the school just as definitely as does the member of a team, and, therefore, have an obligation to exhibit good sportsmanship.
3.3.b. Recognize that good sportsmanship is more important than victory by approving and applauding good team play, and individual skill exhibited by either team.
3.3.c. Recognize the primary purpose of interscholastic athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social, and emotional well-being of the students through the medium of contests.
3.3.d. Treat visiting teams and officials as guests, extending to them every courtesy.
3.3.e. Respect the judgment and integrity of officials, realizing that their decisions are based upon game conditions as they observe them.
3.4. The student shall:
3.4.a. Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times which shall include being courteous to visiting teams and officials.
3.4.b. Participate to the limit of their ability. The true student does not give up, nor do they quarrel, cheat, bet, or grandstand.
3.4.c. Maintain a high degree of physical fitness by observing team and training rules conscientiously.
3.4.d. Demonstrate loyalty to the school by maintaining satisfactory scholastic standing and by participating in and supporting other school activities.
3.4.e. Understand and observe the rules of the game and the standards of eligibility.
3.4.f. Respect the integrity and judgment of officials and accept their decisions without questions.
3.4.g. Respect the facilities of host schools and the trust entailed in being a guest.
3.4.h. The cheerleader shall always cheer positively for the team and never negatively against the opponent.
3.5. The official shall:
3.5.a. Place the welfare of the student above all other considerations.
3.5.b. Know the game rules thoroughly and give intelligent interpretations.
3.5.c. Maintain confidence and control from start to finish.
3.5.d. Work cooperatively with fellow officials and school administrators.
3.5.e. Refrain from exhibiting emotions or arguing with a student, coach, or spectator. Maintain self-control under all conditions.
3.5.f. Be fair, impartial, and professional.
3.5.g. Be neat and dress in the appropriate uniform.
3.5.h. Be in adequate physical condition for the demands of the particular sport.
3.5.i. So conduct the game as to enlist the cooperation of students, coaches, and spectators in the interest of good sportsmanship.
3.6. Protection, Facilities, and Assistance. The home team shall furnish supervision. Outdoor facilities or playing facilities should be separated from the spectators by a restraining barrier (fence, wire, rope, etc.). Officials should be provided with a parking space, private dressing facilities not accessible to unauthorized personnel, and should be paid in a timely manner. The use of trained, competent, adult “assistant officials,” i.e., scorers, timers, chain and down marker crews, etc., is strongly recommended.
3.7. Statement of Policy. Insofar as unsportsmanlike actions by students, school administrators, officials, coaches, faculty members, and spectators are concerned, the identical items under the Sportsmanship Rule along with the following guides will be referred to by the WVSSAC:
3.7.a. The school whose coach behaves in a manner likely to have adverse influence on the attitudes of students or spectators may be provided with the choice of taking disciplinary action against that coach or having the entire school disciplined by the WVSSAC.
3.7.b. Any student who in protest lays hands or attempts to lay hands upon an official may be declared ineligible by the principal or by the WVSSAC for up to one year. Any student who strikes an opponent, coach, or a spectator during or following an athletic event may be declared ineligible by the principal or the WVSSAC for a specified period of time up to one year, depending on the seriousness of the act.
3.7.c. Any coach, player, team member, student, or bench personnel ejected or disqualified by rule or by an official, referee, judge, or other such person charged to administer participation, will be suspended for the remainder of a game, match, meet, contest or other interscholastic event, (ejected, disqualified, or disqualification hereafter) (excepting any applicable ejection or disqualification sport specific rule not involving sportsmanship). The coach, player, team member, student, or bench personnel ejected or disqualified will also be suspended an additional contest(s); the suspension is assessed based upon ten (10) percent of the allowed regular season contests for that sport. Regardless of when the suspension occurs (regular season or post season), the length of the suspension (number of contests) will be as follows: golf (two); cross country (two); soccer (two); volleyball (two play dates); football (one); cheer (one); swim (two); wrestling (two weigh ins); boys basketball (two); girls basketball (two); tennis (two); track (two); softball (three); and baseball (three). The suspension will include the number of indicated contests in that sport and at that level and all other sport contests in the interim at any level. A second ejection or disqualification will result in the doubling of the suspension assessed for the first ejection. If an individual is ejected or disqualified for a third time during the same sport season, the individual will be suspended from participating or coaching for 365 calendar days from the date of ejection or disqualification. In accordance with Rule §127‑3‑15.3, an individual ejected or disqualified may not appeal that ejection or disqualification, but may appeal any subsequent suspension that is a consequence of the ejection or disqualification.
3.7.c.1. Any coach, player, or bench personnel who have been ejected shall not be permitted to attend any contest(s) during said suspension. This would include, but not be limited to, transportation to or from the contest, meeting with the team before, during, or after said contest. He/she is not permitted to be in sight or sound of said contest venue. Regular practice or team meetings not affiliated with a contest are permitted.
3.7.c.2. If suspensions are imposed to a student or bench personnel at the end of the sport season and no contest remains, the suspension is carried over to that particular sport until the next school year. In the case of a senior student, the penalty will continue to the next WVSSAC sponsored sport. In the case of an 8th grade student, the suspension shall be served either in the same sport the next school year or in the same school year in the next WVSSAC sponsored sport in which the student participates.
3.7.c.3. Any coach suspension that cannot be enforced during the sport season in which the ejection occurs will be enforced at the beginning of the next season of that same sport.
3.7.d. In case of spectators physically molesting an official, administrator, coach, or student, the school may be given one of two options: 1) file charges against the offender (s) or 2) accept discipline from the WVSSAC. Any person found guilty of W. Va. Code §61-2-15(a) Assault, Battery on Athletic Officials, while these individuals are working or as a result of working an athletic contest, shall be banned from all WVSSAC athletic events for a minimum of 365 days from the date of being found guilty. The school filing charges shall notify the WVSSAC of the incident and outcome of any legal action.
3.7.e. The school that does not lend complete cooperation in the host school’s effort to promote the spirit of good sportsmanship may be disciplined by the WVSSAC.
3.7.f. A coach may be considered as committing unsportsmanlike conduct if they make degrading remarks about officials during or after a game either on the field of play, from the bench, or through any public news media, argues with officials, or goes through motions indicating dislike for a decision, protests the decision and actions of officials pertaining to the game during and after the contest, or detains the official on the field of play following a game to request a ruling or explanation of some phase of the game. If a coach feels he/she has a legitimate criticism of a penalty call or a request for a rule interpretation, such criticism or request should be made in the privacy of the coach’s office or the official’s quarters and should be made in a courteous manner.
3.7.g. In the event of an altercation, a student or team attendant shall not leave the bench area, team box area, or their designated off-field area during a game or contest other than during that time permitted by game or contest rules. A coach shall not leave the bench area, team box area, or the designated off-field area during a game or contest other than during that time permitted by game or contest rules unless a student altercation is taking place and the official requests assistance. Violation of this rule shall cause the coach, student, or team attendant to be immediately ejected from the contest; the team penalized according to game or contest rules; and that coach, student, or team attendant will not be eligible to participate in the next contest as outlined in §127-4-2.3.
3.8. Procedure. Unsportsmanship action must be reported in detail to the WVSSAC. A copy of the complaint must also be filed with the principal of the school involved. Each principal involved shall report such information or answers to the report as they deem appropriate. Upon receipt of all reports, the Executive Director and/or the Board of Directors of the WVSSAC shall investigate and adjudicate such reports in accordance with the powers afforded in W. Va. §127CSR1, Constitution, sections 8.6, 8.7, 12.2, and 12.3. Penalties up to and including suspension of member schools may be made in accordance with §127CSR4.
3.9. Appeals. All cases involving disciplinary action against member schools, coaches, students, team attendants, or officials may be protested in accordance with W. Va. §127CSR6, Violations of the Rules (Rule §127CSR6). However, disciplinary action imposed by an official, including disciplinary action that is a consequence of a decision by an official, such as a suspension for an additional game or games as a consequence of an ejection, is governed by Rule §127CSR3, section 15.3, and is not subject to appeal. 3.10 Review of Ejections. Disciplinary action imposed by a contest official, including disciplinary action that results in a suspension for an additional game or games as a consequence of an ejection, is not subject to appeal pursuant to Rule §127CSR6. However, if the individual ejected believes the ejection was improper, he/she may request a review of the ejection by his/her principal. If the principal believes there is merit in the requested review, the principal shall complete and submit the WVSSAC Ejection Review Form within 24 hours or the next business day of the ejection to the Executive Director of the WVSSAC. If a review is properly requested, the WVSSAC will review the officials’ special report, the WVSSAC Ejection Review Form, and such other information as the WVSSAC deems appropriate. Upon review, the WVSSAC Executive Director or the designated Assistant Director will either sustain the ejection and any consequent suspension(s) or will determine the ejection was improper and void any consequent suspension(s). A decision by the WVSSAC upon reviewing an ejection is not subject to appeal pursuant to Rule §127CSR6.
Series 05 Band and Other Activities
W. Va. Code R. § 127-5-1 General
1.1. Scope. -- These rules and regulations govern band and other West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission sanctioned activities.
1.2. Authority. -- W. Va. Constitution, Article XII, §2, and W. Va. Code §§18-2-5, 18-2-25, 18-2-25a, and 18‑2‑25b.
1.3. Filing Date. -- July 14, 2022.
1.4. Effective Date. -- September 12, 2022.
1.5. Repeal of Former Rule. -- This legislative rule amends W. Va. 127CSR5, West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Series 5, Band Activities, filed August 10, 2018, and effective October 9, 2018.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-5-2 Enrollment and Membership - Band
2.1. All members of a member school band must be enrolled in that school; §127-5-2.3 is the only exception.
2.2. Majorettes, flag corps, drill teams, etc. are considered an integral part of the band and shall be adjudicated and governed accordingly. Any performance by a majorette, member of a flag corps or drill team, without the band, shall not be considered a band activity.
2.3. Instrumental music students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades of a feeder school which does not have its own band and who receive their instruction from the band director of the high school band in which the students will eventually enroll shall be eligible to participate in the band directed by their instructor.
2.4. Participants in secondary school interscholastic band activities shall be eligible only for the number of years in which they are enrolled and attending a secondary school.
2.5. Students enrolled in schools serving grades five through eight may be eligible to participate in all band activities.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-5-3 Scholarship - Band
3.1. All high school students are required to be enrolled in the equivalent of at least four content area course credits toward graduation. Failure to earn passing marks in the equivalent of at least four content area courses toward graduation shall render a student ineligible for the following semester.
3.1.a. Two of those four content area course credits must be in English language arts, social studies, mathematics or science, and may or may not be in the same subject.
3.1.b. If a student has completed all state, county, and school requirements, they may select four full credits from any area of the curriculum offered by the school.
3.1.c. If a student is taking a multiple period block course, such as vocational courses for a full morning or afternoon, it may be counted as more than one course. The number of courses counted will be equal to the units of full credits given; however, §127-5-1.1 and §127-5-1.2 apply.
3.2. Full credit may be awarded for outside courses and experimental programs developed by the school itself provided that it meets standards established by the county and West Virginia Board of Education. Such credit must be earned during the regular school term.
3.3. In order for a withdrawn student or expelled student to regain eligibility, the student must complete one semester of school work.
3.4. Scholastic deficiencies cannot be made up after the last day of the semester, except when a student’s final examination(s) and course credit are delayed due to illness verified by a physician.
3.5. In all cases, the official school transcript determines a student’s eligibility and is regarded as final.
3.6. A student promoted to the 6th grade for the first time is considered to have satisfied scholastic requirements and is permitted to participate during the first semester of initial enrollment in that grade, provided the student is otherwise eligible.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-5-4 Festivals - Band
4.1. The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC/Commission) Board of Directors (Board of Directors) shall divide the state into regions for the purpose of band festivals and shall have the authority to place bands in those regions. They shall also determine the time, place, and management of these events.
4.2. All bands participating in those festivals shall be composed of students that meet the qualification standards set forth in these rules.
4.3. The Board of Directors shall appoint directors for the festivals. One of their responsibilities will be to contract adjudicators for the festivals.
4.4. Newly established programs are not required to participate in the regional festival.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-5-5 Sanctioning - Band
5.1. On or before September 1 of each school year, the Board of Directors shall provide each member school a list of approved school sponsored and non-school sponsored contests and activities in which member bands may participate during the ensuing year.
5.2. Additions to this list may be made after September 1 of each school year, provided that the request for approval is filed with the Commission office at least 30 days prior to the activity.
5.3. In order to qualify for approved participation in activities outside the home county and counties contiguous to the home county (including out-of-state), bands of member schools must have participated within the guidelines of the WVSSAC Band Festival Plan in the most recently conducted regional band festival.
5.4. A school band shall not be absent from school more than five school days each year for the purpose of participating in band activities.
5.5. The regulations above apply only during the regular school term.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-5-6 Awards - Band
6.1. Only a member school or a non-school organization sponsoring an activity approved by this Commission may give the following awards to a student or band: medal, trophy, cup, certificate, ribbon, plaque, unattached letter, unattached chevron, or similar award.
6.2. A student may accept as an individual or member of a school band the above specified awards in the following situations:
6.2.a. from a member school for participation;
6.2.b. in a sanctioned event; or
6.2. c. in a non-sanctioned event during the summer.
6.3. A student may not receive the following awards with a retail value that exceeds $100.00:
6.3.a. Wearing apparel - sweaters, jackets, etc.;
6.3.b. Equipment - radio, television, etc.;
6.3.c. Music instruments, batons, etc.; and
6.3.d. Money (scholarship to institutions of higher learning are exempted).
6.4. Member school bands may accept prizes and/or gratuities for participation in sanctioned events during the school term and in non-sanctioned events during the summer.
6.5. Purchase for a student of an item mentioned in §127-5-6.3.a-d whereby a portion is donated by a school, booster club, auxiliary agency, or any other group or organization cannot exceed the specified limit.
6.6. Nothing in §127-5-6 shall be interpreted to affect the recognition of scholarship or scholastic achievement.
6.7. Any student who accepts an award in any band activity, other than those approved in these rules, shall be ineligible to participate in any band activity for 365 days.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-5-7 Classification of Schools - Band
7.1. There shall be three classes of schools for bands: Class AAA, Class AA, and Class A. The Board of Directors is authorized to determine the size of enrollment in each class.
7.2. Classification shall be determined every four years in the even numbered year and, when established, shall remain in effect for four school years. Classification shall be based on the second month’s enrollment of the previous odd numbered year.
7.3. Enrollment standard for schools will be the active enrollment of the total number of students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.
7.4. Member middle schools will not be given a classification.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-5-8 Enrollment and Membership - Robotics
8.1. All members of a member school robotics team must be enrolled in that school.
8.2. Participants in secondary school interscholastic robotics activities shall be eligible only for the number of years in which they are enrolled and attending a secondary school.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-5-9 Scholarship - Robotics
9.1. All students are required to be enrolled in the equivalent of at least four content area course credits toward graduation to participate in the state championship tournament. Failure to earn passing marks in the equivalent of at least four content area courses toward graduation shall render a student ineligible for the following semester.
9.1.a. Two of those four content area course credits must be in English language arts, social studies, mathematics, or science, and may or may not be in the same subject.
9.1.b. If a student has completed all state, county, and school requirements, the student may select four full credits from any area of the curriculum offered by the school.
9.1.c. If a student is taking a multiple period block course, such as vocational courses for a full morning or afternoon, it may be counted as more than one course. The number of courses counted will be equal to the units of full credits given; however, §127-5-1.1 and §127-5-1.2 apply.
9.2. Full credit may be awarded for outside courses and experimental programs developed by the school itself provided that it meets standards established by the county and West Virginia Board of Education. Such credit must be earned during the regular school term.
9.3. In order for a withdrawn student or expelled student to regain eligibility, the student must complete one semester of school work.
9.4. Scholastic deficiencies cannot be made up after the last day of the semester, except when a student’s final examination(s) and course credit are delayed due to illness verified by a physician.
9.5. In all cases, the official school transcript determines a student’s eligibility and is regarded as final.
9.6. A student promoted to the 6th grade for the first time is considered to have satisfied scholastic requirements and is permitted to participate during the first semester of initial enrollment in that grade, provided the student is otherwise eligible.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-5-10 Events - Robotics
10.1. The Board of Directors shall divide the state into regions for the purpose of regional and state events and shall have the authority to place the high school robotic teams in those regions. The Board of Directors shall also determine the time, place, and management of these events.
10.2. Regular season and state tournament events shall follow the rules listed in the robotic manual found on the WVSSAC website. 10.3 All high school robotic teams participating in regional and state tournaments shall be composed of students that meet the qualification standards set forth in these rules.
10.3.a. Member schools may host separate invitational robotics tournaments.
10.3.b. Member schools shall not participate in any interscholastic contest or practice against non-school teams (see §127-3-12).
10.4. The Board of Directors shall appoint directors for the regional and state events.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-5-11 Awards - Robotics
11.1. Only a member school or a school sponsoring a sanctioned event may give the following awards to a student or team: medal, trophy, cup, certificate, ribbon, plaque, unattached letter, unattached chevron, or any similar award.
11.2. A student may accept on an individual or team basis the above specified awards in the following situations:
11.2.a. from a member school for participation; or
11.2.b. in a sanctioned event.
11.3. A student may not receive the following awards with a retail value that exceeds $100.00:
11.3.a. apparel - sweaters, jackets, jerseys, shoes, etc.;
11.3.b. equipment - radio, televisions, etc.;
11.3.c. robotics goods;
11.3.d. money (scholarships to institutions of higher learning are exempted).
11.4. Purchase of an item as identified in §127-3-5.3, whereby any portion is donated by a school, booster club, auxiliary agency, or any other group or organization cannot exceed the specified limit.
11.5. Nothing in §127-3-11 shall be interpreted to affect the recognition of scholarship or scholastic achievements.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-5-12 Classification of Schools – Robotics
12.1. There shall be up to three classes of schools for robotics: Class AAA, Class AA, and Class A. The Board of Directors is authorized to determine the size of enrollment in each class.
12.2. Classification shall be determined every four years in the even numbered year and, when established, shall remain in effect for four school years. Classification shall be based on the second month’s enrollment of the previous odd numbered year.
12.3. Enrollment standard for schools will be the active enrollment of the total number of students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12.
12.4. Member middle schools will not be given a classification.
Series 06 Violations of the Rules
W. Va. Code R. § 127-6-1 General
1.1. Scope. -- These rules govern the procedures for protests, contested cases, and waiver of rules.
1.2. Authority. -- W. Va. Constitution, Article XII, §2 and W. Va. Code §18-2-25.
1.3. Filing Date. -- August 12, 2026.
1.4. Effective Date. -- September 11, 2026.
1.5. Repeal of Former Rule. -- This legislative rule amends W. Va. 127CSR3, West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission Series 3, Provisions Governing Contests, filed July 13, 2007, and effective September 11, 2007.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-6-2 Powers of the Board of Directors to Impose Penalties
2.1. All violations of rules and questions of dispute are within the power of the Board of Directors to investigate, through the Executive Director, or other authorized person or persons, and to impose such penalties as are prescribed elsewhere in this Constitution and Bylaws and as listed below.
2.2. If the Board of Directors finds a school guilty of violating the provisions of this Constitution and Bylaws, said Board of Directors has the power to:
2.2.1. Declare the school ineligible for championship honors or other activities for the current year in the activity in which the offense occurred.
2.2.2. Place the school on probation for a period of time not to exceed 365 days from the date of such finding. Such probation may include the loss of voting rights for the member and/or the loss of the privilege of the member school to participate in any or all interscholastic events which are sanctioned, controlled or sponsored by this Commission, and/or the imposition of other restrictive measures as the Board of Directors may deem advisable.
2.2.3. Assess such fines as are deemed necessary and just.
2.2.4. Impose such other additional penalties as may seem justifiable in the particular case considered.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-6-3 Method for Protests - Deputies
3.1. If charges against any member of the Commission cannot be satisfactorily resolved by the Deputy Board Member in the region in which such charges originate, then the charges shall be submitted in writing to the Executive Director of the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC).
3.2. If the Executive Director is unable to resolve the charges in a manner satisfactory to the schools concerned, he shall submit the protest to the Board of Directors and the decision of said Board shall be final except as provided in §127-1-13.3.1 of the Constitution.
3.3. In no case shall a protest be heard by said Board unless the principal bringing the charges notifies in writing the principal of the school being protested. A copy of such notification shall accompany the protest sent to the Executive Director.
3.4. The principal of a school against which charges have been preferred shall be permitted to appear before the Board of Directors.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-6-4 Method of Protests - Executive Director
4.1. If the Executive Director has reason to believe that any member of the WVSSAC has or is violating the rules of the Commission, he shall make such investigation as he deems necessary to determine the innocence or guilt of the suspected member.
4.2. The Executive Director shall then report his findings to the principal of the offending school and set a time and place for a meeting with the principal of the school, at which meeting the principal shall be permitted to submit any pertinent evidence in defense of his school.
4.2.a. The following defines the different types of disciplinary action which may be assessed for violation of any WVSSAC rule by a member school, administrator, coach, athlete or contest official:
4.2.a.1. Warning. A warning may be given by the Executive Director or Assistant Executive Director. It is official notice that an inexcusable, unethical, or unsportsmanship action has occurred, is a matter of record, and that such an occurrence must not be repeated.
4.2.a.2. Probation. Probation is a much more severe type of warning and may be expressed two ways: 1) a school, coach, student, or team attendant on probation is told that further violations will lead to a fine or suspension; and/or 2) a school on probation is on conditional WVSSAC membership but may engage in its regular schedule, sanctioned events, and all WVSSAC tournament play, providing a program is filed with the Executive Director of the WVSSAC indicating measures to be taken to alleviate this problem which caused the school to be placed on probation.
4.2.a.3. Suspension. A school/coach suspended from the WVSSAC may not meet in interscholastic competition of any kind with a WVSSAC member school or a school that is a member of another state associated with the National Federation of State High School Associations.
4.2.a.4. Fine. A fine may be levied by the Executive Director.
4.2.a.5. Each of these sanctions (Warning, Probation, Suspension, and Fine) may be imposed or levied separately, or in a combination of one or more sanctions.
4.3. If the principal is not then satisfied with the decision of the Executive Director, a request may be made for a hearing before the Board of Directors at such time and place as is convenient for both the principal and the Board.
4.4. In no case shall the Board of Directors hear charges and render a decision unless the principal is given an opportunity to appear in defense of his school. After all evidence has been submitted, the Board of Directors shall render a decision which shall be final except as provided in §127-1-13.3 of the Constitution.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-6-5 Method of Protests - Contested Cases
5.1. Commencement of an appeal in a contested case by an aggrieved party, hereinafter named the petitioner, shall be instituted by the filing of a verified petition which shall contain:
5.1.1. The name and address of the petitioner.
5.1.2. The interest of the petitioner.
5.1.3. A statement of facts.
5.1.4. A statement of jurisdiction.
5.1.5. A designation of the applicable rule or rules involved.
5.1.6. An assignment of errors relied upon.
5.1.7. A statement of the relief requested.
5.2. Petitions for appeal shall be served upon the WVSSAC by registered or certified mail.
5.3. The Executive Director, or any other interested party, may file an answer, but failure to file an answer will be interpreted as a denial of the allegations contained in the petition. If they elect to file an answer, it shall contain the following:
5.3.1. Allegation of facts with denials, additional facts or other pertinent data.
5.3.2. A statement of other applicable rules and statutes.
5.3.3. A statement of objections, if any, to the parties or other portion of the petition.
5.3.4. Designation of other interested parties.
5.4. All answers shall be filed with the Board of Directors within five (5) days after receipt of the petition for appeal.
5.5. In the event that the parties are unable to dispose of the issues without a hearing or if the Board of Directors elects to proceed without a pre-hearing conference, the Executive Director shall notify all parties in writing of the date, time and place set for a hearing on the appeal. The notice shall be given at least seven (7) days in advance of the time set for the hearing and shall contain a short and plain statement of the issues involved. Said hearing shall be conducted in conjunction with a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors. In this event, costs for such a meeting shall not be taxed against the petitioner(s).
5.6. The matter may be heard at a special meeting of the Board of Directors provided the petitioner(s) agrees in writing to pay all costs incidental to such meeting. Such costs shall not exceed the actual expenses incurred. The Board of Directors, at its discretion, may require the petitioner(s) to post adequate security for such costs with the Executive Director.
5.7. If the petitioner(s)’ appeal should prevail at the special meeting of the Board of Directors or at a subsequent hearing before the Review Board, the security deposit or the posted costs shall be returned to the petitioner(s).
5.8. All parties to any appeal may represent themselves or be represented by an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of West Virginia.
5.9. Irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence shall be excluded. Objections to evidentiary offers shall be noted in the record. Any party to any such hearings may vouch the record as to any excluded testimony or other evidence.
5.10. All evidence, including papers, records, Commission staff memoranda, and documents, in the possession of the Commission, of which it desires to avail itself, shall be offered and made a part of the record in the case. Documentary evidence may be received in the form of copies of excerpts or by incorporation by reference.
5.11. Every party shall have the right of cross-examination of witnesses who testify, and shall have the right to submit rebuttal evidence.
5.12. All of the testimony and evidence of any such hearing shall be reported by stenographic notes and characters or by mechanical means. All rulings on the admissibility of testimony and evidence shall also be reported. The Board of Directors shall prepare an official record, which shall include reported testimony and exhibits in each contested case, and all Commission staff memoranda and data used in consideration of the case, but it shall not be necessary to transcribe the reported testimony unless required for purpose of rehearing or review. Informal disposition may also be made of any contested case by stipulation, agreed settlement, consent order or default.
W. Va. Code R. § 127-6-6 Review Board
6.1. Appeals taken on questions of law, fact or both, shall be heard upon assignment of error filed in the cause or set out in the briefs of the appellant. Errors not argued by brief may be disregarded, but the Review Board may consider and decide errors which are not assigned or argued.
6.2. The review shall be conducted by the Review Board without a jury and shall be upon the records made before the Commission, except that in cases of alleged irregularities in procedure before the Commission not shown in the record, testimony thereon may be taken before the Review Board. The Review Board may hear oral arguments and require written briefs.
6.3. After hearing all evidence and arguments, the Review Board shall render a decision in one of three forms: (1) sustaining the ruling of the Board of Directors; (2) reversing the ruling of the Board of Directors; or (3) remanding the matter to the Board of Directors for further action. The Board of Review shall reverse, vacate or modify the order or decision of the Board of Directors if the substantial rights of the petitioner or petitioners have been prejudiced because of the administrative findings, inferences, conclusions, decisions or order are (1) in violation of constitutional or statutory provisions; or (2) in excess of the statutory authority or jurisdiction of the Commission; or (3) made upon unlawful procedures; or (4) affected by other error of law; or (5) clearly wrong in view of the reliable probative and substantial evidence on the whole record; or (6) arbitrary or capricious or characterized by abuse of discretion or clearly unwarranted exercise of discretion.
6.4. Four members, present and voting, shall constitute a quorum for the Review Board to transact all business.
6.5. A majority vote of those members of the Review Board in attendance at any hearing shall be required to render a decision. A tie vote shall result in the decision of the Board of Directors being sustained. Such decision shall be final and binding on all parties concerned.
6.6. Within thirty (30) days from the date of any hearing, the Review Board shall make a written report of its decision, stating briefly therein its reasons for such a decision. Copies of the report shall be mailed to the State Superintendent of Schools, the Executive Director of the WVSSAC, the aggrieved party bringing the said appeal and, upon written request, to other interested parties. The order may be transmitted by email.
6.7. Nothing in this Article shall be construed to limit the Board of Directors in performing its regular duties as provided in the Constitution and Bylaws of the WVSSAC; in making investigations and initiating proceedings against any member of said Commission; in making interpretations of the rules of eligibility of student athletes, cheerleaders or band members; or in imposing penalties for the violations of any rules, regulations, or Bylaws of said Commission.
6.8. To the extent the Constitution §§127-1-8.5 and Rules 127-6-2, 127-6-3.2 and 127-6-4.4 infer or state that decisions of the Board of Directors are final, such are hereby modified only to the extent that such final decision of the Board of Directors may be appealed within the time limit in the manner prescribed elsewhere in this Article and affirmed, reversed or remanded by the Board of Review.
Poursuivez vos recherches dans ChatGPT ou Claude
Connectez Omnilex pour rechercher dans le corpus juridique depuis votre assistant IA.