West Virginia Code of State Rules Agency 127 - Secondary School Activities Commission
West Virginia Code of State Rules
Agency 127 – Secondary School Activities Commission (SSAC)
Purpose and Overview
Agency 127 governs the regulation and administration of extracurricular activities and interscholastic competitions for secondary schools in West Virginia. Its mission is to promote fair, safe, and educationally enriching experiences for student participants while maintaining high standards of sportsmanship and eligibility.
Organizational Structure
Commission Members:
The Commission consists of appointed members who oversee policy decisions, rulemaking, and enforcement related to secondary school activities.
Executive Staff:
Responsible for daily administration, event coordination, compliance monitoring, and support for member schools.
Scope of Authority
The SSAC governs:
Athletic competitions across various sports.
Non-athletic extracurricular activities, including academic and artistic competitions.
Eligibility requirements for student participation.
Rules for fair play, safety, and conduct.
Member schools voluntarily affiliate with the Commission and agree to abide by its rules.
Key Functions and Responsibilities
1. Eligibility Rules
Establish academic, age, residence, and conduct standards that students must meet to participate.
Monitor compliance through school reporting and audits.
Address violations through hearings and disciplinary actions.
2. Competition Rules
Set standardized rules for the conduct of games, matches, and contests.
Determine classifications and divisions based on school size or other criteria to ensure equitable competition.
Schedule and approve state-level tournaments and championships.
3. Safety and Sportsmanship
Develop guidelines to promote student safety during activities, including concussion protocols and injury prevention.
Encourage sportsmanship among players, coaches, and spectators.
Enforce penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct or rule violations.
4. Dispute Resolution
Provide a structured process for schools, coaches, or students to appeal decisions or report grievances.
Hold hearings and issue rulings that are binding within the Commission’s authority.
5. Rulemaking and Amendments
Periodically review and update rules to reflect changes in educational or athletic standards.
Solicit input from member schools, coaches, and other stakeholders.
Publish official handbooks and guidelines annually.
Procedural Aspects
Member schools must register and comply with SSAC reporting requirements.
Eligibility investigations and disciplinary hearings follow due process with opportunities for representation.
Decisions by the Commission or its executive staff can be appealed internally according to prescribed procedures.
Public Communication and Transparency
The Commission maintains public records of rules, decisions, and schedules.
Information is disseminated to schools, media, and the public to foster awareness and participation.
Annual meetings or conferences allow stakeholders to engage with the Commission.
Summary Table
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Regulate and promote fair and safe secondary school activities. |
| Organization | Commission members and executive staff manage governance. |
| Authority | Oversees athletic and non-athletic extracurricular activities. |
| Eligibility | Sets academic and conduct standards for student participation. |
| Competition Rules | Establishes rules, classifications, and schedules for events. |
| Safety | Implements protocols to protect student health and wellbeing. |
| Sportsmanship | Promotes ethical behavior and enforces penalties for misconduct. |
| Dispute Resolution | Handles appeals and grievance processes. |
| Rulemaking | Regularly updates rules with stakeholder input. |
| Transparency | Maintains public access to information and decisions. |
Final Notes
Agency 127 plays a critical role in ensuring that secondary school extracurricular activities in West Virginia are conducted with integrity, fairness, and safety. Its comprehensive rules and oversight support student development and uphold the educational mission of schools.
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