OHSAA Respect the Game
OHSAA: Respect the Game
The Ohio High School Athletic Association
Serving member schools, coaches, student-athletes and contest officials since 1907!
The OHSAA Believes That:
- Participation in interscholastic athletics programs is a privilege, not a right
- Participation in interscholastic athletics programs complements a student’s school experience and teaches lifelong lessons of hard work, teamwork and self-discipline.
- Participation in interscholastic athletics programs promotes citizenship and sporting behavior, instills a sense of community and promotes a lifetime appreciation for sports and healthy lifestyles.
- All students, regardless of ethnicity, race or gender, should have an equal opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics programs. • Sporting and ethical behavior are expectations in interscholastic athletics by all participants, coaches, administrators, officials and spectators.
- Coaches, administrators and contest officials should serve as positive role models who are critical to a student’s development and success.
- In order to minimize health and safety risks and maintain ethical standards, it is mandatory that interscholastic athletics participants are free from use of anabolic steroids or other performance-enhancing drugs.
- All rules, regulations and facilities for and supervision of interscholastic athletics programs should ensure maximum protection of the health, safety and well-being of each participant.
- Limitations should be placed upon the length of sport seasons and the number of interscholastic contests played by participants.
- Students should engage in a well-rounded experience that encourages participation in a multitude of extracurricular activities.
- All attempts should be made to accommodate students with disabilities in interscholastic athletics programs.
- Compliance with all school, OHSAA and state regulations along with contest playing rules is essential for everyone involved in interscholastic athletics programs.
- Student academic achievement and success take priority over athletics achievement and success.
- The success of a team is more important than individual awards.
- Interscholastic athletics programs exist to prepare students for the next level of life, not the next level of sports.
- Participation in interscholastic athletics programs can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and create memories that will last forever.
Fan Fair Play Code:
- I will remember that young people play sports for THEIR enjoyment.
- I will have realistic expectations and will understand that doing one’s best is just as important as winning. I understand that ridiculing an athlete for making a mistake is not acceptable behavior.
- I will respect the official’s decisions and will encourage others do the same.
- I will respect and show appreciation for the coaches and understand that they have given their time to provide sport activities for our young people.
- I will encourage athletes and coaches to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
- I will show respect for my team’s opponents because I realize there would be no game without them.
- I will not use bad language and will not harass athletes, coaches, officials or other spectators.
- I will always show good sportsmanship. Young people learn by example.
