Wilburton athletic director Jeff Marshall and Pittsburg superintendent Chad Graham were named to a new rules committee for the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association.The initiative kicks off a comprehensive review of the organization’s 24 rules governing sports and other activities. The committee is composed of public and private school coaches and administrators from all sections of the state.Committee members are required to complete pre-meeting preparation consisting of independent study of the upcoming rules being reviewed, with noted suggestions for the group to consider. This includes soliciting and taking into account feedback from the committee members’ school leadership and classification groups.“We received nominations for more than 150 qualified candidates, and we selected 15 who bring a wide range of ideas and perspectives from across the state,” OSSAA executive director David Jackson said.
“To expand reach even further, we are encouraging the committee members to speak with their classification peers prior to the meetings to best represent and advocate for them.”The group will meet monthly to review each rule and propose changes to the board of directors. If elevated by the board, the changes will be put to a vote among all 482 member schools, which can pass with majority approval.The rules vary significantly in complexity and will be reviewed in numerical order. The first meeting in May will review rules 1, 2 and 3.Rule one dictates the eligible ages for student-athletes, physical assessments and parents certificates of consent, rule two involves daily attendance standards and rule three outlines scholastic eligibility.“OSSAA has consistently reviewed the rules for clarity and general updates, but this will be a more in-depth review that gives stakeholders the opportunity to examine each rule, taking into account lessons learned and today’s broader sports landscape,” Norman Public Schools athletic director T.D.
O’Hara said. “Ultimately, our goal is to recommend changes that foster fairness, protect student safety and preserve the fun of the game.”Those interested in viewing the rules committee and board of director meeting review schedules are encouraged to visit ossaaillustrated.com.The news rules committee members are:– Mike Nunley, Athletic Director, Edmond Public Schools, 6A– T.D. O’Hara, Athletic Director, Norman Public Schools, 6A– Steve Dunn, Assistant Superintendent, Broken Arrow Schools, 6A– Andy Collier, Athletic Director, Mid-Del Public Schools, 5A– Lance Parks, Athletic Director, Bishop Kelley Schools, 5A– Brady Barnes, Superintendent, Blanchard Public Schools, 4A– Chuck London, Athletic Director, Fort Gibson Public Schools, 4A– Brad Rodgers, Athletic Director, Adair Public Schools, 3A– Nathan Sheldon, Superintendent, Casady Schools, 3A– Jeff Marshall, Athletic Director, Wilburton Public Schools, 2A– Will Jones, Superintendent, Dale Public Schools, 2A– Josh Sumrall, Superintendent, Okarche Public Schools, A– Rob Friesen, Superintendent, Thomas Public Schools, A– Chad Graham, Superintendent, Pittsburg Public Schools, B– Travis Gates, Superintendent, Wetumka Public Schools, B