WIAA - Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association

High school sports have a tremendous following in Wisconsin and throughout the rest of the country. Whether you are participating as an athlete, coach, official or spectator, the mere mention of high school sports can conjure up vivid memories of a sweet victory or painful loss for everyone involved. Memories can also bring about a flood of emotions long after the event is over.

Overseeing high school sports on a daily basis is the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, more commonly referred to as the WIAA. The history of the WIAA is long-standing, dating back to 1895 and early 1896. During the early years, meetings were held involving people interested in promoting (not necessarily regulating) athletic competition between Wisconsin high schools. The evolution of the WIAA as we know it today began as a result of a state track meet conducted by the University of Wisconsin – Madison in May 1895. This track meet was the first of its kind in the United States.

Wisconsin became a charter member of the organization known as the National Federation of State High School Associations in 1923. In its 100+ year history, the organization has had only four Executive Directors including the present Director, Douglas E. Chickering, who has held the position since 1986.

The first WIAA offices were located in Marinette until 1958 when they were moved to Stevens Point. After outgrowing two previous locations, the current WIAA office is located in the Portage County Business Park and is home to the 21 members of the WIAA executive staff and support staff.

WIAA’s 506 members are represented by students having the opportunity to participate in various sports throughout their high school years. There are 12 core sports for high school students to participate in along with 2 additional sports that are gender specific. The WIAA provides students in all environments the chance to participate in high school sports at all levels. The WIAA makes sports programs available for everyone without being a financial drain on participants at any level.

High school sporting events are governed by Competitive Rules developed on a national basis and Administrative Rules developed by the schools on a state-by-state basis. These rules are in place to maintain uniformity within the schools, sports, teams and individuals and during sporting events. Each proposed rule passes through an extensive review process before being finalized and implemented. It is the responsibility of member schools to abide by the rules of the Association, to educate students, coaches, parents and others regarding the provisions of membership and Rules of Eligibility and to report to the WIAA all violations of Association provisions.

Recruitment of athletes to play at the collegiate level upon high school graduation is a non-issue as the WIAA concentrates its efforts on students’ high school years. College recruiters interested in attending any of the state championship games pay the same price for tickets as the general public. Education continues to be the primary focus connecting the WIAA and the schools. The Rules of Eligibility require athletes to maintain a specific grade point average (GPA) to participate in high school sports. If an athlete’s GPA falls below the allowed figure, the athlete is suspended until they meet the Rules of Eligibility requirements for reinstatement. Athletes who participate in high school sports develop core skills including time management, discipline and teamwork they can use on a daily basis.

In recent years, the WIAA has addressed important issues including the use of performance enhancing drugs by high school athletes, weight control methods for wrestlers, athletes and concussions and the incorporation of non-public schools upon the dissipation of their governing athletic association. With childhood obesity, diabetes and heart conditions on the rise, it's important to understand the value of being active and maintaining physical education and athletic programs in the schools.

With students returning to school in a little over a month, consider supporting area students and schools by attending a WIAA athletic event. The camaraderie is exciting and your show of support rewarding for the students involved. More information about the WIAA can be found on their website at www.wiaawi.org.