Governor Stitt Calls for Elimination of OSSAA

Governor Calls for Elimination of OSSAA in State of the State Address

Governor Kevin Stitt is renewing his call to eliminate the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association, arguing the organization interferes with Oklahoma’s open transfer law for student athletes.

The proposal was raised during Stitt’s State of the State address, reigniting debate over the future of high school sports governance in Oklahoma.

What is the OSSAA and what does it do?

The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association (OSSAA) oversees interscholastic athletics and activities for public schools across the state, including eligibility rules, playoffs, and championships.

While technically a private organization, the OSSAA is governed primarily by administrators from Oklahoma public school districts.

The association says its rules are designed to maintain competitive balance and prevent recruiting abuses.

OSSAA responds to governor’s criticism

In a public statement, the OSSAA said the governor has not contacted the organization to discuss its role or policies.

The association emphasized that it enforces rules passed by member schools and that changes to transfer policies must come from those districts.

Education groups including the Oklahoma State School Boards Association have raised concerns about dismantling OSSAA without a replacement structure.

Unanswered questions about replacement system

The governor has not proposed an alternative framework to manage statewide athletic eligibility, championships, or enforcement if OSSAA were dissolved.

School administrators warn that eliminating the organization could lead to confusion, legal challenges, and inconsistent rules across districts.

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